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Plant-based protein bars, protein powders, and protein shakes are exploding in popularity, and with good reason. Plant-based diets have been praised for their environmental, health, and animal welfare benefits, so it isn’t surprising that more people want plant-based alternatives to traditional protein drinks.
ALOHA protein shakes are one plant-based brand making a splash. With medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil, prebiotics, and fair-trade ingredients, they seem like a great option for boosting protein intake, supporting your gut health, and prioritizing sustainability.
But are they one of the best protein shakes? Do these shakes deliver on their claims, and are they any good? See what the experts have to say in our ALOHA Protein Shake review!
Medical disclaimer: This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. For health advice, contact a licensed healthcare provider. GGR also recommends choosing a product that has been third-party tested for quality.
Real Reviews From Fitness and Nutrition Experts
Protein shakes can be a great tool for reaching your health and fitness goals, but they aren’t always created equally. Fortunately, we have a team of experts that includes certified personal trainers, registered dietitians, strength and conditioning coaches, certified nutrition coaches, and more who have tested dozens of protein shakes.
And as a registered dietitian who specializes in the benefits of plant-based protein powders, I’ll provide additional insights into this shake!
To create our comprehensive reviews, our testers use a predetermined set of criteria when rating each shake. These criteria, scored on a scale of 1 to 5, include:
- Price
- Formulation
- Taste
- Solubility
- Side effects
- Third-party testing
- Customer reviews
Most of our testers already use protein shakes, so they test each new shake as part of their regular pre- or post-workout supplementation routines.
ALOHA Protein Shake
ALOHA Organic Protein Shakes
Product Highlights
- Organic, plant-based protein drinks
- Comes in Coconut, Vanilla, Chocolate, And Iced Coffee flavors
- 20 g of protein in 12-oz shake
- Gluten-free, non-GMO, dairy-free, stevia-free, and soy-free
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Vegan-friendly
- Gluten-free
- Non-GMO
- No artificial ingredients
Cons
- Some reviews complained that texture was too thick
- Some added sugars
Bottom Line
Aloha Organic Protein Shakes are made with no artificial ingredients, and pack 20 grams of protein in each 12-ounce shake. The shakes come in four different flavors and have plant-based protein, making them gluten-free, dairy-free, and also soy-free. The combination of pea protein and brown rice protein makes this shake have all essential amino acids, along with prebiotics and electrolytes.
A Quick Look at ALOHA Protein Shakes
ALOHA is a Certified B-Corp protein powder, bar, and shake company that keeps sustainability top of mind. Their vegan shakes are made from a base of coconut milk and plant protein rather than the typical whey protein.
Each shake offers 20 grams of protein per bottle, making them an excellent choice for a post-workout shake or a protein-rich snack between meals.
Before You Buy
- ALOHA doesn’t offer refunds or accept returns
- Available in packs of 4 or 12
- Each shake is gluten-free, soy-free, dairy-free, and 100% plant-based
Are ALOHA Protein Shakes Worth It?
There’s no escaping the fact that ALOHA Protein Shakes are a bit pricey. They’re also a little high in saturated fat, and the actual MCT oil content and prebiotics are pretty low. However, they taste fantastic and the protein content is excellent.
That said, we were disappointed that ALOHA doesn’t allow refunds or returns. It may be a good idea to try a four-pack first before going all in on the 12-pack.
RELATED: Best Vegan Protein Powder
Great for:
- Anyone trying to build muscle size and strength
- Vegans looking to boost their protein intake
- Those looking for a soy-free, lactose-free protein shake
Not recommended for:
- Those avoiding added sugars
- People who need to limit saturated fat
- Anyone who wants the option for a refund
ALOHA Protein Shake Specs
| Price per serving | $3.33 |
| Serving size | 12 fl oz (1 bottle) |
| Type of protein | Pea Protein, Brown Rice Protein |
| Protein content | 20 g |
| Carb content | 11-12 g |
| Fat content | 5-6 g |
| Notable ingredients | Fair Trade Coconut Milk, Coconut Sugar, Monk Fruit Extract, MCT Oil |
| Flavors | Chocolate Sea Salt, Coconut, Vanilla |
| Third-party testing | Organic, Non-GMO, and Fair Trade Certified |
Experience Drinking ALOHA Protein Shakes
Our product tester for ALOHA Protein Shakes was GGR Senior Staff Writer Lauren Strong, NSCA-CPT. She had glowing things to say about this plant-based shake, which is all the more impressive considering what an avid whey protein fan she is.
While the taste and consistency of these shakes are noticeably different than whey, Lauren didn’t see this as a negative. She even re-purchased the product after her initial testing because she and her husband enjoyed it so much.
