Incorporating protein powder into your diet is a convenient, easy, and delicious way to up your daily protein intake. With benefits like cutting cravings, replenishing muscles, increasing energy, and aiding in weight loss, protein is definitely something you don’t want to skimp on.
While you probably know that protein powder can be mixed with water in a shaker bottle for a quick protein boost, you may not be aware that the uses for protein powder go far beyond shakes. This versatile ingredient can be added to your diet in many unexpected ways—and with so many available flavors and blends, it’s easier (and tastier) than ever! Here are six clever ways to include protein powder in your meals.
1. Power your pancakes
If you’re looking for a wholesome breakfast that will fill you up, warm your soul, and provide a hearty dose of protein, look no further than protein pancakes. Because protein powders come in a range of flavors like salty peanut butter, blueberry muffin, and chocolate fudge, you can customize the flavor of your pancakes depending on what you’re in the mood for.
This Peanut Butter Banana Pancakes recipe is a must-try. If you’re vegan, simply swap out the Salty Peanut Butter Whey Protein for our Peanut Butter Smoothie Vegan Protein.
2. Optimize your oatmeal
Who says oatmeal has to be bland and boring? The addition of a flavored protein powder to your bowl of oats will help you hit your target protein macro and make you feel like you’re eating dessert for breakfast! Simply add a scoop of flavored whey or vegan protein powder to your oatmeal in the morning, or try these Vegan Blueberry Cobbler Overnight Proats, for a delicious morning meal.
3. Prepare some protein bars
Why buy protein bars when you can make your own using protein powder and a few other healthy ingredients? Make up a big batch to have them on hand for a to-go snack or quick boost of protein. These Vegan No-Bake Peanut Butter Protein Bars or Vegan Chocolate Brownie Oatmeal Bars are great options. You can thank us later!
4. Boost your baked goods
Brownies, cakes, cookies, muffins, scones, donuts—there is no shortage of baked goods that can’t be enhanced with protein powder. Choose a protein powder with the flavor you’d like your dessert to be and mix it right into the batter for an instant protein boost.
5. Enhance your ice cream
Let’s be honest: ice cream usually isn’t the healthiest choice. Thankfully, you can easily make a healthy version that’s packed with protein, such as Birthday Cake Protein Ice Cream, with just a few simple ingredients. All you need is some birthday-cake-flavored protein powder, full-fat coconut milk, and a sweetener of your choice. This rich and creamy treat provides ample protein and tastes decadent, but is actually good for you. Yes, please!
6. Blend up a smoothie
Boost your smoothie with the amazing benefits of protein by adding a scoop of your favorite protein powder. It will make your smoothie more nutrient-dense and give it a creamy consistency. Plus, with so many different protein powder flavors available, the options are endless! If you’re crunched for time and looking for a quick, protein-packed snack, try this three-ingredient Vegan Chocolate Banana Smoothie.
Start getting more protein today
Is anyone else’s mouth watering? As you can see, there are plenty of ways to add protein powder to your diet besides mixing it in a shaker bottle (which we’re also fans of!). From desserts to breakfasts to snacks, including whey or vegan protein powders in your kitchen creations is a delicious and easy way to meet your daily protein needs.
