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If you think that protein powder is just for shakes, it’s time to change your mind. For cookies, brownies and even burger, these are 55 different ways to use protein powder. Have a read and you’ll never say that you don’t know what to do with protein powder!
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Protein powder is a versatile and convenient solution for boosting your protein intake. Whether you’re an athlete or just trying to eat healthier, this supplement provides a quick and simple way to get all the protein you need. There are different types of protein powder, like whey or pea protein. Depending on your preferences and usage, you can find it unflavored or in flavors like chocolate or vanilla.
In this blog post, we’ll delve into the best ways to use protein powder other than shakes only. Whether you’re making a snack after exercising or you’re cooking dinner, protein powder can make sweet and savory meals tastier and healthier.
Table of Contents
- Health benefits of protein powder
- Protein oatmeal
- Oatmeal protein cookies
- Protein banana bread
- Protein pancakes
- Overnight oats
- Oatmeal protein bars
- Ice cream
- Protein Rice Krispie Treats
- Protein mug cake
- Protein muffins
- Homemade protein pudding
- Protein lava cake
- Chocolate protein cake
- Protein cereal
- Protein cheesecake
- Protein powder spoon
- Cinnamon rolls
- Protein shakes
- Protein granola
- Hot chocolate
- Protein peanut butter
- Greek yogurt dip
- Protein jam and fruit spreads
- Brownie skillet
- Veggie burgers
- Avocado chocolate mousse
- Protein bread
- Gummies
- Brownies
- Microwave cookie
- Soup
- Chia pudding
- Protein donuts
- Rice cake pudding
- Protein guacamole
- No bake protein balls
- Rice cake spread
- Protein French toast bites
- Protein dough
- Protein cookie dough
- Protein chocolate spread
- Cottage cheese bowl
- Protein meatballs
- Protein iced coffee
- Protein bars
- Baked oats
- Popcorn
- Brownie batter
- Hummus
- Crumble dessert
- Protein crepes
- Protein popsicles
- Chocolate frozen dessert
- Cottage cheese cookie dough
- Banana protein muffins
Health benefits of protein powder
Although it is not a magical food, protein powder offers several health benefits. Adding protein powder to food like yogurt or smoothies ensures that you reach your targets. And it is scientifically proven that consuming enough protein is good for the organism.
- It supports muscle recovery and muscle growth, providing all the essential amino acids that your body needs.
- A high protein diet may speed up your metabolism, because protein requires more energy to be digested and metabolized in comparison to other macronutrients.
- It promotes satiety because protein rich foods are more filling than carbohydrates and fats.
- Eating enough protein promotes bone health, especially while aging.
Protein oatmeal
High protein oatmeal is perfect for a healthy breakfast that keeps you full for hours. With whey, casein or vegan options, protein powder oatmeal is incredibly versatile and delicious.
Nutritional values: 309 calories, 31.6 grams protein, 36.9 grams carbohydrates, 5.3 grams fat.
Oatmeal protein cookies
Say goodbye to flat and dry cookies and make chewy, irresistibly delicious oatmeal protein cookies. They are definitely one of the best things to make with protein powder.
Nutritional values: 204 calories, 8.4 grams protein, 27.4 grams carbohydrates, 8 grams fat.
Protein banana bread
Next time you have some ripe bananas, consider making protein banana bread. Moist and irresistibly delicious, banana bread is one of the best ways to use protein powder in dessert.
Nutritional values: 161 calories, 15 grams protein, 14 grams carbohydrates, 4 grams fat.
Protein pancakes
A fluffy protein pancake recipe is all you need, if you are looking for breakfast protein powder ideas. Make simple pancakes, or add protein powder and flip a stack of chocolate protein pancakes. One of the easiest chocolate protein powder recipes ever.
Nutritional values: 331 calories, 37.5 grams protein, 24.8 grams carbohydrates, 10.1 grams fat.
Overnight oats
If you need easy protein powder recipes for breakfast, protein overnight oats are the solution. Make them the night before and the next day you’ll have a delicious healthy meal ready to enjoy.
Nutritional values: 379 calories, 35.6 grams protein, 43 grams carbohydrates, 8.2 grams fat.
Oatmeal protein bars
High protein oatmeal bars are hands down of the best protein powder recipes for snacks. They’re so easy to make with just oats and protein powder. Have fun experimenting with flavors, we have Peanut butter, brownie, and even Raffaello high protein oatmeal bars waiting for you!
Nutritional values: 198 calories, 13 grams protein, 19 grams carbohydrates, 8 grams fat.
Ice cream
Time to turn protein shake into ice cream. This 200 calorie protein ice cream packs over 20 grams of protein per serving and is made in a blender with just five ingredients. The perfect healthy treat for summer.
