7 Best Vegan Chocolate Protein Powders in 2023

The best vegan chocolate protein powder can sometimes be a hard choice. Many options are available on the market that vary in macronutrient composition, nutrition label transparency, mixability, and price.

Following a vegan lifestyle has become increasingly popular as people realize the benefits to their health and the world around them. With a plant-based diet typically containing less protein compared to meat and dairy sources, supplementing with a vegan protein powder is a great idea.

Out of the many flavor options, chocolate is always the most popular. I’ve reviewed my top 7 chocolate vegan protein powder sources to help you choose a suitable plant-based supplement and provided a buyer's guide at the end.

 In a hurry? 

In a hurry?

In a hurry and can’t keep reading? How about you check out the Orgain Organic Vegan Protein Powder.


Orgain Powder contains a nutrient-rich formula consisting of an organic protein blend containing pea, brown rice, and chia seed giving you a complete profile of amino acids in each serving.

orgain powder protein
best-chocolate-vegan-protein-powder

Top 7 Best Chocolate Vegan Protein Powders Reviewed

The table below shows my top 7 chocolate vegan protein powders. I’ve ranked them according to the factors that I believe are most important.

 

ProductTotalMacronutrient BreakdownTaste/FlavorNutrition Label TransparencyMixabilityValue for Money
Orgain Organic58.59.510109.59.5
Transparent Labs57.59.59.5109.59.5
Vega Protein & Greens569.59.51099.5
PlantFusion55.59.59.51099.5
KOS54.5910108.59
Garden of Life5499.5108.59
Aloha538.599.598.5
Orgain Organic Vegan Protein Powder
Orgain wants to help health and fitness enthusiasts to live healthier and happier lives through the power of good nutrition. They sell a range of products including protein powders, drinks, and bars. 
  • Diet Type (best for): Muscle Building
  • Suitable for Vegans: Yes
  • Protein Source: Organic Pea Protein, Organic Brown Rice Protein, Organic Chia Seed Protein
  • Serving Size: 46 grams
  • Price Per Serving: ~$1.28
  • Protein Percentage of Calories: 56%
  • Proteins: 21 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 15 grams
  • Fat: 4 grams
  • Added Sugar: 0 grams
  • Company Founded: 2009
  • Recommended By Athletes: Blake GriffinByron Jones
customer shows his breakfast with orgain protein

Orgain Organic Vegan Protein Powder contains a nutrient-rich formula consisting of an organic protein blend containing pea, brown rice, and chia seed giving you a complete profile of amino acids in each serving. It combines organic alkalized cocoa and natural flavors with an organic creamer base to give you a creamy chocolate fudge flavor that gets my top pick.


Each 46-gram serving contains 150 calories and 21 grams of protein making it suitable for muscle building. Other ingredients include 15 grams of carbohydrates with no added sugars and 4 grams of fat.


Orgain has made a vegan powder using organic ingredients with no added gluten, lactose, dairy, soy, GMOs, and other artificial ingredients. It’s an excellent choice if you’re looking for a clean protein powder featuring organic ingredients with good label transparency.


Overall, the Orgain Organic powder covers all the bases, featuring organic ingredients that are certified USDA organic.

48.5Expert Score

Orgain has made a vegan powder using organic ingredients with no added gluten, lactose, dairy, soy, GMOs, and other artificial ingredients.

Macronutrient Breakdown:
9.5
Taste/Flavor:
10
Nutrition Label Transparency:
10
Mixability:
9.5
Value for Money:
9.5

Positives:

  • Pea, brown rice + chia seed plant-based blend offers a full amino acid profile in good amounts 

  • Certified USDA organic ingredients 

  • Offers great value for money at a budget-friendly price point 

Could be better:

  • Larger serving size compared with other options 

Transparent Labs Organic Vegan Rice & Pea Protein
Transparent Labs wants to focus on every detail of the manufacturing process the same way an athlete will during a performance. They use scientifically researched, pure ingredients with transparent labeling on all their products.
  • Diet Type (best for): Muscle Building
  • Suitable for Vegans: Yes
  • Protein Source: Organic Rice Protein, Organic Pea Protein Isolate
  • Serving Size: 37 grams
  • Price Per Serving: ~$1.67
  • Protein Percentage of Calories: 64%
  • Proteins: 24 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 7 grams
  • Fat: 2.5 grams
  • Added Sugar: 0 grams
  • Company Founded: 2015
  • Recommended By Athletes: Hathor Bjornsson, Paul Skylar
athlete shows his meal and transparent labs protein

Transparent Labs offer products with excellent label transparency, emphasizing the rigorous ingredient testing process. Their Organic Vegan Rice and Pea Protein follow the same principles with the front of the tub showing it’s certified organic and contains no colorings, preservatives, or added sweeteners. It’s also soy free and has a low carbohydrate content of 7 grams per serving.

