If you’ve ever rolled your eyes at a protein powder that promised to taste like “birthday cake” and instead delivered something chalky and cloying, you’re not alone. Protein has long been one of those wellness staples we tolerate more than we enjoy. But what happens when an herbalist reimagines the formula?

Leave it to Adriana Ayales, the herbalist and founder of Anima Mundi, to bring plants, rituals, and a little magic into the mix. If you’ve been reading The Chalkboard for a while, you know Adriana well. We’ve covered her Venice, California apothecary, her adaptogenic blends, and her thoughtful approach to plant medicine. Now she’s bringing the same philosophy to Vanilla Chai Adaptogenic Superfood Protein Powder, a blend that proves protein can be as enjoyable as it is nourishing.

Why Another Protein Powder?

“Protein is foundational, but most powders on the market are stripped of the soul of plants,” Adriana told us when she first shared the new formula. “I wanted to create something that truly nourishes, not just muscles but energy, stress balance, and even beauty.”

That philosophy comes through in every scoop of Vanilla Chai Adaptogenic Superfood Protein Powder. Yes, the blend delivers what you’d expect from a plant-based protein — a complete amino acid profile from pea, pumpkin seed, brown rice, and Sacha Inchi proteins. But Adriana didn’t stop at macros. She layered in adaptogens like ashwagandha, astragalus, and eleuthero, along with warming botanicals and beauty nutrients, creating a powder that feels less like a supplement and more like nourishment with intention. 

The Adaptogen Edge
If you’ve ever tried one of Anima Mundi’s tonics, you know adaptogens are Adriana’s love language. In Vanilla Chai Adaptogenic Superfood Protein Powder, she’s layered in ashwagandha, astragalus, and eleuthero — herbs revered for centuries for their ability to help the body adapt to stress and recover with resilience.

Instead of focusing solely on muscles, this powder supports the nervous system, stamina, and energy. As Adriana puts it, “Protein should help us show up fully, every day — not just in the gym.”

Beauty Benefits in a Protein Powder
Of course, this wouldn’t be Anima Mundi without a beauty twist. Vanilla Chai Adaptogenic Superfood Protein Powder features tocotrienols (aka tocos) — a rice bran soluble rich in vitamin E that supports skin hydration and cellular vitality. Beyond its benefits, it makes the powder creamy and velvety, creating a texture that feels indulgent.

Add in real vanilla bean and a touch of monk fruit extract, and you’ve got a naturally sweet, aromatic profile without added sugars or synthetic flavors.

Flavor You Actually Want to Drink
Of course, flavor matters. Adriana turned to her spice cabinet for inspiration, adding cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom. These aren’t just warming, aromatic flavors — they actively support digestion and circulation. Paired with real vanilla bean and a touch of monk fruit extract, the profile is more like a spiced vanilla latte than a standard gym shake.

Honestly, it’s so good you might forget it’s protein.

How to Use It

The versatility of Vanilla Chai Adaptogenic Superfood Protein Powder makes it an easy upgrade to any daily ritual. Some of our favorite ways to enjoy it:

+ Morning grounding latte: blended with almond milk, cacao, and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

+ Post-workout recovery: shaken with coconut water and frozen berries.

+ Evening wind-down: stirred into warm oat milk with vanilla and cardamom for a calming tonic.

This isn’t about choking down protein for the sake of it. It’s about creating little moments of nourishment that actually feel enjoyable.

Why We’re Obsessed
There’s no shortage of protein powders out there. But this is the first time we’ve seen one created through an herbalist lens. The Vanilla Chai Adaptogenic Superfood Protein Powder is smooth, spiced, and satisfying, with protein for strength, adaptogens for stress, botanicals for balance, and tocos for skin.

Protein doesn’t have to be chalky or boring. It doesn’t have to feel like a chore. Adriana Ayales and her team have shown us that even the most functional of wellness staples can be elevated into something beautiful. If you’ve been waiting for a protein powder that finally delivers on taste, texture, and whole-body benefits, this is the one to try.

Discover why we’re keeping this one front and center on our counters — Anima Mundi’s herbalist-crafted protein blend is proof that even protein can be delicious, nourishing, and genuinely exciting. [Shop here].