It is hard to find natural vanilla organic whey protein. Based on that experience, we reviewed the subject and compiled a list of quality-proof organic vanilla whey protein powders – backed with science.
#1 My Organic Whey: Pure Raw Protein; $0.05 USD/gram of protein
#2 Amazing Nutrition: Amazing Formulas Organic Whey Protein; $0.07 USD/gram of protein
#3 Norcal: Natural Organic Grass Fed Whey Protein Powder; $0.09 USD/gram of protein
#4 Garden of Life: Grass-Fed Organic Whey Protein; $0,11 USD/gram of protein
#5 Natural Force: 100% Organic Whey Isolate Protein Powder; $0,13 USD/gram of protein
Let’s dive into all things vanilla and check the benefits of organic vanilla whey protein powder.
1. Is Vanilla Whey Protein Natural?
Whey protein powder originally comes from milk, which is a product nature provides us with, and “natural” is defined by the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) as:
Food labeled “natural”, does not contain artificial ingredients or preservatives and the ingredients are only minimally processed.
Did you know? “Natural” and “All-Natural” are identical.
When left to its natural state, whey protein concentrate is a natural product.
Let’s take a look at how whey protein powder is made:
- Dairy Farm: It all starts at a dairy farm.
- Milking Parlor: Cows are brought into a specialized area for milking two to three times per day. Now we have milk.
- Transportation: Liquid tankers are used to transport the milk from the dairy farm to a manufacturing facility.
- Separation: Upon arrival at the manufacturing facility the milk is tested for safety. Fun fact: Whey protein is made during the process of producing cheese. Special enzymes are added to the milk to create the separation of curds and the liquid whey.
- Processing: The liquid whey is then pasteurized (heated to kill bacteria) and dried into a powder form. Microfiltration is used in order to remove unwanted fat and lactose.
That’s it, we have Whey Protein Concentrate.
Some manufacturers take it a step further and process natural whey concentrate to whey isolate and whey hydrolisate.
- Whey Isolate: Ion exchangers isolate protein from reining carbs and fat and then filtered again to achieve a higher protein ratio)
- Whey Hydrolisate: We start with whey isolate and add enzymes to break the proteins down into smaller peptides. The protein gets pre-digested which can make it easier to digest (especially for people with digestion problems)
For whey protein powder with vanilla flavor, natural vanilla flavor and some sort of sweetener, like stevia, is added.
The most natural form of flavored protein powder is made with whey concentrate. Whey isolate and hydrolisate are more processed diverge further from a natural product as defined by the USDA.
What most people mean when they say “natural” whey protein, is that it doesn’t contain any artificial or synthetic ingredients or toxins. We’ll talk about this in the following chapters.
Now we’ll dive into the added benefits of vanilla whey protein in organic quality. If you’ve read our previous articles on whey protein, you might want to skip that section and continue reading at chapter 4.
Conclusion: Whey protein concentrate is natural. It is a side product when making cheese. It is heated and filtered after that. The further it is processed from that point, the more we diverge from whey concentrate’s natural state.
2. Vanilla Whey In Organic Quality | Superior Health Benefits
It’s time to clarify whey – um, why – organic vanilla protein powder is in fact superior to whey coming from conventional, “regular” dairy farms.
1. The USDA Organic seal:
Organic is a labeling term that indicates that a product has been produced through methods approved by the USDA Organic Standard. [1]
2. How is organic vanilla whey protein powder produced differently?
When opting for usually more expensive, organic whey protein powder, here’s what you spend your extra pennies for: [2]
- Produced without antibiotics
- Produced without growth hormones
- No use of GMOs (genetically modified organisms)
- No use of synthetic fertilizers, sewage sludge, and irradiation
- Highest standard of animal welfare
- 100% organic feed including pasture
- Dairy farms meet all USDA organic regulations and are overseen by the USDA
- Preventive health management to keep animals healthy
- Organic livestock has access to the outdoors year-round
3. What’s in it for me, you ask?
The added benefits when choosing an organic vanilla whey protein power are, quite simply, a better nutritional profile.