Transparent labs are very specific with their ingredients but I’ve rounded them up to make it easier. Each 37-gram serving has 150 calories and 24 grams of protein that’s made up of an organic rice and pea protein isolate blend that’s easier to digest compared to normal pea protein.

With just 7 grams of carbohydrates and zero added sugars, it’s a great low-carbohydrate vegan protein option, something that’s usually harder to achieve with plant-based sources. It also contains 5 mg of added iron and 20 mg of vitamin D.

Overall, Transparent Labs have produced a low-carb protein option that’s full of organic ingredients with transparent labeling.

48Expert Score

With just 7 grams of carbohydrates and zero added sugars, Transparent Labs is a great low-carbohydrate vegan protein option, something that’s usually harder to achieve with plant-based sources. It also contains 5 mg of added iron and 20 mg of vitamin D.

Macronutrient Breakdown:
9.5
Taste/Flavor:
9.5
Nutrition Label Transparency:
10
Mixability:
9.5
Value for Money:
9.5

Positives:

  • Low carbohydrate content with 0 added sugars 

  • Excellent ingredient transparency on the label 
  • Pea protein isolate is easier to digest than normal pea protein 

Could be better:

  • The website states that the powder may have come into contact with animal products during manufacturing 

Vega Protein & Greens Powder
Vega is passionate about plant-based nutrition that’s good for the plant and good for your body. They want to make delicious plant-based products that contain everything great for health.
  • Diet Type (best for): Muscle Building and Recovery
  • Suitable for Vegans: Yes
  • Protein Source: Pea Protein, Organic Brown Rice Protein
  • Serving Size: 33 grams
  • Price Per Serving: ~$1.60
  • Protein Percentage of Calories: 67%
  • Proteins: 20 grams
  • Carbohydrate: 6 grams
  • Fat: 3 grams
  • Added Sugar: 0 grams
  • Company Founded: 2004
  • Recommended By Athletes: JaVale McGee, Waikeezy
athlete shows his smoothies and his protein vega

photo by celayaj

Vega has combined a plant-based protein blend with added greens to give you a high-protein organic vegan powder with added nutrients. The organic green vegetables include kale, alfalfa, broccoli, and spinach, providing a healthy source of vitamins and minerals.

Vega uses a blend of pea, brown rice, and Sasha Inchi protein to provide you with 20 grams of plant-based protein per 33-gram serving. It contains just 6 grams of carbohydrates, 3 grams of fat, and no added sugars meaning it’s suitable for keto dieters. It’s gluten and grain free, verified as being non-GMO, and free from colors, flavors, and preservatives.

With the protein and greens blend, It’s suitable to be used for baking by swapping a portion of flour out of your baking recipe.

Overall, the Vega powder contains added greens providing added nutrition, and contains just 6 grams of carbohydrates.

47.5Expert Score

Vega uses a blend of pea, brown rice, and Sasha Inchi protein to provide you with 20 grams of plant-based protein per 33-gram serving.

Macronutrient Breakdown:
9.5
Taste/Flavor:
9.5
Nutrition Label Transparency:
10
Mixability:
9
Value for Money:
9.5

Positives:

  • The added greens are full of essential micronutrients 

  • Suitable for both muscle building and recovery 

  • Great for baking delicious healthy snacks 

Could be better:

  • The added stevia has been reported to be very sweet for some people


PlantFusion Complete Vegan Protein Powder

PlantFusion focuses on 100% plant-based, nutrient-filled products that are not overly processed and free of common allergens. They want to provide complete nourishment by carefully selecting each ingredient.
athlete shows his bottle of plantfusion protein

photo by mr.poeticstardust

  • Diet Type (best for): Muscle Building, Weight loss, and Recovery
  • Suitable for Vegans: Yes
  • Protein Source: Pea Protein Isolate, Artichoke Powder, Organic Sprouted Amaranth Powder, Organic Sprouted Quinoa Powder, Whole Algae Protein
  • Serving Size: 30 grams
  • Price Per Serving: ~$0.98
  • Protein Percentage of Calories: 70%
  • Proteins: 21 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 2 grams
  • Fat: 3 grams
  • Added Sugar: 0 grams
  • Company Founded: 2009
  • Recommended By Athletes: Graciebfit, Bethany Lewis

PlantFusion is one of the more popular plant-based brands and after looking at their complete vegan protein I can see why. It contains a nice serving of BCAA’s, glutamine for recovery, and digestive enzymes to help combat common gas and bloating with plant-based products.