Nutritional values: 200 calories, 20.02 grams protein, 21.8 grams carbohydrates, 7 grams fat.
Protein Rice Krispie Treats
This may be one of the most creative ways to use protein powder other than shakes. Protein Rice Krispie treats will bring you back to childhood. It’s so quick and easy to make them at home, with just healthy ingredients. Perfect for macro-friendly snacks and desserts!
Nutritional values: 105 calories, 4 grams protein, 6 grams carbohydrates, 4 grams fat.
Protein mug cake
Moist and chocolatey, protein mug cake is one of those chocolate protein powder recipes to satisfy the sweet tooth of fitness enthusiasts. It’s so quick and easy to make, vegan and gluten-free.
Nutritional values: 284 calories, 30.6 grams protein, 36.4 grams carbohydrates, 5.8 grams fat.
Protein muffins
Believe me or not, muffins can be delicious protein powder meals for snacks and breakfasts. They’re rich and moist, you will love making protein muffins at home. I recommend preparing a batch on the weekend, so you’ll have healthy cupcakes for the whole week.
Nutritional values: 120 calories, 8.2 grams protein, 17.9 grams carbohydrates, 2.8 grams fat.
Homemade protein pudding
Did you know that if you mix protein powder with yogurt you get protein pudding? With just 3 ingredients and over 30 grams of protein, it’s the perfect recipe for snacks and desserts.
Nutritional values: 150 calories, 30 grams protein, 5 grams carbohydrates, 2.5 grams fat.
Protein lava cake
If you like chocolate, this way of using protein powder is for you. Low calorie and sugar-free, a protein lava cake will satisfy your wildest cravings without guilt.
Nutritional values: 365 calories, 32 grams protein, 26 grams carbohydrates, 13 grams fat.
Chocolate protein cake
Out of all protein powder recipes, this is probably my favorite. Add a scoop into your cake mix and make 71 calorie chocolate protein cake. The best and most macro-friendly way to use protein powder in desserts.
Nutritional values: 71 calories, 8.7 grams protein, 6.9 grams carbohydrates, 1.7 grams fat.
Protein cereal
Homemade protein cereal is one of those protein powder recipes that will bring you back to childhood. With a peanut buttery taste and chocolate chips, they taste like Cookie Crisp cereal. Try them with milk, yogurt and smoothies.
Nutritional values: 219 calories, 13.5 grams protein, 25 grams carbohydrates, 10.1 grams fat.
Protein cheesecake
Protein cheesecake! This may be one of my favorite recipes using protein powder in dessert. Enjoy a slice of rich and creamy, smooth macro-friendly cheesecake when the cravings hit.
Nutritional values: 99 calories, 10 grams protein, 7.7 grams carbohydrates, 2.7 grams fat.
Protein powder spoon
It sounds weird but…Out of all 55 ways to use protein powder, you’ll find eating it with a spoon. On its own, with nothing else, I love spooning vanilla whey protein powder right into my mouth. Especially after a workout! So, next time you hear someone struggling with getting enough protein, hand them a spoon!
Cinnamon rolls
Another way of eating protein powder, another treat. Protein powder is an excellent ingredient in cinnamon rolls recipes. For one, for two or for a hungry crowd!
Nutritional values: 149 calories, 9 grams protein, 24.5 grams carbohydrates, 0.5 grams fat.
Protein shakes
For many people, protein shakes are the best way to use protein powder, and the most usual too. They are perfect after a workout to ensure optimal recovery and prevent catabolism. With milk or water, protein shakes are so versatile.
Nutritional values: 286 calories, 33.4 grams protein, 32.8 grams carbohydrates, 4.8 grams fat.
Protein granola
Aside from protein oatmeal and oatmeal protein cookies, high protein granola is another way to eat protein powder and oats for breakfast. You will love it with in Greek yogurt bowls, with milk, or as a crunchy snack.
Nutritional values: 186 calories, 9.4 grams protein, 21.8 grams carbohydrates, 7.7 grams fat.
Hot chocolate
Chocolate lovers, I am talking to you. This way of consuming protein powder is going to blow your mind, fill your heart with excitement…and make you salivate. Protein powder hot chocolate!
Nutritional values: 232 calories, 20 grams protein, 6 grams carbohydrates, 12 grams fat.
Protein peanut butter
Did you know that you can make peanut butter with protein powder? Honestly, it’s so quick and simple that I make it every week. Just mix powdered peanut butter with protein powder and you’ll end up with a high protein peanut butter that is also lower in calories!
Greek yogurt dip
Try mixing protein powder with yogurt and you’ll get the perfect protein dip. Add some peanut butter, cinnamon or chocolate and it will feel like eating dessert. But of course healthy and macro-friendly, perfect for the diet.
Nutritional values: 186 calories, 9.4 grams protein, 21.8 grams carbohydrates, 7.7 grams fat.
