My kids like to recount how I used to make them share a single 16-ounce smoothie whenever we went to Jamba Juice. As a dietitian, I figured a 5ish-ounce drink was an entirely reasonable snack for a kid. Plus, three full-sized smoothies isn’t exactly cheap. These days, we make most of our smoothies at home. You can pack in a lot of nutrition when you DIY it (plus, they taste better if you ask me). One thing I prioritize with homemade smoothies, particularly when drinking them for a meal, is plenty of protein (I wrote a whole post on the subject, which you can find here). Below you’ll find a collection of 7 protein-rich smoothie recipes that are collectively creamy, nourishing, and slurp-worthy.
7 Protein-Rich Smoothies
Pineapple Orange Green Smoothie
There’s a reason I call this one “a green smoothie kids love”. It’s seriously tasty. The protein comes by way of kefir (you can swap in yogurt) and any nuts or seeds you care to add. It’s also rich in vitamin C and naturally sweet.
Good Morning Mocha Smoothie
You might mistake this smoothie for a luscious shake if you didn’t know better. It’s got a kick of caffeine and offers energizing, protein-rich ingredients (nut butter, seeds, milk). I sometimes toss in a few cauliflower florets or 1/4 cup of chickpeas if I have them on hand.
Wild Blueberry Superfood Smoothie
Kefir and hemp seeds tag team to deliver protein to this smoothie. You’ll also get loads of antioxidants, which can boost brain function and can seamlessly add a handful of spinach if you like. For a slightly different spin, check out my Blueberry Brain-Boosting Smoothie.
Creamy Banana Date Shake
I tend to whiz this one up more for a snack or as part of a meal. It’s just four ingredients and is creamy and uncommonly good. Milk and walnuts add protein, and dates offer natural sweetness and health-protective polyphenols.
Carrot Mango Ginger Smoothie
If you like a zip of fresh ginger, this smoothie is for you. It’s loaded with vitamin A, probiotics, and protein (plus, a creamy texture thanks to the mango). Use frozen mango for ease and an extra frosty texture.
Orange Delight Green Smoothie
This smoothie is a delight indeed, thanks to the combination of orange, ginger, greens, carrots, and hemp seeds. If you make it with plant milk, consider boosting the protein with a few ounces of plain tofu or cottage cheese.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Smoothie
Serve this smoothie to your kids and they will never guess it’s got 1/2 cup of spinach in every glass. What they will know is that it’s cold and frothy with irresistible chocolate/peanut butter flavor.
If you like these 7 protein-rich smoothie recipes, check out:
Smoothie-licious, by Jenna Helwig
Super Green Smoothies, by Danielle Omar
Smoothie Project, by Catherine McCord
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