The following studies show results when comparing organic to conventional products.
Benefits of choosing organic:
- Significantly higher amounts of polyunsaturated fatty acids (+23%) and omega-3’s (+57%) (EPA+DPA+DHA) due to the high-grazing diet [3]; [4]; [5]; [6]; [7]
- Higher concentrations of α-linolenic acid (ALA) +69%, and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) 41% [8]; [9]
- Significantly higher omega-3 to -6 ratio [10]
- Organic dairy consumption resulted in higher CLA levels in breast milk of their mothers [11]
Moreover, opting for organic protects you. Here’s how:
- Reduced risk of allergic disease [12]
- Reduced risk of overweight and obesity [13]
- Lower incidence of pesticide residues [14]; [15]
- Reduction in the risk of overall cancer [16]
- No contact with antibiotic resistant bacteria which can promote antibiotic resistance in humans [17]; [18]; [19]
Conclusion: Organic whey protein provides a superior nutritional profile with significantly higher amounts of omega-3’s, PUFAs, ALA, and CLA. Moreover, an organic product protects us from antibiotic resistant bacteria, developing allergies, weight problems, pesticides, and cancers. Non-organic, grass-fed products do not show a protective effect.
3. Vanilla Protein Powder | Evidence-Based Health Benefits
Hundreds of studies have researched the topic of whey protein powder over the past decades.
All compiling a large list of benefits mainly in the areas of weight management, active aging, growing and keeping muscle mass, immune health, cancer, diabetes, and intestinal health. [20]
This list valid for flavored and unflavored whey protein powder.
#1: Natural whey protein powder aids weight management
Whey protein is very satiating (filling), even more so than other types of protein like casein or soy. This makes it a useful addition when trying to loose weight. [21]; [22]
Moreover, studies show that using whey protein powder results in a reduction in calories consumed and an increase in metabolism, while maintaining muscle mass. [23]; [24]; [25]; [26]
#2: Natural whey protein powder benefits active aging
Studies show whey protein helps prevent of age-related muscle loss. Subjects showed improved strength and an overall better-looking body when using whey protein. [27]
#3: Natural whey protein powder helps maintain and grow muscle mass
Studies show that whey protein spares lean muscle mass when losing weight. [28] For muscle growth, whey protein is superior to other types of protein, like casein or soy. [29]; [30]
#4: Natural whey protein powder aids exercise performance
In resistance-trained individuals, whey protein supplementation results in greater whole body protein balance over a 24 h recovery period and enhances exercise performance and recovery. [31]
#5: Natural whey protein powder in organic quality provides additional health benefits
- Significantly higher amounts of polyunsaturated fatty acids (+23%) and omega-3’s (+57%) (EPA+DPA+DHA) due to the high-grazing diet [32]; [33]; [34]; [35]; [36]
- Higher concentrations of α-linolenic acid (ALA) +69%, and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) 41% [37]; [38]
- Significantly higher omega-3 to -6 ratio [39]
- Organic dairy consumption resulted in higher CLA levels in breast milk of their mothers [40]
Moreover, opting for organic whey protein powder shows a strong protective effect:
- Reduced risk of allergic disease [41]
- Reduced risk of overweight and obesity [42]
- Lower incidence of pesticide residues [43]; [44]
- Reduction in the risk of overall cancer [45]
- No contact with antibiotic resistant bacteria which can promote antibiotic resistance in humans [46]; [47]; [48]
#6: Natural whey protein powder has anti-cancer properties
Studies strongly suggest an anti-tumor effect of a whey protein in some urogenital cancers. [49]
#7: Natural whey protein powder is helpful when treating type 2 diabetes
Whey protein has a moderating effect on blood sugar, and helps increase insulin sensitivity in type 2 diabetes patients. [50]; [51]; [52]
#8: Natural whey protein powder benefits our intestinal health
Whey protein can promote gut health and shows added benefits over traditional fiber-based prebiotics [53]
#9: Natural whey protein powder helps lower blood pressure
Studies show that whey protein powder effectively reduces blood-pressure and the risk for cardiovascular disease [54]; [55]; [56]; [57]
#10: Natural whey protein powder helps lower cholesterol
Studies confirm whey protein powder effectively lowers cholesterol levels [58]
#11: Natural whey protein powder benefits immune health
For immune health, the effects of whey protein powder prove to be essential for optimal immune function and recovery from intense periods of training. [59]
#12: Natural whey protein powder is highly digestible and absorbed quickly
Studies show that whey protein powder is highly digestible and absorbed more quickly compared to other types of protein [60]; [61]; [62]
#13: Natural whey protein powder has a long shelf-life and is widely useful
Natural whey protein powder lasts for 9-19 months and can be used in shakes, smoothies, stirred into yogurt, baking and more.
