These quick and easy protein shakes will help you get a lot of protein at once. Enjoy a protein shake after working out or when you need a filling snack.
Homemade Protein Shakes
Protein shakes are high-protein drinks. In most recipes, the protein comes from protein powder.
The protein powder can be made with whey or plant-based ingredients, like hemp seeds or pea protein.
It’s also available in various flavors. The most common options are unflavored, vanilla, and chocolate.
Compared to smoothies and milkshakes, protein shakes have a thinner texture. They usually have more liquid and no frozen fruits or vegetables.
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4 Protein Shake Health Benefits
1. Promotes Fullness
Protein shakes are great for staying full between meals.
That’s because protein increases satiety, or fullness. It works by acting on hormones that control hunger.
2. Helps Muscle
As you get older, protein is important for maintaining muscle. Drinking protein shakes is a tasty way to get enough.
You also need more protein after working out. Protein helps muscle repair and get bigger.
3. Offers Hydration
Protein shakes have a lot of liquid. This can add to your daily fluid intake and reduce the risk of dehydration.
This is important after exercise, which can make you sweat and lose fluids.
4. Increases Energy
Protein is a source of energy for the body.
When you’re hungry or dehydrated, you’ll feel tired. Protein shakes can increase fullness and hydration. This can give you a boost of energy.
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15 Protein Shake Recipes
1. Chocolate Protein Shake
This 4-ingredient chocolate protein shake tastes like a decadent dessert. It's made with and cocoa powder, so the chocolate flavor is deep and rich. For the best taste, use high-quality cocoa powder. Pick an unsweetened version for the healthiest choice.Drinking this protein shake is good for recovering after exercise and reducing hunger. The cocoa powder also contains polyphenols, an antioxidant that's good for your brain.Ingredients: Unsweetened almond milk, date syrup, chocolate protein powder, cocoa powder
CHOCOLATE PROTEIN SHAKE
2. Coffee Protein Shake
If you need a boost of energy, make this 2-minute coffee protein shake. It uses cold black coffee, a natural source of caffeine.Be sure to use cold coffee or coffee that has been brewed hot then chilled. If you use hot coffee, it can make your protein shake warm.Instead of coffee, you can also use 1-2 shots of espresso plus â…“ cup ice. The best amount of espresso depends on your desired level of coffee flavor and caffeine. works best in this shake because it lets the coffee flavor shine. But vanilla and chocolate protein powder also work well in the recipe.Ingredients: Unsweetened almond milk, cold black coffee, date syrup, unflavored protein powder
COFFEE PROTEIN SHAKE
3. Vanilla Protein Shake
This 2-minute protein shake gets its vanilla flavor from vanilla protein powder and pure It also has a natural sweetener that complements the flavor of vanilla. You can also use honey, agave syrup, or maple syrup or omit the sweetener completely.Since vanilla is a versatile flavor, you can use many different add-ins in this recipe. Tasty options include pumpkin puree or nut butter.For even more protein, use soy milk or cow's milk in place of unsweetened almond milk.Ingredients: Unsweetened almond milk, date syrup, vanilla extract, vanilla protein powder
VANILLA PROTEIN SHAKE
4. Peanut Butter Protein Shake
Nutty and creamy, this peanut butter protein takes just 2 minutes to prepare.Peanut butter adds healthy fats, antioxidants, and plant-based protein. It also add richness and depth of flavor.The healthiest choice is pure peanut butter without sweeteners or added ingredients. You can also use or cashew butter instead of peanut butter.Unflavored protein powder works best because it makes the peanut butter flavor more noticeable. But vanilla protein powder and chocolate protein powder will also taste great in this shake.Ingredients: Unsweetened almond milk, peanut butter, date syrup, unflavored protein powder
PEANUT BUTTER PROTEIN SHAKE
5. Caramel Protein Shake
If you love sweet and buttery flavors, you'll enjoy this 4-ingredient caramel protein shake.It uses high-quality caramel sauce and pure Together, these ingredients create a delicious protein shake.You can use ½ teaspoon caramel extract per shake instead of caramel sauce. The flavor won't be as rich, but it will add a slight caramel taste.To ensure the caramel flavor is noticeable, use unflavored protein powder. Another option is to omit the vanilla extract and use vanilla protein powder instead.Ingredients: Unflavored almond milk, vanilla extract, caramel sauce, unflavored protein powder
CARAMEL PROTEIN SHAKE
6. Dark Chocolate Raspberry Vegan Protein Shake
Thanks to this 5-minute recipe, you can make a protein shake without any protein powder.The shake gets its protein from , and nut butter. These ingredients also double as thickeners.Raw cacao powder and frozen raspberries create a tasty berry chocolate flavor. They're rich in antioxidants and vitamins too.This recipe uses oat milk, but you can also use soy milk or cow's milk for even more protein.Ingredients: Oat milk, nut butter, hemp seeds, flax seeds, chia seeds, raw cacao powder, dates, frozen bananas, frozen raspberries
CHOCOLATE RASPBERRY VEGAN SMOOTHIE
7. Banana Protein Shake
For a tasty post-workout protein shake, make this banana version. It uses fresh banana for thickness and creaminess.Banana also adds natural sweetness, along with antioxidants, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.Vanilla protein powder is used because it tastes best with banana. Both whey and plant-based versions work well.This recipe will also taste good with unflavored or chocolate protein powder.Ingredients: Oat milk, date syrup, vanilla protein powder, banana
