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Looking to add a bit more protein into your diet? Then it’s about time you hopped on the protein shake bandwagon.
As it turns out, these tasty drinks aren’t just meant for body builders and people who want to look “buff”. Literally anyone can enjoy them.
Whether you’re looking to burn fat, build muscle, or just want a more satiating snack/breakfast, protein shakes are an amazing option to try out.
Plus the fact that they’re so quick and easy to make, and super delicious (when made right) makes them all the more worth the hype.
If you’re looking for the best protein shake recipes to enjoy, then you’re in the right place.
In this post, we’ll discuss exactly what protein shakes are, how to make them, as well as 25 super delicious protein shake recipes to satisfy your cravings.
Let’s get right into it.
Protein Shakes Vs Smoothies
At the basic level, protein shakes and smoothies are pretty similar. In most cases, both are made with a mix of fruits, and sometimes veggies, nuts, seeds and so on.
But in the case of the former, as the name implies, the protein content is much higher.
As you know, protein is one of the three important macronutrients (besides fats and carbohydrates), and therefore, getting enough of it is pretty important.
It helps to boost metabolism, promote satiety, and aid recovery after workouts, among other things. Protein shakes are a simple way to add this much-needed macronutrient to our diet and enjoy its benefits.
So then, how do you make them?
How To Make A Protein Shake
Making a protein shake is pretty easy, and is usually going to depend on the type of shake/drink you’re after, as well as your preferences.
Since a higher protein content is the goal here, let’s go over some of the best protein sources for your tasty smoothie/shake.
Popular Protein Sources
1) Protein Powder
You might have already guessed this by now. Protein powders are one of the easiest ways to add this much required macronutrient to your smoothie/drink.
Since they’re made by extracting the protein-rich parts of certain foods, they’re naturally high in said protein, and can also contain other important nutrients as well.
Depending on where they’re extracted from, they come in different varieties. Some of the main types include;
- Whey protein
- Casein protein
- Egg protein
- Pea protein
- Hemp protein
- Brown rice protein
- Soy protein, and so on
Your choice of protein powders will generally depend on your goals, dietary and food preferences, and so on.
For a more in-depth explanation, check out our comprehensive guide to protein powders here.
2) Nuts And Seeds
If you’re looking to enrich your drink through more “natural” means, nuts, nut butters and seeds are another amazing option to try out.
Most nuts and seeds are naturally high in protein, as well as healthy fats. Both of which can help promote satiety and leave you feeling full for hours. Not to mention they’re rich in a good number of important nutrients too.
Here’s a list of the top 10 nuts with the highest protein content (based on a one ounce serving).
- Peanuts – (7.3g)
- Almond nuts – (6g)
- Pistachios – (5.7g)
- Cashew nuts – (5.2g)
- Walnuts – (4.3g)
- Hazelnuts – (4.2g)
- Brazil nuts – (4.1g)
- Pine nuts – (3.9g)
- Pecan nuts – (2.6g)
- Macadamia nuts – (2.2g)
And for seeds (also based on a 1 ounce serving)
- Hemp Seeds – (9g)
- Pumpkin Seeds – (8.4g)
- Sesame Seeds – (5.8g)
- Sunflower – (5.5g)
- Flax Seeds – (5.2g)
- Chia Seeds – (4.7g)
Source: Nutrition Value
3) Yoghurt
Yoghurt is another amazing way to enrich your protein shake. Since it’s made from the fermentation of milk, it packs a pretty decent amount of protein.
A container (about 6 oz) of regular yoghurt can pack as much as 9g, while Greek yoghurt packs as much as 17g per container.
4) Other Possible Protein Sources
Some other protein-rich foods you can add into your smoothie/shake include
- Eggs – (6.3g per egg)
- Oats – (13g per 100g)
- Silken tofu – (4.4g per 100g)
- Milk (dairy) – (8g per cup)
- Soy milk – (6.3g per cup)
- Quinoa – (8.1g per cup)
- Cottage cheese (12g per ½ cup)
Other Protein Shake Add-ins
This is where the real creativity starts. Your protein shake doesn’t have to taste plain or boring. There are lots of yummy ingredients you could throw in.
- Fresh/frozen fruits (berries, banana, avocado, mango etc.)
- Veggies (spinach, kale, cucumber, cauliflower, etc.)
- Sweeteners (honey, dates, maple syrup, stevia, erythritol, etc.)
- Cocoa powder
- Spices (cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, and so on)
25 Delicious Protein Shake Recipes
Here are 25 incredible protein-rich shakes you’re going to want to make next. They’re full of healthy, good for you ingredients that’ll satisfy your cravings, keep you satiated, and help you burn fat.
1) Banana Protein Shake (38g)
Get the recipe at – A Sweet Pea Chef
2) Chocolate Protein Shake (30g)
Get the recipe at – Clean And Delicious
3) Strawberry Peanut Butter Protein Smoothie
Get the recipe at – Hello Frozen Bananas
4) Chocolate Mocha Fudge Protein Smoothie (33g)
Get the recipe at – Skinny Fitalicious
Also See: 20 Delicious Smoothie Bowl Recipes To Satisfy Your Cravings
5) Chocolate Protein Shake (Protein Powder-Free) (23g)
Get the recipe at – Minimalist Baker
6) Coffee Lovers Protein Shake (25g)
Get the recipe at – Love And Zest
7) Tropical Protein Smoothie (14g)
Get the recipe at – Healthy Fitness Meals
8) Keto Berry Protein Smoothie (16g)
Get the recipe at – Wholesome Yum
Also See: 13 Delicious Keto Smoothie Recipes For Weight Loss
9) Peanut Butter Protein Shake (40g)
Get the recipe at – Natalie’s Health
10) Healthy Lemon Cream Pie Protein Shake (33g)
Get the recipe at – Not Enough Cinnamon
11) Berry Protein Smoothie
Get the recipe at – Hannah Magee RD
12) Green Protein Power Breakfast Smoothie (20g)
Get the recipe at – I Love Vegan
Also See: 23 Healthy Breakfast Recipes To Make In Under 30 Minutes
13) Cocoa Almond Protein Smoothie (27g)
Get the recipe at – Kristine’s Kitchen
14) Creamsicle Protein Shake (17g)
Get the recipe at – Call Me PMC
15) Blueberry Vanilla Protein Shake (22g)
Get the recipe at – Jar Of Lemons
16) Healthy Green Protein Smoothie (15g)
Get the recipe at – The Busy Baker
Also See: 15 Delicious High Protein Vegan Breakfasts To Kickstart Your Day
17) Oreo Cookies & Cream Protein Shake with Greek Yogurt and Egg Whites (34g)
Get the recipe at – Health Beet
18) Pumpkin Pie Protein Smoothie (23g)
Get the recipe at – The Real Food Dietitians
19) Iced Coffee Protein Shake
Get the recipe at – Simply Happy Foodie
20) Chocolate Protein Shake (22g)
Get the recipe at – Chelsea’s Messy Apron
Also See: 35 High Protein Low Calorie Snacks For Weight Loss
21) Strawberry Protein Smoothie
Get the recipe at – Real Good Foodie
22) Apple Pie Protein Shake
Get the recipe at – Jennifer Meyering
23) Apple Cinnamon Smoothie (14)
Get the recipe at – The Recipe Well
24) Snickerdoodle Protein Shake (23g)
Get the recipe at – Oh So Delicioso
25) Easy Mango Protein Smoothie (28g)