#14: Whey protein powder is a high quality protein
With a biological value of 104, whey protein powder is superior to plant-based protein powders. Therefore, it is more readily available in our cells. Moreover, different from plant-based powders, it contains all essential amino acids that our body cannot produce itself.
4. Vanilla Whey Protein Powder | Drawbacks & Dangers
#1: Natural vanilla whey protein powder may cause digestive distress
This applies to all flavors and unflavoured whey protein powder: When consuming very high doses, people with milk allergies may experience: stomach pains, cramps, reduced appetite, nausea, headache, and fatigue. [63]
You can pair whey protein with a digestive enzyme, which will assist in breaking it down further so that your body is better able to digest and absorb the necessary nutrients and naturally occurring amino acids, which may help reduce bloating. [64]
#2: Natural vanilla whey protein products high in added sugars may cause weight gain
Without checking the ingredients, you might accidentally buy a product with a lot of added sugars (as much as 23 grams per scoop). The risk: weight gain and an unhealthy spike in blood sugar.
Flavored products are generally more likely to contain added sugars than unflavored protein powders.
The American Heart Association recommends a limit of 24 grams of added sugar per day for women and 36 grams for men. If you opt for a protein powder that’s flavored, make sure it’s sweetened with organic stevia. [65]
#3: Low quality vanilla whey protein products may be contaminated
Without paying attention to quality seals like USDA Organic, you might choose a product that contains heavy metals, bisphenol-A (BPA), pesticides, or other contaminants with links to cancer and other health conditions. [66]
Make sure you check your product for the our Natural Pioneers quality features that you can find in our article:
Is Natural Whey Protein Powder Good For You? Pros & Cons
#4: Vanilla whey protein powder with added vitamins might contribute to overdosing
Any whey protein product with a lot of added minerals, vitamins, etc. easily has us lose track of how much we actually consumed of a certain supplemental mineral or vitamin.
If you choose to supplement with minerals, vitamins or the like, make sure you choose only one product that you take on a daily basis or as prescribed by your doctor.
#5: Vanilla whey protein powder that has been heat treated might be indigestible
Any whey protein powder denatures when heated above 167 ° F. The molecular structure changes and the protein often becomes indigestible. Therefore, it’s important that your protein powder is “raw” or cold processed.
#6: Supplementation may contribute to unbalanced dietary patterns
Dietary supplements should not be used as a substitute for a nutritious and balanced diet.
5. Benefits Of Vanilla
Natural vanilla comes in many names:
Bourbon Vanilla, Common Vanilla, Madagascar Vanilla, Mexican Vanilla, Réunion Vanilla, Tahitian Vanilla, Tahiti Vanilla, Vainilla, Vanilla planifolia, Vanilla tahitensis, Vanille, Vanille Bourbon, Vanille de Bourbon, Vanille de Madagascar, Vanille du Mexique, Vanille de Tahiti, Vanillin.
Vanilla is a plant. The vanilla bean used to make flavoring and medicine. Especially in foods like whey protein powder, vanilla is a well-known flavoring, it is also used to reduce the amount of sugar needed for sweetening.
Fun fact: Vanilla is also used as an aphrodisiac to increase sexual desire.
