Orgain
Comprehensive Brand Analysis
Fast Facts
Company History & Milestones
• 2008: Founded by Andrew Abraham, M.D., after his cancer experience, to create “good, clean nutrition” products; company begins with organic nutrition shakes and plant-based proteins.
• 2019–2022: Butterfly Equity invests (2019, private placement); on Feb 2, 2022, Nestlé Health Science agrees to acquire a majority stake in Orgain, with an option to fully acquire the remaining shares in 2024; transaction closes in 2022.
• 2023–2024: Voluntary allergen-related recalls: Oct 4, 2023 (undeclared sesame in limited lots at Costco); Dec 19, 2024 (possible undeclared peanut residue in one batch of 30g Plant Protein – Chocolate). No illnesses reported; items removed and refunds offered.
• 2018: Launches Grass-Fed, Pasture-Raised Collagen Peptides (initial entry into collagen).
• 2020: Expands portfolio with Collagen Zero Protein Powder and Simple Organic Plant Protein (clean-label line extensions).
• 2024: Debuts Wonder Gut (5‑in‑1 fiber/greens/probiotics) and expands kids’ offerings; introduces 30g Protein ready-to-drink shake for higher protein demand.
• 2022–2025: Achieves Certified B Corporation® status (Dec 2022); continues retail expansion (Amazon, Walmart, Whole Foods, Costco) and professional channels via Orgain Healthcare Ambassador program.
Product & Manufacturing Profile
Core Products
Organic plant‑based protein powders; ready‑to‑drink nutrition shakes; protein bars; collagen peptides; kids’ nutrition shakes and shake mixes; greens/fiber blends (e.g., Wonder Gut); vitamins and gummies.
Manufacturing Model
Primarily U.S. contract manufacturing (“co‑manufacturers”) with Orgain quality oversight. FDA recall communications reference a co‑manufacturer for limited affected lots, indicating a partner manufacturing network operating under Orgain specifications and cGMP programs.
Quality Certifications
Third-Party Testing
Orgain cites stringent GMP practices, allergen control plans, and pre‑run allergen testing at production sites; packaging and safety FAQs detail process controls. Independent reviews note routine testing for heavy metals (e.g., arsenic, cadmium, lead, mercury), though Orgain does not routinely publish batch COAs to the public; organic certification audits are conducted by QAI.
Transparency
Ingredient Sourcing
Emphasis on USDA Organic and non‑GMO ingredients; avoidance of artificial preservatives; collagen marketed as “grass‑fed, pasture‑raised.” Specific supplier names and countries of origin are not broadly disclosed publicly.
Published Testing
No public batch‑level COA portal; consumers can contact support for product information. Certifications (USDA Organic via QAI; Plant‑Based via NSF‑administered program; OU Kosher) are displayed on labels and site.
Sustainability
Certified B Corporation® as of Dec 2022; powder canisters made from recyclable #2 (HDPE) plastic; RTD shakes in recyclable Tetra Pak cartons; periodic community/mission initiatives (e.g., FoodCorps “Food for Thought” campaign).
Trust Score
Trust Score: 4/10
Reasoning: Trust Score: 4/5
Reasoning: Orgain demonstrates strong quality fundamentals—USDA Organic (QAI), Plant‑Based certification administered by NSF, OU Kosher, and formal allergen/GMP programs—plus recognized corporate responsibility via B Corp certification. Ownership by Nestlé Health Science adds resources and governance. Two recent, limited allergen‑labeling recalls were promptly executed with no reported illnesses, which slightly tempers the score but also shows responsive QA systems. Transparency is good for certifications and formulation standards, but limited on batch‑specific COAs and detailed supplier provenance, preventing a perfect score.
Sources
- Orgain Help Center — About Us (founding, mission, 2008)
- Nestlé Health Science press release — to acquire majority stake in Orgain (Feb 2, 2022) incl. 2024 option
- Nestlé Health Science newsroom — majority stake in Orgain (option to fully acquire in 2024)
- FoodDive coverage — Nestlé majority stake; founder remains CEO; 2024 option
- FDA recall — Oct 4, 2023 (undeclared sesame); co‑manufacturer reference
- FDA recall — Dec 19, 2024 (possible undeclared peanut residue, single batch)
- Orgain Help — Certifications & Testing (USDA Organic via QAI; Plant‑Based via NSF; OU Kosher)
- Orgain Help — Are products NSF Certified for Sport? (No)
- Orgain Help — Are products USDA Organic? (QAI certifier)
- Orgain Help — Allergens & facility allergen control plan / GMP practices
- Orgain Help — Ingredients (non‑GMO stance; no artificial preservatives)
- Orgain product blog — Introducing Collagen Peptides (May 27, 2018)
- PR Newswire — Collagen Zero & Simple Organic Plant Protein launches (July 14, 2020)
- NutraIngredients-USA — 2024 Wonder Gut & kids expansion; first protein product 2009 context
- Orgain blog — 2024 Wonder Gut & kids offerings; retail rollout timing
- Orgain HCP — Product Spotlight: 30g Protein Shake (July 16, 2024)
- Orgain — Grass‑Fed, Pasture‑Raised Collagen Peptides product page
- Vitamin Retailer directory — HQ address & key executives
- Dun & Bradstreet — Orgain LLC company profile (Irvine address)
- Orgain Help — B Corp certification (Dec 2022)
- Orgain Help — Recyclable packaging (HDPE #2 canisters; Tetra Pak for RTD)
Featured Ingredients
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