Smoothies are a massively popular health food and breakfast option, and protein powder often gets lumped in these days as a natural smoothie ingredient. But among the massive range of protein powders on the market, some are low calorie and naturally sourced, while many others are quietly packed with lots of sugar, calories, or hidden chemical ingredients. So for those who want to opt for nice clean ingredients in their smoothies, but still get a powerful protein punch that keeps them full for hours, here are three smoothie combos that will do the trick. Additionally we highly suggest blending a gratisfied in any of these recipes for extra healthy fat, protein, and fiber from superfoods!
Note: all smoothie ingredients listed are flexible and estimates, but can be adjusted to your preferred texture and consistency. Types of peanut butter, size of banana, etc will all change the outcome slightly, so just tweak as needed.
Chocolate Peanut Butter
For a smoothie that tastes like dessert, even for breakfast, but is still loaded with healthy fats and protein, plus tons of vitamins, this is a great choice. Eat one as a sweet treat to end the day, or have one for breakfast; it’ll be satisfying either way.
Blend:
1 frozen banana
1-2 tablespoon natural peanut butter
1 tbsp chia seeds (great protein content)
½ cup (or more as needed) dairy-free milk of choice
1 tablespoon cacao or cocoa powder (or blend in an Empower Bar Cacao!)
The result should be smooth and drinkable, but if it’s too thick, add a bit more milk until the consistency evens out.
Vanilla Almond
For those who are less fond of peanut butter, or like to mix it up, almond butter is an excellent alternative with great protein content. It tastes divine blended with some vanilla, so try out this sweet, smooth, perfectly drinkable combo.
Blend:
1 frozen banana
2 tablespoons almond butter
1 tablespoon chia seeds or flax seeds
1 teaspoon vanilla
½ cup dairy-free milk of choice
¼ cup blueberries (optional, if you want a little fruity element)
Fruity Blend
Last but not least, for a high-protein kick without bananas or nut butters (for those who can’t have them or don’t like them!), here’s a totally different fruit-heavy option.
Blend:
1 cup frozen blackberries or mixed berries (blackberries are highest in protein)
½ cup fresh apricot or kiwi (both among the highest protein fruits)
1 tablespoon chia seeds
1 cup full-fat Greek yogurt (protein-packed! Use coconut yogurt for dairy-free)
Quick drizzle of raw honey (lots of great health benefits)
A few ice cubes
