As protein powder aficionados can confirm, all dairy-free brands are not the same. Some really do rise above the norm, and it’s easy to taste why Growing Naturals organic brown rice protein powder has become an industry standard.
First, the nutritional stats… each serving of Growing Naturals organic brown rice protein powder has 24 grams of raw, highly bioavailable protein. It’s also non-GMO verified, vegan, certified organic and endorsed by the Celiac Disease Foundation. On top of all that, this organic brown rice protein powder is very low in sugars (1 to 2 grams per serving), is a good source of iron, and contains a broad spectrum of amino acids. Take that whey!
Tasting Notes for Growing Naturals Organic Brown Rice Protein Powders
As for the taste, I was actually in shock when I looked at the nutrition facts after trialing. It certainly didn’t smack of dense protein and was full of flavor. Though I don’t typically drink straight up protein powder in water, I do give them a quick sample with just liquid for reviewing sake. I then blend a serving into my standard, basic, dairy-free shake: 1 frozen medium banana and about 1/2 cup milk alternative (in this case, I used 1/4 cup light coconut milk and about 1/3 cup water). Here was my take on each flavor that we sampled in these mediums:
Vanilla Blast
In water, I was pleasantly surprised by the gentle vanilla flavor of this organic brown rice protein powder. It wasn’t overly sweet nor artificial in taste, and it had just a light powdery finish.
In my smoothie (pictured above), the Vanilla Blast was amazing. I seriously couldn’t believe that it was so low sugar, and found it to have just a bit of that telltale protein powder consistency, but no grit. Also, some protein powders thicken to the extreme creating a rather unpleasant texture, but Growing Naturals gave me a nice, creamy shake-like delight, even when I used a full serving. That said, for my own nutrient needs and tastes, I’ll probably use just half a serving going forward.
And a quick note on the color – as you can see above, the whole grain nature of the organic brown rice protein powder yields a tan, malted hue.
Ingredients: organic brown rice protein, natural flavors, organic organic vanilla flavor, organic guar gum, organic gum acacia, organic rice syrup solids, sea salt.
Nutrition (per 21-gram scoop): 80 calories, .5g fat, 3g carbs, 2g fiber, 1g sugars, 15g protein.*
Chocolate Power
I’m typically a vanilla girl, but have to admit that Growing Naturals has left me a bit indecisive. The Chocolate Power has a deee-licious milk chocolate flavor. It is perfectly sweet, though I must admit to detecting very light notes of stevia (for those of us who are super-tasters).
Because of the stevia hints, I found the chocolate organic brown rice protein powder to be a bit much for me when blended with just water. But in my smoothie (pictured above and below), it came alive with rich flavors and the same creamy consistency with just a bit of that protein powder edge.
Nutrition (per 21-gram scoop): 80 calories, .5g fat, 3g carbs, 2g fiber, 1g sugars, 16g protein.*
More Factsts on Growing Naturals Organic Brown Rice Protein Powders
Price: $35.54 per 1 lb canister (single serve and bulk 2 lb also available)
Certifications: Growing Naturals Organic Brown Rice Protein Powders are Certified Organic and Non-GMO Verified.
Dietary Notes: By ingredients, Growing Naturals Organic Brown Rice Protein Powders are dairy-free / non-dairy, egg-free, gluten-free, nut-free, peanut-free, soy-free, vegan, and vegetarian.*
For More Product Information: Visit the Growing Naturals website at www.growingnaturals.com.
*Always read the ingredient and nutrition statement prior to consumption. Ingredients, processes, and labeling are subject to change at any time for any company or product. Contact the company to discuss their manufacturing processes if potential allergen cross-contamination is an issue for you. No food product can be guaranteed “safe” for every individual’s needs. You should never rely on ingredient and allergen statements alone if dealing with a severe food allergy.
Flavors tasted rich, pure and indulgent.
The high quality of this brand is undeniable: 24 grams of protein per serving; non-GMO, organic, and gluten-free certifications; and very low sugars with whole grains to boot. But in the end, it comes down to taste, and fortunately, we were not disappointed. The perfectly sweet flavors tasted rich, pure and indulgent.
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