Owyn Vs. Orgain: In-Depth Difference

You should buy OWYN if you have severe food allergies or want a 100% plant-based shake with no dairy or soy, whereas you should choose Orgain if you prefer a wider variety of organic flavors and a more affordable price point for your daily nutrition.

I am exploring the battle between OWYN and Orgain to help you determine which of these wellness giants actually deserves a spot in your fridge.

My intent is to provide an analytical comparison of their ingredients, macro profiles, and real-world digestibility.

You will likely find that one of these fits your lifestyle significantly better than the other.

OWYN Vs. Orgain Quick Comparison

FeatureOWYN (Only What You Need)Orgain (Organic Protein)
Protein SourcePea, Pumpkin Seed, FlaxPea, Brown Rice, Chia (Plant-based)
Protein Content20g – 35g (Pro Elite)16g – 26g
Allergen-FreeTop 9 Allergen FreeDairy-Free & Soy-Free options
Sugar Content0g – 4g (uses Monk Fruit)0g – 10g (depends on line)
Omega-3s535mg (from Flax Oil)Varies by specific product
Greens BlendIncluded (Kale, Spinach, Broccoli)Included in specific “Protein & Greens” lines
Organic StatusNon-GMO (not all organic)USDA Organic (most products)

My Firsthand Experience with OWYN and Orgain

owyn vs orgain

I remember the first time I stood in the supplement aisle, staring at a bottle of OWYN Dark Chocolate and a carton of Orgain Creamy Chocolate Fudge.

I am someone who has a notoriously sensitive stomach, so I am always wary of protein drinks that use “natural flavors” or heavy gums to achieve a thick texture.

I started my journey with Orgain because it felt like the safer, more established choice.

I found that the Orgain plant-based shake has a very distinct, smooth texture that almost reminds me of chocolate milk, but I noticed a slight “grainy” aftertaste that stayed on my tongue long after the bottle was empty.

I noticed that while Orgain filled me up, it occasionally left me feeling a bit bloated, which I later attributed to the sugar alcohols used in their zero-sugar versions.

I eventually decided to switch things up and try OWYN, which stands for “Only What You Need.”

I am an analytical person, so I spent about twenty minutes reading the label before my first sip.

I noticed immediately that OWYN felt “cleaner” in terms of its ingredient list—no dairy, no soy, and no tree nuts.

I found that the OWYN shake was slightly thinner than Orgain, but the flavor was remarkably punchy.

I noticed that I didn’t get that “heavy” feeling in my gut that usually follows a quick protein hit.

I started drinking the OWYN Pro Elite (the 35g version) after my heavy lifting sessions, and I found it to be one of the few high-protein drinks that didn’t make me break out or feel sluggish.

I think it is vital for you to know that the experience of drinking these two is vastly different.

I noticed that Orgain feels more like a “food” product—it’s organic, it’s wholesome, and it tastes like a treat.

I found that OWYN feels more like a “performance” product, designed specifically for those with high dietary restrictions who can’t afford a single cross-contamination slip-up.

I noticed that the OWYN cap is a bit harder to twist off than the Orgain carton, which sounds like a small detail until you’re trying to open it with sweaty hands after a workout.

I ended my three-month trial realizing that while I prefer the taste of Orgain’s vanilla, I prefer the way my body feels after drinking OWYN’s chocolate.

Pros and Cons of OWYN Protein Shakes

owyn vs orgain

Pros of OWYN Protein Shakes

  • Superior Allergen Protection: OWYN is the first brand to be recognized by FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education): I found this to be the most compelling reason for those with life-threatening allergies to choose this brand: it is tested for cross-contamination with the top 9 allergens: this is a major analytical win for safety.
  • Complete Plant-Based Amino Acid Profile: By blending pea, pumpkin seed, and flax, they ensure a complete protein source: I noticed that this helps significantly with muscle recovery: I found that many plant shakes lack the leucine needed for growth: this provides a level of nutrition usually reserved for whey.
  • Inclusion of Anti-Inflammatory Omega-3s: Every shake contains 535mg of ALA from flaxseed oil: I noticed this helps reduce the post-workout soreness I usually feel: this is a great bonus for heart health: I found it much more convenient than taking separate supplements.
  • Low Sugar and Low Carb Options: Most of their line uses monk fruit and a tiny amount of cane sugar: I found that this prevents the “insulin spike” and subsequent crash associated with high-sugar drinks: this makes it a perfect snack for those managing blood sugar: I noticed it has a lower glycemic impact than Orgain.
  • Added Greens Blend for Micronutrients: They include a “superfood” blend of spinach, kale, and broccoli: I noticed that I didn’t actually taste the vegetables at all: this allows you to get extra vitamins without the “earthy” flavor of a green juice: I found it to be a clever way to boost the nutrient density.

OWYN Cons: Where the “Clean” label has limits:

  • Relatively High Price Per Bottle: because of the rigorous allergen testing: I noticed that OWYN is often one of the most expensive ready-to-drink options: this requires a larger monthly budget if you drink them daily: I found that sales are much rarer for OWYN than for its competitors: this is a significant analytical cost factor.
  • Limited Flavor Palette Compared to Orgain: while the chocolate and vanilla are great: you won’t find the wide array of seasonal or experimental flavors here: I noticed that if you get bored easily: you might find the lineup a bit repetitive: this results in a higher chance of “flavor fatigue” over time.
  • Thinner Consistency: some users find the texture to be a bit “watery” compared to dairy-based shakes: I noticed it doesn’t have that rich: mouth-coating feel of Orgain: this might be a downside for those using it as a meal replacement: I found it felt less like a “full” meal and more like a supplement.
  • Recent Legal Scrutiny and Lawsuits: I noticed that a class-action lawsuit recently alleged that some OWYN products contained undisclosed heavy metals like lead: this is a major analytical concern for health-conscious buyers: while trace amounts occur naturally in soil: I found the lack of transparency in the past to be a point of caution.
  • Monk Fruit Aftertaste: I noticed that for some people: the monk fruit sweetener can leave a slightly bitter or metallic lingering sensation: I found that this is very subjective: but if you are sensitive to non-nutritive sweeteners: it might be a dealbreaker: this results in a “love it or hate it” flavor profile.