Vanilla extract can be pricey. You’ll find most whey protein powders will use synthetic vanilla as a substitute.
Synthetic vanilla contains only one organic component – vanillin – the flavor and fragrance that we most associate with vanilla. [67]
Health Benefits Of Vanilla
#1 Antioxidant benefits of vanilla
Vanillin is a powerful antioxidant against free radicals. Antioxidants have the potential to protect against various degenerative diseases – like cancer – caused by oxidative damage. [68]; [69]; [70]
#2 Anti-depression benefits of vanilla
Vanilla has been commonly used as a home remedy from the 17th century for treating anxiety and depression. However, only now science is able to find proof: Vanillin at the dosage of 100mg/kg has demonstrated antidepressant activity in mice, which is comparable with fluoxetine, commercially known by the brand name Prozac. Vanillin offers an alternative without uncomfortable side effects. Check with your doctor before switching from prescribed antidepressants to vanilla extract as treatment. [71]
#3 Anti-anxiety benefits of vanilla
Research shows that compared to humidified air alone, the administration of a fragrance with a vanilla-like scent reduced reported anxiety in patients undergoing MRI for cancer screening by 63%. This might be dues to vanilla’s calming, sweet and pleasing aroma. [72]
#4 Anti-tumor benefits of vanilla
As a natural bioactive product, vanillin shows proven anti-tumor action, and therapeutic potential in cancer treatment and prevention. [73]
#5 Antibacterial benefits of vanilla
The health benefits of vanilla include antibacterial properties, which may help prevent infection. The application of vanilla essential oil to medical devices inhibited the growth of specific bacterial cells. [74]
6. Prices Of Organic Vanilla Flavored Whey Protein Powder
The price of vanilla flavored whey protein powder in organic quality ranges between 0.05 – 0.13 USD /gram of protein. One average scoop of 25 grams costs 1.25 – 3.25 USD.
7. Best Natural Organic Whey Protein In Vanilla Flavor
The following vanilla whey protein powders are natural, organic and meet all Natural Pioneer’s quality criteria. Products are ranked based on price.
The following vanilla whey protein powders are natural, organic and meet all Natural Pioneer’s quality criteria. Products are ranked based on price.
#1 My Organic Whey: Pure Raw Protein
FLAVOR: VANILLA
21g Protein/Scoop
$0.05 USD/gram of protein
Ingredients: Non-GMO Grass-Fed Organic Whey Protein Concentrate, Natural Vanilla Flavor, Stevia
#2 Amazing Nutrition: Amazing Formulas Organic Whey Protein
FLAVOR: VANILLA
22g Protein/Scoop
$0.07 USD/gram of protein
Ingredients: Organic Dairy Whey Protein Concentrate, Organic Sunflower Lecithin, Organic Stevia Leaf Extract, Organic Natural Vanilla Flavor
#3 Norcal: Natural Organic Grass Fed Whey Protein Powder
FLAVOR: VANILLA
21g Protein/Scoop
$0.09 USD/gram of protein
Ingredients: Organic Whey Protein Concentrate, Single Origin Indonesian Vanilla Extract, Less than 1% Organic Sunflower Lecithin, Organic Stevia
#4 Garden of Life: Grass-Fed Organic Whey Protein
FLAVOR: VANILLA
21g Protein/Scoop
$0.11 USD/gram of protein
Ingredients: Organic Whey Protein Concentrate, Organic Tapioca Fiber (IMO), Organic Vanilla Flavor, Organic Gum Acacia, Organic Erythritol, Sea Salt, Organic Stevia Extract (leaf), 2 Billion CFU Bifidobacterium lactis Bl-04
#5 Natural Force: 100% Organic Whey Isolate Protein Powder
FLAVOR: VANILLA
20g Protein/Scoop
$0.13 USD/gram of protein
Ingredients: Organic Whey Protein Concentrate, Organic Vanilla Flavor, Organic Stevia Leaf Powder
Prices may vary; last updated April/2020