A 30-gram serving of PlantFusion contains 21 grams of nutrient-dense protein consisting of pea isolate, artichoke, organic sprouted amaranth, and organic sprouted quinoa proteins. The 4.7 grams of BCAA’s and 9.1 grams of EAA’s is high as far as vegan powders go making it a great addition.


It contains just 2 grams of carbohydrates with no added sugars and is free from GMOs, gluten, soy, colors, and flavorings.


Overall, it’s a great vegan protein choice that includes some nice extra ingredients such as BCAAs and glutamine.

47.5Expert Score

PlantFusion protein contains just 2 grams of carbohydrates with no added sugars and is free from GMOs, gluten, soy, colors, and flavorings.

Macronutrient Breakdown:
9.5
Taste/Flavor:
9.5
Nutrition Label Transparency:
10
Mixability:
9
Value for Money:
9.5

Positives:

  • Includes BCAA’s and Glutamine for muscle building and recovery 

  • Digestive enzymes help with nutrient absorption and gas/ bloating

  • The 2 grams of carbohydrates is the lowest out of my top choices 

Could be better:

  • It’s reported to clump at the bottom of the shaker when mixed with water

KOS Vegan Protein Powder

KOS believes in energy and balance as the twin pillars of human nutrition. They want to support your health and fitness journey by providing amazing products for a plant-centric lifestyle to provide energy and balance.

  • Diet Type (best for): Muscle Building
  • Suitable for Vegans: Yes
  • Protein Source: Organic Pea Protein, Organic Flax Seed
  • Serving Size: 39 grams
  • Price Per Serving: ~$1.48
  • Protein Percentage of Calories: 50%
  • Proteins: 20 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 9 grams
  • Fat: 6 grams
  • Added Sugar: 2 grams
  • Company Founded: 2017
  • Recommended By Athletes: Kelsey Victoria, Alexandra Berggren

athlete shows his pack of KOS protein and a drink

KOS has manufactured a delicious-tasting powder using organic Peruvian cacao, coconut milk, stevia, and monk fruit. It’s great with water, as a smoothie, or as a snack when added to baking products. KOS also works with a charity that provides a meal to those in need for each purchase made.


Manufactured in the US, each 160-calorie serving contains 20 grams of protein made up of organic pea protein, flax seed, quinoa, pumpkin seed, and chia seed, providing added essential vitamins and minerals. Each serving also has 9 grams of carbohydrates and 2 grams of added sugars.


Each tub had been produced in a GMP-certified facility without gluten, dairy, or soy and is certified USDA organic. On top of this, a digestive blend has been added to help with nutrient absorption and digestion.


Overall, the KOS Protein is a great-tasting chocolate vegan powder option with the protein blend providing added essential fats, vitamins, and minerals.

46.5Expert Score

Each KOS's tub had been produced in a GMP-certified facility without gluten, dairy, or soy and is certified USDA organic.

Macronutrient Breakdown:
9
Taste/Flavor:
10
Nutrition Label Transparency:
10
Mixability:
8.5
Value for Money:
9

Positives:

  • Each tub is made in a GMP facility 

  • Protein blend provides added essential fats and micronutrients

  • Delicious tasting protein that uses a unique flavor blend

Could be better:

  • 2 grams of added sugars could be lower 

Garden of Life Raw Organic Plant-Based Protein Powder

Garden of Life manufactures products using exclusively real food. Their ingredients are certified USDA Organic and non-GMO. They believe in the power of real food rather than using synthetic, chemical formulas.

  • Diet Type (best for): Muscle Building and Recovery
  • Suitable for Vegans: Yes
  • Protein Source: Organic Pea Protein, Organic Brown Rice Protein, Organic Amaranth Sprout
  • Serving Size: 33 grams
  • Price Per Serving: ~$1.68
  • Protein Percentage of Calories: 68%
  • Proteins: 22 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 5 grams
  • Fat: 3 grams
  • Added Sugar: 0 grams
  • Company Founded: 2000
  • Recommended By Athletes: Nate Diaz, Santia Deck

athlete shows his smoothie from garden of life's powder

Garden of Life offers a vegan powder made from peas and 13 organic sprouts that contains added probiotics for digestion and gut microbiome health. It also contains fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K that have been made using raw foods.


