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7 Best Tasting Chocolate Protein Powders For Muscle Building 2024
Updated on
- Written by Blanca Garcia, RDN
Medically reviewed by
Melissa Mitri, MS, RD
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Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate
- Whey protein isolate from grass-fed cows.
- No artificial sweeteners, food dyes, and preservatives.
- Gluten-free.
Peak Performance Organic Plant-Based Grain-Free Protein Powder
- Plant-based protein sources.
- Third-party tested, USDA organic.
- Vegan-friendly, non-GMO, and gluten-free.
Care/of Plant Protein Chocolate
- Made with plant-based protein.
- Third-party tested.
- Contains medium-chained triglyceride oil.
If you’re consuming protein powder supplements to build muscle,[1] they don’t have to be flavorless. Now you can find the best-tasting protein powders with various flavors, including chocolate.
There is increased demand for the best-tasting protein powder that matches various lifestyles. The good news is it is possible for everyone to find the protein powder that fits them.
The ingredients found in protein powders are essential amino acids, the building blocks of proteins involved in muscle protein synthesis and the building of tissues. You may also find non-essential amino acids, digestive enzymes, medium-chained triglyceride oil, vitamins, minerals, and other herbs and spices in protein powder ingredient lists.
With many options to choose from, you can find the best-tasting chocolate protein powder that fits your individual lifestyle.
Best Tasting Chocolate Protein Powder In (April. 2024)
- Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate – Editor’s Choice
- Peak Performance Organic Plant-Based Grain-Free Protein Powder – Best Natural Ingredients
- Care/of Plant Protein Chocolate – Best Value
- Jacked Factory Authentic Whey – Most Transparent
- Elm & Rye Protein Supplement – Most Versatile
- Crazy Nutrition 100% Tri-Protein – Most Variety Of Protein
- Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein – Most Flavors
Best Tasting Chocolate Protein Powder 2024
Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate
A chocolate and peanut butter flavored protein shake that contains whey protein isolate from 100% grass-fed cows.
- Whey protein isolate from grass-fed cows.
- No artificial sweeteners, food dyes, and preservatives.
- Gluten-free.
- Contains milk and peanuts – two major allergens.
Transparent Labs whey protein isolate is made of 100% grass-fed American cows. It comes in a chocolate peanut butter flavor with a high protein-by-weight ratio of 88%. It has 33 grams of protein per serving. It does not use artificial sweeteners but is sweetened with natural Stevia extract.
It is also free of food dyes, gluten-free, and has no preservatives; this is a great protein shake to help build lean muscle mass, weight loss, or just help you meet your daily protein goals.
To use, you can mix one scoop per six to eight ounces of cold water or any beverage you like. You can adjust the amount of fluid to reach your desired consistency. For best results, take one to three scoops per day.
You can make a single purchase or subscribe and save with free shipping included in the subscription. You have a 30-day 100% money-back guarantee if products are returned unopened. If the product is opened, you may be able to obtain an exchange or online store credit.
Peak Performance Organic Plant-Based Grain-Free Protein Powder
A chocolate-flavored plant-based protein powder that is free of grains and rice; the protein sources are pea protein, hemp protein, pumpkin protein, and white chia protein.
- Plant-based protein sources.
- Third-party tested, USDA organic.
- Vegan-friendly, non-GMO, and gluten-free.
- Contains 60% of the daily value of Iron.
An organic protein powder that is plant-based, grain-free, and sold in chocolate flavor manufactured by Peak Performance. This grain-free complete plant protein is vegan and paleo-friendly.
This vegan protein powder has 28 grams of protein per serving and contains a blend of organic[2] ingredients like pea, hemp, pumpkin, and white chia. It also contains natural sweeteners from organic stevia and monk fruit.
You can mix two scoops into eight ounces of ice-cold water or any beverage of your liking. You can blend, shake, or stir until it’s fully dissolved.
Peak Performance contributes to social causes in partnership with the non-profit Vitamin Angels. This means every bottle you purchase will supply vitamins for a child at risk of malnutrition for a year.
If you are unsatisfied with your purchase, you have a 30-day money-back guarantee of a full refund without returning the product.
Care/of Plant Protein Chocolate
A plant-based protein with a blend of organic pea, pumpkin seed, and hemp protein. It comes in a tasty chocolate or vanilla flavor.
- Made with plant-based protein.
- Third-party tested.
- Contains medium-chained triglyceride oil.
- Cannot make one-time purchases.
