Protein Shake Recipes (40 flavors!)

These protein shake recipes all require less than 4 ingredients and pack in over 20 grams of protein each! With over 40 flavor options, they are low in calories and take less than a minute to make!

Protein Shake Recipes

When it comes to healthy snacking between meals, I have a few staples up my sleeve. I sometimes like a protein bar and sometimes I like some protein cookie dough, but most of the time, nothing beats a protein shake.

As someone who regularly does strength training, I’m always making sure I have a quick dose of protein before and after my workout. While there are a plethora of protein-rich food options out there, I’ve always had a protein shake, because it is quick to make, easy to drink, and tastes delicious.

What is a protein shake? 

Protein shakes are exactly like smoothies, except they have added protein to them. They are often consumed before or after weight training or a high-intensity workout to assist in muscle recovery. They are also a popular snack on weight loss or calorie controlled diets.

Protein shakes have an unfair stigma that they are bland, boring, and taste unpleasant. However, when made correctly, they can be a delicious, filling, and healthy snack to keep you full for hours.

Variety is the spice of life, so have the six most popular protein shake flavors in your back pocket to have something different each day, and over 40 more flavors to choose from.

Here are the flavor options-

• Chocolate protein shake
• Vanilla protein shake
• Banana protein shake
• Chocolate peanut butter protein shake
• Blueberry protein shake
• Strawberry protein shake

How to make a protein shake? 

The Ingredients.

• Protein powder– The key ingredient to any smoothie! I prefer using vanilla protein powder, you can use a flavored one if you prefer. 
• Milk of choice– Any milk works. I enjoy using unsweetened almond milk as it is low calorie, creamy, and easy to find. 
• Ice– Thickens the protein shake without needing to add any excess calories. 

The Instructions.

In a high speed blender, add your protein powder, milk, and ice and blend until thick and creamy. Add your flavor mix-ins and blend once more until smooth. Pour into glasses and enjoy immediately. 

Protein shake flavors

Here are over 6 protein shake recipes to try. For each of the shakes, make the base recipe, then add the mix-ins of choice to change the flavors. 

Chocolate protein shake

• Protein shake base recipe
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder

Vanilla protein shake

• Protein shake base recipe
• 1/4 cup frozen cauliflower
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Banana protein shake

• Protein shake base recipe
• 1 large frozen banana
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon honey (or sugar free honey)

Chocolate peanut butter protein shake

• Protein shake base recipe
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 1 tablespoon peanut butter (or low calorie peanut butter)

Blueberry protein shake

• Protein shake base recipe
• 1/2 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
• 1/4 cup non-fat Greek yogurt

Strawberry protein shake

• Protein shake base recipe
• 1/2 cup fresh or frozen strawberries
• 1/4 cup non-fat Greek yogurt

When to drink a protein shake?

Protein shakes are great to enjoy in between meals as a snack, as their high protein content keeps you fuller for longer. This is especially helpful if you are following a low calorie diet. Protein shakes are also suitable to enjoy after a weight lifting workout or as a quick breakfast. If you choose the latter, you can make the shake more satisfying and filling by adding some frozen fruit, peanut butter, or rolled oats.

Which protein powder is best?

No protein powder is the same and different blend contains different amounts of protein, sugar, and even fat. The three main kinds are whey, casein, and brown rice protein powder.

• Whey– The most popular and easy to find protein powder. Whey protein powder is dairy based, and has the highest protein content and lowest calories.
• Casein– Perfect for baking and using in dessert recipes (like brownies, cookies, and muffins), casein protein powder is perfect to use if you prefer thicker and creamier protein shakes. While casein on its own is fantastic, they also come in blends which often have added sugar and calories in them.
• Brown rice– A vegan and dairy free option, brown rice protein powder works similarly to casein (and great to use for mug cakes and donuts) but has an earthy flavor. This protein powder can also sometimes have added sugars or sweeteners in them.

Other ways to add protein

To amp up your protein content even further, here are some other fabulous sources of protein.

• Cottage cheese– per half cup serving, there is over 15 grams of protein and minimal fat. It can give the shakes a creamier texture.
• Greek yogurt– Like cottage cheese, Greek yogurt is another dairy based option for adding protein. Non-fat Greek yogurt adds over 21 grams of protein per serving.
• Nut and seed butter– Peanut butter, almond butter, and sunflower seed butter all add between 8-10 grams of protein per two tablespoon serving.
• Nuts and seeds– Raw almonds, peanuts, and sunflower seeds all can add 10-12 grams of protein per 1/4 cup serving.
• Vegetables– Baby spinach, kale, and English spinach all add 3-4 grams of protein.

More protein smoothie flavors to try

• Fruit– Raspberry, coconut, mango, lemon, lime, cherry, blackberry, and kiwi fruit.
• Candy– Peppermint patty, peanut butter cup, snickers, Twix, and Nutella.
• Desserts– Cake batter, funfetti, double chocolate, vanilla cupcake, cheesecake, blueberry cheesecake.
• Cakes– Chocolate cake, red velvet cake, German chocolate cake, birthday cake, coconut cake, and lemon cake.

Frequently Asked Questions