Taste Test: Cherry, Raspberry, and Dark Chocolate Protein Smoothies – An Organic Review

If you love the sweet-tart punch of berries paired with rich dark chocolate, a smoothie built around cherry, raspberry, and cacao is worth a closer look. These flavors combine into a satisfying, dessert-like drink that also packs plant-based protein. But how do they actually taste, blend, and fill you up?

We tested several organic smoothie options from Daily Harvest that lean into this flavor profile, including the Mixed Berry Protein and the Cold Brew + Almond (which adds a mocha twist). Here’s our honest review of the taste, texture, and overall experience.

Flavor Profile: Sweet Tart Meets Deep Cacao

Cherry and raspberry bring a bright, slightly tangy sweetness that cuts through the richness of dark chocolate. In the Mixed Berry Protein smoothie, you get a balanced berry base with a hint of chocolate from the protein blend. The result is more nuanced than a standard chocolate shake—think berry cacao rather than candy bar.

For a deeper chocolate hit, try the Cold Brew + Almond. While it’s not strictly berry-based, its cold brew coffee and almond notes pair surprisingly well with a handful of frozen cherries or raspberries if you want to customize. The dark chocolate flavor here is subtle but present, making it a good option for those who prefer a less sweet smoothie.

• Tip: If you want a stronger cherry-raspberry taste, blend the Mixed Berry Protein with a splash of tart cherry juice or extra frozen raspberries.

Texture and Blendability: Chunky or Creamy?

All Daily Harvest smoothies come pre-portioned in frozen cups, so you just add your liquid of choice. The Mixed Berry Protein blends into a thick, creamy consistency with a slight graininess from the chia and flax seeds (a plus for fiber). It’s not icy or watery, even when blended with water instead of milk.

The Cold Brew + Almond is naturally thinner due to the coffee base, but still smooth. If you’re after a richer mouthfeel, use oat or almond milk rather than water. Both smoothies hold up well in a standard blender, though you may need to scrape down the sides once or twice.

• Tip: For an extra-creamy texture, blend with half a frozen banana or a spoonful of nut butter.

Nutrition and Satiety: Protein That Actually Fills You Up

Each smoothie cup contains around 10–12 grams of plant-based protein from pea and flax. That’s enough to keep you satisfied for a few hours, especially when paired with a handful of nuts or a side of toast. The Mixed Berry Protein also delivers 5 grams of fiber, which helps with digestion and fullness.

If you’re comparing these to a whey-based shake, the texture is lighter and less cloying. The dark chocolate flavor in the protein blend isn’t overly sweet, so it works well as a post-workout refresher or a mid-afternoon snack without a sugar crash.

• Tip: For a higher-protein breakfast, blend the Mixed Berry Protein with a scoop of your favorite unflavored plant protein powder (the berry flavor masks it well).

How It Compares to Other Organic Smoothie Flavors

If you’re a fan of berry-chocolate combos, the Mixed Berry Protein is a clear winner. It’s more balanced than the Tropical Greens Protein (which is greener and less sweet) and more interesting than a plain strawberry banana. The Cold Brew + Almond is a great alternative if you want a coffee kick without the dairy.

For a truly fruit-forward option, the Blueberry + Lemon is brighter and tangier, while the Nutty Banana Protein is creamier and nuttier. The cherry-raspberry-dark chocolate profile sits right in the middle—indulgent but not heavy, sweet but not cloying.

• Tip: If you’re new to organic smoothies, start with the Mixed Berry Protein—it’s the most crowd-pleasing flavor in this category.

The cherry-raspberry-dark chocolate combination in Daily Harvest’s Mixed Berry Protein smoothie delivers a genuinely satisfying flavor that feels like a treat without the sugar overload. It blends easily, fills you up with plant-based protein and fiber, and works as a versatile base for custom add-ins. If you’re looking for a frozen fruit smoothie product that tastes good and keeps you going, this one earns a solid recommendation.