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28 Healthy Protein Shakes

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Healthy protein shakes are my go-to pre and post-workout fuel. They are super easy to make and keep me full for the day ahead. I know a lot of people like the protein powder mixed into water, yet those are often full of additives. My homemade protein shakes contain 100% real food and plant-based ingredients.

healthy protein shakes in a glass with a glass straw on a marble slab with a vanilla bean and whole peach sitting next to it
Table of Contents
  1. Healthy Protein Shakes
  2. Plant-Based Protein Shakes
  3. Nut-Free Shakes
  4. Naturally Caffeinated Protein Shakes

Healthy Protein Shakes

I've broken this list into three categories: homemade smoothies that contain nuts, ones without nuts and ones with natural caffeine. Choose the list that fits your needs, then blend the shake you need in your life today. I can't wait for you to try these!

Plant-Based Protein Shakes

You don't need to 'pack in' the protein just to get a protein boost. The following recipes are completely made up of plants and give you a great boost of protein pre or post-workout, or to fuel your day. Give one a blend and enjoy the healthiest fast food out there!

Epic Almond Smoothie
4.6 from 276 votes
Start your morning with a protein fueled breakfast all wrapped up in a perfectly sweet smoothie. This almond smoothie is delicious and an easy on-the-go beverage for a busy day.
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Vanilla Protein Shake
5 from 10 votes
This plant-based Vanilla Protein Shake is one of my favorite recipes of all time. I love how creamy, sweet and nourishing it is— and it makes a great post workout recovery smoothie or meal replacement. 
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Easy Flaxseed Smoothie
4.3 from 3 votes
This is a protein-packed, filling smoothie recipe that's perfect for a quick lunch or post workout pick-me-up. Easily omit the date if you wanna cut back on the natural sugar.
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flaxseed smoothie
Meal Replacement Smoothie
4.5 from 383 votes
Healthy fats and proteins are the way to go if you want to power up with a meal replacement smoothie. This combo of almond butter and rolled oats is a must to keep you feeling full and fuel you 'til your next meal.
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blueberries on a smoothie for a meal
Almond Butter Smoothie
4.8 from 13 votes
This protein packed recipe is perfectly balanced with the natural sweetness in fruit, making i my favorite almond butter smoothie.
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Creamy Banana Smoothie
4.5 from 182 votes
Blend your way into a great day with this sweet n' creamy banana smoothie. It's got protein that will keep you full, and simple ingredients for natural energy.
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PCOS Smoothie Recipe
5 from 7 votes
Fertility and food come together in this creamy smoothie creation. Loaded with foods that can fuel your body, this PCOS smoothie is a great way to start the day. 
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fertility smoothie recipe
Caramel Protein Shake
5 from 8 votes
Plant powered protein for the win in this decadent caramel protein shake. Completely satisfying and healthy, take your next snack or dessert up a notch with this chickpea + Medjool date combo. 
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Healthy caramel protein shake
Creamy and Thick Smoothie Bowl
5 from 2 votes
The secret ingredient in this creamy and thick smoothie bowl is frozen cauliflower. It makes the smoothie super creamy, and you can't even taste it! Not that I don't like cauliflower, I just know it can be a scary smoothie ingredient until you give it a try.
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Healthy green smoothie bowl with toppings
Cinnamon Date Smoothie
4.5 from 297 votes
I can't wait for you to try this crowd pleasing Cinnamon Date Smoothie. It's perfectly sweet and creamy, and will delight at your next party or family movie night. The dates naturally sweeten this cinnamon smoothie, while the rolled oats thicken it to a milkshake consistency.
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Sleep Well Smoothie
4.9 from 14 votes
Not sure how to sleep well naturally? I've got you covered with this healthy, calming green smoothie that is loaded with nutrients to help keep your tummy from rumbling in the night.
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5 healthy foods to help sleep and brain health
Pineapple Ginger Smoothie
5 from 7 votes
This morning drink is a tasty, zingy pineapple ginger smoothie, reminiscent of a gingersnap cookie but with major health benefits to power you through your whole day.
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Nut-Free Shakes

If nuts are a no for you then it might be hard finding a healthy plant-based protein option. Here is a list of recipes without nuts, yet still loaded with protein. Also, if one of the above recipes is enticing, feel free to swap out nuts or nut butter for the seed butter of your choice, and the nut milk for oat, rice, soy or hemp milk.

