As with the vanilla powders, we did a formal, side-by-side review of some of the most popular vegan protein powders on the market. We also added in some lesser known, innovative brands. Our goal was to see which protein powders delivered on taste and nutrition and which ones weren’t worth the hype, saving you the time and money of doing the research yourself!
THE GROUND RULES //
Results //
First place: Aloha Organic Chocolate Protein PowderSecond place: Nuzest Clean Lean Protein – Rich ChocolateThird place: Bob’s Red Mill Chocolate Protein PowderFourth place: SoTru Organic Vegan Protein Shake – ChocolateFifth place: Nature Sustained Boosted Choco Protein (UPDATE: product has been discontinued by manufacturer)Sixth place: Vega Essentials Shake – ChocolateSeventh place: SANO Organic Plant-Based Protein – ChocolateEighth place: Sunwarrior Organic Classic Chocolate ProteinNinth place: Pure Food Protein Powder – Raw CacaoTenth place: Moon Juice Deep Chocolate Adaptogenic Protein
Protein 101 //
Why is protein important? Protein is a component of all of the cells in our bodies. It supports the production of enzymes, hormones, and so much more to keep us feeling good! How much protein do we need? The Institute of Medicine has recommended that adults consume 0.80 grams of protein daily per kg of body weight. For example, it’s recommended that an adult weighing 150 pounds (68 kg) consume ~54 grams of protein per day. The protein powders tested in this review contain between 17 and 20 grams of protein per serving. Why protein powders? Chances are, if you are eating a nutritionally balanced diet, you are probably consuming enough protein. However, for some (such as those following a vegan or vegetarian diet), it may require a little extra attention to ensure adequate protein intake is achieved. Not to mention, sometimes you’re just too busy for cooking — that’s when protein powders come in extra handy. Though we prefer to have most of our meals closer to their “from the farm” roots, we find protein powders to be a great option when traveling, on-the-go, needing something simple, or when the fridge is low!
The Review //
#1: Aloha Organic Chocolate Protein Powder
Texture: 5 – smooth with a little chalkinessSweetness: 5 – apparent but not overwhelmingOverall flavor: 4.5 – pleasant chocolate flavor with a slightly artificial sweetness aftertasteHow well it blended with non-dairy milk: 5 – really wellHow well it tastes/blends with smoothies: 4.5 – texture is good, but slightly too sweet when blended with bananaProtein base: Pea protein, Brown rice protein, Hemp seed protein, Pumpkin seed proteinProtein / serving: 18 gApproximate cost per serving: $1.60Type of sweetener(s): Coconut sugar, Monk fruit extractAdditives: Acacia fiber, Natural flavor, Xanthan gumQuality of ingredients: Organic, Non-GMOOther perks: MCT oil Overall score: 24/25Overall impressions: Overall really good, but the aftertaste was very mildly unpleasant. Reminded us of a SlimFast shake, though not necessarily in a bad way.Would we repurchase? Yes
#2: Nuzest Clean Lean Protein – Rich Chocolate
Texture: 5 – very smoothSweetness: 3.5 – a bit muchOverall flavor: 4 – decent chocolate flavor, but with lingering over-sweetnessHow well it blended with non-dairy milk: 5 – really wellHow well it tastes/blends with smoothies: 4 – blends very smoothly, but definitely too sweet with banana and detectable artificial sweetness aftertasteProtein base: Pea protein isolateProtein / serving: 19 gApproximate cost per serving: $2.14Type of sweetener(s): Thaumatin (fruit-derived protein and sweetener)Additives: Natural vanilla flavor, Natural chocolate flavorQuality of ingredients: Non-GMOOther perks: N/A Overall score: 21.5/25Overall impressions: Simple ingredients, really smooth, and not chalky, but tastes like it’s trying to be too healthy. We would like it better if the chocolate flavor was more prominent and there was less sweetness. Would we repurchase? Yes
#3: Bob’s Red Mill Chocolate Protein Powder
Texture: 4.5 – creamy, only slightly chalky, visible chia seedsSweetness: 4.5 – mild, with a little room for improvement (doesn’t have that artificial sweetness flavor, though!)Overall flavor: 4 – nice chocolate flavor, no bitterness or strange aftertaste, a little on the bland sideHow well it blended with non-dairy milk: 4 – very good other than the chia seedsHow well it tastes/blends with smoothies: 4 – smooth and creamy; chia seeds mixed well. Not too sweet. Chocolate flavor is noticeable; wish it was a little stronger. We noticed a very slightly bitter aftertaste.Protein base: Pea protein powder, Chia seedProtein / serving: 20 gApproximate cost per serving: $1.83Type of sweetener(s): Cane sugar, Monk fruit extractAdditives: Chicory root fiber, Cornstarch, Organic inulinQuality of ingredients: Non-organicOther perks: Probiotic added (Bacillus coagulans) Overall score: 21/25Overall impressions: Overall good chocolate flavor and mild sweetness. We don’t love that it includes chicory root fiber and inulin, which can contribute to digestive upset for some people. Overall it wasn’t a love, but wasn’t a hate.Would we repurchase? Yes (especially if it didn’t have chicory root fiber and inulin)