Each serving contains 130 calories making it a good choice for both muscle-building and recovery. The 22 grams of plant-based protein come from organic pea protein mixed with 13 organic sprouts to provide a diverse range of amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. Other ingredients include 5 grams of carbohydrates and 3 grams of fat with no added sugar.


The nutrition label provides excellent transparency, featuring the typical amino acid profile per each 33-gram scoop and a breakdown of the added vitamins and minerals. Each tub also features the informed choice logo making it suitable for athletes who are tested between sports performances.


Overall, the Garden of Life powder provides 22 grams of nutrient-dense protein with added probiotics and excellent label transparency.

46Expert Score

The 22 grams of plant-based Garden of Life protein come from organic pea protein mixed with 13 organic sprouts to provide a diverse range of amino acids, vitamins, and minerals.

Macronutrient Breakdown:
9
Taste/Flavor:
9.5
Nutrition Label Transparency:
10
Mixability:
8.5
Value for Money:
9

Positives:

  • Excellent nutrition label ingredient transparency 

  • Added probiotics for gut health 

  • Lower calorie amount means it suitable for both muscle building and recovery

Could be better:

  • The powder texture is reported to be quite chalky 

  • Die-hard coffee fans might prefer to have actual coffee instead

Aloha Plant-Based Protein Powder

Aloha wants to maximize its brand impact by providing plant-based products using non-GMO whole foods and USDA organic. They manufacture protein powder, bars, and shakes.

  • Diet Type (best for): Muscle Building and Recovery
  • Suitable for Vegans: Yes
  • Protein Source: Pea Protein, Brown Rice Protein, Hemp Seed Protein, Pumpkin Seed Protein
  • Serving Size: 36 grams
  • Price Per Serving: ~$2.00
  • Protein Percentage of Calories: 55%
  • Proteins: 18 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 9 grams
  • Fat: 3 grams
  • Added Sugar: 4 grams
  • Company Founded: 2013
  • Recommended By Athletes: Gabrielle Reyes, Kendall Toole

athlete shows his bottle of ALOHA protein outside the house

photo by raisingellarose

The organic plant-based protein powder from Aloha contains added MCT oil from coconuts making it a good keto-friendly option that's been sweetened with coconut sugar. Alongside providing a complete amino acid profile, each serving contains a decent amount of prebiotics and electrolytes.


Each 36-gram serving provides 18 grams of organic, plant-based protein that consists of pea, brown rice, pumpkin seed, and hemp seed proteins. It also contains 5 grams of dietary fiber to support healthy digestion, 3 grams of fat, and 4 grams of added sugar.

It’s certified USDA organic, no-GMO, gluten-free, dairy-free, and soy free with no artificial ingredients making it a clean protein source option.


Overall, Aloha provides a good keto-friendly protein option that contains added MCT oil that's sweetened with coconut sugar.

44.5Expert Score

ALOHA protein is certified USDA organic, no-GMO, gluten-free, dairy-free, and soy free with no artificial ingredients making it a clean protein source option.

Macronutrient Breakdown:
8.5
Taste/Flavor:
9
Nutrition Label Transparency:
9.5
Mixability:
9
Value for Money:
8.5

Positives:

  • The protein blend contains electrolytes and probiotics 

  • Added MCT oil great for keto dieters 

  • Hemp protein is well absorbed in the body

Could be better:

  • It’s sweetened with coconut sugar, providing 4 grams of added sugar 

What to Mix Chocolate Vegan Protein Powder With?

Vegan chocolate protein powder can be mixed with several liquids and foods to make a delicious plant based chocolate protein powder. These include:

Water

The most common way to mix vegan protein powder. Add your desired amount of water or follow the tub instructions. The amount of water added will determine the thickness of the shake. If it’s a warm day, add ice for an extra cold and refreshing vegan protein shake. 

Vegan Milk

For a thicker and tastier shake consider adding vegan milk such as:

  • Almond Milk
  • Oat Milk
  • Coconut Milk
  • Soy Milk

Remember that will increase the protein content but also the calories and other macronutrients so bare this in mind before mixing. Like water, the amount of milk added will also change the shake thickness.

athlete ready to start training holding protein

Smoothie Ingredients 

Common smoothie ingredients include green vegetables such as avocado, spinach, and kale. Fruits such as apples, berries and bananas also taste delicious when blended with protein powder and water or milk.
If you're looking for a tasty shake in the morning or following a workout, try adding peanut butter, other nuts, and/ or coffee to provide extra energy.

