Ka'Chava, founded by Simon Malone in 2012, is on a mission to improve human health by combining over 85 plant-based proteins, essential nutrients, and what the company describes as "superfoods" into a single powder.

Ka'Chava comes in five flavors -- chocolate, vanilla, coconut acai, chai, and matcha -- to cater to a variety of taste preferences. Each flavor contains all three macronutrients, with each two-scoop serving supplying around 25 grams of plant-based protein, 6 grams of fat, and 20 grams of carbohydrates, all for just 240 calories. It also has 6 grams of fiber, helping to close the gap for the 95% of Americans who fall short of the recommended 25 grams per day for women and 38 grams per day for men. ( 3 )

The shake is free of artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners, and most major allergens, including milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, peanuts, soy, and wheat. However, Ka'Chava does contain sesame and coconut. Even though the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies coconut as a tree nut, it's technically a fruit, and most people with tree nut allergies can safely eat coconut, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. ( 4 )

One drawback we noticed is that, like most meal replacement shakes, Ka'Chava uses proprietary blends, sometimes called "secret ingredients," so the exact amount of each ingredient is not disclosed.

However, we do appreciate that Ka'Chava is tested in-house and by a third party to ensure its contents accurately reflect the nutrition label. KaChava's most recent meal replacement powders are now NSF Certified for Sport, which ensures they are free of 290 substances banned by major athletic organizations, that the contents match the label, and that there are no unsafe levels of contaminants. ( 5 , 6 )

Below, we'll look at the ingredients, price, and potential side effects to be aware of before purchasing Ka'Chava.

Ka'Chava has a 3.7 out of 5-star rating on Google. but only 2 stars on Trustpilot. Top ratings mention the shake's taste, quality ingredients, and ease of preparation.

Negative reviews mention poor customer service, and some users report a chalky taste with the chocolate flavor. Google customer Jacob W. says the product was great, but the customer service was lousy.

"When you automatically get a second bag and an additional charge to your credit card a month later, they make the return process very difficult. It's a shame the product is marketed this way because the quality is quite good," he notes.

Ka'Chava protein powder contains a long list of ingredients grouped into eight blends, including a proprietary mix of greens, probiotics, digestive enzymes, and more. Here's a closer look at what makes Ka'Chava so nutritious.

Each serving of Ka'Chava supplies 25 grams of what the brand says is complete protein from a blend of yellow pea protein, organic brown rice protein, organic amaranth, organic quinoa, and organic sacha inchi.

Studies suggest that consuming two to three meals per day, each containing 25 to 30 grams of protein, can help stimulate muscle growth and preserve existing muscle mass. ( 7 )

To better understand Ka'Chava's nutrient profile, we reached out to company support. They told us that Ka'Chava has a complete amino acid profile, derived from a blend of pea protein, rice protein, and sacha inchi protein. (The specific breakdown of this nutrient profile varies slightly by flavor.) This is important because plant-based protein sources may be limited in the amounts of certain essential amino acids they contain. ( 8 )

This blend includes 6 grams of fiber, or 21% of the daily value (DV), from ingredients like whole-grain oats, chia seeds, acacia gum, and flaxseed. Fiber is a carbohydrate that supports healthy bowel movements and prevents constipation. It also supports healthy cholesterol levels and adds bulk to your diet, helping to promote satiety and weight management. ( 9 , 10 )

Chia seeds and flax, in particular, are known for their high alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) content, which the body converts into the other heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, DHA and EPA. ( 11 ) However, since the exact amount in the blend isn't disclosed, we don't recommend relying solely on this shake to meet your daily omega-3 needs.

Ka'Chava contains antioxidant-rich superfruits such as acai berry, camu camu, and maqui berry. Antioxidants are known for their ability to neutralize free radicals, preventing them from causing cellular damage. Over time, free radicals can build up, increasing the risk for chronic diseases, including cancer. ( 12 )

Depending on the flavor, the shake may contain up to seven grams of added sugar, primarily from organic coconut nectar. Coconut nectar is high in antioxidants and lower on the glycemic index (GI) than table sugar. This means it causes a slower rise in blood sugar levels, which may benefit people who need to watch their blood sugar. ( 13 )

However, it's still considered added sugar, which should be limited to no more than 10% of your total daily calories. ( 14 )

On Ka'Chava's Nutrition Facts label, you'll find a list of 25 vitamins and minerals, similar to what you'd expect on a supplement label. Below is a breakdown of the vitamins and minerals in Ka'Chava that provide more than 100% and over 50% of the recommended daily value.