Care/of is a subscription service that provides individualized recommendations of supplement packs. If your pack’s recommendation includes a protein powder, you can choose from animal or plant-based protein powders to choose what best fits your life.
The version reviewed is the plant-based protein powder, with 18 grams of protein per serving. It’s third-party tested, does not have fillers, and is gluten-free. It also contains natural sweeteners from organic coconut sugar and monk fruit.
This plant-protein powder includes organic pea, pumpkin, and hemp seed[3] protein. Because of its ingredients, two scoops can add 300 calories to your daily intake.
Many of its ingredients are organic, but the product itself is not USDA organic. It is suggested to mix two scoops of this protein powder in eight to ten ounces of cold water or your favorite beverage. You can adjust the scoops for a snack portion to one scoop to four ounces of water.
The return policy does not allow returns due to customization and personalization of the supplements sent. However, if you are unsatisfied within 30 days of the first delivery, you can get a full refund, no questions asked, as long as you return the supplement.
Jacked Factory Authentic Whey
A tasty whey protein powder that is made with whey protein concentrate and whey isolate for easy digestion. It can promote lean muscle growth, enhance recovery, and increase strength.
- Contains whey protein concentrate and whey isolate.
- No fillers or dyes.
- Easily digested.
- Contains artificial sweeteners.
Jacked Factory’s Authentic Whey contains a flavorful 24 grams of protein per serving available in chocolate, vanilla, fruity cereal splash, salted chocolate caramel, and orange ice cream.
It’s easy to digest and absorb with its pure whey protein isolate and whey concentrate. It helps to promote muscle growth and enhances recovery. Jacked Factory makes Authentic Whey in the USA under good manufacturing practice guidelines.
It contains artificial sweeteners, acesulfame potassium, sucralose, and the natural sweetener stevia extract. The recommended dosage is one to four scoops per day, varying in calorie content from 120-480 depending on the number of scoops you use.
For best results, take one scoop after working out. Mix this whey protein powder with water, milk, almond milk, or blended shakes. To bump up the protein content of a meal or snack, you can also mix it with oatmeal and Greek yogurt or add it to protein pancakes.
Authentic Whey recommends using this protein powder and a well-balanced diet of whole-food protein sources.
If you are unsatisfied and want your money back, you have a 30-day money-back guarantee if products are returned unopened. If opened, you may still be able to get store credit or an exchange.
Elm & Rye Protein Supplement
A whey protein powder that is sourced from 100% pasture-raised and grass-fed cows. This whey protein concentrates protein powder can help build lean muscle and enhance endurance.
- Made with 100% pasture-raised and grass-fed cows.
- Contains nine amino acids.
- Has other ingredients for additional health benefits.
- The vegan option is unavailable in chocolate.
- Nutrition facts label not available.
Elm & Rye is a whey protein powder that sources its protein from 100% pasture-raised and grass-fed cows. It has between 20 grams of protein per serving and contains nine amino acids, including branched-chain amino acids with three essential amino acids leucine, isoleucine, and valine.
It comes in chocolate flavor, vanilla, and cookies and cream.
Elm & Rye’s protein supplement also contains turmeric,[4] collagen, MCT oil,[5] mushroom complex, and the herb ashwagandha.[6] All are included to potentially help increase muscle mass, decrease fat, and help with recovery.
It also contains artificial and natural flavors, artificial sweetener sucralose, and sugar. The actual nutrition facts label is unavailable; only the ingredients are written down on the website.
The recommended dosage is one scoop daily, and during training, days take it within the first hour post-workout. You can make a one-time purchase or subscribe and save. You have a 30-day money-back guarantee on your first order excluding shipping costs, value-added taxes typically applied in European purchases, or import duty fees.
Crazy Nutrition 100% Tri-Protein
A three-phase protein absorption that quickly absorbs protein, increases muscle fuel, and helps suppress appetite.
- Three-phase protein absorption.
- Low in calories.
- Includes digestive enzymes.
- Not third-party tested.
- Nutrition facts label not available.
Crazy Nutrition’s 100% Tri-Protein comes with six proteins to maximize protein synthesis and suppress appetite for extended periods. It also includes digestive enzymes and has a delicious chocolate flavor, all with 21 grams of protein per serving.
This delicious protein powder has a three-phase absorption of proteins. During phase one, you get quick absorption of whey protein isolate[7] and whey protein hydrolysate. These help with fueling the body and delivering amino acids for repairing muscles.