BANANA PROTEIN SHAKE
8. Blueberry Vanilla Protein Shake
Blueberries, milk, water, and vanilla protein powder come together in this fruity and sweet recipe.The drink can be made with fresh or frozen blueberries. If you want a thicker shake, use frozen blueberries.Both versions are rich in antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins. You can also replace the water with more milk. Soy milk and cow's milk are the best high-protein options.If you want to use unflavored protein powder, add ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract for a similar flavor profile.Ingredients: Milk, water, vanilla protein powder, blueberries
BLUEBERRY VANILLA PROTEIN SHAKE
9. Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Shake
Naturally sweetened with Medjool dates, this chocolate peanut butter protein shake is a healthy treat.To ensure a smooth blend, chop up the Medjool dates before adding them to the blender. You can also soak them in hot water for 10 minutes.This recipe can be made with any type of milk. Soy milk contains the most protein, but unsweetened almond milk and oat milk are also tasty.The chocolate flavor comes from cacao powder. Chocolate protein powder can be used for a stronger chocolate taste.See how to make this decadent protein shake in just 5 minutes.Ingredients: Plant milk, peanut butter, chia seeds, protein powder, cacao powder, Medjool dates, ice cubes
CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER PROTEIN SHAKE
10. Strawberry Protein Shake
This pretty pink protein shake is made with just 4 ingredients. The color comes from which is made of crushed freeze-dried strawberries.Strawberry powder is shelf-stable and it's rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber.The recipe uses unsweetened almond milk, but you can use soy milk or cow's milk. Both options will increase the protein content of your shake.For a thicker shake, add a few frozen strawberries or ice cubes. Load them after the protein powder for the smoothest blend.Ingredients: Unsweetened almond milk, date syrup, strawberry powder, unflavored protein powder
STRAWBERRY PROTEIN SHAKE
11. Mint Chocolate Protein Smoothie
Refreshing and filling, this mint chocolate protein smoothie tastes like dessert. The flavor comes from mint leaves and chocolate protein powder.If you don't have mint leaves, you can use ½ teaspoon mint extract. You can also use 1-2 tablespoons cocoa powder and unflavored protein powder instead of chocolate protein powder.The recipe uses avocado and banana, which adds thickness. They both have antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins.Learn how to make the recipe in 3 minutes with just 5 ingredients.Ingredients: Milk, mint leaves, chocolate protein powder, avocado, banana
MINT CHOCOLATE PROTEIN SHAKE
12. Raspberry Banana Protein Smoothie
If you want to increase your intake of both protein and fiber, make this creamy raspberry drink.Frozen raspberries add sweetness while chilling the drink. Banana makes the smoothie naturally creamy, thick, and sweet.The recipe uses vanilla protein powder, which tastes best with raspberries and banana. But you can also use unflavored or Chia seeds offer even more plant-based protein, along with healthy fats. If you don't have chia seeds, try or hemp seeds.Ingredients: Unsweetened almond milk, maple syrup, chia seeds, vanilla protein powder, banana, frozen raspberries
RASPBERRY BANANA PROTEIN SMOOTHIE
13. Pumpkin Spice Protein Shake
Made with real this pumpkin spice protein shake is a nutritious fall treat.Be sure to use pumpkin puree, which has nothing but pumpkin. Avoid canned pumpkin pie mix.Pumpkin puree adds a creamy texture and warm flavor to the recipe. It's rich in antioxidants, fiber, and vitamin A. The drink also has a spice blend that's used in autumn desserts. Most spice blends contain cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.Ingredients: Oat milk, maple syrup, pumpkin puree, pumpkin spice, vanilla protein powder
PUMPKIN SPICE PROTEIN SHAKE
14. Chocolate Coffee Protein Shake
Get a boost of energy with this chocolate coffee protein shake. You can make it with cold brew or coffee that's brewed hot then chilled.This recipe uses vanilla almond milk as the liquid base. Another option is to use plain almond milk and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract.The protein comes from almond butter and For even more protein, use soy milk or cow's milk.Coffee, almond butter, banana, and also add antioxidants. Almond butter also contains anti-inflammatory fats.Ice cubes make the shake thick and cold. If you want to omit the ice cubes, freeze the banana before adding it to the recipe.Ingredients: Chilled coffee, unsweetened vanilla almond milk, maple syrup, almond butter, banana, cocoa powder, chocolate protein powder, ice cubes
CHOCOLATE COFFEE PROTEIN SHAKE
15. Shamrock Protein Shake
A shamrock shake is a mint-flavored drink from McDonald's. It's offered every year for St. Patrick's Day.However, it's high in refined sugar. The drink also gets its green color from food coloring.If you want a more natural option, make this healthy 5-minute shamrock protein shake. It uses avocado and baby spinach instead of food coloring.Peppermint extract adds a fresh minty flavor, but you can also use fresh mint leaves.For the best taste, use This will complement the peppermint taste.Ingredients: Milk, peppermint extract, vanilla protein powder, baby spinach, avocado, frozen banana
SHAMROCK PROTEIN SHAKE
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