Have you ever noticed that there seems to be a smoothie shop at every corner? Smoothies have absolutely exploded in popularity in recent years, and for good reason!
Smoothies are convenient, as they’re portable and require no cooking skills. And best of all, with the right combination of ingredients, a smoothie can make a nutrient-dense meal or snack.
Learning how to make a nourishing smoothie can help you take your nutrition and overall health to the next level. That’s why we have compiled a list of 15 of the best whey protein smoothie recipes, including something for all tastes and preferences.
Let’s get started!
(Recipes are provided by AGN Roots).
Table of Contents
The Benefits of Grass-Fed Whey Protein
Not all protein is created equal. While healthy, happy cows are fed grass, a lot of them are now fed grain and treated with hormones. This is not only detrimental to the cow’s health but also lowers the nutritional value of the meat and dairy obtained from them.
Grass-fed or organic whey protein?
Many people are surprised that organic doesn’t always mean high quality. Cows are meant to eat grass, and this keeps the animal healthier. Grass-fed cows have a lot more nutrition than conventionally-fed cows. Learn more about the best grass fed whey protein.
By choosing the healthiest grass-fed whey protein, you can reap a variety of benefits while resting assured that the cow that made it was well taken care of.
In addition to having a higher nutritional value than the alternative, the benefits that grass-fed whey protein provides include optimal post-workout recovery, enhanced muscle growth and metabolism, and a strengthened immune system.
Unfortunately, health food has developed a bit of a bad rap, as many believe it to be too expensive for the average person. But making healthy choices doesn’t have to break the bank!
How to make grass-fed whey protein smoothie recipes affordable
To help you boost your well-being on a budget, AGN Roots, a company committed to environmental sustainability and animal welfare, is offering 10% off their grass-fed whey isolate. Simply go to their website and use the code GRASSFED at checkout.
Now then, let’s get into some delicious recipes. The instructions for all of these recipes are simple: put all of your ingredients into a blender, blend until smooth, and enjoy!
1. Chocolate, Peanut Butter, Banana Smoothie
Is there anything better than chocolate, peanut butter, and banana? This sweet, creamy smoothie is a great option for those looking for some quick post-workout nutrition. And the best part is, you can’t even taste the spinach!
Ingredients:
- 12 ounces of water, milk, or yogurt
- 1 banana
- 1 cup of spinach
- 2 tbsp of peanut butter
- 1 tbsp of dark cocoa powder or cacao nibs
- 2 scoops of protein powder (chocolate flavored)
2. Blueberry Oats Smoothie
Blueberries are one of the most nutritious berries. They’re also an excellent source of antioxidants, which protect your body from a myriad of diseases, including cancer. The addition of oats makes this smoothie extra filling, helping you feel satisfied for hours after drinking it.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of blueberries
- 1/2 a banana
- 2 tbsp of walnuts
- 2 tbsp of oats
- 1 tbsp of chia seeds
- 1 1/2 scoops of protein powder
3. The Ultimate Green Smoothie
You’ve probably heard of green smoothies, but these tasty drinks are typically made with spinach. In this smoothie, you’ll be adding avocado and kale instead.
Though spinach is a fantastic choice, avocados are loaded with all sorts of nutrients, including fiber and heart-healthy fatty acids. They also have more potassium than bananas!
Personally, my favorite grass-fed whey protein smoothie recipes are green ones because they feel so energizing.
Ingredients:
- 8 to 10 ounces of water
- 1 cup of grapes
- 1/2 cup of frozen mango (chopped)
- 1 strip of lemon rind
- 1/2 an avocado
- 2 stalks of kale
- Ice (as needed)
4. Pumpkin Pie Smoothie
If berries aren’t your thing, why not try something a little more festive? This smoothie contains all of the taste of pumpkin pie without the empty calories. Like blueberries, pumpkins are full of antioxidants, as well as a variety of immune-boosting vitamins.
Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup pureed pumpkin
- 1 tbsp of walnuts
- 1 tbsp of ground flax
- 1/2 cup of uncooked oats
- 12 ounces of water, milk, or yogurt
- Cinnamon (to taste)
- Vanilla extract (to taste)
- Ice (as needed)
- 2 scoops of protein powder (vanilla flavored)
5. Cinnamon Roll Smoothie
Ooey gooey cinnamon rolls make for a decadent breakfast but aren’t the healthiest choice. Instead of reaching for this dessert masquerading as a meal, treat yourself to a cinnamon roll smoothie!
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp of vanilla pudding powder
- 1 tsp of cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp of vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp of butter extract
- 1 cup of ice
- 1 cup of water
- 2 scoops of protein powder (vanilla flavored)
6. Banana Bread Smoothie
Like cinnamon rolls, banana bread is great comfort food but should be reserved for special occasions. The bran flakes and oatmeal in this banana bread smoothie will give your body a burst of fiber, which aids digestion, keeps you full, and promotes gut health.
In my opinion, bananas are the best way to make your whey protein smoothie recipes taste delicious.
Note: you can make this a gluten-free smoothie by using gluten-free oat bran flakes instead of wheat bran flakes
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of banana (mashed)
- 1/2 cup of oatmeal (cooked)
- 3/4 cup of bran flakes (I prefer gluten-free oat bran flakes)
- Stevia (to taste)
- 2 cups of water
- 2 scoops of protein powder (unflavored)
7. Mixed Berry Smoothie
If you’re trying to improve your health, one of the best foods you can add to your diet is berries – and lots of them.