RELATED: Different Types of Protein
Price Per Serving
Priced at $3.33 a bottle, ALOHA Protein Shake received a 3 out of 5 rating for price. They’re not outrageously expensive, especially if you don’t plan to use them every day, but the price will add up quickly for serious protein shake drinkers.
Formulation
We loved that this shake is free from artificial ingredients and refined sugars. It’s also dairy-free, soy-free, and gluten-free, making it a good fit for a range of dietary needs.
We also gave it big marks for the 20 grams of complete plant protein. With a blend of complementary pea and brown rice protein, this shake has a balanced amino acid profile ideal for building muscle.
One thing to note is that while each shake contains a few grams of prebiotic blue agave inulin fiber, this is smaller than the 5-8 gram dose1 recommended for significant gut health benefits.
Another disadvantage is that one shake contains almost a fifth of the daily recommended limit, so you’ll need to be careful about the amount of saturated fat in the rest of your diet.
And despite the marketing, these shakes are pretty low in MCTs. This is because MCT oil is listed as the last ingredient, meaning it’s present in the smallest amount. Coconut milk is the first ingredient, but only a portion of the saturated fats in coconut milk2 are MCTs.
Overall, we gave the formulation 4 out of 5 stars. The ingredient quality is great and it’s low in added sugars, but it doesn’t quite deliver on some of the brand’s claims.
RELATED: Pea Protein Benefits
Taste and Solubility
Lauren is a whey protein fan, but even she was blown away by how delicious this shake was and gave the flavor a 5 out of 5 rating. She tried the Chocolate Sea Salt flavored with cocoa powder and natural flavors. “For a vegan shake, this is fantastic! There is a nice rich chocolate flavor and it’s not too sweet,” she said.
“It tastes different from whey protein but it’s not overly earthy or plant-like,” Lauren added. She also advised that if you like the Ripple chocolate protein shake, you’ll enjoy this one, too.
The pleasant consistency also earned a 5 out of 5 rating. Per Lauren, it’s “not super creamy but also not thin and watery. It’s exactly how I like a shake to feel.” And thanks to the use of sunflower lecithin, there wasn’t any graininess.
Side Effects
Many people choose plant-based protein shakes in order to avoid the whey protein side effects that can accompany conventional protein shakes.
If this is your motivation, you’ll be happy to hear that Lauren didn’t experience any gas or stomach problems during her testing. It doesn’t contain stevia or sugar alcohols and should be well-tolerated by most people. Here, it got another 5 out of 5 rating.
Third-Party Testing
Unlike protein powder, protein shakes and bars typically don’t undergo third-party testing for purity and safety.
RELATED: Best Vegan Protein Bar
However, we can still look for third-party certifications that provide us with more information about the product.
ALOHA protein shakes are non-GMO verified with USDA Organic and vegan certifications. The coconut milk base and cocoa powder are also Fair Trade Certified, which requires fair pay for workers, appropriate working conditions, and the avoidance of child labor.
We rated ALOHA a 5 out of 5 for having multiple third-party certifications.
ALOHA Protein Shakes vs Ripple Protein Shake
Ripple Protein Shake
Ripple Vegan Protein Shake
Product Highlights
- Pea protein is more sustainable than other proteins
- Vegan and free from lactose, soy, and nuts
- 30% of your daily recommended intake of iron
- Great calcium source
- Certified B Corp company
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Shelf-stable
- Contains phosphorus
- Gluten and soy free
- Low in sugar
Cons
- Many customers said they received expired product
- Only 3 flavors
Bottom Line
Ripple Vegan Protein Shake is a great option for someone looking for a protein shake that is free from animal products and environmentally friendly.
According to our product tester, Lauren, the chocolate ALOHA protein shake reminded her a lot of the chocolate Ripple Vegan Protein Shake, at least in terms of flavor.
To give you a more detailed look at how these plant-based protein shakes stack up to each other, we’ve included a direct comparison of their specs in the table below.
| ALOHA | Ripple | |
| Price per serving | $3.33 | $2.83 for a 12-pack; $3.25 for a 4-pack |
| Serving size | 12 fl oz (1 bottle) | 12 fl oz (1 bottle) |
| Type of protein | Pea Protein, Brown Rice Protein | Pea Protein |
| Protein content | 20 g | 20 g |
| Carb content | 11-12 g (Includes 2-3 g dietary fiber) | 12-13 g (Includes 1-2 g dietary fiber, 9 g added sugars) |
| Fat content | 5-6 g | 7-8 g |
| Notable ingredients | Fair Trade Coconut Milk, Coconut Sugar, Monk Fruit Extract, MCT Oil | Cane Sugar, Vegetable Oil (Sunflower or Safflower Oil), Monk Fruit Extract |
| Flavors | Chocolate Sea Salt, Coconut, Vanilla | Chocolate, Coffee, Vanilla |
| Third-party testing | Organic, Non-GMO, and Fair Trade Certified ingredients | Non-GMO |
Customer Experience
While the shake itself is excellent, ALOHA’s return policy falls short. They don’t allow returns or provide refunds once an order has been shipped, citing food safety concerns. This is true whether you order directly from the ALOHA website or from Amazon.