Pros and Cons of Orgain Protein Shakes

owyn vs orgain

Pros of Orgain Protein Shakes

  • USDA Organic Certification: Most Orgain products carry the organic seal: I found this provides peace of mind for those worried about pesticides or synthetic fertilizers: this is an analytical advantage for “clean” eating enthusiasts: I noticed the ingredients feel very high-quality.
  • Incredible Flavor Variety: Orgain offers everything from Peppermint Hot Cocoa to Iced Coffee flavors: I noticed that they have mastered the art of masking the “pea” taste: this allows you to enjoy your protein rather than just tolerating it: I found their Creamy Chocolate Fudge to be the best-tasting plant shake on the market.
  • Excellent Value and Accessibility: You can find Orgain at almost every major retailer, from Costco to local grocery stores: I found that buying in bulk at Costco significantly lowers the price per serving: this results in a much more sustainable daily habit for your wallet: I noticed it is often 20% cheaper than OWYN.
  • Multiple Product Lines for Different Needs: They offer kids’ shakes, meal replacements, and “clean” grass-fed dairy options: I found this versatility makes it easy to find a product for the whole family: this provides a one-stop-shop for household nutrition: I noticed their “Protein & Greens” line is particularly well-balanced.
  • Smooth and Creamy Texture: They use a blend of organic gums and rice protein to achieve a thick consistency: I found that it tastes more like a traditional milkshake than a health supplement: this makes it a great entry point for people who are new to plant-based diets: I noticed it mixes very well into smoothies or oatmeal.

Orgain Cons: Why the organic giant isn’t perfect:

  • Higher Sugar Content in Standard Lines: some of the organic nutritional shakes contain up to 10g of added sugar: I found this to be way too high for a “healthy” supplement: this results in unnecessary calories that can sabotage weight loss goals: I noticed that the “kids” versions are particularly sugary.
  • Potential for Bloating and Gas: because Orgain uses erythritol and other sugar alcohols in their low-carb versions: I noticed many users complain of digestive distress: I found that my stomach was much noisier after an Orgain shake than an OWYN one: this is an analytical red flag for those with IBS or gut sensitivity.
  • Less Specialized Allergen Testing: while they are dairy and soy free: they are processed in facilities that handle other allergens: I noticed that if you have a severe nut allergy: the “peace of mind” isn’t quite as high as it is with OWYN: this makes it a riskier choice for the highly sensitive.
  • Inconsistent Texture Between Batches: I found that sometimes the rice protein can settle at the bottom: leading to a “chalky” last few sips: I noticed that if you don’t shake the carton vigorously: the experience can be quite unpleasant: this results in a less predictable drinking experience.
  • Lower Protein-to-Calorie Ratio: many Orgain shakes have 150-200 calories but only 16g of protein: I found that I had to drink two to get the same hit I get from one OWYN Pro Elite: this results in consuming more calories than necessary to hit your daily protein targets.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the lawsuit against OWYN shakes?

A recent class-action lawsuit alleges that OWYN failed to disclose that its chocolate protein powder contained trace amounts of lead. While trace minerals are common in plant-based proteins grown in soil, the suit claims the “Only What You Need” marketing is misleading in light of these findings.

Are OWYN protein drinks healthy?

Generally, yes; they are low in sugar, high in fiber, and free from most major allergens. They provide a complete amino acid profile and healthy fats, though like any supplement, they should be used to complement a diet of whole foods.

What is the healthiest protein shake?

The healthiest shake is typically one with a short ingredient list, zero added sugars, no artificial sweeteners, and a high-quality protein source like grass-fed whey or a sprouted plant-based blend with third-party testing for heavy metals.

What is the unhealthiest protein shake?

Shakes like Bolthouse Farms Protein Plus or Nesquik Protein Power are often considered the unhealthiest because they contain massive amounts of added sugar (up to 49g) and artificial colors, making them more like “protein-flavored sodas.”

Final Thoughts

You should buy OWYN if you have a sensitive stomach or need a high-protein, low-sugar option that guarantees safety from the top 9 allergens.

I have found that while OWYN is more expensive, its “cleaner” feel and better protein-to-calorie ratio make it the superior choice for serious athletes and those with dietary restrictions.

However, you should buy Orgain if you are looking for an affordable, organic, and delicious shake to help you transition into a plant-based lifestyle.

I believe that both brands have revolutionized the industry by proving that plant-based protein doesn’t have to taste like chalk.

You are the one who has to drink it every day, so choose the one that makes your body feel as good as it looks on the label.

Clayton S. Johnson

Well, I am Clayton who writes, manages, and does overall stuff for this website. I live somewhere in Stone Mountain, Georgia, and used to have a full-time job.But the pandemic taught me to do more do with my life. So, I quit my job and travel a lot! Since I have tons of time now, I write about all the stuff I have done, used, and have first-hand experiences.

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