Orgain
Chocolate Brownie
TL:DR
In 2 Sentences
An organic, vegan bar that delivers a distinctly brownie-like bite—thanks to real chocolate chips and alkalized cocoa—at just 150 calories with 10g of complementary rice‑and‑pea protein.
When to choose Orgain Chocolate Brownie
A light, plant‑based snack between meals or pre‑workout when you want a chocolate fix without a sugar surge. Especially good for folks avoiding dairy and soy who still want something that tastes like a treat.
What's in the Orgain bar?
Orgain’s Chocolate Brownie Protein Bar gets its brownie cred from alkalized cocoa, real chocolate chips (cane sugar, chocolate liquor, cocoa butter, vanilla), and a splash of chocolate fudge flavor—think cocoa-forward, not candy-bar sweet.
The protein is strictly plant-based: an organic blend of brown rice protein and pea-protein crisps, with ground chia lending a quiet assist. At just 150 calories, it’s a lighter snack than most bars.
Carbs lean more refined (tapioca syrup and a fiber-like isomalto-oligosaccharide) than whole‑grain, while fats come mainly from almond butter with a little cocoa butter. Translation: brownie flavor, modest sugar, and a clean, dairy‑free protein base—more everyday snack than meal replacement.
- Protein
- 10 g
- Fat
- 5 g
- Carbohydrates
- 19 g
- Sugar
- 6 g
- Calories
- 150
Protein
1015LOWThe 10g of protein come from an organic plant blend built on brown rice protein and pea‑protein crisps, with a small boost from chia and almond butter. Rice and pea proteins complement each other’s amino acid gaps, giving a more balanced plant protein than either alone. It’s a lighter hit than a 20‑gram whey bar, but clean and fully dairy‑free.
Fat
59LOWAt 5g, fat is on the low side and comes mostly from organic almond butter (rich in monounsaturated fats), with smaller contributions from cocoa butter in the chocolate chips and chia’s ALA omega‑3s. That means more nut‑ and seed‑derived fats, fewer highly processed seed oils, and a lighter feel overall. Saturated fat here is primarily stearic from cocoa butter, which is considered relatively neutral for cholesterol compared with some other saturates.
Carbs
1920MIDMost of the 19g of carbs come from refined starch‑based binders: tapioca syrup for quick energy and a processed, fiber‑like syrup (isomalto‑oligosaccharide) that adds bulk and mild sweetness. A bit also comes from rice flour in the crisps and naturally from cocoa and nuts. Expect faster fuel than you’d get from oats or dates, tempered somewhat by the bar’s protein and fiber.
Sugar
64MIDWith 6g of sugar, sweetness is split between the cane sugar in the chocolate chips and some tapioca syrup. The rest is propped up by erythritol (a zero‑calorie sugar alcohol) and a refined, fiber‑like syrup (isomalto‑oligosaccharide), which lower sugar grams without making the bar taste austere. This keeps sugars modest, though sensitive stomachs may notice polyols or fiber‑like syrups at higher personal intakes.
Calories
150210LOWAt 150 calories, this sits on the low end for protein bars. Most calories are driven by the carb binders, with protein next and relatively little coming from fat. That makes it a tidy between‑meal snack or pre‑workout bite rather than a full meal stand‑in.
Vitamins & Minerals
No standout vitamin fortification here. You’ll get a small iron nudge (about 8% DV) likely from cocoa and the pea/rice proteins, plus traces of calcium and potassium from nuts and seeds. Consider the bar a protein‑and‑energy play, not a micronutrient delivery system.
Additives
To keep texture soft and cohesive, the recipe uses sunflower lecithin (emulsifier), vegetable glycerin (moisture), erythritol (zero‑calorie bulk sweetener), and isomalto‑oligosaccharide (a refined starch syrup that can act partly like fiber). These are common, highly processed tools in low‑sugar bars. Most people tolerate them, but polyols and fiber‑like syrups can cause gas or bloating for sensitive guts.
