Today there are many organic whey proteins available. When Source Organic Whey Protein started in 2011 there were less than 5 brands in the US and I knew where and how each one was produced. Currently there are many brands of organic whey protein, and few if any brands are transparent in where they source their organic whey protein. So how does a consumer know where their whey is coming from?
The USDA Organic standard defines the following in regards to organic agriculture: "standards cover the product from farm to table, including soil and water quality, pest control, livestock practices, and rules for food additives."
The USDA Organic Seal on a whey protein DOES NOT tell you:
- Where your whey protein comes from. Many organic whey protein companies now buy from huge dairy conglomerates overseas and don't know anything about how the cows are fed or raised.
- What the dairy cows eats on a daily basis. The USDA clearly defines what the cows can't eat to meet organic standards, but what they do eat varies greatly. Very few organic-dairy cows get to graze on nice green pastures 300+ days/year like our dairy cows. To raise and care for cows the right way, big companies wouldn't be able to get the margins they need. And since they are all about margins, only the minimum organic standards are met in the most cases.
- How the farmers take care of their animals. The American Humane Association goes beyond the USDA guidelines and sets a higher standard for animal care and wellbeing. Source Organic is the only whey protein certified by the American Humane Association.
In conclusion, ask some questions! Look at the organic whey protein brands and see if you can trace exactly, all the way to THE FARM where your organic whey comes from. At Source Organic you can! We know our farmers and are proud to work with them!
Thank you for reading!