Common Foods and Bakes 

Chocolate vegan protein powder can be added to several food ingredients or as part of a baking recipe to make some delicious food and snacks:
  • Overnight Oats
  • Protein Bars
  • Protein Pancakes
  • Protein Cookies
  • Protein Ice Cream
  • Protein Chia Pudding
  • Vegan Breakfast Bowls

How to Find the Best Chocolate Vegan Protein Powder?

Before purchasing a chocolate vegan protein powder, consider the factors below:

Protein Source

When it comes to vegan protein powders, the protein source is the most important factor. They consist of plant-based protein sources, with some containing an incomplete amino acid profile or some in low amounts.

Make sure to check the ingredient label and look for these sources:


Pea Protein — This vegetable-based powder is the main source in my top 7 choices. It’s a natural ingredient that comes from yellow peas and contains a complete amino acid profile. It’s also gluten, soy, and dairy-free. It can cause gas and bloating for some people when taken in larger amounts.

Soy Protein — Soy is another common ingredient used in vegan powders. Is considered an excellent protein source as it contains all nine amino acids needed in your body.

Despite this, it’s also a common allergen and taken from genetically modified plants meaning it isn’t a good natural protein source for most people.

Brown Rice Protein — This is often used alongside pea protein and comes from brown rice. It contains a complete amino acid profile but is low in lysine which is why it’s commonly mixed.

Hemp Protein — Hemp is a plant-based protein source that comes from the cannabis plant. It contains all nine essential amino acids and is well absorbed by the body.

athlete drinking protein before training

Protein Amount 

This refers to the amount of protein each serving offers. If you're deciding between several options, check the nutritional label to see which one contains the most protein per serving and factor this into your final decision.

The protein powders I’ve reviewed above all contain excellent amounts of protein which is one of the reasons why they made my list.

Added Ingredients

Vegan protein powders should contain natural ingredients that come from plant-based sources. Look for a powder that contains no artificial colors, preservatives, and sweeteners.

FAQs

What is the Best Form of Vegan Protein Powder?

Pea, soy, hemp, and Quinoa are all plant protein sources featuring a complete amino acid profile, meaning vegan protein powders featuring these are usually the best ones.

Some vegan powders however, contain a mixture of plant-based sources to make up a complete amino acid profile. Make sure to check the label before purchasing to check which protein source is included.

Is It Better to Get Vanilla or Chocolate Protein Powder?

In terms of ingredients, the protein content of vanilla is slightly higher. The cocoa powder in chocolate protein powder takes up some additional powder volume and therefore reduces the protein content slightly.

However, the difference is negligible meaning you base your flavor selection on personal choice rather than this slight difference.

Conclusion

The Orgain Organic Vegan Protein Powder is my top pick for best chocolate plant based protein powder. It's produced with a nice mix of organic ingredients using a unique flavor composition to give a rich creamy chocolate flavor. It also comes at a budget-friendly price point.

Have you tried any of the vegan protein powders I've reviewed above? What do you think? I hope this guide has helped!

References:

  • Whey protein supplementation and its potentially adverse effects on health: a systematic review // PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32702243/
  • What You Need to Know About Vegan Protein Powder // Idealrow: https://www.idealraw.com/blog/plant-based-nutrition/need-know-vegan-protein-powder/
  • Plant-Based Protein vs. Whey Protein: Which Is Better? // Healthline: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/whey-vs-plant-protein
  • What are the benefits of protein powder? // Medicalnewstoday: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323093#takeaway
  • Pea and Rice Protein: A powerful combination // Awesome Coffee:
    https://awesomecoffee.com/blogs/pea-protein-powder/pea-and-rice-protein
  • The Effects of Whey vs. Pea Protein on Physical Adaptations Following 8-Weeks of High-Intensity Functional Training (HIFT): A Pilot Study // National Library of Medicine: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6358922/

Oleksandr is a professional fitness nutritionist, certified by FPA (Fitness Professional Association). Oleksandr adheres to the principles of evidence-based dietetics and instills in his clients a healthy relationship with food - without strict prohibitions on favorite foods and regular disruptions. His main task – not only get a result for you, but also maintain it for many years, enjoying tasty and delicious food.

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