Protein Smoothie Recipe (Chocolate, Banana, Yogurt)
The first time I tasted a protein powder smoothie my nose wrinkled and I all but spit it out into a chalky mess on my countertop. Since then I’ve tinkered with many different recipes in the kitchen, striving to get it just right. I’ve finally achieved a delicious smoothie that for the most part hides the taste of the powder. As a vegetarian this smoothie helps me get the protein I need. I also add flax seed for a boost of omega 3’s and acidophilus for healthy gut flora. The result is a power-packed smoothie that is chocolatey delicious.
What Type of Protein Powder to Use
My favorite type of powder is a basic, mostly tasteless pea protein sold by Whole Foods. It is called “365 Organic Pea Protein Unflavored” and at the time of this writing is selling for $16.99 for 16 ounces (23 servings) on Amazon. I also like the 365 brand Hemp Protein Powder. Both of these are reasonably priced and blend easily into smoothies without altering the taste much. At the time of this writing the store was out of stock of both of these, so I tried a new powder by Amazing Greens. This powder was much more expensive and had more ingredients in it, which means it unfortunately did have a bit of a taste to it. My ripe banana and the peanut butter hid the taste fairly well, but in general I would recommend a powder that is more basic to achieve a cleaner taste such as the unflavored pea protein.
About Flax Seed and Acidophilus
This smoothie can easily be made omitting both of these ingredients. Flax seed and acidophilus both affect your digestion. You might want to try taking acidophilus separately for a few weeks first before throwing it into your smoothie so your body can adjust to it, that’s what I did. And remember to start small. Don’t throw a big tablespoon of flax seed in for example. Start with a smaller amount like a teaspoon, or whatever your care practitioner advises. Always work with your care practitioner as needed.
Protein Smoothie Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup rice milk, almond milk, hemp milk, or cow milk
1 serving protein powder - 1-2 tablespoon peanut butter
- ½ cup whole milk plain yogurt
- 1 banana
- 1/2 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1-2 cups water
- 1 teaspoon ground flax seed (optional)
- 1 capsule acidophilus (optional)
Directions
- Blend the rice milk, protein powder, and peanut butter until smooth. It’s important to do this first to create a base and completely mix the powder and rice milk together, to prevent a bad tasting smoothie.
- Next go ahead and add all other ingredients–except ice. I use between 1 and 2 cups of water, depending on how thin I want it. Blend until smooth.
- Add ice. Pump the blender on and off to break up the big pieces. Grind until desired thickness.
- Pour the smoothie into two glasses. I usually drink one immediately and keep one for later in the day.
Storing Your Smoothie
The problem with keeping a protein smoothie to drink at a later time is that the ingredients separate, making it taste chalky again. I have two cups that I use to combat this. The first is an Oster blender cup that you can attach the blender blade to and reblend it (pictured on the right below). The second cup I use frequently is a shake cup that uses a green mixer that looks like a jacks game piece to mix it up as you manually shake it (pictured on the left below). This doesn’t work as well but it’s faster and easier to clean.
HealthyYogaMom is written by Tess, a writer and mother of two who is passionate about health, happiness, and a sustainable living on the planet. Learn more about Tess here.