About KOS Protein Powder
Conceived in humble and earnest beginnings, KOS [pronounced: K-AW-SS], is more than a wellness company. In fact, they are more of an ancient tribe who rests its moral values on one very honorable vision: “Feed the World.”
Inspired and named after the Greek island, KOS, ancient history denotes this island to be a mecca of luscious agriculture and the birth of Hippocrates—the father of modern medicine we know today. A powerful inspiration to base their company name upon, KOS holds this historical significance with true reverence.
They seek to provide your body with essential amino acids, non-GMO-ridden and organic ingredients into their protein powder that are fully plant-based—giving you optimized energy and minimizing waste each step of processing.
They proclaim, “We know that pursuing the right ‘dietary regimen’ is deeply and happily connected to ‘doing no harm’…food is a ritual. And at this moment the ritual is killing us.” I know, we’re not here for a historical or philosophical lesson. However, KOS is a humanity-centric company.
Even more, in this process, for every purchase you make, 1 meal is sponsored to your local food shelf by Feed America®. (1) To date, KOS is partnering in a one-for-one mission of feeding America’s hungry: already reaching 3.25 million meals with an intended goal of 10 million. Honorable, inspiring, necessary.
Why is KOS Plant-Based?
What is something that lives 93 million years away, is the opposite of cold, and brings you happiness on a cold winter day, or makes you regret not slathering in sunscreen while at the beach?
The sun.
This massive ball of plasma formed from nuclear fission sustains every living cell on our Earth. Without it, life would be over as quickly as your favorite new season on Netflix.
Plants absorb the sun’s photons, transforming it into chemical energy, animals eat the plants and we (well, some of us) eat the animals. KOS believe to remove that “middlecow” and “skip” a step if you will.
Instead, they believe by focusing on plant-based nutrition, not only are we keeping those energy sources that would have been lost by animal consumption, but we directly reduce the amount of water and grain invested into the world’s livestock to keep up with the worldwide demand. (1)
In doing so, you maintain maximum energy for you, and you are supporting a mission of redirecting a wasteful use of resources for the entirety of humanity. Buy some, give a ton, you know?
Overview of KOS Protein Powder
Formulated to provide you with energy that is dairy-free, caffeine-free, gluten-free, keto friendly, nut-free, paleo, and soy free.
KOS is formulated and produced in the Southern California region of the US, keeping their vision a grassroots approach to health. As the age-old adage goes, “If you’ve got your health, you’ve got everything.”
Made without hormones, pesticides, artificial sweeteners, and colors, KOS keeps their regulatory standards solid not only through their personal vision, but through its certifications of the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) and California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF), ensuring truly transparent organic certification that you can feel confident purchasing and consuming. (2)
With its main protein source as organic pea protein and sweetened by organic coconut sugar that comes with its own added, natural benefit of vitamin C, magnesium, and calcium, KOS doesn’t stop there.
Containing DigeSEB enzyme blend that is a proprietary conglomeration of amylase, protease, lipase, lactase, and cellulases, these essential enzymes break down those macromolecule foods many of our stressed guts have a difficult time dealing on their own. (1)
So, if you’re looking for a healthy, nutrient-packed meal replacement that actual gives your body love, or are seeking a quick hunger remedy between meetings, or you’re merely a parent trying to make sure your ever-so-picky child is meeting their daily nutritional requirements, then KOS protein powder has got you.
Pea Protein & More – KOS Protein Powder Flavors
KOS Organic Plant Protein contains approximately a one-month supply with 20 grams of rockin’ plant-protein per serving, with only 160 calories and a total of merely 2g of sugar!
In keeping with the Paleo Foundation, KOS is true-blue keto-friendly. (3)
Coming in 8 unique flavors:
- Chocolate (the OG of KOS flavors!)
- Blue Berry Muffin
- Chocolate Chip Mint
- Chocolate Peanut Butter
- Salted Caramel Coffee
- Vanilla
- Unflavored
You are bound to find a favorite for each person in your household. Each flavor comes with a unique benefit.
For example, Blueberry Muffin contains Spirulina and Elderberry to optimize your cell regeneration and immune support while Salted Caramel Coffee contains 50mg of coffee bean-extracted caffeine to make your day extra-energetic.
Plus, with plant-protein taking the focus, you will be pleased to know the soluble fiber not only offers a prebiotic property but keeps you feeling full longer.
