This Is Not Your Grandma’s Chocolate Beverage

When you think of chocolate drinks, what probably comes to mind are powdery instant beverages that are stirred into milk, or else decadent soda-fountain treats. But lately, a new generation of ready-to-serve, cacao-infused concoctions has been popping up in health-food stores. They’re rich, creamy and—most of all—healthy. Low in sugar and fat, high in fiber and protein, and often organic, the neo-chocolate shake is anything but cocoa loco.

Cocoa Metro’s lowfat Belgian Chocolate Drink is a delicious, velvety treat I stumbled upon at Whole Foods Market. Made with all-natural ingredients, including reduced-fat milk and “heaps of Belgian chocolate,” this beverage also gets the award for the cleverest marketing. “You can fire your therapist,” the bottle reads. And, on another part of the package: “9 out of 10 people who wanted to be doctors agree” that the beverage rocks. Who could resist such wise-ass, hipster praise?

The makers of CalNaturale’s Svelte organic chocolate protein also put a savvy spin on their branding. “Hello Beautiful,” is the wording on the label. And why shouldn’t you feel attractive after sipping this dairy-free, probiotics powerhouse loaded with 16 grams of protein per serving? Not to mention “organic complex carbohydrates that metabolize over a longer period for sustained energy.

Another pair of vegan, organic options: Mayésa’s dark-chocolate Mint Cacao beverage contains natural plant polyphenols, 50 percent of your daily fiber and only 4 grams of fat per serving—plus the cacao it’s made from is milled at a fair-trade source. And Orgain’s chocolate-flavored nutritional shake, made with organic brown rice, hemp and sprouted chia, boasts 16 grams of plant-based protein per serving. Two more reasons to shake it up.