In the second phase, you absorb whey concentrate and milk protein concentrate with digestive enzymes, which help minimize bloating and gas and deliver the amino acids to your muscles.
In the third phase, you will consume micellar casein and calcium caseinate to help give a steady stream of amino acids and help curb hunger and suppress appetite.
The recommended dosage is one scoop per 16 ounces of water or your favorite shake. You can take it after a workout or whenever you need extra protein. If you are unhappy with your product, you get a 60-day money-back guarantee, no questions asked.
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein
The whey protein powder with the most options of chocolate flavors, to help you with post-workout muscle support and recovery.
- Banned substance tested.
- Gluten-free.
- More than ten different flavors.
- Not vegan-friendly.
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard is a 100% whey protein powder and is one of the few chocolate-flavored protein powders with several options of chocolate flavors. You also get 24 grams of protein per serving and 5.5 grams of branched-chain amino acids.
You can choose double-rich chocolate, extreme milk chocolate, chocolate coconut, chocolate malt, chocolate mint, and chocolate peanut butter. But you can also choose other flavors like vanilla ice cream or strawberry banana. These supplements are sweetened with artificial sweetener Acesulfame Potassium.
The recommended dosage is one scoop per six to eight ounces of cold water, milk, soy milk, almond milk, or any other beverage. For a healthy adult, a balanced combination of protein intake from food sources and supplements is recommended as part of a balanced diet[8] and exercise routine.
You can make a one-time purchase and get discounts by subscribing to an email newsletter, but no subscriptions are available.
Benefits Of Protein Powder
Protein powders contain amino acids[9] that can boost post-workout muscle recovery, help you reach daily protein goals, gain muscle mass, and lose weight.
Many protein powders may include other ingredients like turmeric powder, medium-chained triglycerides, mushroom complex powder, hydrolyzed collagen, ashwagandha extract, and digestive enzymes for additional health benefits.
Types Of Protein Powders
With increased consumer awareness around nutrition, many people aren’t just looking for basic protein powders anymore. You may be looking for a protein powder with specifications that may not have been available in the past.
Nowadays, you can make the best-tasting protein shake from both animal-based sources, often with a complete protein profile as well as plant-based options.
The plant-based protein[10] options offer more varieties for vegetarians and vegans. Still, when it comes to plant-based protein, a combination of several plant sources may be necessary to obtain all of the amino acids your body needs. This is known as a complete protein profile.
A complete protein profile is important to help repair muscle and promote growth. The following are some of the available types of protein powders.
- Whey protein.
- Casein protein.
- Egg white protein.
- Pea protein.
- Brown rice protein.
- Peanut butter.
You will also find that some protein powders may have other desirable features such as third-party testing, organic certification, free from artificial sweeteners, or are sourced from grass-fed cows.
How To Choose The Best Tasting Chocolate Protein Powder?
Type Of Protein Powder
You can choose between two types of protein sources – an animal-based protein powder or a plant-based protein powder. Usually, with animal-based protein, you can have egg protein, grass-fed whey, whey, and casein protein. Within whey protein, you can also obtain varieties that facilitate digestion and absorption.
A plant-based powder or vegan powder will usually be made of brown rice protein, pea protein, soy protein, or chia.
Based on your own preferences, you can choose your protein source and still obtain branched-chain amino acids to help with muscle repair and recovery.
Third-Party Tested
Although third-party testing[11] is not a requirement, it helps to provide additional peace of mind. This seal of approval confirms the supplement company has ensured the ingredients on the label are actually what is in the supplement.
Reputable third-party companies like Consumer Labs and US Pharmacopeia may also help identify pathogens, heavy metals, and impurities.
Flavor
For the best-tasting chocolate protein shake, the overall flavor can be affected by the type of sweetener used. Some artificial sweeteners leave a funny taste in your mouth. You can now find supplements with natural sweeteners like stevia extract and monk fruit for a more natural taste.
Price
The price range between all of the reviewed protein supplements is $28-$70. The reason for the wide range can depend on the type of ingredients, the number of ingredients and their amounts, and branding.
Plant-based proteins tend to be lower in price when compared to animal-based proteins, but this is not always the case. It’s up to you to choose the protein supplement that is within your range and fits the specifications you are looking for, as a higher price does not always equate to a higher quality product.
When To Take Protein Powder?
Each protein powder comes with its own instructions for use. To help with muscle building and recovery, the usual recommendation is to take protein powders within the first hour of a workout.