Unfortunately, this makes trying their shakes for the first time a little risky. You’ll need to be willing to eat the cost in case you don’t like them. We gave the customer experience 1 out of 5 stars for this reason.
Customer Reviews
These shakes are highly rated with 4.8 out of 5 stars from 147 reviews on the ALOHA website.
Customers love the fact that it’s “dairy-free, high in protein, free from refined sugars, and tasty!” Many appreciate the lack of artificial sweeteners and strange aftertastes common to protein shakes. They also say it’s a convenient way to meet their protein goals.
ALOHA protein shakes are rated slightly lower on Amazon, with a 4-star rating from about 150 reviews. Here, reviews are mixed on taste and consistency. We also saw claims that customers were repeatedly sent the wrong flavor and had trouble getting the issue corrected.
Overall, however, most people seem happy with their purchase and mention how much more they like the ALOHA shakes than other plant-based protein shakes they’ve tried.
Final Verdict of Our ALOHA Protein Shakes Review
ALOHA has some of the tastiest vegan protein shakes our whey-loving product tester has tried. We loved the 20 grams of complete, organic plant-based protein and the lack of refined sugars and artificial ingredients. We also appreciated the commitment to sustainability.
Of course, no shake is perfect. This one is more expensive and higher in saturated fat than similar vegan protein shakes, and the company doesn’t offer returns or refunds.
ALOHA protein shakes could be a good option if you:
- Aren’t drinking them for the MCTs or prebiotic benefits
- Can afford a pricier shake
- Can balance the saturated fat content with the rest of your diet
- Don’t mind a few grams of added sugars
Full Rating
ALOHA Protein Shakes
Aloha Organic Protein Shakes are made with no artificial ingredients, and pack 20 grams of protein in each 12-ounce shake. The shakes come in four different flavors and have plant-based protein, making them gluten-free, dairy-free, and also soy-free. The combination of pea protein and brown rice protein makes this shake have all essential amino acids, along with prebiotics and electrolytes.
Product Currency: $
Product Price: 39.99
Product In-Stock: InStock
4.1
ALOHA Protein Shakes: FAQs
Is ALOHA protein powder a complete protein?
Yes, ALOHA protein powder is made from a complementary protein blend of pea protein, brown rice protein, hemp seed protein, and pumpkin seed protein.
When combined, these proteins provide a balanced combination of amino acids equivalent to a complete protein.
What is the healthiest type of protein shake?
Plant protein vs animal protein are both effective for meeting your protein needs. Choose a complete plant protein source (like soy) or a blend of complementary proteins, such as pea and rice, to get the most muscle-building benefits. It’s also a good idea to choose a shake that’s low in added sugars.
Is ALOHA a meal replacement?
ALOHA is meant to be used as a protein supplement, not a meal replacement. They aren’t fortified with the key vitamins and minerals you’d typically find in a meal replacement shake.
Has anyone lost weight with protein shakes?
While not necessary, protein shakes are good for weight loss as long as they’re consumed while in a calorie deficit, according to a June 2022 randomized controlled trial3.
Higher-protein diets can help boost weight loss by helping you feel more full. They also take more energy to digest4.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases.
References
- Kolida, S., & Gibson, G. R. (2007). Prebiotic capacity of inulin-type fructans. The Journal of Nutrition, 137(11 Suppl), 2503S–2506S. https://doi.org/10.1093/jn/137.11.2503S
- Schwingshackl, L., & Schlesinger, S. (2023). Coconut Oil and Cardiovascular Disease Risk. Current atherosclerosis reports, 25(5), 231–236. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11883-023-01098-y
- Glynn, E. L., Fleming, S. A., Edwards, C. G., Wilson, M. J., Evans, M., & Leidy, H. J. (2022). Consuming a Protein and Fiber-Based Supplement Preload Promotes Weight Loss and Alters Metabolic Markers in Overweight Adults in a 12-Week, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. The Journal of nutrition, 152(6), 1415–1425. https://doi.org/10.1093/jn/nxac038
- Calcagno, M., Kahleova, H., Alwarith, J., Burgess, N. N., Flores, R. A., Busta, M. L., & Barnard, N. D. (2019). The Thermic Effect of Food: A Review. Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 38(6), 547–551. https://doi.org/10.1080/07315724.2018.1552544
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