KOS Protein Powder—Ingredients Review
Many protein powders on the market today are scrumptious, but if you look at the label, you will be sincerely displeased to know that it contains as much sugar as your favorite candy bar.
KOS is all about sincerity: for the planet and its inhabitants.
Why support brands with hidden inflammatory-inducing ingredients that proclaim, “health benefits”?
No need, they say! And we agree. But let’s show you why with KOS Organic Plant Protein’s sublime ingredients:
Organic Pea Protein:
There are many plant proteins out there that have a unique, earthy, and chalky taste. Thankfully, out of the entire “family” of plant proteins, pea protein is the silkiest, and, well, normal-tasting of them all.
Best of all, unlike other plant proteins, pea protein contains all nine of essential amino acids—steak, what?
With the added benefit of legumes, the family pea plants belong to, are known to also lower LDL cholesterol (the bad cholesterol known to contribute to cardiovascular disease). (4) Who knew so much power was packed behind those green pods that many of us hated as a kid?
KOS Vitamins and Minerals Blend:
KOS has formulated a powerful blend of key minerals and vitamins to boost your meal. It makes you feel confident that you’re obtaining essential ingredients for daily optimization. Here are some of the most noteworthy minerals that you may skim over when reading a label, but KOS has certainly done their homework when formulating this blend:
Iron:
With approximately 20% of your daily requirements, iron is vital for functional life and is essential for proper red blood cells to carry oxygen from your lungs throughout your body (a molecule you may have remembered from high school biology as, “hemoglobin”).
Equally important, iron plays as a key enzyme for many chemical reactions in your body—without it, your body quite literally breaks down starting on the molecular level! (5)
Riboflavin:
Also known as vitamin B2, riboflavin is found naturally in eggs, fish, nuts, and certain fruits. Known for a plethora of properties including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immune-boosting, and has been known to even reduce reperfusion injury—a medical term for the harmful inflammation following a cardiovascular event (AKA: a heart attack).
Why not take something now for present benefits and long-term? Win-win, we think. (6)
Vitamin E:
One of the four vital fat-soluble vitamins, vitamin E is known for its essential antioxidant properties that inhibits the production of harmful (cancer-causing) free radical molecules. In fact, vitamin E contains a unique molecule, tocopherol, that is known to protect our cell membrane integrity—ensuring proper structure and function for the basic unit of life that composes us all. In a way, it’s like the “armor” for our cells. (7)
Selenium:
A trace mineral that our body only requires a small amount for optimum function, selenium integrates itself with proteins in your body to create a vital molecule called selenoproteins. These play an essential role in proper DNA production—the very molecule that makes you or rather, your cells, YOU. (8)
Manganese:
Manganese is a vital element that you may remember from high school chemistry on the periodic Table of Elements; tucked away top and center.
It is vital for powerful trifecta of functions in our body: ensuring proper neuronal transmission in our cells, to assisting in proper collagen and bone production to maintain our structural integrity.
We get why the KOS crew put over a third of our daily requirements of this vital element into each of their KOS Organic Protein powders! Kudos, KOS. (9)
Vitamin B12:
Like manganese that helps support your nervous system, vitamin B12 (also known as, “cobalamin”), plays an essential part in long-term benefits of cognitive function, red blood cell growth, and proper DNA replication.
KOS wisely placed B12 in its protein-packed wonder for all plant-based lovers out there. Although it takes decades to become B12 deficient, since B12 comes only naturally in the form of animal products, adding in this a high-priority supplement for dedicated, lifelong plant-based gurus is vital. (10)
Copper:
Another mighty element, copper is seemingly ubiquitous in the body. Ridding the body of harmful free radicals, to aiding the absorption of iron in our gut, and supporting proper support of collagen production and neuronal health, Copper can be considered as the “over-achiever” of elements—KOS wise chose a rockstar in its ingredient lineup. (11)
Chromium:
Although this sounds like some superhero villain name, chromium is a vital trace element suggested to play a role in properly regulating insulin; the necessary molecule that regulates our blood sugar levels. This is essential for maintaining a steady balance of energy in our body throughout the day. (12)
KOS Digestive Enzyme Blend:
Containing five of your gut’s most coveted enzymes that help break down vital pieces of macromolecules into more manageable—and absorbable—components, allowing you, the grateful herbivore (or omnivore, no judgement!), to reap all the benefits of the nutrients you are seeking:
Amylase:
Produced in the salivary glands as well as the pancreas, amylase turns large complex carbohydrates molecules (think of that big slice of bread you consumed at lunch), into smaller glucose molecules that can cross your intestinal wall and enter your bloodstream; nourishing your cells throughout (converting that break into usable glucose for your muscles during that gym session). (13)
Lactase:
Residing at the inner lining of your small intestine, lactase helps break down lactose into smaller molecules called, monosaccharides, which can then easily cross your intestinal wall.