Ingredient List
Yellow pea seeds
Rice grain (Oryza sativa)
Chia plant seeds (Salvia hispanica)
Corn or tapioca
Cassava starch
Ground roasted almonds
Sugarcane stalks
Roasted cacao nibs from cocoa beans
Cocoa beans
Vanilla orchid seed pods
What are people saying?
Sources
Range
“The orgain protein snack bars are delicious and only 4 points. I like the chocolate chip cookie dough one. Plus they are vegan if thats your thing. Highly recommend”
“I was just thinking of trying this with orgain bars when I get my creami. I find orgain taste better”
“Orgain ones (choco peanut butter) are also good for a sweet kick”
Main Praise
Taste is the headliner. Multiple Amazon reviewers call Orgain bars "delicious" and a "go‑to," with one buyer eating them daily without flavor fatigue.
Across 4,864 ratings, the line averages 4. 4 stars, and Good Housekeeping praised the not‑overly‑sweet chocolate profile and the tidy, cohesive texture.
Plant‑based eaters appreciate the organic, vegan, gluten‑free, dairy‑ and soy‑free‑by‑ingredient formula—rare credentials at this calorie level. On Reddit, lifters and runners mention they’re a solid sweet fix; one Amazon reviewer even uses them as a pre‑run boost because they sit light yet give quick energy.
The big picture praise: dependable flavor, gentle portion size, and broad diet compatibility.
Main Criticism
If you’re chasing a post‑lift wallop, 10g of protein may feel light—Redditor lonelygem put it plainly: not as much protein for the calories as some bars. Several buyers also wish for more fiber and a bit less added sweetness; one Amazon review called out the lower fiber compared with competitors.
Medical News Today’s roundup flagged that some find certain Orgain bars too sweet or a bit gritty, and Good Housekeeping noted the inclusion of erythritol can bother sensitive stomachs.
Aesthetics got roasted by one frank Amazon reviewer who said the bar “looks like a turd,” and a few Reddit comments mention that some flavors can be tricky to find locally.
Finally, there’s pea protein in the blend—fine for most, but not ideal if you know you’re sensitive to it.
The Middle Ground
So where does the truth land? This is a snack bar first, not a meal replacement or a 20–25g protein hitter.
The modest sugar (6 grams) comes partly from real chocolate chips and tapioca syrup, then is dialed back with tools like erythritol and a fiber‑like syrup—choices that keep calories low but won’t thrill every stomach.
Reviews split on sweetness: Good Housekeeping found it not overly sweet, while some readers and Amazon commenters wanted less. That’s palate, not a plot twist.
Texture and appearance quibbles are real, yet many still praise how it chews—cohesive and brownie‑ish rather than crumbly. And yes, carbs lean more refined binders than oats or dates; that’s largely why you’re getting chocolate flavor and 150 calories instead of a dense, whole‑food brick.
If you want maximal protein or zero polyols, look elsewhere. If you want an organic, dairy‑free bar that tastes like an actual chocolate snack and won’t weigh you down, this hits the mark.
What's the bottom line?
Orgain’s Chocolate Brownie Protein Bar is a smart pick for the chocolate‑lover who wants a light, plant‑based snack: 150 calories, 10g of complementary rice‑and‑pea protein, and a cocoa‑forward bite that reads as brownie, not candy bar. It’s organic and broadly allergen‑friendly by ingredient (no dairy or soy listed), with the honest caveat that its low‑sugar strategy uses erythritol and a refined, fiber‑like syrup that some guts don’t adore. Choose it when you need something quick before a workout, a mid‑afternoon chocolate pause, or a tidy travel companion that won’t derail dinner.
Skip it if you’re aiming for 20+ grams of protein per bar, prefer whole‑food sweeteners only, or know sugar alcohols don’t agree with you. Practical tweak: pair it with a piece of fruit or a handful of nuts to bump fiber or protein on days you need more staying power.
Condensed listicle version: A true chocolate fix in a small package—150 calories, 10g plant protein, and organic ingredients with a brownie‑leaning taste. Great for dairy‑free or soy‑free snackers; lighter on protein and fiber than heavy hitters, and it uses erythritol, which some may not tolerate well.