#4: SoTru Organic Vegan Protein Shake – Chocolate
Texture: 4 – a little grainy and powdery, but not chunkySweetness: 4.5 – slightly too sweet but not bad and no artificial sweetness detectedOverall flavor: 4 – detectable and very pleasant chocolate flavor with no bitterness or harsh aftertasteHow well it blended with non-dairy milk: 4 – a little powdery / grainyHow well it tastes/blends with smoothies: 3.5 – nice chocolate smell. A little too sweet. Initial taste is okay, but then it goes bitter. A little grainy when blended. Slight chemical taste.Protein base: Brown rice protein, Quinoa, Amaranth, Mushroom blend (Reishi, King trumpet, Lion’s mane, Cordyceps, Himematsutake, Turkey Tail, Shiitake, Maitake), Chlorella, SpirulinaProtein / serving: 18 gApproximate cost per serving: $1.95Type of sweetener(s): Stevia leaf extractAdditives: Organic flavors, Xanthan gumQuality of ingredients: OrganicOther perks: Fermented fruit & veggie blend, Probiotic added (Bacillus coagulans), Digestive enzymes Overall score: 20/25Overall impressions: Overall really enjoyable, pleasant flavors, not overwhelmingly sweet, and impressive ingredients. We only wish it mixed a little better.Would we repurchase? Yes
#5: Nature Sustained Boosted Choco Protein (UPDATE: product has been discontinued by manufacturer)
Texture: 4 – chunky (some chocolate, some chia) and slightly grainySweetness: 4.5 – doesn’t taste artificial, not overwhelming, just rightOverall flavor: 4 – chocolate flavor is pleasant and detectable, but superfoods give a slightly unpleasant aftertaste. Mushroom powder slightly detectable.How well it blended with non-dairy milk: 4 – a little grainy with visible chunks of chia and chocolate, and grainy residue at the bottom of glassHow well it tastes/blends with smoothies: 3.5 – smells good. Chocolate flavor is detectable but not very strong. Bitter. Pretty smooth. Not too sweet.Protein base: Organic raw yellow pea protein powder, Organic raw brown rice protein powder, Organic raw hemp protein powder, Organic raw chia seedProtein / serving: 18 gApproximate cost per serving: $2.00Type of sweetener(s): Luo Han Guo (monk fruit) flavor, Organic Stevia powderAdditives: NoneQuality of ingredients: Organic, Raw, WildcraftedOther perks: Organic raw criollo arriba cacao powder, Organic camu camu berry powder, Organic raw maca root powder, Organic raw cordyceps mushroom powder, Organic raw acai berry powder, Himalayan sea salt, Organic vanilla bean (ground) Overall score: 20/25Overall impressions: Impressive considering clean ingredient profile and added superfoods. Not incredible tasting but it has a pleasant chocolate flavor and no bitterness or off-putting aftertaste. We wish the texture was smoother, but overall it is good.Would we repurchase? Yes
#6: Vega Essentials Shake – Chocolate
Texture: 4.5 – not creamy, but smooth and not chalkySweetness: 3.5 – not incredibly overwhelming, but artificial sweetness is very detectableOverall flavor: 2.5 – chocolate flavor not prominent, algae and spirulina are mildly detectable, and leaves an overall unpleasant flavor on the palateHow well it blended with non-dairy milk: 5 – really wellHow well it tastes/blends with smoothies: 2.5 – The smell is off-putting, too sweet, and has a chemical / medicinal flavorProtein base: Pea protein, Flaxseed, Hemp proteinProtein / serving: 20 gApproximate cost per serving: $1.65Type of sweetener(s): Stevia leaf extractAdditives: Natural flavors, Organic acacia gum, Pea starch, Xanthan gum, Sunflower seed oil powderQuality of ingredients: Non-GMOOther perks: Marine algae, Organic spirulina, Acerola cherry extract, Bromelain (an enzyme), Fruit & vegetable blend, Mushroom powder Overall score: 18/25Overall impressions: Smells off-putting, but doesn’t taste quite as bad as it smells. The chocolate flavor is not very prominent, but the artificial sweetness is overwhelming. Overall, we disliked this one.Would we repurchase? No
#7: SANO Organic Plant-Based Protein – Chocolate
Texture: 3 – a little grainySweetness: 3.5 – not overwhelming. Level of sweetness is good, but flavor of sweet is not great.Overall flavor: 2.5 – chocolate flavor tastes artificial, slight aftertaste, overall unpleasantHow well it blended with non-dairy milk: 3.5 – overall okay, but a little grainyHow well it tastes/blends with smoothies: 4.5 – Much improved when blended with banana. Pretty smooth texture. Takes on a slight caramel taste when blended. Not too sweet and no artificial sweetness / flavor detected. Tastes like a chocolate shake!Protein base: Organic pea protein, Organic flax (seed), Organic hemp proteinProtein / serving: 20 gApproximate cost per serving: $2.14Type of sweetener(s): Organic Stevia (leaf)Additives: Organic natural vanilla flavor, Organic guar gumQuality of ingredients: OrganicOther perks: Organic lycium (goji berry), Organic cassia (cinnamon bark), Himalayan pink salt Overall score: 17/25Overall impressions: Initial taste is off-putting, but it gets better the more you drink it (though we still don’t consider it great). We wish the chocolate flavor was more prominent.Would we repurchase? Yes (if blending with smoothie, but not for shaking with dairy-free milk)
