This Is the Best Plant Based Protein Powder (I’ve Tried Dozens)

Not all vegan protein powders are created equal — in nutrition or taste. I learned this the hard way, after wasting money on too many products that are chalky, gritty, or straight up taste like dirt. IMO, the best plant based protein powder should have minimal ingredients, must have a neutral enough flavor to work well in any recipe, and shouldn’t contain any shady fillers. After so many disappointments, I’ve finally found The One: Mikuna’s Chocho Superfood Protein. 

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Why this is the best plant based protein powder

The key to this protein powder is chocho, it’s an ancient Incan crop found in Ecuador. It’s a complete plant-based protein — meaning it has all nine essential amino acids (many plant-based proteins are not complete, but there are a few, like quinoa and soybeans). Chocho is also naturally high in fiber, calcium, vitamin E, and magnesium. What’s more, it’s a regenerative crop, meaning it’s good for the soil and the Andean farming communities where it grows. 

Take a peek at the nutrition label on most protein powders nowadays and you’ll find a scary long list of ingredients — which often includes artificial sweeteners, flavors, and dyes, as well as preservatives and fillers. That’s not the case with Mikuna’s products. The original protein powder only has one ingredient (chocho), and even the vanilla and cacao flavors only have five ingredients each.

Other protein powders I’ve used in the past have triggered gas and bloating, but thanks to the simple and straightforward ingredients, Mikuna’s products have never caused any digestive issues for me. Plus, flavor-wise, of all the dozens I’ve tried, Mikuna makes the best plant based protein powder on the market. 

How to use protein powder

As a bonus, I’ve found that Mikuna’s mildly nutty flavor mixes well with just about everything. There are so many ways to use Mikuna’s products — from shakes and smoothies to baked goods and even savory dishes.

Here are some of my favorite recipes using Chocho Superfood Protein powder.

Banana Bread Smoothie

This is my go-to protein shake before or after Pilates classes — it might not taste exactly like banana bread, but it’s pretty darn close. 

• 1 super ripe frozen banana, or ½ frozen banana and two dates
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any other preferred plant-based milk)
• ⅓ cup Mikuna Vanilla Chocho Superfood Protein Powder
• 1 to 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla bean paste or pure vanilla extract
• ¼ cup ice

Combine all of the ingredients in a blender and blend.

High-Protein Oats

Mikuna’s protein powder makes already-filling oats even more satisfying. When I start my day with this dish, I always stay satiated until lunchtime.

• 1 cup rolled oats
• ⅓ cup Mikuna Vanilla Chocho Superfood Protein Powder
• 1 ½ cups unsweetened coconut milk
• 1 tablespoon coconut sugar
• ½ cup blueberries
• 2 tablespoons walnuts
• Raw honey (or maple syrup)

Combine the oats, protein powder, milk, and coconut sugar in a saucepan and cook on medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens. When it’s ready to serve, top the oatmeal with blueberries, walnuts, and a drizzle of honey or maple syrup. Pro tip: Change up the fruit and/or nuts to suit your taste.

Brownie Bite Protein Balls

I love keeping these protein-packed bites in my fridge — they double as a snack to grab on my way out the door, and a healthy treat when I’m craving something sweet. The best part? Since they use dates, which are already naturally sweet, there’s no need for any added sugar.

• 1 cup blanched or roasted almonds
• 3 tablespoons Mikuna Pure Chocho Superfood Protein Powder
• 1 ½ cups pitted Medjool dates
• 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 tablespoons smooth almond butter
• 2 tablespoons hemp seeds (optional)
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla bean paste or pure vanilla extract
• Pinch of sea salt

Pulse the almonds in a food processor until they’re well chopped. Add the remaining ingredients; process until you have a crumbly but tender mixture. The “dough” should be moist and sticky, but have enough structure that it holds its shape when you roll it into a ball. Using a spoon, scoop out the mixture into bite-sized pieces and roll them into balls. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in a large container. Cover and refrigerate until firm. 

Chocolate Covered Cherry Shake

This dessert-inspired shake satisfies my sweet tooth — sometimes I’ll whip it up in the afternoon when I need something to hold me over until dinner, or I’ll even enjoy it as a late night snack when hunger pangs hit.

• ¾ cup frozen cherries
• ⅓ cup Mikuna Cacao Chocho Superfood Protein Powder
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened coconut shreds
• 1 cup unsweetened chocolate almond milk
• ¼ cup ice

Combine all of the ingredients in a blender and blend.

Read next: Why Some Protein Powders Are Better Than Others for Building Muscle

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