Post Workout Smoothie
4.6 from 18 votes
This post workout smoothie has a good amount of plant protein, healthy carbs, and liquid for rehydration. This green smoothie hits all of those requirements as long as you include those chia seeds. We also highly recommend using coconut water (“nature’s gatorade”), but you can get by with regular h2o. Go ahead and enjoy this smoothie… you’ve earned it!
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Workout smoothie with antioxidants and superfoods
Brain Food Smoothie
5 from 20 votes
This brain food smoothie has everything you need to get you going in the morning— protein, healthy fats, and replenishing electrolytes. Adding avocado to smoothies gives you a lovely dose of omega-3 essential fatty acids, which are vital for brain development and nerve function. Not only that, but the avocado also assists the body in absorbing nutrients from the greens.
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bright green smoothie full of the best brain food
Vanilla Bean Yogurt Smoothie
5 from 5 votes
Whip up this super simple, super delicious vanilla bean yogurt smoothie made with just four ingredients. Switch up the type of fruit according to what's in season for endless possibilities!
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yogurt smoothie
Healthy Cherry Smoothie
4.5 from 34 votes
Coconut milk is rich in healthy fats, which helps curb your appetite and give you energy. The berries and cherries lower the glycemic index making it a great after dinner treat. This Healthy Cherry Smoothie is a great breakfast.
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Coconut Water Smoothie
4.9 from 20 votes
This coconut water smoothie is hydrating and refreshing. The citrus fruit helps to cut the bitterness in the kale and we boosted the sweetness with banana.
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Strawberry Blueberry Smoothie
5 from 4 votes
This strawberry blueberry layered smoothie recipe will wow guests at your next party. Use clear serving glasses for maximum wow factor!
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Glowing Green Smoothie
4.6 from 5 votes
This iconic glowing green smoothie nourishes your skin from the inside out. It’s packed with beneficial ingredients that will make your skin positively glow. Drink up a glass of this plant-based goodness every morning for radiant, rejuvenated skin.
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Green smoothie recipe for glowing skin
Orange Superfood Smoothie
5 from 2 votes
This refreshing citrus superfood smoothie is paired with the natural sweetness of banana and soluble rice bran powder.
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a delicious superfood smoothie packed with plant based nutrients
Blueberry Spinach Smoothie
4.7 from 588 votes
Oh, this blueberry spinach smoothie is a good one! It's full of iron, potassium and vitamin C— and it tastes so good. My kids love it!
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blueberry spinach smoothie
Savory Smoothie
5 from 2 votes
If you're looking for a not-so-sweet smoothie then this savory smoothie is for you! It is naturally protein-packed and full of the flavors of my favorite fresh salsa. It's definitely a unique departure from the traditional fruit sweetened smoothies, yet I dare you to give it a blend!
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overhead photo of a savory protein shake in a glass jar topped with chickpeas and spices

Naturally Caffeinated Protein Shakes

An 'energy drink' can be both filling and an energy boost. These recipes contain natural caffeine from tea or cocoa or cacao. They taste delicious and give you the protein and energy you need.

Chocolate Protein Shake
4.8 from 91 votes
Blend up a creamy, cold chocolate protein shake smoothie made with plant-based superfood protein powder for a delicious meal or snack, or before/after a workout. Includes adaptogens to help ease inflammation.
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chocolate protein shake
Vanilla Matcha Smoothie
5 from 3 votes
The mellow taste of matcha with sweet vanilla, blended into a delicious, creamy smoothie. Enjoy any time of the day, this recipe is perfect for breakfast, pre- and post-workout and midnight snacks, too!
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Chocolate Peanut Butter Smoothie
4.7 from 222 votes
Better than a milkshake! This plant-based peanut butter chocolate smoothie is so creamy and decadent, you'll think it's ice cream. Your body will thank you for enjoying this all-natural, no-sugar-added sweet treat.
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chocolate peanut butter smoothie
Iron-Rich Smoothie Bowl
5 from 14 votes
Boost your iron intake with this plant-based iron-rich smoothie bowl using fruits vegetables naturally high in iron.
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Chocolate Weight Loss Smoothie
4.8 from 44 votes
This weight loss smoothie uses all natural ingredients to kick start your metabolism and burn fat. We're using all plant-based ingredients to keep you full until your next meal and get you the results you want.
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Hot Chocolate Smoothie
5 from 5 votes
This dessert-like smoothie is perfect for a cool day or healthy treat. It's packed with chocolaty flavor as well as ingredients like spinach and hazelnuts.
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hot chocolate smoothie recipe

Healthy Shake FAQs

Which protein shakes are the healthiest?

A shake can have as much protein as possible, yet still not be super healthy. My protein shake recipes have a good balance of protein, carbs and healthy fat. I load my protein shakes up with whole food ingredients and use plant-based protein for the gentlest, healthiest combinations.

Can protein shakes be healthy?

They can be! Use whole food ingredients. You'd be surprised how much protein comes from plants. Use a plant-based protein powder without added sugar and with healthy fats. Ditch the weird additives and use real ingredients for the healthiest protein shakes.

Are protein shakes good for weight loss?

It depends on what you put in them. Focus on adding plants, unsweetened plant-based milk (or water) and plant-based protein powder for the best results.

How to Add Protein to a Smoothie

While some protein powders are 'just add water,' I like a shake with more to it than weird ingredients and a weird taste. My homemade shakes use plants and plant-based superfoods for protein, healthy fats and whole-food carbs. You'd be surprised just how much protein comes from plants!

Try one of the above recipes then leave a comment below letting me know how energized you feel! My shakes are great pre and post-workout as well as a quick meal. A great way to get more plants into your diet while not sacrificing protein!

More Recipe Ideas

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Michelle

    This post came at a great time! I'm having jaw surgery and will need a protein-rich liquid diet during the weeks of my recovery. These are SUCH better alternatives to store-bought protein shakes. THANK YOU, THANK YOU! 🙂

    Reply

  2. Erin

    Thanks for the nut-free section! It's hard to find nut-free protein sources when trying to stay plant-based.

    Reply

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