#8: Sunwarrior Organic Classic Chocolate Protein
Texture: 3 – pretty creamy with visually noticeable chunksSweetness: 3.25 – artificial sweetness flavor, a bit muchOverall flavor: 3 – noticeable chocolatey-ness, lingering unpleasant aftertaste, slight chalkiness, a little bitternessHow well it blended with non-dairy milk: 4 – some noticeable chunks, but overall quite creamyHow well it tastes/blends with smoothies: 2.5 – Flavor is better blended in a smoothie than shaken. But still bitter and a subtle cardboard flavor. Chocolate flavor is not prominent, but artificial sweetness is. And it somehow remains a little grainy after blending.Protein base: Organic brown rice proteinProtein / serving: 18 gApproximate cost per serving: $1.20Type of sweetener(s): Organic Stevia extractAdditives: Organic vanilla flavor, Organic guar gumQuality of ingredients: OrganicOther perks: Ancient sea salt Overall score: 15.75/25Overall impressions: Pleasant chocolate flavor, but followed by too much sweetness and an unpleasant aftertaste. It’s a little too chalky and overall not enjoyable.Would we repurchase? No
#9: Pure Food Protein Powder – Raw Cacao
Texture: 2 – slightly creamy, but mostly chalky and chunkySweetness: 2 – hardly detectableOverall flavor: 1.5 – tastes bitter, chalky, chocolate flavor is not detectable, leaves an unpleasant aftertaste.How well it blended with non-dairy milk: 2 – left some chunks, slightly chalkyHow well it tastes/blends with smoothies: 3 – The initial taste is pleasant, however it quickly turns to a bitter and almost sour flavor. The texture is also a little grainy despite blending. Not too sweet though, even with banana.Protein base: Organic pea protein, Organic brown rice protein, Organic hemp proteinProtein / serving: 20 g (2 scoops)Approximate cost per serving: $2.50Type of sweetener(s): Organic Stevia leafAdditives: NoneQuality of ingredients: OrganicOther perks: Organic cacao, Organic mesquite, Organic vanilla, Probiotic added (Bacillus coagulans) Overall score: 10.5/25Overall impressions: Simple and impressive ingredients, but not enough to counteract flavor and texture issues. It works better with something like banana that sweetens it up / masks the flavor. Still, overall unpleasant, slightly bitter flavor and chalky texture.Would we repurchase? No
#10: Moon Juice Deep Chocolate Adaptogenic Protein
Texture: 1.5 – didn’t mix well; remained chalky and chunkySweetness: 1.5 – hardly sweet at all (which could be desirable if you’re blending with sweeter ingredients)Overall flavor: 1 – barely palatable, virtually no chocolate flavor, leaves a bad aftertaste, and tastes like sandHow well it blended with non-dairy milk: 1.5 – not well at allHow well it tastes/blends with smoothies: 2 – Has a funky smell and cardboard and mushroom flavors; even when blended has some powdery-ness, but overall, use in a smoothie was way better than just shaken with dairy-free milk.Protein base: Organic brown rice proteinProtein / serving: 17 gApproximate cost per serving: $3.67Type of sweetener(s): Organic Stevia extractAdditives: NoneQuality of ingredients: OrganicOther perks: Organic maca root extract, Organic cacao powder, Organic shatavari root powder, Organic ashwagandha root and leaf extract, Organic cinnamon powder Overall score: 7.5/25Overall impressions: Maybe the worst protein we have ever tasted. It doesn’t have any pleasant qualities on its own and is significantly more expensive than most protein powders.Would we repurchase? No
Results //
First place: Aloha Organic Chocolate Protein PowderSecond place: Nuzest Clean Lean Protein – Rich ChocolateThird place: Bob’s Red Mill Chocolate Protein PowderFourth place: SoTru Organic Vegan Protein Shake – ChocolateFifth place: Nature Sustained Boosted Choco ProteinSixth place: Vega Essentials Shake – ChocolateSeventh place: SANO Organic Plant-Based Protein – ChocolateEighth place: Sunwarrior Organic Classic Chocolate ProteinNinth place: Pure Food Protein Powder – Raw CacaoTenth place: Moon Juice Deep Chocolate Adaptogenic Protein
Conclusion //
We tried to be extremely honest in this review, which is why it seems like a lot of the feedback was critical or negative. That’s because we honestly didn’t like many of the protein powders we tried. But the standouts are definitely the top 3 (above), with numbers 4 and 5 being quite tasty, too. *Despite Minimalist Baker having had a working relationship with Bob’s Red Mill in the past (which has since been discontinued), our relationship with them had nothing to do with this review. We had no communication with them about it. This post is entirely unsponsored.
