Love is in the air. And chocolate is – everywhere you look! With indulgences tempting at every turn, how are you supposed to stick to a cleaning eating plan? My advice? Reach for a high-protein alternative to those sugary, calorie-filled, heart-shaped sweets that may lead to unnecessary feelings of guilt and regret.
Here are 10 of the highest-rated, best-selling chocolate protein powders available at Vitacost.com – along with a few creative ways to enjoy them!
Chocolate Whey Protein Powders
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey – Double Rich Chocolate
One rich chocolatey shake gives you 24 grams of the purest form of whey with whey protein isolates. Another bonus for the fitness conscious are the added 5.5 grams of BCAAs, plus 4 grams of glutamine and glutamic acid.
Vitacost Whey Protein Complex – Chocolate
Natural chocolate flavor and no artificial sweeteners or colors make this protein a top seller. One delicious chocolate shake provides 22 grams of whey protein, making it perfect post workout.
Tera’s Whey Simply Pure Whey Protein – Dark Chocolate Cocoa
Tera’s Whey is the highest quality grass-fed whey protein. It’s made from the milk of ethically treated cows and is free of artificial bovine growth hormones such as rBGH and rBST. Other bonuses to this top protein are that it’s gluten-free, non-GMO and contains 20 grams of protein per serving.
Chocolate Plant-Based Protein Powders
Garden of Life Raw Organic Meal
This high-protein meal replacement shake not only provides 20 grams of high-quality, plant-based protein per serving, but it’s also a chocolate lovers’ dream. Made with raw chocolate cacao, it’s easy on the digestive system and delivers 1.5 billion live probiotics (plus enzymes!), making it a great choice for almost everyone. It also features 13 raw sprouted ingredients, along with greens, healthy fat, 6 grams fiber and 21 vitamins and minerals.
Amazing Grass Protein Superfood – Rich Chocolate
What could be better than a superfood shake that has seven alkalizing greens, two servings of fruit and veggies and 20 grams of complete protein? How about: it’s also chocolate and plant based! Gluten free, non-GMO and organic certified help to round out this great-tasting wholefood shake.
Nature’s Plus Spiru-Tein® High Protein Energy Meal
Double Chocolate Crunch flavor? Yes, please! Loaded with vitamins, minerals, fiber and a protein blend of pea, rice and soy, this powder mixes super easy without a blender. When a chocolate craving hits, just mix a scoop with water in your shaker bottle.
When a chocolate craving hits – no matter what time of day – satisfy it with this protein-packed shake which features a decadent, deep-chocolate flavor. Not only will you fulfill your craving, but you’ll get 23 grams of non-GMO, gluten-free, and naturally sweetened protein.
Chocolate Protein Snacks
These protein chocolate snacks are the perfect replacements for high-sugar chocolate snacks lacking in nutritional value. They pair up perfectly with an afternoon cup of coffee or herbal tea, pre/post workout snack or dessert.
Garden of Life Sport Performance Protein Bar – Chocolate Fudge Protein Bar
This organic, clean, whole-food bar has 20 grams of organic, plant-based protein which also includes 10 grams of fiber and 3.2 grams of BCAAs. It’s free of dairy, soy, and gluten, making it a great bar for everyone.
RXBAR Protein Bar – Chocolate Sea Salt
Simple and clean best describes RXBAR with only 4 ingredients: egg whites, almonds, cashews, and dates. Wonderful chocolate taste plus the benefits of 12 grams of protein.
Lenny & Larry’s The Vegan Complete Cookie – Double Chocolate
Perfect to keep on hand for random chocolate cravings, one of these cookies supplies 8 grams of protein and 3 grams of fiber with no dairy, eggs, sugar alcohols or anything artificial. What other chocolate cookie can offer that!
Chocolate Protein Powder Recipes
Chocolate Cherry Shake
Makes 1 serving
Ingredients
1 scoop chocolate protein powder
2 Tbsp. pure black cherry juice concentrate
½ cup plain Greek yogurt
½ cup water
Crushed ice
Directions
Combine all ingredients in blender; process for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
Chocolate Protein Strawberries
Ingredients
1 pack of strawberries washed and dried
¼ cup dark chocolate chips
1 scoop chocolate protein powder
2-½ Tbsp. coconut oil
Parchment paper
Directions
1. Wash strawberries and pat dry, set aside. Cover baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a small glass bowl or measuring cup, microwave coconut oil until melted and liquid. Gradually add protein powder with a whisk until blended.
3. In separate glass bowl, melt chocolate chips in microwave for 30 seconds. Stir, and if not melted yet, microwave an additional 15 seconds, stir again, continue process until melted.
4. Blend chocolate, coconut oil and protein powder using whisk until combined.
5. Quickly dip in and turn strawberries; arrange on parchment paper.
6. Refrigerate sheet with strawberries in the fridge 10 minutes before serving.