Smoothies are a delicious and healthy way to start your day or refuel after a workout. With the right ingredients, they can be a great source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscles.
Here are 30 ways you can boost the protein in your smoothies:.
1. Greek Yogurt
One of the easiest ways to boost the protein in your smoothie is to add Greek yogurt. It’s thick, creamy, and packed with protein. One cup of plain Greek yogurt has about 23 grams of protein.
2. Silken Tofu
If you’re looking for a vegan or dairy-free option, silken tofu is a great choice. It’s high in protein and has a smooth, creamy texture that blends well with other ingredients.
3. Powdered Peanut Butter
Powdered peanut butter is made by removing most of the fat from peanuts and then grinding them into a fine powder. It’s a great way to add peanut flavor and protein to your smoothie without all the calories and fat.
4. Cottage Cheese
Cottage cheese is another dairy option that’s high in protein. It has a slightly tangy taste that pairs well with fruit and can be blended into a creamy smoothie.
5. Chia Seeds
Chia seeds are tiny black seeds that are high in protein, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids. They can be added directly to your smoothie or soaked in water first to create a gel-like substance that thickens your smoothie.
6. Hemp Seeds
Hemp seeds are a great source of plant-based protein, with about 10 grams of protein per tablespoon. They have a slightly nutty flavor and can be added to your smoothie for a boost of protein and healthy fats.
7. Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds, also known as pepitas, are crunchy and nutty, with about 9 grams of protein per quarter cup. They can be added directly to your smoothie or blended into a powder for a smoother texture.
8. Sunflower Seeds
Sunflower seeds are another crunchy and nutritious option, with about 7 grams of protein per quarter cup. They can be added directly to your smoothie or blended into a powder for a smoother texture.
9. Almond Butter
Almond butter is a delicious and healthy spread that’s high in protein and healthy fats. It has a slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with fruit and can be blended into a smoothie for added protein.
10. Protein Powder
Protein powder is a popular supplement that comes in a variety of flavors and forms, such as whey, casein, or plant-based. It’s an easy way to add a lot of protein to your smoothie with just one scoop.
11. Quinoa
Quinoa is a protein-rich grain that can be cooked and added to your smoothie for a boost of protein and fiber. It has a slightly nutty flavor and a soft, fluffy texture that blends well with other ingredients.
12. Lentils
Lentils are a type of legume that are high in protein, fiber, and iron. They can be cooked and added to your smoothie for a boost of protein and a creamy texture.
13. Edamame
Edamame, or young soybeans, are a great source of plant-based protein, with about 8 grams of protein per half cup. They can be cooked and blended into a smoothie for added protein and a creamy texture.
14. Egg Whites
Egg whites are a low-fat, high-protein option that can be added to your smoothie. They have a neutral flavor and can be blended into a smoothie for a protein boost without adding a lot of calories.
15. Cauliflower
Cauliflower may seem like an unlikely smoothie ingredient, but it’s actually a great way to add protein and fiber without changing the flavor too much. It has a mild taste that blends well with fruit and other ingredients.
16. Beans
Beans are a nutritious and versatile ingredient that can be added to your smoothie for a boost of protein and fiber. Black beans, chickpeas, and navy beans are all good options.
17. Oats
Oats are a great source of fiber and can be added to your smoothie for a boost of protein and a creamy texture. They have a slightly nutty flavor that pairs well with fruit and other ingredients.
18. Milk
Milk is a classic smoothie ingredient that’s high in protein and calcium. It can be used in place of water or juice to add creaminess and protein to your smoothie.
19. Soy Milk
Soy milk is a dairy-free and vegan option that’s high in protein and calcium. It has a slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with fruit and other ingredients.
20. Whey Water
Whey water is the liquid leftover after making cheese or yogurt. It’s high in protein and can be used in place of water or juice to add creaminess and protein to your smoothie.
21. Cacao Powder
Cacao powder is made from ground cacao beans and is a great source of antioxidants and protein. It has a slightly bitter flavor that pairs well with banana and other sweet ingredients.
22. Flaxseeds
Flaxseeds are high in protein, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids. They can be added directly to your smoothie or soaked in water first to create a gel-like substance that thickens your smoothie.
23. Maca Powder
Maca powder is made from a root vegetable that’s native to Peru. It’s a great source of protein and has been said to boost energy and improve mood.
24. Spirulina Powder
Spirulina powder is made from a type of blue-green algae and is a great source of protein and iron. It has a slightly earthy flavor that pairs well with fruit and other ingredients.
25. Bee Pollen
Bee pollen is made from the pollen of flowers and is a great source of protein and antioxidants. It has a slightly sweet, floral flavor that pairs well with fruit and other sweet ingredients.
26. Goji Berries
Goji berries are a small, red fruit that’s native to China and is a great source of protein and antioxidants. They have a slightly sweet, tangy flavor that pairs well with other fruit.
27. Acai Berry
Acai berries are a small, purple fruit that’s native to the Amazon and is a great source of protein and antioxidants. They have a slightly tart flavor that pairs well with banana and other sweet ingredients.
28. Blueberries
Blueberries are a delicious and nutritious fruit that’s high in protein and antioxidants. They have a sweet, slightly tart flavor that pairs well with banana and other sweet ingredients.
29. Mango
Mango is a tropical fruit that’s high in protein and Vitamin C. It has a sweet, slightly tart flavor that pairs well with other tropical fruit.
30. Kiwi
Kiwi is a small, green fruit that’s high in protein, fiber, and Vitamin C. It has a slightly sour flavor that pairs well with other sweet ingredients.