Why is Organic Protein Protein Powder classified as ultra-processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

It is labelled NOVA 4 because the formula is built from isolated plant proteins, refined oils, sweeteners, gums and flavor extracts rather than whole foods, a hallmark of ultra‑processed products. The listed additives are erythritol (E968), rosemary extract (E392), guar gum (E412), xanthan gum (E415), natural flavors, stevia extract and sea salt.

How does the sugar and salt content in this product affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

Sugar is low at about 2.2 g per 100 g, so it has minimal impact on blood glucose levels for diabetics when consumed in reasonable portions. However, the salt level is high at 1.7 g per 100 g, which can contribute to increased sodium intake and may raise blood pressure, so people with hypertension should limit their serving size.

Based on the ingredients, is this product suitable for strict diets like Vegan, Keto, Halal, or Gluten‑Free?

The powder is fully plant‑based, certified gluten‑free and USDA‑organic, making it suitable for vegan and gluten‑free diets. It is not keto‑friendly because it contains about 34.8 g of carbohydrates per 100 g, far exceeding typical keto limits. All ingredients are plant‑derived and contain no alcohol, so it is generally permissible for Halal consumers, although it lacks an official Halal certification.

Orgain • 21 g

Organic Protein Protein Powder

Beverages

Product Insights

The product is an organic, plant‑based protein powder marketed as a beverage supplement, classified in the “Beverages” and “Artificially sweetened beverages” PNNS groups. It carries a Nutri‑Score of “not‑applicable” (dietary‑supplement category) and is placed in NOVA group 4, indicating an ultra‑processed product, with a high protein content (≈ 45 g per 100 g) and notable fiber but also elevated fat (≈ 11 g), saturated fat (≈ 2 g) and salt (≈ 1.7 g). The formula is vegan, gluten‑free and USDA‑organic, yet it contains several additives such as erythritol, rosemary extract, guar gum, xanthan gum and sweeteners (erythritol, stevia), which may be concerns for some consumers.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

high

Saturated Fat

moderate

Sugars

low

Salt

high

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal326 kcal

Fat10.9 g

Saturated Fat2.2 g

Trans Fat0 g

Monounsaturated Fat0 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average beverage in its category, this protein powder contains far less sugar (2.2 g vs 5.7 g per 100 g) but considerably more fat (10.9 g vs 1.0 g) and salt (1.7 g vs 1.1 g), while delivering substantially higher protein (45.6 g vs 2.8 g).

Ingredients

ORGAIN ORGANIC PROTEIN BLENDTM (ORGANIC PEA PROTEIN, ORGANIC BROWN RICE PROTEIN ORGANIC CHIA SEED), ORGAIN ORGANIC CREAMER BASE TM (ORGANIC ACACIA, ORGANIC HIGH OLEIC SUNFLOWER OIL, ORGANIC RICE DEXTRIN, ORGANIC SUNFLOWER LECITHIN, ORGANIC ROSEMARY EXTRACT), ORGANIC ERYTHRITOL, ORGANIC NATURAL FLAVORS, ORGANIC ACACIA, SEA SALT, ORGANIC REB A (STEVIA EXTRACT), ORGANIC GUAR GUM, XANTHAN GUM

84%

35%

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