7 Best Vegan Chocolate Protein Powders in 2024
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 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.
Our team of certified nutritionists and professional athletes has extensively tested 18 chocolate vegan protein powders and only 7 made the cut. All protein powders were evaluated on 5 key criteria and our experts spent 6 weeks testing them.
Along with rigorous testing, they have also combed through hundreds of online user reviews to bring you the most accurate information. This list is updated on a regular basis, so don’t be shy and share your experiences with us in the comment section!
Top 7 Best Chocolate Vegan Protein Powders Reviewed
- Orgain Organic Vegan Protein Powder — Top Pick
- Transparent Labs Organic Vegan Rice & Pea Protein — Runner Up
- Vega Protein & Greens Powder
- PlantFusion Complete Vegan Protein Powder
- KOS Vegan Protein Powder
- Garden of Life Raw Organic Plant-Based Protein Powder
- Aloha Plant-Based Protein Powder
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.
| Product | Total | Macronutrient Breakdown | Taste/Flavor | Nutrition Label Transparency | Mixability | Value for Money |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Orgain Organic | 58.5 | 9.5 | 10 | 10 | 9.5 | 9.5 |
| Transparent Labs | 57.5 | 9.5 | 9.5 | 10 | 9.5 | 9.5 |
| Vega Protein & Greens | 56 | 9.5 | 9.5 | 10 | 9 | 9.5 |
| PlantFusion | 55.5 | 9.5 | 9.5 | 10 | 9 | 9.5 |
| KOS | 54.5 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 8.5 | 9 |
| Garden of Life | 54 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 8.5 | 9 |
| Aloha | 53 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 9 | 8.5 |
1. Orgain Organic Vegan Protein Powder — Top Pick
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 Griffin, Byron Jones
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.
Orgain has made a vegan powder using organic ingredients with no added gluten, lactose, dairy, soy, GMOs, and other artificial ingredients.
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2. Transparent Labs Organic Vegan Rice & Pea Protein — Runner Up
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
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.
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.
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3. 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
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.
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.
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4. 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.
- 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.
PlantFusion protein contains just 2 grams of carbohydrates with no added sugars and is free from GMOs, gluten, soy, colors, and flavorings.
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5. 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
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.
Each KOS's tub had been produced in a GMP-certified facility without gluten, dairy, or soy and is certified USDA organic.
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6. 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
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.
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.
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7. 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
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.
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.
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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:
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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:
Tips From the Champ
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.
Olympic Weightlifting Champion
1. 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.
2. 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.
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!
Also Read:
- Best Protein Powder To Lower Cholesterol
- Best Low Sodium Protein Powder
- Best Protein Powder With Caffeine
- Mass Gainer vs Whey Protein
- Best Protein For Cutting
- Best Hydrolyzed Whey Protein
- Meal Replacement vs Protein Shake
- Best Myprotein Flavour
- Promix Protein Powder Review
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/
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With over 20 years in Olympic Weightlifting, our team does its best to provide the audience with ultimate support and meet the needs and requirements of advanced athletes and professional lifters, as well as people who strive to open new opportunities and develop their physical capabilities with us.
All products we select are primarily approved and tested by the Olympic Weightlifting Champion Oleksii Torokhtiy. Under his guidance, we provide honest and reasonable assessments of the products we review by checking their characteristics, packaging, design, comfort and durability features, and general product rating. We select products from only high-quality and trusted sports brands, thus vouching for their quality.
The product testing process is described in more detail here
Author: Oleksandr Maksymenko
Certified Sports Nutritionist,
MSc Sports Dietetics
Specializing in: Weight management, Fitness / Sports nutrition
Oleksandr is a professional fitness nutritionist certified by the Fitness Professional Association (FPA). He follows the principles of evidence-based dietetics and fosters a healthy relationship with food in his clients, ensuring there are no strict prohibitions on their favorite foods or frequent lapses. His primary goal is not only to achieve results for you but also to sustain them over the long term, all while enjoying tasty and delicious food.
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