Organic protein powder is rare. In most supplement shops, the shelves are full of protein powders designed primarily for taste, price and solubility. We deliberately chose a different approach. This article explains exactly what organic protein powder is, why Ekopura launched its own protein brand and what powders we produce.
What is organic protein powder?
Organic protein powder is protein powder made from certified organic raw materials, produced without synthetic pesticides or artificial fertilisers. In the Netherlands, a product may only be labelled ‘organic’ if it has been independently certified – in this case by SKAL – under the European organic label (the green leaf).
‘Organic’ is therefore not just a marketing term, but a protected designation backed by rigorous checks. Whilst ‘natural’ or ‘pure’ can appear on virtually any label, organic status must be verified. For an organic protein powder, this means that the milk or plant-based raw material must be demonstrably sourced from organic farming, with certification that is monitored right through to the end product.
Organic farming is subject to rules covering the entire supply chain: no synthetic pesticides on the land, no artificial fertilisers, and specific standards for animal feed and housing. This does not necessarily mean that an organic protein powder is more nutritious than a conventional one, but it does make it possible to verify how the raw material was produced. For us, that is the difference between assuming and knowing.
Why aren’t most protein powders organic?
Most protein powders are designed to be cheap, sweet and easily soluble, rather than as pure as possible. As a result, they often contain added flavourings, sweeteners, colourings and sometimes refined sugars.
The vast majority of protein powders are made from whey, the protein left over from cheese production. Whey itself is high in protein. Whether a powder is ‘clean’ depends mainly on what is added to it afterwards. Would you like to know exactly how whey is produced and what it is? We explain this in ‘What is whey protein, and what does it do?’
What makes Ekopura protein powder organic and ‘clean label’?
Our organic protein powders are made from certified organic raw materials and carry a ‘clean label’: free from unnecessary additives. In practical terms, this means no artificial flavourings, no colourings and no refined sugars.
We keep the ingredients list as short as possible, so you can see exactly what you’re consuming just by looking at the label. From raw material to finished product, we know exactly where our ingredients come from. Our organic whey (also known as organic whey protein) comes from organic dairy farms. Organic farming also avoids the use of synthetic pesticides and artificial fertilisers – a production choice that aligns with our approach to food.
What does ‘plain’ or ‘natural’ protein powder mean?
‘Plain’ protein powder is unflavoured protein powder, with no added flavouring. At Ekopura, ‘plain’ also means as few ingredients as possible – often just one.
A natural protein powder blends in neutrally, so you can add it to yoghurt, porridge or a smoothie without an artificial vanilla or chocolate flavour overpowering the taste. It’s no coincidence that our organic whey is called Purely Natural, and our casein is available in a plain variant. If you’re specifically looking for a natural protein powder, these are the logical places to start.
What protein powders does Ekopura offer?
Ekopura offers three organic protein powders: organic whey (Purely Natural), an organic vegan protein powder made from fava beans, and organic casein. They differ in source and rate of digestion, but not in their clean-label approach. In addition, there are flavoured variants with the same clean label, which are not certified organic.
| Protein powder | Source | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Organic whey (Purely Natural) | Organic cow’s milk | Unflavoured, fast-digesting |
| Organic vegan protein (fava) | Plant-based (fava protein) | Dairy-free, single ingredient |
| Organic casein (plain) | Organic cow’s milk | Slow-digesting dairy protein |
Would you like to know more about what sets casein apart from whey? Then read about what casein is. And to find out what protein powder can do for you in general, whether it’s whey or vegan, see the benefits of protein powder.
Why did Ekopura launch its own protein brand?
We wanted a protein powder that was completely transparent and organic, but we couldn’t find one. So we set about developing it ourselves.
The idea for our own protein brand came from a simple question: why is it so difficult to know exactly what’s in your protein powder? Most brands buy a standard powder and put their own label on it. Instead, Ekopura works exclusively with ingredients we can trace, consciously chooses organic where possible, and keeps the ingredients list short and clear. You can read more about what we stand for on the About Ekopura page.
Frequently asked questions
Is organic protein powder better than regular whey?
The difference lies mainly in the raw materials and the production process, not necessarily in the nutritional value. Organic protein powder comes from certified organic farming and, if it has a ‘clean label’, contains no unnecessary additives; the amount of protein per serving may be comparable to that of regular whey. The choice therefore depends on what matters most to you.
How can you tell if protein powder is genuinely organic?
By the certification mark. Only a product with valid organic certification – in the Netherlands, this is SKAL with the European green leaf – may be called organic. If it simply says ‘natural’ or ‘pure’ without a certification mark, this is no guarantee that it is organic.
Does Ekopura stock organic whey?
Yes. Our organic whey is called Purely Natural and is unflavoured. You’ll find it listed as ‘Purely Natural organic whey’ or in the whey collection.
Is there also a vegan protein powder?
Yes. Our organic vegan protein is made from fava beans, is entirely plant-based and dairy-free, and, just like our whey and casein, is certified organic. There are also flavoured vegan varieties with the same clean label; these are not certified organic. If you’re looking for a slow-digesting dairy protein, we offer organic plain casein.
Try an Ekopura protein powder for yourself
Would you like to switch to an Ekopura protein powder? Take a look at the whey collection for the dairy option or the vegan protein for a plant-based choice. If you’re unsure which one suits you best, read about the benefits of protein powder first, so you can choose based on your needs.