We are impressed with Ka'Chava's nutrient profile. Sixteen of its 25 micronutrients provide at least 50% of the daily recommended value, including vitamin B12, which can be hard to get in vegan diets. Ka'Chava also provides 25% of the DV for vitamin D, 35% of the DV for calcium, and 20% of the DV for iron -- potential nutrients of concern in vegan diet patterns. ( 1 )

Vitamin B12 is needed for red blood cell formation, DNA production, and nerve function. Some evidence suggests that vegans may require higher amounts than recommended to prevent deficiency. Vitamin D and calcium are important for strong bones, and iron is vital to oxygen transport in the blood and prevent anemia. ( 1 )

Some nutrients are naturally derived from the shake's whole food ingredients, while others are added. Although it's unclear how much is added versus naturally occurring, we appreciate the brand's transparency in listing the total nutrient content.

Ka'Chava's adaptogen blend includes medicinal mushrooms, including reishi and shiitake, plus ginger and maca root. Adaptogens are herbs, roots, and mushrooms believed to help the body adapt to stress and restore balance. ( 15 , 16 )

Ka'Chava's super greens blend includes a plethora of organic vegetables: beetroot, chlorella, kale, parsley, celery, cauliflower, spinach, asparagus, garlic, carrot, cabbage, green onion, moringa, broccoli, brussels sprouts, green pepper, cucumber, and tomato. It also includes green tea. This blend may help fill nutritional gaps in your diet, especially if you don't consistently eat a variety of vegetables. However, more research is needed to determine whether powdered greens blends offer meaningful health benefits.

This blend contains inulin, a soluble fiber that acts as a prebiotic, feeding the good bacteria in the gut. It also contains the probiotics Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus acidophilus , which are good bacteria that promote a healthy bacterial balance in the digestive tract.

Lactobacillus rhamnosus , now scientifically known as Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus , can produce lactic acid, which may help protect against the buildup of toxins in the gut. ( 17 )

Lactobacillus acidophilus , on the other hand, is commonly used for antibiotic-associated diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). ( 18 )

Unfortunately, Ka'Chava doesn't provide information on the amount of colony-forming units (CFU) supplied by the probiotics it includes, making it difficult to determine its potential effectiveness. For reference, most probiotic supplements contain at least one billion CFU. ( 19 )

The final blend comprises five digestive enzymes: amylase, protease, lipase, lactase, and cellulase.

Digestive enzymes help your body break down the food you eat into smaller pieces so you can get the most out of its nutrients. ( 20 ) The body naturally produces digestive enzymes, and supplementation is generally not required unless there is an enzyme deficiency or a medical condition, such as a pancreatic disorder. ( 21 )

Ka'Chava is NSF Certified for Sport, meaning it meets strict standards for quality, safety, and label accuracy. However, making any change to your diet can cause side effects. Plus, it contains some ingredients that may cause side effects in certain people.

For example, Ka'Chava is high in fiber. If you aren't used to a high-fiber diet, it may initially cause bloating, gas, or digestive upset as your body adjusts. Gradually incorporating fiber into your diet with half the recommended serving size may help minimize discomfort. ( 22 )

The shake also contains inulin, a high FODMAP food that may cause digestive discomfort in people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). ( 23 )

Due to its high potassium content (425 mg per serving), people with kidney disease should consult their doctor before trying Ka'Chava. The shake also contains added fat-soluble vitamins A and E, which are more likely to accumulate in the body of individuals with kidney issues. ( 24 , 25 )

Ka'Chava costs $69.95 for a 15-serving bag or about $4.67 per serving before shipping. This means if you plan on drinking it daily, you'll pay around $140 per month. Although this seems steep, it's comparable in price to other quality meal replacement shakes on the market.

If you enroll in the subscription plan, you can save $10 per bag, and if you purchase more than one bag, you'll qualify for free shipping. All orders over $99 ship free.

If you're unhappy with your chosen flavor, Ka'Chava offers a "Love-It Guarantee," which allows you to exchange the product within 30 days for a different flavor or receive a store credit.

Huel and Ka'Chava are both vegan meal replacement shakes made with plant-based proteins like peas and rice. They are free from artificial sweeteners, gluten-free, and packed with over 26 vitamins and minerals. Like Ka'Chava, Huel is high in fiber and relatively low in added sugar.

However, there are some key differences. While Ka'Chava powder must be mixed with water, Huel comes ready to drink. It's slightly higher in price, costing an extra $0.16 per serving ($4.83 per bottle). Huel offers more protein, fat, and calories, with 35 grams of protein, 17 grams of fat, and 400 calories per serving, compared to Ka'Chava's 25 grams of protein, 6 grams of fat, and 240 calories.

On the other hand, Ka'Chava contains more whole-food ingredients and includes a blend of adaptogens, digestive enzymes, and probiotics to support digestion.

For a higher-protein, higher-calorie shake, Huel may be a better option. But if you're looking for a lighter meal or snack with added superfoods and digestive benefits, Ka'Chava could be the way to go.

We're committed to providing reviews you can trust. That means testing each product we recommend, providing you with genuine and impartial feedback. Learn more about our supplements testing methodology for more information on each factor. From ingredient purity to efficacy to taste and more, here's how we evaluated the protein powders in this review.