Raspberries, strawberries, and blueberries may help improve blood sugar, give you a boost of antioxidants, and are filled with fiber and other nutrients. And they’re all in this smoothie!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of raspberries
- 1 cup of strawberries
- 1 cup of blueberries
- 2 cups of milk
- 1 cup of ice
- 2 scoops of protein powder (unflavored)
8. Iced Mocha Smoothie
Who doesn’t love an iced mocha? There’s something refreshing about this cold mixture of coffee and chocolate that just hits the spot on a hot day. However, iced mochas are full of sugar and empty calories, making them an unfavorable choice for the health-conscious.
This iced mocha smoothie, however, allows you to enjoy all the goodness of your favorite coffee house drink while also giving you the health benefits of protein.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of skim milk
- 1 cup of ice
- 1 cup of water
- 1 tsp of instant coffee
- 2 scoops of protein powder (chocolate flavored)
9. Tropical Punch Smoothie
Nothing says tropical paradise quite like pineapple, banana, and coconut. Bring a slice of paradise to your diet with a tropical punch smoothie!
Pineapple isn’t just refreshing, it also speeds up post-workout recovery, reduces your risk of cancer, and suppresses inflammation.
Ingredients:
- 3 whole strawberries (sliced)
- 1/4 cup of pineapple
- 1/2 of a banana
- 1 cup of coconut milk (full fat)
- 1 ounce of water
- 1 handful of ice
- 1 scoop of protein powder (vanilla flavored)
10. Peaches and Cream Smoothie
Berries aren’t the only nutrient-dense fruits, peaches are a great source of Vitamin C, protect your skin, reduce allergy symptoms, and aid digestion. Throw in a dash of sour cream and some vanilla protein powder and you’ve got yourself a delicious treat!
Ingredients:
- 1 peach (frozen, chopped)
- 2 tbsp of sour cream
- 1 cup of water
- Stevia (to taste)
- 1 scoop of protein powder (vanilla flavored)
11. Banana Honey Smoothie
Spirulina isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but if you can get past the odd blue or green color it turns your smoothie, you’ll receive some amazing benefits! This blue-green algae is a superfood that removes toxins from your body while providing a wealth of nutrients and protecting you from bad cholesterol.
Tip: you can use blue spirulina to make this gorgeously blue!
Ingredients:
- 1 banana
- 3/4 cup of plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tsp of flaxseed oil
- 2 tsp of honey
- 1 serving of spirulina
- 1 ounce of water
- 1 scoop of protein powder (vanilla flavored)
12. Berry Breakfast Smoothie
We’ve already discussed the benefits of eating berries and oats.
What really takes this berry breakfast smoothie over the edge is the chopped almonds! Almonds aren’t nuts but seeds and contain lots of healthy fats, protein, fiber, and Vitamin E.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of mixed berries
- 1 cup of skim milk
- 1/2 cup of raw oats
- 1 large egg white
- 2 tbsp of almonds (chopped)
- 1 handful of ice
- 1 scoop of protein powder (vanilla flavored)
13. Fresh Morning Smoothie
What’s more refreshing than mandarin oranges? This one is a simple mixture of oranges, protein, and a dash of sweetener, but is oh-so tasty and a great way to start your day.
The high level of Vitamin C in mandarin oranges helps your body prevent infection and soothes stomach ailments such as cramps and vomiting.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups of mandarin oranges
- 1 tsp of Stevia
- 1 scoop of protein powder (vanilla flavored)
14. Apple Pie Smoothie
The combination of apples and cinnamon gives this smoothie the taste of a warm apple pie, while the oats, almonds, and spinach add a bit of thickness.
If you don’t already enjoy a daily apple, it’s time to start! Apples are highly nutritious, promote gut and heart health, and are a good option for those looking to shed a few pounds.
Ingredients:
- 1 apple (sliced)
- 1 cup of spinach
- 1/4 cup of uncooked oats
- 2 tbsp of almonds
- 12 ounces of water, milk, or yogurt
- Ice (as needed)
- Cinnamon (to taste)
- 2 scoops of protein powder (vanilla flavored)
15. Chocolate Covered Cherry Smoothie
Just between us, there’s nothing wrong with the occasional dark chocolate-covered cherry. Dark chocolate, in moderation, is actually quite healthy. But to pack even more nutrients into your snack, give this chocolate-covered cherry smoothie a try!
On top of the heart, hair, and sleep benefits from the cherries, you’ll also get antioxidants from the walnuts and omega-3 fats from the ground flax.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of dark cherries (pits removed)
- 1 cup of spinach
- 1 tbsp of walnuts
- 1 tbsp of ground flax
- 1 tbsp of dark cocoa powder or cacao nibs
- 12 ounces of water, milk, or yogurt
- 2 scoops of protein powder (chocolate flavored)
Related post: The 5 Best Grassfed Whey Protein Brands (Organic Too) + Benefits (thehealthyrd.com)
Try These Whey Protein Smoothie Recipes to Boost Your Health
Whether you’re trying to gain mass or lose weight, adding these whey protein smoothie recipes to your rotation can help you reach your goals.
An optimal diet is primarily made up of fruits, vegetables, and lean protein – all of which are found in a healthy smoothie! And while you shouldn’t live off of smoothies alone, drinking one a day is a great way to get a blast of nutrients in one meal.
After you’ve picked out a few smoothies to throw together this week, be sure to check out my blog for more recipes and health advice!