Protein jam and fruit spreads
Next time you have a jar of jam, mix a tablespoon of protein powder right into it (preferably whey protein). By doing this, you’ll end up with a high protein spread for protein bread, pancakes or crepes. And if you want my advice, try the combo strawberry & vanilla whey. A game changer, it hits the spot – and the macros!
Brownie skillet
Are you looking for some good chocolate protein powder recipes? Grab a bowl and make low calorie protein brownie skillet. With a scoop of homemade vanilla protein ice cream on top, it tastes like forbidden dessert.
Nutritional values: 263 calories, 32 grams protein, 14 grams carbohydrates, 5.7 grams fat.
Veggie burgers
When I say this, many people think I’m crazy. But whenever making vegan burgers, I like scooping in unflavored protein powder. You should definitely try next time you make plant veggie burgers at home. Such a great way how to use unflavored protein powder.
Avocado chocolate mousse
Mix protein powder with avocado, cocoa powder and maple syrup to make avocado chocolate mousse with lots of protein!
Protein bread
You can also add protein powder in food like bread. It’s perfect for a macro-friendly lunch, stuffed with chicken breast and low fat cheese. Try throwing a scoop of unflavored protein powder into my Greek yogurt protein bread recipe. So easy and versatile.
Nutritional values: 177 calories, 9.7 grams protein, 33.8 grams carbohydrates, 1.7 grams fat.
Gummies
Gummies are the perfect protein powder recipe for all those people who like to chew sweet stuffs during the day. In particular while working. You can make your fruity gummies at home without sugar.
Brownies
If you are looking for new tasty ways to use chocolate protein powder, brownies are the solution. The best thing is, you won’t need to worry about the diet because these banana protein brownies have just 69 calories.
Nutritional values: 69 calories, 9.7 grams protein, 6.7 grams carbohydrates, 1.7 grams fat.
Microwave cookie
Mix protein powder with flour and cocoa powder, microwave, and you’ll get a chocolate protein cookie recipe. It’s perfect as a snack or as a guilt-free dessert to support your fitness goals.
Nutritional values: 284 calories, 24 grams protein, 20 grams carbohydrates, 10 grams fat.
Soup
One of the ways to incorporate protein powder into your meals is adding it to soup. My recommendation is blending unflavored vegan protein powder with some veggies, it will taste pretty good. But you shouldn’t be scooping dry whey into hot soups or you’ll get a disgusting lumpy mixture.
Chia pudding
Packed with nutrients and fibers, chia puddings are perfect for healthy breakfasts or snacks. But what about making it more balanced with an extra scoop of protein powder?
Protein donuts
Homer Simpson would love this recipe. Chocolate protein donuts are one of those things to make with protein powder if you like dessert. Enjoy as a macro-friendly dessert, as a midday snack, or for breakfast
Nutritional values: 143 calories, 7.2 grams protein, 18.2 grams carbohydrates, 5.8 grams fat.
Rice cake pudding
Looking for new ways to eat rice cakes? Then you should try rice cakes chocolate pudding with protein powder! This rice cake chocolate recipe makes a delicious breakfast that is high in protein and low in calories.
Nutritional values: 234 calories, 23 grams protein, 20 grams carbohydrates, 5 grams fat.
Protein guacamole
You can mix unflavored protein powder with avocado and make guacamole. If you want to give it a try, my recommendation is unflavored whey protein powder. It is the best option because it has a neutral tastes and mixes very well in food.
No bake protein balls
Quick and easy to make, no bake protein balls are great as a healthy snack on-the-go. You can make simple protein bites by just adding protein powder to oat flour, nut butter and maple syrup. Vegan, gluten-free and guilt-free!
Nutritional values: 97 calories, 5.6 grams protein, 9 grams carbohydrates, 4.8 grams fat.
Rice cake spread
Creative ways to use protein powder are toppings for rice cakes. To make the spread, mix protein with Greek yogurt until you get a doughy texture. And when you are happy with the result, go and spread it all over your rice cakes! Low calorie and so delicious, it will feel like eating dessert.
Protein French toast bites
Next time you crave French toast, add protein powder to eggs and milk. Soak dices of bread into the mixture, pan fry or bake, and you’ll get a satisfying fitness breakfast. I recommend serving protein French toast bites with homemade protein pudding and a cup of protein coffee.
Nutritional values: 291 calories, 36 grams protein, 9 grams carbohydrates, 10 grams fat.
Protein dough
Amongst all 55 ways to use protein powder, this is probably the most creative yet overlooked one. Making protein dough is very simple, as you only need to mix protein powder with nut butter, sweetener of choice and a drop of milk. The result should be a doughy mixture. You can eat it with the spoon, as a dip for fruit, or on top of bread.
