Protein Milkshake

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5 from 4 votes
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This creamy, decadent protein milkshake recipe uses simple ingredients and packs over 30 grams of protein. I love the endless flavor combinations!

Need more high-protein drinks? Try my chocolate protein shake, peanut butter protein shake, coffee protein shake, and protein coffee next.

protein milkshakes.

I love protein shakes as much as the next guy, but I can’t be fooled into thinking of them as ‘dessert.’ So, I started making healthy milkshakes with protein powder. It’s a delicious way to meet my macros for the day, and it actually TASTES like dessert. Win-win!

Table of Contents
  1. Why I love this recipe
  2. Ingredients needed
  3. How to make protein milkshakes
  4. Arman’s recipe tips
  5. Storage instructions
  6. More high protein snacks
  7. Protein Milkshake Recipe (Recipe Card)

Why I love this recipe

  • 30+ grams of protein. These help me build muscle, have more energy, and curb’s my appetite between meals.
  • Easy to customize. I’m starting off with the vanilla protein milkshake (my favorite!), but I also included several delicious flavor combinations. 
  • Simple ingredients. No lengthy ingredient list here. Just a few kitchen staples and some fun toppings. 
  • Doesn’t taste like a protein treat. Smooth, creamy, and feeds your soul, like all good milkshakes should.
protein powder milkshake.

Ingredients needed

  • Protein powder. I used bourbon vanilla brown rice protein powder, but any type of protein powder will do. Just make sure it has a flavor you enjoy, as it’s a main component in the shake. 
  • Milk. I used unsweetened almond milk, but any milk works. For extra protein, use Fairlife ultra-filtered milk (it has almost double the protein of any other milk) or even cow’s milk (6-7 grams of protein per cup).
  • Ice cream. For the vanilla shake, I used vanilla ice cream.
  • Vanilla extract. A must for any good milkshake. 
  • Ice cubes. For blending. 
  • Toppings. I topped mine with whipped cream, sprinkles, and cherries, but play around with whatever toppings you like!

Flavor variations

While I’m partial to my vanilla ice cream shakes, I had to include some popular flavor combinations so you can shake things up (no pun intended)! 

  • Chocolate. Use chocolate protein powder and add one teaspoon of cocoa powder. 
  • Strawberry. Add one cup of fresh or frozen strawberries.
  • Cookies and cream. Add one cup of crushed Oreos, plus more for garnish. 
  • Chocolate peanut butter. Use chocolate protein powder, add one tablespoon of creamy peanut butter, and top with crushed peanuts. 
  • Malted. Add two tablespoons of malted milk powder to the shake.

How to make protein milkshakes

I’ve included step-by-step photos below to make this recipe easy to follow at home. For the full printable recipe instructions and ingredient quantities, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Step 1- Blend. Place all the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.

Step 2- Garnish. Pour the mixture into a glass and decorate it with your toppings. Serve with a straw, and enjoy!

how to make a protein milkshake.

Arman’s recipe tips

  • Add an extra protein boost. Swap the vanilla ice cream for my protein ice cream or cottage cheese ice cream.  
  • Lower the calories. If you’re on a lower-calorie diet, you can swap the ice cream for vanilla Greek yogurt. 
  • Swap the ice. Ice is great, but you can add more flavor (plus vitamins, potassium, and fiber) if you swap the ice for a frozen banana!

Storage instructions

To store: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for 1-2 days. Give it a stir before serving in case there is any separation. 

To freeze: Transfer leftovers to an ice cube tray and freeze. Once frozen, store the cubes in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. To re-mix, add it to a blender with a splash of milk and blend until smooth.

chocolate protein milkshake, vanilla protein shake, and strawberry protein milkshake.

More high protein snacks

protein milkshake recipe.

Protein Milkshake Recipe

5 from 4 votes
This creamy, decadent protein milkshake recipe uses simple ingredients and packs over 30 grams of protein. I love the endless flavor combinations!
Servings: 1 serving
Prep: 2 minutes
Total: 2 minutes

Ingredients  

  • 1/3 cup vanilla protein powder * See notes
  • 3/4 cup milk ** See notes
  • 3 tablespoons vanilla ice cream or low fat ice cream/frozen yogurt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup ice cubes

Instructions 

  • Place the protein powder, milk, vanilla ice cream, vanilla extract, and ice in a blender and blend until smooth.
    how to make a protein milkshake.
  • Transfer the milkshake into a tall glass and decorate, if desired.

Notes

* Or any protein powder of choice.
** I used unsweetened almond milk, but cow’s milk will add an extra 6-7 grams of protein, or a protein-enriched milk, like Fairlife, will add 10-11 grams of extra protein. 
If you want to make the strawberry protein milkshake or chocolate protein milkshake as pictured, make the following swaps-
Chocolate protein milkshake: Use chocolate protein powder and add one teaspoon of cocoa powder. 
Strawberry protein milkshake: Add one cup of fresh or frozen strawberries.
TO STORE: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for 1-2 days. Give it a stir before serving in case there is any separation. 
TO FREEZE: Transfer leftovers to an ice cube tray and freeze. Once frozen, store the cubes in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. To re-mix, add it to a blender with a splash of milk and blend until smooth.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 225kcalCarbohydrates: 16gProtein: 30gFat: 8gSodium: 371mgPotassium: 229mgFiber: 1gSugar: 14gVitamin A: 189IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 482mgIron: 0.3mgNET CARBS: 15g
Course: Snack
Cuisine: American
Author: Arman Liew
Tried this recipe?Give us a shout at @thebigmansworld or tag #thebigmansworld!

Arman Liew

I’m a two time cookbook author, photographer, and writer, and passionate about creating easy and healthier recipes. I believe you don’t need to be experienced in the kitchen to make good food using simple ingredients that most importantly, taste delicious.

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5 from 4 votes

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Comments

  1. 5 stars
    Just made the chocolate protein milkshake and WOW. I can’t believe how healthy and delicious it is- it tastes like a real deal thickshake. I used halotop for even more protein!

  2. 5 stars
    I have and continue to enjoy your recipes. Fine food does not have to be complicated and you seem to offer good cooking tecniques as well as good recipes. Thank you.

  3. 5 stars
    Friends, I’ve been enjoying these protein milkshakes for YEARS!!! I’m so glad to be finally sharing my tried and tested recipe with you!