8 Protein Shake Recipes That Feel Like a Treat

May 1, 2024

Courtesy of Clean and Delicious

Shakes and smoothies can be a convenient way to get a good shot of your daily protein, important for keeping you feeling full and energized, and for building muscle. You can make a protein shake with just a few simple ingredients, or toss in all kinds of extras, like supplements or frozen veggies. No matter which way you go, you’ll look forward to these protein shake recipes, which are full of good nutrition but taste so indulgent, they feel like a treat.

You asked: What can I put in my shake for protein?

There are many choices to bump up the protein in your shakes:

Protein powder
Greek yogurt
Kefir
Cottage cheese
Tofu
Nuts, seeds, and nut and seed butters (such as peanut butter or tahini)

Is it OK to drink a protein shake daily?

It’s fine to lean on protein shakes to reach your daily protein goals, as long as you use quality ingredients. Also, make sure you eat well balanced meals and snacks for the rest of the day, with the majority made up of whole, unprocessed foods. In other words, a protein shake a day is fine, as long as you’re not also relying on lots of protein bars and other processed snacks.

1. Strawberry Protein Shake

With just three ingredients, this is a quick, indulgent shake you can whip up in seconds after a workout or whenever you want a protein boost (it has 27 grams). The recipe calls for vanilla protein powder, but you could swap in chocolate for a twist. Frozen strawberries are a great source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

Try this recipe from Protein Cakery.

2. Fresh & Minty Pineapple and Spinach Smoothie

Talk about refreshing — this smoothie, which combines frozen pineapple with fresh mint, is just the thing to cool you off on a warm day. Plus, not only does it have 20 grams of protein, it’s also chock-full of healthy ingredients, like oats, spinach, flax seeds, and Greek yogurt.

Try this recipe from Hurry The Food Up.

3. Creamy Chocolate Protein Smoothie

A chocolate shake may be the ultimate treat — and this one is good for you, so that’s a win-win. With unsweetened cocoa powder on top of chocolate protein powder, it’s rich and luscious. If you can’t find unsweetened vanilla almond milk, use plain and add a splash of vanilla extract.

Try this recipe from Oh Snap Macros.

4. PB and J Protein Shake

A peanut butter-and-jelly combo takes us right back to childhood, and in this shake, it’s a fun and tasty way to get 19 grams of protein and 12 grams of fiber. There’s no actual jelly in it; that sweet fruit flavor comes from a mix of berries and half of an apple. Of course the recipe calls for peanut butter, but you can use powdered or a different nut butter, if you prefer.

Try this recipe from Skinny Ms.

5. Orange Protein Shake

Brighten up your day with an orange-vanilla combo that will make you feel like you’re enjoying a creamsicle ice cream bar. Along with vitamin C from the orange and potassium from the banana, you’ll get 26 grams of protein in this sweet shake.

Try this recipe from A Sweet Pea Chef.

6. Banana Protein Shake

Speaking of bananas, these sweet fruits often play a background role in smoothies, but they take center stage in this shake. The banana adds creaminess and natural sweetness here, along with a host of nutrients. Sprinkle in a little cinnamon, if you like.

Try this recipe from Eating Bird Food.

7. Chocolate Raspberry Protein Smoothie

Chocolate and raspberries go so well together, and in this luscious shake, the combo gets you 24 grams of protein and 11 grams of fiber. Swap in chocolate protein powder for the vanilla in this recipe for even more chocolate flavor.

Try this recipe from Clean and Delicious.

8. Iced Coffee Protein Shake

If coffee is a must for you in the mornings (same here!), this protein shake will be your jam. Combine cold coffee with protein powder, a frozen banana, and ice, and you’re on your way. Want even more coffee flavor? Make coffee ice cubes in advance and add them to the blender.

Try this recipe from Simply Happy Foodie.