Chocho Protein Powder: The Complete Plant Protein Bean

Published at: August 20, 2025

Quick answer: Chocho (Lupinus mutabilis) is a type of lupin bean grown high in the Ecuadorian Andes. Chocho protein powder is minimally processed, non-isolate, and non-lectin, making it one of the most easily digestible plant proteins available. It's also one of the only plant proteins in the world with a complete 9/9 essential amino acid profile — putting it on par with animal proteins for amino acid completeness, without the digestive downsides common in other plant proteins.

While we are huge fans of plant proteins, most of them are highly processed and hard to digest which can cause bloating and other gut issues. When Lisa and Lexi were creating all the products for Kroma Wellness, they were on a mission to find a better-for-you plant protein. After searching the world for years, they were thrilled to discover Chocho bean protein, a truly superior source of nourishment.

What is Chocho?

Chocho (Lupinus mutabilis) is a type of lupin flower grown above 10k ft in Ecuador. The flower produces pods full of edible beans rich in protein. So, what is chocho protein powder exactly? It is a minimally processed, non isolate, and non lectin protein, making it easier on your digestion. Plus, it's the only plant protein in the world with 9/9 essential amino acids. Loaded with antioxidants, fiber, omegas, vitamins, minerals, and calcium, the benefits of Chocho protein are unmatched.

Grown at high altitude in the chocho plant's native Andean soil, this lupin bean has been a staple protein source in Ecuador and Peru for centuries — long before it caught the attention of the modern plant-protein world. Its complete amino acid profile and minimal processing are what set chocho bean protein apart from the isolates and concentrates that dominate the plant protein aisle.

Chocho Protein vs. Whey, Soy, and Pea Protein

If you're comparing chocho plant protein to the more familiar options on the shelf, here's how it stacks up:

	Chocho	Whey	Soy	Pea
Complete amino profile (9/9)	Yes	Yes	Yes	No (low methionine)
Processing level	Minimal, non-isolate	Isolate/concentrate	Isolate	Isolate
Dairy-free	Yes	No	Yes	Yes
Common allergen	No (non-lectin)	Yes (dairy)	Yes (soy)	Rarely
Digestibility	High — minimal bloating	Moderate; can bloat	Moderate	Moderate; gritty texture
Fiber content	High	None	Low	Low

The standout difference is processing. Whey, soy, and pea proteins are almost always isolates or concentrates — meaning the protein has been extracted and stripped of its surrounding fiber, fat, and nutrients. Chocho protein powder is minimally processed, which is why it retains fiber and a broader nutrient profile while still delivering a complete amino acid spectrum.

Kroma + Chocho: We Love Chocho Plant Protein

Not only do we love singing the praises of Chocho, but we also love using chocho protein powder in our products! In fact, we love this plant protein so much that we use it in all of our Superfood Smoothies as well as our Super Porridge, Veggie Broth and our award-winning OMG Cookie Butter. Browse our full Protein Collection to see every product built around this ingredient.

Superfood Smoothies

Load up on effortless nutrition with our enriching plant-based smoothies. Get your protein fix, gut support, and antioxidants with our three delicious Superfood Smoothies with chocho protein powder, the most nutrient-dense plant protein on the planet!

Sip on our Vanilla Cinnamon Plant-Based Protein for a metabolism boost, or support your immunity by enjoying a glass of our Cacao Banana Plant-Based Protein is also great for energizing and elevating mood. Enjoy them before or after a workout or as a meal replacement to nourish, replenish and energize.

Super Porridge

Move over eggs, hello Super Porridge! What's not to love about a tasty medley of almonds, walnuts, pecans, coconut, hemp seeds, and Chocho plant protein to start your day and ignite your metabolism? Rich in fiber, healthy fats, antioxidants, and omegas, it's the perfect addition to any morning ritual.

Enjoy it on its own, or add fresh fruit or non-dairy milk for an extra splash of flavor. It’s the simplest way to begin your day awakened and delighted.

A bowl of prepared Kroma Super Porridge with fruit.

OMG Cookie Butter

Guilt-free goodness. Our OMG Cookie Butter is OMG delish. Every indulgent superfood-filled bite has powerful antioxidants, healthy omega fats, Chocho protein powder and a hint of sweet to help you feel satisfied and energized. While it's a delicious snack on its own, our decadent OMG Cookie Butter also pairs well with our Super Porridge and superfood smoothies so you can get the most out of every superfood ingredient.

Veggie Broth

Get your daily dose. Our nourishing Veggie Broth is packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and eleven vegetables and herbs from organic ingredients like turmeric, spinach, and kale. Plus, it’s enriched with traditional Japanese red miso along with our Chocho plant protein to support immunity, energy and digestion.

Delicious warm or cold, enjoy it for lunch, dinner, or in between, and don’t be afraid to add more fresh veggies. The more the merrier!

The Bottom Line

While Chocho might sound like it's too good to be true, it's truly a revolutionary plant protein that can help revitalize your diet and improve your digestion. At Kroma, we believe in the power of food as medicine, which is why we strive to offer only the most nourishing superfoods made with the most nutrient-rich ingredients, including chocho protein powder.

Our Deluxe 5-Day Reset incorporates all these nourishing superfoods into a life-changing, easy-to-follow superfood and beverage regimen. A seamless addition to your everyday routine, the 5-Day Reset comes with 45 meal and beverage sachets (including the Chocho-rich products mentioned above!), essential accessories, extra treats, and a Reset Guide to help you transform your body, mind, and soul.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chocho Protein

What is chocho protein powder made from?

Chocho protein powder is made from the beans of the chocho plant (Lupinus mutabilis), a type of lupin grown at high altitude in the Ecuadorian Andes. The beans are minimally processed into a non-isolate, non-lectin protein powder that retains fiber and nutrients typically stripped out of more processed plant proteins.

Is chocho protein a complete protein?

Yes — chocho is one of the only plant proteins in the world with all 9 essential amino acids in meaningful amounts, making it a complete protein. This puts it in the same category as animal proteins for amino acid completeness, which is uncommon among plant-based sources.

How does chocho protein compare to whey protein?

Chocho protein is dairy-free, minimally processed, and easier to digest for many people, while whey is a dairy-derived isolate that can cause bloating in those with lactose sensitivity. Both are complete proteins, but chocho retains more of its natural fiber and nutrient profile due to its minimal processing.

Does chocho protein cause bloating?

Chocho protein is specifically valued for being easier on digestion than many other plant proteins. Because it's non-isolate and non-lectin, it tends to cause less bloating and gut discomfort than heavily processed pea, soy, or rice protein isolates.

Where can I find chocho protein powder?

Chocho protein powder isn't widely available as a standalone product — Kroma Wellness uses it as a core ingredient across its Superfood Smoothies, Super Porridge, Veggie Broth, and OMG Cookie Butter, making it easy to get without sourcing the raw ingredient yourself.

Is chocho the same as lupin beans?

Chocho is a specific variety of lupin (Lupinus mutabilis) native to the Ecuadorian and Peruvian Andes. While it's part of the broader lupin bean family, chocho has a distinct nutrient and amino acid profile and a long history as a staple protein source in Andean cuisine.

Last Edited: July 24, 2026

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