In fact, a large majority of individuals lack this enzyme as they age which prevents lactose from being broken and, instead, is consumed by your gut bacteria—leading to that icky “lactose intolerance” with the heavy bloating, gassiness, and diarrhea. (14)
KOS has added in the helpful enzyme and taken out any dairy-based whey. Win-win for lactose-wary folks.
Protease:
Originating from the pancreas, proteases are an umbrella term for a large conglomerate of protein-breaking enzymes that turn large protein molecules into more manageable, absorbable amino acids. (15)
Lipase:
Made in the pancreas, lipase plays an essential role in breaking down large fatty acid molecules in glycerol and single-chain fatty acids that, again (you’re likely sensing a common theme here) can be used more readily by the body. (16)
Cellulase:
Vital for the breakdown of that heavy-duty plant wall (think: that rough and tough cucumber or celery from your afternoon salad). Without cellulase, your plant-based foods would move right through you—with no nutritional benefits. (17)
KOS Protein Powder Reviews – Customer Testimonies
It’s helpful to know what’s inside the product you’re buying, but how many of us skip the entirety of the ingredients list to check out whatever others are saying?
Yup, enter the power of herd mentality! We want to know the reviews!
Thankfully, at KOS, there are over half a million—that’s 500,000+ souls that took the time to share their KOS Protein Powder review and thoughts with the rest of humanity after trying their KOS product.
Coming in at an average of 4.6/5 stars, let’s see what customers share in their KOS Protein Powder review.
Lauren B., a verified KOS customer, proclaims in her KOS Protein Powder review:
“This is the best tasting pea protein powder I’ve ever had. I’m so happy to have found a protein powder with quality ingredients and no allergens that doesn’t taste like chalky garbage. Thank you!”
We don’t like chalk either, Lauren! So glad that KOS has figured out a formulation that brings the silkiness of plant power into a powder formulation.
Another verified buyer writes in her KOS Protein Powder review how she integrates it into her daily regimen:
“I have had so many issues with plant protein in the past so I was really weary on purchasing Kos. BEST DECISION I EVER MADE! This is so delicious, I throw it in a blender bottle with oat milk and shake. I have never been able to enjoy plant protein without other mixes, so I am very happy!”
We love, love, love to see folks that are reaching for plant-based alternatives finally find an option that their taste buds crave, too. A perfect harmony with plant and pleasure.
This customer adds a little banana flare into his KOS Protein Powder:
“I add half a bottle of cold water, about the same amount of ice, and one to two bananas depending on size. I then add two scoops of kos and blend on high for around 5 minutes and it tastes like a chocolate milkshake. I now have more energy during the day then before.”
Another customer who tried the KOS Organic Plant Protein – Salted Caramel Coffee, shares their new boost in energy in their KOS Protein Powder review:
“This flavor is my afternoon obsession. It’s a healthy way to beat the afternoon slump when I’m craving something sweet. Not gritty and not too sweet or artificial tasting. I am addicted!!”
Again, what a win for KOS. It seems transparent, high-grade organic pea protein with 50mg of purely extract coffee bean has offered this verified customer a new favorite alternative to her afternoon.
FAQs
KOS ensures third-party USDA testing in conjunction with California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) to ensure consistent regulatory compliance in each ingredient that is procured and processed with transparent, consistent guidelines as per the state of California. Need more reassurance? KOS also follows the current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) which is a regulatory standard for supplemental brands to ensure purity of processing, manufacturing, and acquirement of ingredients that are all third-party tested. (18) In other words, KOS has dotted its “I’s” and crossed it’s “T’s.”
KOS offers a flat rate shipping of $7.95 on all domestic orders. On orders over $45, KOS offers free shipping! So why not fill up on an item and put that money that was going towards shipping, to some plant-powered goodness? For anyone shipping outside of the 48 contiguous states (hey there, Alaska, and Hawaii!), then there is $19.99 flat shipping fee. Quite affordable considering the miles trekked. All orders are processed Monday-Friday.
