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.
Top 7 Best Chocolate Vegan Protein Powders Reviewed
1. Orgain Organic Vegan Protein Powder — Top Pick
- 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 Griffin, Byron Jones
photo by sarah_marie_althoff_stanczak
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.
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
2. Transparent Labs Organic Vegan Rice & Pea Protein — Runner Up
- 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
photo by strengthnhonortraining
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.
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
- 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
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.
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
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.
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
- 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
photo by stoutfitjourney
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.
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
- 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
photo by solsticeholistic
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.
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
- 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
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.
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
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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.
Smoothie Ingredients
Common Foods and Bakes
- 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.
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.