A banana protein shake is a frothy drink that’s perfect for staying full or recovering after exercise. See how this tasty drink is made in 2 minutes with just 4 ingredients.
Recipe Highlights
- This banana protein shake is made by blending oat milk, date syrup, protein powder, and bananas until thick and smooth.
- The high protein content will keep you full and satisfied for a long time. It will also help your muscles recover after working out.
- Fresh bananas add natural sweetness and creaminess to the shake.
- Made in just 2 minutes, each serving is 16 ounces (2 cups).
RELATED: Strawberry Protein Shake
Protein Shakes
Protein shakes are frothy drinks that are high in protein. They’re made by mixing liquid, usually water or milk, with powdered protein.
The drink can be made in a shaker bottle or blender. The blender creates the best texture and ensures the powder is mixed well with the liquid.
Many people drink protein shakes for post-workout recovery or increasing fullness.
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4 Banana Protein Shake Benefits
1. Builds Muscle
Your muscles need extra protein after physical activity. It’s essential for helping your muscles recover and grow. Drinking this shake is a tasty, simple way to get more protein at once.
2. Encourages Feeling Full
If you’re looking for a quick and filling snack, sip on this protein shake. The high protein content will reduce hunger and keep you satisfied.
3. Provides Antioxidants
Thanks to the fresh bananas, this protein shake contains antioxidants. Antioxidants are compounds that reduce oxidative stress in the body, which can lead to disease if it’s not controlled.
4. Reduces High Cholesterol
Banana contains soluble fiber, a type of fiber that lowers high cholesterol. This is important because high cholesterol is a risk factor for heart disease.
RELATED: Benefits of Eating Bananas
Ingredient Notes
- Oat milk: Oat milk tastes great with banana, but you can use any milk you’d like. High-protein options include cow’s milk and soy milk.
- Date syrup: A natural sweetener made with Medjool dates.
- Vanilla protein powder: Whey or plant-based vanilla protein powder can be used. You can also use unflavored protein powder with ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract.
- Banana: Fresh banana adds flavor, sweetness, and thickness. It’s also rich in essential vitamins and fiber.
For full ingredients and detailed instructions, please see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
Variations
Extracts: To deepen the vanilla flavor, add ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract. You can also use ½ teaspoon of almond extract for a slightly nutty flavor.
Nut butters: Nut butters will add even more protein. Examples include cashew butter, peanut butter, and almond butter. Use a nut butter with minimal sweeteners and additives to keep it healthy. Start with 1 tablespoon in the shake.
Seeds: Another way to increase your drink’s protein content is to add 1 tablespoon of seeds. They’re also packed with anti-inflammatory fats and vitamins. Try flax seeds, hemp seeds, or chia seeds.
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Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Pour oat milk into the blender. Add date syrup and protein powder.
The first thing to go into the blender should be a liquid.
Step 2: Add banana.
Step 3: Blend until smooth. Start on low speed, then increase to high.
Step 4: Pour into a cup. Serve immediately.
Photo Credit: amazon.com
Expert Tips
- Omit the date syrup to make your shake less sweet.
- Choose a banana that has a yellow peel with a few brown spots. This is a sign that the banana is ripe and sweet.
- For a thicker shake, add a few ice cubes or use frozen banana slices instead of fresh ones.
- Always check the packaging of your protein powder. Depending on the product, you might have to use more or less than a scoop.
- Your protein shake will taste best freshly made, but leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight glass jar for 1 or 2 days. The ingredients might separate during this time, so be sure to shake it before drinking.
RELATED: Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie
Questions You May Have
Bananas are delicious in protein shakes. They add natural sweetness and thickness, along with vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber.
Always use a ripe banana for the best flavor. Unripe bananas are too bitter and won’t be as sweet. Adding a natural sweetener, like date syrup, will also elevate the flavor.
You can use water in a protein shake, but it will be tastier and creamier with milk (dairy or plant-based).
Related
- Peanut Butter Banana Protein Shake
- Vanilla Protein Shake
- Coffee Protein Shake
- Banana Smoothie
- Blueberry Banana Smoothie
If you tried this Banana Protein Shake recipe, please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ star rating and let me know how you like it in the comments below.
Banana Protein Shake
INGREDIENTS
- 1 ½ cups oat milk
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
- 1 tablespoon date syrup
- 1 banana (sliced)
INSTRUCTIONS
- Put oat milk, date syrup, protein powder, and banana into a blender. Secure lid.Place ingredients into the blender in the order listed.
- Blend until smooth.Start the blender on LOW speed for 5 seconds. Increase speed to HIGH for 20 seconds.
- Pour shake into a cup. Serve immediately.
EQUIPMENT
NOTES
- Oat milk tastes great with banana, but you can use any milk you’d like. High-protein options include cow’s milk and soy milk.
- Whey or plant-based vanilla protein powder can be used. You can also use unflavored protein powder with ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract.
- Omit the date syrup to make your shake less sweet.
- Choose a banana that has a yellow peel with a few brown spots. This is a sign that the banana is ripe and sweet.
- For a thicker shake, add a few ice cubes or use frozen banana slices instead of fresh ones.
- Always check the packaging of your protein powder. Depending on the product, you might have to use more or less than a scoop.
- Your protein shake will taste best freshly made, but leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight glass jar for 1 or days. The ingredients might separate during this time, so be sure to shake it before drinking.