Nearly everyone is looking to get more protein in their diet, especially plant-based females. More and more research is concluding that the RDA for protein could be vastly underestimated.  Since our bodies don’t store protein in the same way that they store carbs and fats, it’s important to have a long list of protein-rich foods to enjoy easily, every single day.

Enter: protein powders. Finding a high-quality protein powder and sneaking it into a variety of snacks and meals can be a wellness game-changer. We’ve been testing Anima Mundi’s new Chocolate Protein Superfood Powder for weeks now. It’s plant-based, super-blendable and packed with seven additional superfoods to nourish you every day.

What You Should Know:
Anima Mundi’s Chocolate Protein Superfood Powder

Herbalists understand how to get the most out of botanicals and plants, so this protein powder is a unique blend that has benefits way beyond a simple macronutrient supplement.

The ingredients in Anima Mundi’s Chocolate Protein Superfood Powder have been traditionally used for energy, strength, stamina, and resilience. This blend is high in both fiber and protein (15g per serving), which makes it an exceptional ally for pre- and post-workout nutrition. Adaptogens and superfoods like cacao, maca and cordyceps help to support the adrenals and encourage stamina. Best of all, the prebiotic rich, plant-based powder is a great source for sustainable energy and recovery that may help regulate blood sugar, treat adrenal fatigue, and reduce the overall toll that excessive stress takes on the body.

Educate yourself on these unique Amazonian ingredients that have been treasured for centuries, and how they support sustainable energy, recovery, stress reduction, and more:

Maca | Used as a medicinal food for centuries by the people of the high altitude Andes regions of Peru and Bolivia. As an adaptogen, it supports overall wellbeing and a healthy mood. According to folk beliefs, maca is also an aphrodisiac and energy booster with the potential to increase exercise performance and more.

Cordyceps | Considered an energizing “heal all” in Traditional Chinese Medicine for hundreds of years. Its main supportive actions include boosting mental and physical strength, improving energy, endurance and stamina, and enhancing libido. Our beloved mushrooms are grown in a small farm, 100% organically and sustainably, in Washington State. They are cell wall extracted for optimized bioavailability, and contain both fruiting bodies and mycelium.

Sacha Inchi | An Amazonian “super seed” and source of fiber that has been used for centuries in indigenous communities, with 95% of the world’s production concentrated in Peru. Research suggests it may support healthy cholesterol levels, gut and heart health, and improved blood pressure and weight loss.

Carob | Long celebrated for its high fiber and mineral content, as well as its low fat levels. The fruit of an evergreen tree cultivated in the Mediterranean region, carob is rich in fatty acids, carbohydrates, fiber, and amino acids.

Baobab | A tree that grows in parts of Africa, the Middle East, and Australia whose wild-harvested fruit and powder contains high levels of vitamin C, potassium and carbohydrates, and may support a vast array of medicinal benefits. Many traditions consider its leaves, bark and seeds capable of treating almost any disease, improving digestive and skin health, and supporting the immune system.

Suma | Known as para toda (“for all things”) throughout South America and Brazilian ginseng in much of the rest of the world. Cardio supportive and libido boosting, the indigenous peoples of the Amazon region have used the root for generations for a variety of health purposes, including energy and stimulation, and to support athletic performance and recovery, while also protecting against the potential side effects of stress.

Yacon | A common part of South American diets that looks like a sweet potato and is said to taste similar to a pear. Often referred to as the “diet potato”, research has demonstrated its potential benefits for gut and bone health, as a mild appetite suppressant, and its many biological properties that support healthy blood sugar and cholesterol levels, insulin, and mineral absorption, among others. Its benefits extend far beyond the gym.

6 Things To Consider Before You Buy A Protein Powder

While looking for a protein powder to consume regularly asking the right questions is fundamental. What’s in so many of these products is often not derived from natural sources, and can be downright toxic for your health. In one study, researchers found over half of the 134 products they tested from 52 brands contained high levels of pesticides, heavy metals, and other carcinogenic and infertility-causing toxins. That’s scary to even think about, let alone to consider consuming!

When seeking the highest quality protein powder, check the label and ask these questions first:

Does it have any weird fillers or additives?
Often “spiked” with empty fillers, many commercial protein powders use extra ingredients that are known to cause gastric distress and digestive issues.

Does this product contain heavy metals or chemicals?
Shocking truth: arsenic, cadmium, mercury and lead were found in 15+ processed protein powders in a lab test by Consumer Reports.

Are GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms) part of the package?
Beyond the full scope of how GMOs affect human health (research remains scarce while public skepticism is still very high), there are real biological, ecological and economic concerns we should all be concerned about as beings who eat to stay alive! Instead, look for GMO-free products.

What “natural flavors” are in this product, and what does that even mean?
“There seem to be about 1,000 chemicals in the GRAS category that have not been researched or approved by the FDA or anyone else,” Nourish Schools co-founder Casey Seidenberg wrote in The Washington Post. GRAS = Generally Regarded As Safe, but Seidenberg and others rightly question whether “unstudied natural flavors” can be considered safe or healthy.

Is there any real chocolate (or other flavor in the name/description) in the recipe?
As a general rule of thumb, if you don’t recognize multiple ingredient names, there’s probably not any “real” food (i.e. not artificially made) in it. The American Council on Science and Health does a great job detailing the exploitation of customers by the “natural fallacy”.

Does it have sweeteners?
Most powders have either synthetic sweeteners or lots of sugary stuff of sorts. Be sure to keep a KEEN eye if you’re looking for zero sugar.

6 Genius Ways To Use Protein Powder (That Don’t Involve Smoothies)

01 | protein Pancakes: Pancakes don’t have to be a carb and sugar bomb. Turn a weekend favorite into a weekday powerhouse with this recipe for protein pancakes. Adding a scoop of Chocolate Protein Superfood Powder changes the game, adds easy to blend nutrients, while still letting you enjoy a cozy morning classic.

02 | Overnight oats: Adding a protein powder to your overnight oats is one of the easiest ways to increase your protein in the morning or afternoon! Batch a few on the weekend for the quickest high-protein snack ever. We keep these jars in the fridge for an easy late-afternoon energy boost.

03 | a Protein latte: One of our EIC’s favorite ways to use chocolate protein powder is in a latte! Only a few protein powders blend well enough for this to work and Anima Mundi’s is one of them. Add one half to a full scoop to your second cup in the morning for a nourishing dose of adaptogens and plant-based protein.

04 | chocolate Chia pudding | If you regularly eat chia pudding in the mornings, you know how easy it can be to swap in new ingredients to achieve totally new flavors. We love this version for it’s chocolate mousse-like texture. Swap in Anima Mundi’s Chocolate Protein Superfood Powder instead of the carob flour and you’ve got tons of protein!

05 | protein Donuts: The best thing about a chocolate protein powder is how you can add it to a decadent dessert and feel good about supporting your body’s vital building blocks without depriving yourself. These fudge donuts get us every time.

06 | no-bake bars: Packaged protein bars are often packed with a ton of unwanted ingredients. If you’re looking for an easy way to add protein while you’re on the go try these nutrient-dense fig bars to your next meal prep session.

Discover Anima Mundi’s Chocolate Protein Superfood Powder. We’re loving the easily blendable powder in pancakes, smoothies and lattes — let us know what you use it in!

Read Next: 9 Major Clues You Have A Protein Deficiency

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This story is brought to you in partnership with Anima Mundi. From time to time, TCM editors choose to partner with brands we believe in to bring our readers special offers. All material on The Chalkboard Mag is provided for educational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider for any questions you have regarding a medical condition, and before undertaking any diet, exercise or other health-related programs.