Protein shakes are popular these days and for good reason. They’re an easy, on-the-go way to fuel your body and meet your daily protein needs. Whether you’re an athlete, live an active lifestyle, or simply want to increase your protein intake, protein shakes can be a game-changer.
But let’s be honest–taste matters. And many protein shakes contain artificial additives that taste weird, or they’re loaded with added sugars.
Fortunately, you don’t have to settle for bland, chalky shakes or sacrifice taste for nutrition.
With a few simple tips, you can blend up protein shakes that are just as tasty as they are nutritious.
Here are top protein shake tips to help you create the best-tasting shake, every time:
Select quality ingredients
If you want your protein shakes to taste good, choosing quality ingredients is a must. And that starts with selecting a high-quality protein powder.
Some protein powders are packed with artificial sweeteners like aspartame, sucralose, or acesulfame potassium. These can give your protein shake a bitter or metallic aftertaste. Not to mention that they may increase sugar cravings and disrupt the gut microbiome.
Other protein powders add emulsifiers like guar gum or carrageenan as thickening agents. While these don’t affect the taste, they lead to gut inflammation for some people.
The key to finding a good-quality protein powder is to read the ingredient list carefully. If the ingredients read like a science textbook, it doesn’t belong in your body.
Instead, look for protein powders with real, whole-food ingredients with no added sugars. Ideally, ones that are organic, gluten-free, allergen-friendly, and free of harmful additives. Some of our favorites at CLEAN are:
- Pea protein
- Hemp protein
- Pumpkin seed protein
- Brown rice protein
- Collagen powder
Some protein powders use one protein source. Others like our Daily Shake, use a blend to include a wider range of nutrients. Once you’ve selected your protein powder, you’re ready for the next step.
Add fruits, veggies, and healthy fats
Some protein shake recipes consist of protein powder, a base liquid, and nothing else. This not only makes for a boring shake, but it’s a missed opportunity nutrition-wise.
Adding fruits and vegetables makes the best tasting protein shake and adds vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Including healthy fats in the mix gives your shakes a richer flavor and makes them more satiating.
Fruits
Fruits add natural sweetness and a burst of flavor to your shakes along with a hefty dose of fiber. Some of our favorite fruits to include are:
- Blueberries
- Raspberries
- Blackberries
- Pineapple
- Mango
- Cherries
- Apples
- Peaches
- Kiwi
- Pumpkin
- Lemon juice
- Lime juice
You may have noticed bananas didn’t make the list. While bananas are a rich source of potassium and other essential nutrients, they’re high in sugar. For this reason, we recommend avoiding them while cleansing with Clean 7 or Clean 21. However, if you’re not cleansing, feel free to include them in moderation.
Vegetables
Vegetables are easy to sneak into your shakes to make them more nutrient-dense. Just be sure to choose veggies with neutral flavors that don’t affect the taste too much, like:
- Spinach
- Romaine lettuce
- Kale (use with sweeter fruits, like pineapple)
- Microgreens
- Sprouts
- Cucumber
- Celery
- Cauliflower rice
- Zucchini
- Sweet potato
Healthy fats
Adding healthy fats to your protein shakes can make them creamier and help you stay energized throughout the day. Many healthy fats, like nuts, also add an extra boost of protein.
Healthy fats to consider adding include:
- Avocado
- Flaxseed
- Chia seeds
- Hemp seeds
- Nut butters like almond butter or cashew butter
- Seed butter like tahini or sunflower seed butter
- Raw nuts or seeds like cashews, walnuts, pecan, or pumpkin seeds
Keep in mind that fats are calorie-dense, so a little goes a long way. A handful of nuts or seeds, a tablespoon of nut butter, or a ¼ an avocado is usually enough.
Add flavor enhancers
Adding flavor enhancers can also customize your protein shakes to your taste. For example, if your shakes could use some extra sweetness, add a bit of natural sweetener. Our favorite clean sweeteners include coconut sugar, dates, yacon syrup, and monk fruit.
Herbs and spices can also elevate the flavor profile of your shakes while adding antioxidants. Consider adding one of these flavor enhancers to your next shake:
Spices: cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, turmeric, ginger, cayenne pepper
Powders: cocoa powder, maca powder, or matcha powder
Extracts: vanilla, peppermint, or almond
Fresh herbs: mint, basil, cilantro, or parsley
Experiment until you find the flavor combinations that suit your taste best. Here are some winning flavor combinations to get your creative juices flowing:
Pineapple: basil, cilantro, ginger, or lime juice
Mango: turmeric, cardamom, or ginger
Pumpkin: cinnamon, ginger, vanilla extract, or cocoa powder
Berries: mint, basil, or lemon juice
Cherries: cocoa powder, vanilla extract, or ginger
Apples: cinnamon, ginger, or vanilla extract
Peaches: ginger, turmeric, or cinnamon
Texture and consistency tips
To get the perfect consistency for your protein shakes, try adjusting the liquid-to-solid ratio. Usually, ½-1 cup of base liquid per cup of fruit is a good rule of thumb. If you prefer thicker shakes, start with less liquid, and for thinner shakes, use more. Experiment until you find the ratio that works best for you.
If you tend to use water, switching your base liquid can also improve the taste and texture of your protein shakes. Milk alternatives like almond milk and coconut milk add a mild, pleasant flavor and create a smoother consistency. Coconut water adds a hint of sweetness to shakes along with a dose of electrolytes. Or consider using peppermint tea, chai tea, matcha, or kombucha as the base liquid for a more unique flavor profile. The possibilities are endless!
Adding other ingredients can also adjust the texture. Frozen fruit, ice, and frozen cauliflower rice are great options to give your shakes a thick, slushy texture. Chia seeds, avocado, coconut yogurt, or nut butter can add a creamy consistency to your shakes and make them more filling.
Incorporate the Daily Shake
To enhance the flavor and nutrition of your protein shakes, try adding a scoop of our Daily Shake. It contains a super blend of seven fermented plant-based proteins that are organic, gluten-free, vegan, and easy on the gut. Each scoop gives you 16 grams of protein, 100% of your daily essential vitamins and minerals, and 10 billion CFUs of probiotics. It’s like having a protein powder, multivitamin, and probiotic all in one convenient supplement.
Daily Shake mixes well with any liquid and comes in 3 delicious flavors: plain, vanilla, or chocolate. All are free of gums, additives, artificial sweeteners, and stevia. Our vanilla and chocolate flavors include organic monk fruit for a touch of natural sweetness.
Whether you’re looking to increase your protein intake or support your digestion, the Daily Shake can help. Simply add a scoop to your favorite protein shake recipes for a boost of flavor and nutrients.
Presentation and serving suggestions
When food looks nice, it tends to taste better. So get creative with your protein shakes! Try garnishing them with fresh fruit, cacao nibs, hemp seeds, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon. Top your shakes with a handful of berries or a sprig of mint for a vibrant, flavorful touch. Serving vessels like mason jars adds a charming feel, while reusable shaker bottles are a portable and convenient option.
For post-workout recovery, try blending your shakes with some fruit to replenish your energy stores. If you’re using your shake as a meal replacement, add some healthy fats like avocado or nut butter to make them more filling. Or for an on-the-go breakfast, pour your shakes into a mason jar for a nutrient-packed meal.
Experimentation is the key to making the best-tasting protein shake. So play around with ingredients and flavor pairings until you find your favorite combinations. And for a nutrient-rich boost, don’t forget to mix in a scoop of our Daily Shake.
Want more recipe ideas and protein shake tips? Head to our blog where you’ll find dozens of recipes for tasty protein shakes.
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