Naturally pink and sweet, this strawberry protein shake is filling and healthy. Follow this recipe to make this tasty drink at home with just 4 ingredients!
Jump to:
Recipe Highlights
- This strawberry protein shake combines unsweetened almond milk, strawberry powder, date syrup, and protein powder to make a healthy and frothy drink.
- Rich in protein, the drink is a great option for reducing hunger or recovering after exercise.
- Ready in just 2 minutes in a blender at home, this protein shake makes a 16 ounce (2 cup) drink.
RELATED: Strawberry Protein Smoothie
What Are Protein Shakes?
Drinking a protein shake is an easy way to get more protein. It’s made with protein powder and liquid, usually water or milk.
You can make a protein shake in shaker bottle or blender but using a blender creates the best texture.
Protein shakes are different from smoothies in that they have a thinner consistency, but they’re thicker than plain milk.
RELATED: Chocolate Protein Shake
Strawberry Protein Shake Health Benefits
Supports Muscle Growth
After working out, it’s important to get enough protein to help your muscles grow. That’s because protein is needed for muscle tissue to repair and get bigger.
Promotes Feeling Full
The high protein content of this shake will keep you full for a long time.
The strawberry powder also has some fiber, which also contributes to satiety.
Increases Energy
Hunger can lead to low energy levels and fatigue. As this protein shake keeps you full, it can help you feel more energized.
The body also uses protein for energy.
Contains Antioxidants
Strawberry powder is rich in antioxidants. These are molecules that reduce oxidative stress.
This is important because high levels of oxidative stress can lead to chronic disease over time.
RELATED: Strawberry Collagen Smoothie
Ingredient Notes
- Unsweetened almond milk
Unsweetened almond milk is used but you can use any milk you prefer, including dairy versions. - Date syrup
Date syrup is made of Medjool dates. It’s a natural sweetener that tastes great with strawberry powder. You can also use maple syrup. - Strawberry powder
The pretty pink color of the drink comes from strawberry powder, which is made of freeze-dried strawberries. It’s tart, fruity, and shelf-stable. - Unflavored protein powder
An unflavored version will allow the strawberry flavor to shine, but you can also use vanilla protein powder. Feel free to use powdered protein from animal or plant-based sources.
Step-by-Step Instructions
For full ingredients and instructions, scroll down to the recipe.
- Pour almond milk into the blender.
Liquids should be added first. - Add date syrup.
- Add strawberry powder.
- Add protein powder.
- Blend until smooth.
Start on low speed, then increase to high. - Pour into a cup. Serve immediately.
Photo Credit: amazon.com
Optional Add-Ins
Nut butters
Nut butters like almond butter, cashew butter, and peanut butter will add extra protein, antioxidants, and healthy fats that reduce inflammation.
Try adding 1 tablespoon of a nutter butter to your shake.
Extracts
Extracts will enhance the flavor of the drink. Use ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract if you’re using unflavored protein powder.
Another idea is ½ teaspoon of almond extract, which has a mild nutty flavor.
Seeds
Chia seeds, hemp seeds, and flax seed will add more protein to your recipe. They also contain good fats, vitamins, and antioxidants.
Seeds have a nutty flavor, so avoid using too much. Start with 1 tablespoon to avoid overwhelming the shake.
RELATED: Banana Protein Shake
Expert Tips
- To deepen the strawberry flavor, add another 1 tablespoon of strawberry powder.
- Leave out the date syrup for a less sweet drink.
- To make a thicker and colder protein shake, add a few ice cubes to the blender after the protein powder.
- The ideal amount of protein powder depends on your specific product. Be sure to read the packaging before adding powder to the blender.
- Protein shakes are best consumed fresh. If you need to store leftovers, keep it in an airtight glass jar in the refrigerator for no more than 2 days.
RELATED: Vanilla Protein Shake
Questions You May Have
Yes, cow’s milk will make the protein content of this shake even higher. If you don’t eat dairy, soy milk is a great protein-rich option.
For the best texture, use strawberry powder in this protein shake. You can also use strawberry syrup, but it will add some sugar.
Strawberry protein shakes are good for you as long as they’re part of a balanced diet. Be sure to use minimal sweeteners to keep it healthy.
Related
- Strawberry Smoothie
- Strawberry Smoothie Bowl
- Strawberry Blueberry Smoothie
- Strawberry Banana Smoothie
- Strawberry Mango Smoothie
- How to Make a Smoothie
Want to save this recipe to Pinterest for later? Pin it now to your Pinterest board!
Strawberry Protein Shake
INGREDIENTS
- 2 cups unsweetened almond milk
- 1 tablespoon date syrup
- 3 tablespoons strawberry powder
- 1 scoop unflavored protein powder
INSTRUCTIONS
- Put almond milk, date syrup, strawberry powder, and protein powder 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
- Use cow’s milk or soy milk if you want to increase the protein content.
- Add another 1 tablespoon of strawberry powder to deepen the flavor.
- An unflavored protein powder will allow the strawberry flavor to shine, but you can also use vanilla protein powder. Feel free to use powdered protein from animal or plant-based sources.
- Leave out the date syrup for a less sweet drink.
- To make a thicker and colder protein shake, add a few ice cubes to the blender after the protein powder.
- The ideal amount of protein powder depends on your specific product. Be sure to read the packaging before adding powder to the blender.
- Protein shakes are best consumed fresh. If you need to store leftovers, keep it in an airtight glass jar in the refrigerator for no more than 2 days.