Usually, the recommendation will be to take one to two scoops of powder with cold water or a beverage of your choice. Making protein shakes with water is the best way to reduce unnecessary calories per serving and contribute to weight loss.
If weight loss is not your goal, you can definitely enjoy a protein shake with milk for extra calories and protein, creating a flavorful chocolate milkshake.
Final Thought
Finding the tastiest protein powder for your palate can be a challenge, especially if you don’t want to taste all the protein powders to find the best flavor. Luckily, if you know a little about yourself, you can easily determine if a protein powder matches your needs.
For example, if you know that you are sensitive to artificial sweeteners, protein powders with natural sweeteners like stevia extract or monk fruit are a better choice. Also, if you know that the combination of chocolate and peanut butter grosses you out, you wouldn’t choose the peanut butter chocolate option.
These protein powders can come in various flavors and varieties to help with meeting daily protein intake needs. It’s important to remember that these protein powders should complement a protein source from foods, not replace them.
Protein supplements should thus not be considered meal replacements. A healthy intake of mostly plant-based proteins and some animal-based proteins can result in better health outcomes.[12]
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s a way to supplement protein if you aren’t meeting your needs or need it to help repair or grow muscles. Too much can increase unnecessary calories.
The best protein powder will depend on what you specifically seek in a protein supplement.
It can if consumed in excess and not exercising enough to use up the proteins consumed.
Yes, it can. As long as you are also exercising those muscles.
You can add almond milk, soy milk, chocolate milk, or just water.
+ 12 sources
Health Canal avoids using tertiary references. We have strict sourcing guidelines and rely on peer-reviewed studies, academic researches from medical associations and institutions. To ensure the accuracy of articles in Health Canal, you can read more about the editorial process here
- Huecker, M., Menaka Sarav, Pearlman, M. and Laster, J. (2019). Protein Supplementation in Sport: Source, Timing, and Intended Benefits. Current Nutrition Reports, [online] 8(4), pp.382–396. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s13668-019-00293-1.
- Stefan H.M. Gorissen, Julie, Senden, J.M., W. A. Huub Waterval, Joergen Bierau, Verdijk, L.B. and Loon, van (2018). Protein content and amino acid composition of commercially available plant-based protein isolates. Amino Acids, [online] 50(12), pp.1685–1695. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s00726-018-2640-5.
- Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research. (2021). A Review of Hemp as Food and Nutritional Supplement | Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research. [online] Available at: https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/can.2020.0001?journalCode=can.
- Singletary, K.W. (2020). Turmeric. Nutrition Today, [online] 55(1), pp.45–56. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/nt.0000000000000392.
- Chapman-Lopez, T. and Koh, Y. (2022). The Effects of Medium-Chain Triglyceride Oil Supplementation on Endurance Performance and Substrate Utilization in Healthy Populations: A Systematic Review. Journal of obesity & metabolic syndrome, [online] 31(3), pp.217–229. doi:https://doi.org/10.7570/jomes22028.
- Bonilla, D.A., Moreno, Y., Gho, C., Petro, J.L., Adrián Odriozola-Martínez and Kreider, R.B. (2021). Effects of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) on Physical Performance: Systematic Review and Bayesian Meta-Analysis. Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology, [online] 6(1), pp.20–20. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk6010020.
- Nieman, D.C., Zwetsloot, K.A., Simonson, A., Hoyle, A.T., Wang, X., Nelson, H.K., Lefranc‐Millot, C. and Laetitia Guérin‐Deremaux (2020). Effects of Whey and Pea Protein Supplementation on Post-Eccentric Exercise Muscle Damage: A Randomized Trial. Nutrients, [online] 12(8), pp.2382–2382. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12082382.
- Guasch‐Ferré, M. and Willett, W.C. (2021). The Mediterranean diet and health: a comprehensive overview. Journal of Internal Medicine, [online] 290(3), pp.549–566. doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/joim.13333.
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- Hertzler, S.R., Lieblein-Boff, J.C., Weiler, M. and Allgeier, C. (2020). Plant Proteins: Assessing Their Nutritional Quality and Effects on Health and Physical Function. Nutrients, [online] 12(12), pp.3704–3704. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12123704.
- Bandara, S.B., Towle, K.M. and Monnot, A.D. (2020). A human health risk assessment of heavy metal ingestion among consumers of protein powder supplements. Toxicology Reports, [online] 7, pp.1255–1262. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.toxrep.2020.08.001.
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Written by:
Blanca Garcia, RDN
Medically reviewed by:
Medically reviewed by:
