See how to make a tasty vanilla protein shake with just 4 ingredients. The drink is filling, healthy, and ready in 2 minutes.
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Recipe Highlights
- This vanilla protein shake is a frothy drink made with unsweetened almond milk, date syrup, vanilla extract, and vanilla protein powder.
- Thanks to the high protein content, this drink is very filling. The protein will also help your body recover after working out.
- It takes just 2 minutes to make in a blender at home.
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What Are Protein Shakes?
A protein shake is a blended drink that’s high in protein. Most versions are made with liquid and powdered protein, which can come from animal or plant sources.
The liquid can be milk or water. Protein shakes made with milk are usually thicker and more satisfying.
Many people drink protein shakes to help build muscle after a workout. However, they’re also helpful for increasing satiety and reducing hunger.
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Vanilla Protein Shake Health Benefits
Promotes Fullness
Protein is an important nutrient for satiety, or fullness. Since this drink is high in protein, it can reduce hunger and keep you full for a long time.
Boosts Energy
The body uses protein as energy.
Also, it’s common to feel tired when you’re hungry. But thanks to the satiating effect of this protein shake, it can give you energy.
Strengthens Muscle
After exercise, your body needs protein to repair and build muscle. Drinking this shake is a tasty way to get the protein you need.
Protein also maintains the muscle you already have, which is extra important as you get older.
Provides Hydration
The liquid in this protein shake will contribute to your daily fluid intake. This is important for staying hydrated, especially after exercising.
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Ingredient Notes
- Unsweetened almond milk
Use unflavored, unsweetened almond milk for the healthiest option. Instead of almond milk, you can also use cow’s milk or other plant-based milks, like soy milk or oat milk. - Date syrup
Date syrup is a natural sweetener that contains antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. - Vanilla extract
To emphasize the vanilla in the protein shake, use a good quality vanilla extract. A little goes a long way. - Vanilla protein powder
Protein powder is the main source of protein in this shake. It makes the drink thick and frothy. Feel free to use why or vegan protein powder, depending on your preference.
Step-by-Step Instructions
For full ingredients and instructions, scroll down to the recipe.
- Pour almond milk into the blender.
Load the liquid ingredients first. - Add date syrup.
- Add vanilla extract.
- Add vanilla 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
Seeds
Flax seeds, chia seeds, and hemp seeds contain healthy fats and plant-based protein.
Add 1 tablespoon to your shake to increase the protein content.
Nut Butters
For a nutty flavor, add 1 tablespoon of almond butter, peanut butter, or cashew butter.
These ingredients will add vitamins, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory fats to the shake.
Fruit Powders
Add-ins like strawberry powder and acai powder will give another flavor boost to your drink. They also contain some antioxidants and vitamins.
Start with 1 or 2 tablespoons to avoid overwhelming the shake.
Expert Tips
- Skip the date syrup for a less sweet drink.
- For a thicker protein shake, add a few ice cubes into the blender after the protein powder.
- Check the protein powder’s packaging before adding it to the blender. The best amount depends on your specific powder.
- If you need to save leftover protein shake, put it in an airtight glass jar in the refrigerator. Drink it within 1 or 2 days for the best flavor and texture.
Questions You May Have
Use high-quality vanilla extract and protein powder. Adding a natural sweetener, like date syrup, will also help deepen the flavor.
You can use water, but the shake won’t be as tasty or filling. Dairy and plant-based milk will add flavor and richness.
Yes. When made with minimal sweeteners, vanilla protein shakes are healthy. However, they should not be your only source of protein, so it’s still important to eat a balanced diet.
Related
- Pumpkin Spice Protein Shake
- Strawberry Protein Shake
- Caramel Protein Shake
- Cookies and Cream Protein Shake
- Oatmeal Smoothie
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Vanilla Protein Shake
INGREDIENTS
- 2 cups unsweetened almond milk
- 1 tablespoon date syrup
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
INSTRUCTIONS
- Put almond milk, date syrup, vanilla extract, 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 unflavored, unsweetened almond milk for the healthiest option. Instead of almond milk, you can also use cow’s milk or other plant-based milks, like soy milk or oat milk.
- Protein powder is the main source of protein in this shake. Feel free to use why or vegan protein powder, depending on your preference.
- Skip the date syrup for a less sweet drink.
- For a thicker protein shake, add a few ice cubes into the blender after the protein powder.
- Check the protein powder’s packaging before adding it to the blender. The best amount depends on your specific powder.
- If you need to save leftover protein shake, put it in an airtight glass jar in the refrigerator. Drink it within 1 or 2 days for the best flavor and texture.