Protein cookie dough
Protein cookie dough is amongst the best protein powder recipes. It’s quick and easy to make, without the need for baking or cooking a whole batch of cookies. My favorite uses vanilla whey protein powder with cashew butter.
Nutritional values: 294 calories, 30 grams protein, 12.5 grams carbohydrates, 15.9 grams fat.
Protein chocolate spread
Stop buying protein cream and make your own! The recipe for protein chocolate spread is so simple. All you have to do is mixing cocoa powder with protein powder, some sweetener and milk to consistency. You’ll get a smooth protein cream to use as a spread for protein pancakes, protein bagels and waffles.
Cottage cheese bowl
Welcome to one of the best ways to eat protein powder for breakfasts and snacks. Mix it with cottage cheese, fresh fruit and a drizzle of honey for a satisfying bowl packed with nutrients. Perfect as a pre or post workout snack.
Protein meatballs
Looking for more creative ways to use protein powder? Try it in meatballs. Mix ground meat with protein powder, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, chopped onion, minced garlic, and parsley. Add a bit of milk to bind everything together. Form into balls and bake until golden brown. These meatballs are perfect for adding extra protein to your meals!
Protein iced coffee
Many people don’t know that there are many other ways to use protein powder other than shakes. Protein coffee, for example. It’s so easy to make, a shot of caffeine to power up your training and give you energy for the entire day.
Nutritional values: 102 calories, 21.1 grams protein, 2.5 grams carbohydrates, 1.7 grams fat.
Protein bars
Bars are convenient ways to consume protein powder during the day. Many people buy them for snacks or post workouts. But only few know that you can actually make protein bars at home. It’s so quick and easy.
Nutritional values: 185 calories, 18 grams protein, 9 grams carbohydrates, 9 grams fat.
Baked oats
Dessert for breakfast? Yes, but healthy and high protein with this baked oatmeal. Protein baked oats are fantastic ways to eat protein powder for breakfast. They are so satisfying, healthy and macro friendly.
Nutritional values: 306 calories, 25.7 grams protein, 41.9 grams carbohydrates, 4.8 grams fat.
Popcorn
Make some microwave or air fryer pop corn, then add to a bowl and sprinkle with unflavored protein powder. If you are looking for a sweet treat, then use vanilla, chocolate or caramel flavored protein powder.
Brownie batter
How many like me think that brownie batter tastes better than brownies? Well, if you also like it, this way how to use chocolate protein powder is for you. Add the powder to the mix and you’ll end up with a bowl of rich protein edible brownie batter. Healthy and good for you!
Nutritional values: 185 calories, 26 grams protein, 11 grams carbohydrates, 3 grams fat.
Hummus
Next time you make hummus, consider scooping in some unflavored protein powder. Blend it all up until creamy, then serve as a protein packed dip. And if you are craving something sweet, prepare sweet protein hummus with maple syrup and vanilla protein powder.
Crumble dessert
Have you ever thought of adding protein powder to crumble recipes? This is a a creative way to put together a delicious dessert that is also macro-friendly. And if you don’t know where to start, make my protein banana crumble!
Nutritional values: 187 calories, 15 grams protein, 17 grams carbohydrates, 7 grams fat.
Protein crepes
We’ve already mentioned pancakes, but what about crepes? This is one of the recipes using protein powder that I like the most. Protein crepes are an incredible way to kick off your day!
Protein popsicles
Clocking at 56 calories, these Protein Popsicles are the perfect healthy snack for Summer. They’re fruity and oh so refreshing. Making protein ice pops at home is ridiculously easy, you just need Greek yogurt, protein powder and fruit.
Nutritional values: 56 calories, 7.2 grams protein, 6.2 grams carbohydrates, 0.5 grams fat.
Chocolate frozen dessert
Frozen protein dessert is hands down the BEST Summer treat for all fitness lovers. Mix chocolate protein powder with yogurt and cocoa, you’ll end up with a rich frozen treat featuring over 44 grams of protein. For under 250 calories!
Nutritional values: 248 calories, 44.4 grams protein, 20 grams carbohydrates, 5.3 grams fat.
Cottage cheese cookie dough
Made with cottage cheese and protein powder, you should definitely try the viral cottage cheese cookie dough. It tastes so rich and sweet that you won’t ever guess it’s also good for the diet.
Nutritional values: 242 calories, 17.5 grams protein, 16 grams carbohydrates, 15 grams fat.
Banana protein muffins
Wait…let me ask you, why aren’t you adding protein powder to muffins?! It’s probably one of the best protein powder ideas for desserts and snacks. If you don’t know where to start, check out this recipe for flourless banana protein muffins.
Nutritional values: 116 calories, 8 grams protein, 10.2 grams carbohydrates, 5.9 grams fat.
