As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
This rich and creamy chocolate Protein Milkshake recipe makes the perfect post workout snack or protein snack. With Greek yogurt, protein powder and banana, this homemade protein milkshake is so easy to make in just 5 minutes.
Craving dessert but you want to eat healthier? I got you. In this blog post you are going to learn how to make protein milkshake with protein powder. Whether you are trying to gain weight or you want to lose weight, there’s a heathy milkshake for any diet. The best thing is that it tastes rich and creamy like the original, but macro-friendly without all the sugars and fats. It will feel like sipping ice cream with a straw. Oh, and have fun experimenting with different flavors. Chocolate and vanilla protein almond milk shake are my favorite!
What’s in protein milkshake?
- Protein powder. The best protein powder for milkshakes is whey protein powder, it blends smoothly and produces a creamier drink. Of course you can also make vegan protein milkshake with plant based protein powder, but it may require some more blending. This recipe uses chocolate protein, but vanilla is delicious too.
- Cocoa powder. Start with a good cocoa powder, without added sugar for a protein lean milkshake. Omit cocoa powder, in case you want to prepare another protein milkshake flavor.
- Frozen banana. Blending in protein milkshake banana ensures a rich and creamy texture, pretty much like the real thing. Additionally, the banana gives natural sweetness with no sugar added.
- Peanut butter. A tablespoon of peanut butter makes this healthy milkshake creamier and more satisfying. As an alternative you can use almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter in case of nut allergies.
- Greek yogurt. Greek yogurt adds creaminess and nutrients, boosting the protein content in milkshake. I normally use 2% Greek yogurt, but also nonfat or full-fat yogurt are suitable. If you follow a vegan diet, swap it out for dairy-free alternatives such as coconut yogurt or soy yogurt.
- Milk of choice. I like unsweetened almond milk, it is low calorie and delicious. But any milk can be used, dairy or nondairy. Some recommendations are semi-skimmed milk, soy milk, pea milk and oat milk.
How to make a protein milkshake
Add all ingredients to a high speed blender or food processor. Blend on high until smooth and creamy, scraping down sides as needed. Depending on the protein powder used, you may need to add some more milk. Taste and adjust with maple syrup if it is necessary. Enjoy immediately with your favorite toppings and a straw as a refreshing protein drink.
Flavor variations
- Vanilla – Basic recipe but with vanilla protein powder and no cocoa. As an alternative, you can also make vanilla protein milkshake with unflavored protein powder and an additional drop of vanilla extract.
- Peanut butter – Basic recipe with an additional tablespoon of peanut butter. Feel free to omit the cocoa, or keep it for chocolate peanut butter milkshake. In terms of flavor, you can use chocolate, vanilla, peanut butter or unflavored protein powder.
- Strawberry – Basic recipe, but replace a third of the banana with ½ cup of frozen strawberries. Additionally, I recommend keeping the vanilla milkshake protein powder choice because it pairs well with strawberries. Cocoa powder can be omitted.
- Cookies and cream – Basic recipe with vanilla protein, no cocoa, and the replacement of peanut butter for almond butter or cashew butter. Once you are done blending, stir in some crushed Oreo cookies then serve with low fat whipped cream and more cookies.
Success tips
- Use a good protein powder. The choice of protein powder is key, if you want to make a very good protein milkshake at home. My first recommendation is whey protein powder, followed by whey casein blends. Both mix exceptionally well and do not leave lumps. If you prefer vegan protein powder, stick to high quality isolate soy protein or pea protein.
- Don’t skip the frozen banana. Many people are tempted to omit this ingredient, but don’t do it. Additionally, fresh banana does not work. Frozen banana in protein powder milkshake produces a creamy texture and sweeten the drink in a natural way.
- Sweeten to taste. Since this recipe has chocolate flavored protein, I never feel the need to add any maple syrup or honey. But if you use unflavored protein powder or have the biggest sweet tooth, then I suggest blending in some more sweetener. Apart from maple syrup, other options are monk fruit sweetener, erythritol, stevia and keto syrup.
- Customize the protein milkshake. If you are not a fan of chocolate, try making milkshake with protein powder flavors you enjoy. Vanilla is oh so delicious. And be sure to add extra ingredients such as crushed cookies, protein ice cream, chocolate chips or frozen berries.
Meal-prep guide
Did you know you can make this whey protein milkshake ahead of time and store it for later? It’s so convenient, perfect for meal prepping and quick post workout drinks.
To store protein powder milkshake, portion out the blended mixture into clean zipper bags. Seal well and then freeze for a maximum of 2 months. Before serving, remove from the freezer and add frozen protein milkshake to a high speed blender. Blend on high power with a couple tablespoons of milk more, until it reaches a smooth and creamy consistency. Enjoy as a protein-packed snack, pre workout or post workout. It is perfect on a hot summer day!
Protein milkshake for weight gain
Making a weight gain milkshake is incredibly simple. All you should do is augmenting the basic recipe with additional high calorie foods such as nut butter, dates or extra bananas. Here are some recommendations:
- Use two frozen bananas instead of one.
- Choose full-fat Greek yogurt over low fat yogurt.
- Choose whole milk or oat milk over almond milk.
- Use two tablespoons of peanut butter instead of one.
- Blend in a scoop of homemade protein ice cream.
- Add other high calorie foods such as nuts, seeds, dates and chocolate chips.
Protein milkshake for weight loss
Are you on a weight loss diet? Then follow the basic recipe that you will find in the recipe card down here, but with a couple of twists:
- Choose nonfat Greek yogurt over full fat yogurt.
- Choose unsweetened almond milk over whole milk.
- Skip or reduce the amount of peanut butter.
More healthy snacks with protein powder
- Protein popsicles
- Protein ice cream
- Protein muffins
- Chocolate protein cake
- Greek yogurt cookie dough
- Cottage cheese cookie dough
Protein Milkshake
Equipment
Ingredients
- ¾ cup (180 ml) milk of choice, I used unsweetened almond milk
- ⅓ cup (80 g) Greek yogurt, low fat, plain
- 1 scoop (30 g) protein powder, chocolate or vanilla flavor
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 frozen banana, sliced
- 1 tbsp peanut butter, or almond butter
- 5 to 6 ice cubes
- ¼ tsp vanilla extract, optional
- maple syrup, optional, to taste
Optional Ingredients
- 1 scoop protein ice cream
- whipped cream, low fat, for serving
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a high speed blender or food processor. Blend on high until smooth and creamy, scraping down sides as needed. Depending on the protein powder used, you may need to add some more milk.Taste and adjust with maple syrup if it is necessary.
- Enjoy immediately with your favorite toppings and a straw for a refreshing protein drink.
Really, this chocolate Protein Milkshake recipe is easy to make and give me energy after work at home.
Hey dear Liza,
definitely! This high protein milkshake recipe comes in so handy for post workout snacks, after a gym session with the weights or after a run to load up on protein and energy.
Have a great weekend,
Matteo