No problem! KOS offers 60-day refund for any product that you may be entirely dissatisfied with. Fill out this form to submit the products and personal issue of your experience, and KOS will respond with the next steps on packaging your items for return and refund within 48 hours. Click here for KOS’ full refund policy.
It’s always wise to consult with your allopathic and naturopathic physician before integrating any new daily supplement to your diet. That being said, it’s great knowing that KOS has chosen quality, organic ingredients that are sweetened with organic coconut sugar that not only has added benefits like magnesium, calcium, and vitamin C, but has a lower glycemic index that most other sweeteners—this means your sugar levels remain more leveled throughout the day! Perhaps, wary not.
Have more questions not answered here?
KOS has got you covered with the KOS Help Center—let no body go unfed, let no question go unanswered.
Where Can I Get KOS Organic Plant Protein?
KOS can be found on their engaging, easy-to-use site where you can navigate all of KOS’s collection of protein powder and gummies—yup, KOS has extended its plant-based knowledge into the fantastical realm of squishy, super scrumptious gummies, along with tried-and-true capsules that are packed with a multitude of superfoods to aid in optimum digestion, immunity, and energy.
KOS Plant Protein Powder can also be found in major wholesalers such as Whole Foods, Amazon, Target, Walmart, and The Vitamin Shoppe.
Of course, we recommend supporting KOS’s goodness from the source! Just as they support non-GMO, organic-minded farmers in Southern California, why not support them at their direct source? Reciprocity is the new cool.
Subscriptions & Promotions
KOS has an extra-stellar rewards program called, ever-so-fittingly, Kosmic Rewards. Upon sign up, you earn your first 25 stars and with every purchase thereafter, you earn stars that can be redeemed for a future purchase.
Are you a penny-saving overachiever, then not to worry! KOS has got you, the type A soul, covered! If you sign up for a subscription, leave a review, post on Facebook, or upload a receipt from an in-store purchase at Whole Foods, you collect stars like one intergalactic feen! Buy, apply, and save.
Interested in deeper savings outside of the rewards program? KOS Subscription Program has got you. Sign up and you’ll save 15% off your entire order, each order. You also gain early access to new products that are released before the masses find out!
You may add or subtract to your order, cancel at any time, and skip or reschedule at your convenience. All orders come in 30, 45, 60, and 90 day options.
All of which can be done through the convenience of your phone by texting “START” to (833) 264-4998.
For those of you who most courageously served in the US military, KOS honors you with a 15% off military discount code per each purchase. This discount includes those that are veterans, active, and dependents on military personnel.
Feed You, Feed Others – Project 10 Million Meals
By now, you likely have a good grasp if you want to try the plant-power of KOS.
But if you’re the type of consumer that also wants a part of your financial proceeds go towards a legitimate outreach, then you can sleep at night knowing that KOS has dedicated their entire business mission upon feeding America by closely partnering with Feeding American®.
KOS has taken on the challenge that for every purchase you make from KOS, a portion of the proceeds goes to funding one meal near a local food pantry. To date, KOS has reached a third of its goal—over 3 million meals thus far.
This isn’t a novel idea as many companies follow suit, but very few have even met even a third of this community outreach. A big goal? Yup, but it’s honorable and we love it.
The Final “K.O.” of KOS Protein Powder
You’ve walked the aisles of every health store and hunted online for the cleanest ingredients. It’s safe to say, being “healthy” in this Western culture can be extremely difficult—and it’s not due to lack.
In fact, if anything, it is due to an abundance of options! It’s the 21st century’s hunter-and-gathered dilemma: finding the purest ingredients amongst a “herd” of ingredient impurities and health fads.
So many options, but a hidden unknown if what you are “gathering” will offer you and your family the vital minerals and vitamins the body seeks.
Thankfully, KOS Organic Plant Protein Powder removes the wondering and wandering.
With their mission to optimize energy from sun to plant and finally to you, you can feel energized knowing that your pennies spent are squeezing every drop of sunlight—while helping the collective good stave off national hunger.
Packed with minerals and vitamins that are readily bioavailable and cloaked in a delicious variety of flavors from Blueberry Muffin to Salted Caramel Coffee and even Unflavored for the most dedicated, sugar-free health gurus, KOS wants to see your health through and through.
