Taking protein when you exercise is important. Taking naturally flavored protein is even more important

Protein with flavor yes, but it must be natural

You can buy unflavored protein, usually called naked protein, and mix it with water, though not everyone likes it that way.

One option is to make your own naked protein shake and mix it with coffee or juice, but if you want an easy and quick option, flavored proteins are already available.

If unflavored protein exists, why would we want a flavored one?

Simply because it is one of the best ways to integrate it into our routine. If we don't yet have the habit of taking protein, consuming it in a way we don't enjoy feels more like an annoying obligation than something beneficial.

Even worse, associating that bad taste with exercise can negatively affect us, unconsciously discouraging us from continuing to exercise.

Natural vs. artificial flavors: why it matters

Knowing this, it's clear that although protein shake flavor may seem minor, it directly affects consistency and enjoyment. That's why you might explore the world of flavored proteins to choose one you actually like.

Cookie, cream pie, caramel… none of that sounds very natural, right? Many market proteins use artificial flavors and sweeteners that, although intense, may leave a chemical aftertaste, excessive sweetness, or cause digestive heaviness or stomach discomfort.

By contrast, a natural cocoa protein shake offers a balanced, authentic flavor, greater sensory satisfaction, reinforcing consistency and perfect integration into recipes and healthy eating combinations.

Characteristic	Artificial flavor	Natural cocoa
Origin	Synthetic	Cocoa seeds
Flavor	Intense but chemical	Balanced and authentic
Digestibility	Can be heavy	Light and pleasant
Health	No nutritional value	Antioxidants and flavonoids

Benefits of natural cocoa in your shakes

If we turn exercise into an almost gastronomic experience, consuming something that tastes great, that we know is good for us when training, and whose flavoring ingredients provide additional benefits… can there be anything better to motivate us to keep doing it over and over?

Natural cocoa not only adds flavor; it also enhances protein's nutritional value.

Natural cocoa is rich in flavonoids, a type of antioxidant that helps combat oxidative stress. During intense exercise, the body produces free radicals that can damage muscle cells and slow recovery. A protein shake with natural cocoa provides:

• Reduced muscle damage: helps post-workout recovery.
• Cardiovascular protection: flavonoids support heart and circulation health.
• Improved general wellbeing: helps maintain a healthy immune system.

By contrast, shakes with artificial flavoring (including artificial cocoa flavor) lack these bioactive compounds.

Including a protein shake with natural cocoa is therefore a way to combine nutrition and enjoyment, key to establishing and maintaining healthy habits.

Natural stimulant and mood booster

Cocoa contains theobromine, a milder stimulant than caffeine, which can provide energy and improve mood without the sharp spikes and crashes caused by artificial stimulants.

• Greater motivation to train.
• Feeling of wellbeing after exercise.
• Complements protein for complete physical and mental recovery.

Satiety and appetite control

Poorly managed hunger can negatively affect training, making the time and effort invested ineffective.

It is important to avoid unhealthy snacks and maintain more stable energy levels, preventing fatigue and the “crash” caused by excessive simple sugars.

Natural cocoa has an intense but balanced flavor profile that creates a sense of satisfaction. This is especially useful to avoid snacking between meals, control post-workout hunger, and maintain long-term healthy eating habits.

Sensory experience with authentic flavor

Beyond nutrition, natural cocoa enhances the sensory experience of the shake with an authentic aroma and taste reminiscent of real chocolate, without artificial sugars or flavors.

You can also continue experimenting with your ideal flavor by mixing it with yogurt, juice, or oats, natural ingredients that provide additional benefits.

Real flavor is truly enjoyable.

Protein without sugar or sucralose

Many proteins on the market contain sugar or artificial sweeteners such as sucralose which, although they provide flavor, may negatively impact gut health, for example:

• Altering the gut microbiota balance, reducing beneficial bacteria diversity.

• Affecting intestinal barrier permeability, which can promote inflammation and gastrointestinal discomfort.

• Causing symptoms such as bloating, gas, and heavy digestion, making it harder to maintain healthy nutritional habits.

Our alternative: natural sweeteners and prebiotics

Our natural cocoa protein contains no sugar or sucralose and instead includes carefully selected ingredients:

• Steviol glycosides: a natural sweetener derived from the stevia plant, providing sweetness without affecting blood glucose levels or harming gut microbiota.

• Fructooligosaccharides (FOS): a natural prebiotic that feeds beneficial gut bacteria, supporting digestion and contributing to a balanced microbiota.

The benefits are clear: light digestion without discomfort, as avoiding sugars and artificial sweeteners allows efficient protein absorption; support for gut microbiota since FOS promotes growth of beneficial bacteria, enhancing digestive health; and finally, a pleasant natural taste, as steviol glycosides allow you to enjoy a sweet shake without compromising health.

Here's a summary table:

Characteristic	Contains sugar/sucralose	Contains steviol glycosides
Effect on microbiota	May alter it	Supports beneficial bacteria
Intestinal permeability	May increase	Promotes gut balance
Digestion	Discomfort, bloating	Light and comfortable
Sweetener	Artificial or sugar	Steviol glycosides + FOS

The taste of your protein makes it easier to build and maintain an exercise habit

Some people may have no problem, and knowing that protein shakes are beneficial is motivation enough to make it a habit. But many stop taking it shortly after starting if they don't like the taste, losing all its benefits.

A cocoa protein adds that sensory pleasure that makes it much easier to stay consistent with exercise.