The Organic Whey

A few weeks ago, I was the lucky recipient of a package of The Organic Whey, a “thoughtfully raw” hormone-free, USDA-certified organic protein powder.

The company had read my post, Where Do You Get Your Protein? and follow-up Protein 101: 6 Easy Ways to Boost Energy and Feel Satisfied, and was excited to hear my thoughts on their product.

The Organic Whey’s Philosophy

When we began our search for a pure, raw whey powder, the healthiest, most-natural form of whey, we were surprised to find that even though there are dozens of whey protein products available, we couldn’t find one which was derived from organic milk, from cows that were raised under humane conditions.

Instead we found plenty of brightly-colored packaging, “secret” formula claims, and “designer” protein formulas (with an average of 20+ chemically treated ingredients), endorsed by celebrity brand ambassadors.

We wanted to find a whey protein supplement which was organic and without any additives. We decided to source the product for ourselves, from organic farmers and get it processed for our own use and share it with friends.

We soon found that organic whey wasn’t that easy to find because there weren’t that many organic cheese processors who produced whey as a by-product. After months of searching, the good people at Organic Valley Family of Farms™ agreed to provide raw whey, which a certified organic processing and packaging facility could package into a product for us. We’re proud to say that 100% of our whey comes from Organic Valley, a cooperative of family-owned dairy farms.

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Our whey comes only from cows raised on pastures that consist of a mixture of nutritious grasses, legumes and variable plant species, the natural diet that cows are born to eat. Grazing on pasture helps the animals stay healthy, and they are free to move about. They are given adequate bedding, water and shelter, and proper medical treatment if needed. Animals whose milk is certified organic are never given growth hormones or antibiotics

Pasture grazing isn’t just good for the cows, it’s also good for the earth. Carefully managed pastures prevent degradation of soil and water quality. To learn more about the benefits of pasturing, see ‘The Grass is Greener‘.

All of the dairy farms that supply our whey are part of Organic Valley Family of Farms™ who are committed to the highest standards for humane animal care.

Read more about the company’s pasture standards here and their commitment to sustainability.

Eagerly, I got cooking! Er, “mixing” may be more accurate

I made protein pudding using hemp milk, Greek yogurt, Organic Whey protein powder, nut butter, and carob:

Overnight protein oats with almond milk, cacao, Organic Whey protein powder, banana, stevia, and nut butter:

Oats In A Jar with all the fixings!

Smoothies with Organic Whey protein powder, almod milk, maca, guar gum, vanilla stevia, bee pollen, spinach, and frozen berries:

And a baked treat: Very-Berry Protein Muffins!

Moist and fluffy, I based the recipe on Stonyfield’s Blueberry Yogurt Muffins.

Very-Berry Protein Muffins

• 1/2 cup The Organic Whey protein powder
• 1/2 whole wheat flour
• 1/2 t baking soda
• 1/2 t baking powder
• 1/8 cup sugar
• 1/4 t salt
• 1/2 t cinnamon
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup 0% Greek yogurt
• 4 T applesauce
• 1/4 cup blueberries, fresh or frozen
• 1/4 cup cherries, fresh or frozen

Makes 6

Preheat oven to 375. In a small bowl, mix flour, protein powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, combine sugar, yogurt, eggs, applesauce and cinnamon. Beat until well combined. Add dry ingredients in batches and mix until just combined.

Stir in blueberries and cherries, and pour into 6 muffin tins. Bake for about 15 minutes, until tops are slightly brown and firm and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool, and enjoy!

My Review

The powder is unflavored, which can work for or against you. If you are adding it to a smoothie, will need to add some kind of sweetener. I personally like it because there’s no gross aftertaste that you have to mask with other things.

The powder is very fluffy, almost the texture of confectioner’s sugar. It blends perfectly into smoothies, dairy, and oatmeal!

I love the company’s commitment to the health of their animals, the environment, consumers, and sustainability. I was excited to learn that their cows are apart of Organic Valley’s family of farms (OV also supplies to Stonyfield). I buy Organic Valley dairy, and have been familiar with the company for quite some time!

Would I buy this? It’s a little on the pricey side, but I’ve used it for so many things and have barely made a dent in the package! It never upset my stomach, and I love the company ethics. So yes, as a treat, I would purchase it.

Click here to grab a bag of your own Organic Whey protein powder!

Thanks again, The Organic Whey!