Plant-Based Protein To The Rescue
Living healthy is a way of being, not doing. KOS taking the doing out of your health regiment by curating plant-based pea protein powder without the additives, artificial coloring, lactose, or whey.
In other words, KOS allows you to just be while KOS, and their team of nerdy organic scientists, spend all the time in their labs and out on their organic farms searching to the highest ingredients to fuel you, your fellow humanity, and the planet.
A total K.O. (knockout) for KOS? We think so!
Article Sources
(1) KOS. KOS Organic Plant Protein. Updated 2022. Accessed December 19, 2022. https://paleofoundation.com/
(2) Certified CCOF Organic. About CCOF. CCOF.org. Updated 2022. Accessed December 23, 2022. https://www.ccof.org/page/about-ccof
(3) Paleo Foundation. The Leading Grain-Free, Paleo, and Keto Certification Worldwide. Paleofoundation.org. Updated 2022. Accessed December 22, 2022. https://paleofoundation.com/
(4) Texas Health. Pea is for Protein: What You Need to Know About Pea Protein Powder. Published December 7, 2020. Accessed December 22, 2022. https://www.texashealth.org/areyouawellbeing/Staying-Fit/Pea-is-for-Protein–What-You-Need-to-Know-About-Pea-Protein-Powder
(5) Abbaspour N, Hurrell R, Kelishadi R. Review on iron and its importance for human health. J Res Med Sci. 2014;19(2):164-174.
(6) Suwannasom N, Kao I, Pruß A, Georgieva R, Bäumler H. Riboflavin: The Health Benefits of a Forgotten Natural Vitamin. Int J Mol Sci. 2020;21(3):950. Published 2020 Jan 31. doi:10.3390/ijms21030950
(7) Rizvi S, Raza ST, Ahmed F, Ahmad A, Abbas S, Mahdi F. The role of vitamin e in human health and some diseases. Sultan Qaboos Univ Med J. 2014;14(2):e157-e165.
(8) The Nutrition Source. Selenium. Harvard School of Public Health. Updated 2022. Accessed December 23, 2022. https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/selenium/#:~:text=Selenium%20is%20an%20essential%20component,the%20metabolism%20of%20thyroid%20hormones.
(9) Avila DS, Puntel RL, Aschner M. Manganese in health and disease. Met Ions Life Sci. 2013;13:199-227. doi:10.1007/978-94-007-7500-8_7
(10) NIH. Vitamin B12. National Institutes of Health: Office of Dietary Supplements. Updated July 7, 2021. Accessed December 24, 2022. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminB12-Consumer/
(11) The Nutrition Source. Copper. Harvard School of Public Health. Updated 2022. Accessed December 23, 2022. https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/copper/
(12) NIH. Chromium. National Institutes of Health: Office of Dietary Supplements. Updated June 2, 2022. Accessed December 24, 2022 https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Chromium-HealthProfessional/
(13) Peyrot des Gachons C, Breslin PA. Salivary Amylase: Digestion and Metabolic Syndrome. Curr Diab Rep. 2016;16(10):102. doi:10.1007/s11892-016-0794-7
(14) Romero-Velarde E, Delgado-Franco D, García-Gutiérrez M, et al. The Importance of Lactose in the Human Diet: Outcomes of a Mexican Consensus Meeting. Nutrients. 2019;11(11):2737. Published 2019 Nov 12. doi:10.3390/nu11112737
(15) Bond JS. Proteases: History, discovery, and roles in health and disease. J Biol Chem. 2019;294(5):1643-1651. doi:10.1074/jbc.TM118.004156
(16) Pirahanchi, Y., & Sharma, S. Biochemistry, Lipase. StatPearls Publishing; 2022. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537346/
(17) Ejaz U, Sohail M, Ghanemi A. Cellulases: From Bioactivity to a Variety of Industrial Applications. Biomimetics (Basel). 2021;6(3):44. Published 2021 Jul 5. doi:10.3390/biomimetics6030044
(18) FDA. Current Good Manufacturing Practice (CGMP) Regulations. FDA.gov. Updated November 16, 2022. Accessed December 25, 2022. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/pharmaceutical-quality-resources/current-good-manufacturing-practice-cgmp-regulations#:~:text=The%20CGMP%20regulations%20for%20drugs,strength%20it%20claims%20to%20have.
Embark on a holistic health and well-being exploration with these popular brands: