18 Delicious Protein Powder Recipes That Aren't Shakes | Livestrong.com (2024)

18 Delicious Protein Powder Recipes That Aren't Shakes | Livestrong.com (1)

Don't limit yourself to seasonality here: Canned pumpkin is available year-round, so you can make these flapjacks any time!

There are plenty of reasons to prioritize protein. It repairs and creates new cells and helps you feel satiated after eating, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

Advertisement

The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for protein is 0.8 grams per kilogram (2.2 pounds) of body weight. In other words, if you weigh 160 pounds, you'll need to take in 58 grams of protein a day. But, it may be best to think of this RDA as the minimum amount of protein you require, according to Harvard Health Publishing.

Video of the Day

Several factors can lead to a person needing more protein than the RDA, such as age, pregnancy and activity level. For instance, athletes may benefit from getting at least 1.2 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight, notes the American Council on Exercise (ACE).

Advertisement

There are so many ways to use protein powder, and it's a simple way to add more of the nutrient to your diet. But if the thought of a protein shake just isn't appealing, take heart: There are plenty of ways to incorporate protein powder into your diet that don't require you to whip out the blender. These recipes include sweet and savory options for breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as plant-based protein powder alternatives.

Protein Powders We Love

  • Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey Protein ($71.99, Amazon.com)
  • Amazing Grass Vegan Protein & Kale Powder ($21.99, Amazon.com)
  • KOS Unflavored Protein Powder ($29.99, Amazon.com)

1. Walnut Banana Protein Pancakes

18 Delicious Protein Powder Recipes That Aren't Shakes | Livestrong.com (2)

These banana pancakes include oats, crunchy walnuts and collagen powder for extra fullness.

Unlike the pancakes you'd get at a diner, these won't leave you feeling sluggish. You'll feel ready to conquer your day thanks to the healthful pancake batter, which boasts collagen powder and rolled oats.

18 Delicious Protein Powder Recipes That Aren't Shakes | Livestrong.com (3)

To reduce the amount of sugar, skip the maple syrup and enjoy the natural sweetness of the caramelized bananas.

Get the Walnut Banana Protein Pancakes recipe and nutrition info from The Endless Meal.

2. Protein Overnight Oats

18 Delicious Protein Powder Recipes That Aren't Shakes | Livestrong.com (4)

These overnight oats are full of texture, flavor, and, of course, protein!

This recipe contains a whopping 27 grams of protein — not too shabby for a standard standby, huh?

Advertisement

Advertisement

Overnight oats may already be a breakfast staple, and for good reason: Oats make for a convenient and simple morning meal that can keep you full up through lunch. Adding protein powder to the mix amplifies the nutrition without adding much more prep time. You can make this convenient breakfast in big batches and complete your meal prep for the week. Top with your favorite berries, fruit, nuts and seeds to cater this delectable dish to your tastebuds.

Get the Protein Overnight Oats recipe and nutrition info from Eating Bird Food.

3. Protein Waffles

18 Delicious Protein Powder Recipes That Aren't Shakes | Livestrong.com (5)

Make the batter of these protein waffles in your blender for easy prep and cleanup.

Breakfast staples lend themselves to protein transformations, and waffles are no exception! These protein waffles rely on both vanilla protein powder, Greek yogurt and eggs for the ultimate satisfying meal. One waffles contains about 17 grams of protein. Better still, you can whip up this batter in the blender and the waffles can be stored in the freezer for easy meal prep. Your household will be stocked with healthy breakfast options, making your morning meal a no-brainer!

Advertisement

18 Delicious Protein Powder Recipes That Aren't Shakes | Livestrong.com (6)

The recipe also calls for vanilla-flavored pea protein, which results in the same gains in muscle thickness as whey protein, according to a January 2015 article in the ‌Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition‌.

That's good news for people who follow a plant-based diet, or avoid whey due to allergies.

4. No-Bake Nut Butter Crunchies

18 Delicious Protein Powder Recipes That Aren't Shakes | Livestrong.com (7)

If you're feeling nostalgic for rice crispy treats, try this adult-friendly version.

Consider these the healthy version of your favorite childhood treat. You'll roll crispy rice cereal, honey, protein powder and a nut butter of your choosing into bite-sized balls that'll become your new favorite adult snack (though kids are likely to want in, too). These are an excellent (and tasty!) option for pre-workout fuel. We have a feeling you'll want to whip up a double batch.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Get the No-Bake Nut Butter Crunchies recipe and nutrition info from Love and Zest.

5. Banana Protein Muffins

18 Delicious Protein Powder Recipes That Aren't Shakes | Livestrong.com (8)

Bump up the protein in these already-impressive muffins by topping them with nut butter.

Greek yogurt and protein powder make for a dangerously delicious duo when it comes to packing protein into recipes. These banana muffins rely on those ingredients, as well as oats, bananas and eggs for an ideal muffin base. Add in chocolate chips — or swap for blueberries — for a burst of delectable sweetness.

Advertisement

Each muffin contains 174 calories and 9 grams of protein.

Get the Banana Protein Muffin recipe and nutrition info from Haute and Healthy Living.

6. Chocolate Protein Pancakes

18 Delicious Protein Powder Recipes That Aren't Shakes | Livestrong.com (9)

These chocolate protein pancakes will satisfy any sweets craving.

If you find it hard to satisfy your sweet tooth, these chocolate pancakes may be the answer. They taste just like brownies, making them kid-friendly, and are incredibly easy to store, making them ideal for the time-strapped. Each flapjack contains 128 calories and 7 grams of protein.

Advertisement

Get the Chocolate Protein Pancake recipe and nutrition info from Hint of Healthy.

7. 3-Ingredient Chocolate Protein Mug Cake

18 Delicious Protein Powder Recipes That Aren't Shakes | Livestrong.com (10)

Combine one egg, a banana and protein powder for a tasty treat in a flash.

Whether you choose to bake this recipe in a mug or a ramekin is not the point; what matters is your chocolate desires are instantly met in minutes. And that they will be with this 3-ingredient recipe, which you can make in the oven or the microwave.

Advertisement

While this recipe calls for an egg, it suggests using a flax egg as a vegan alternative. Just make sure you're using vegan protein powder if you're choosing to craft up a fully vegan concoction. This chocolate wonder boasts 21 grams of protein and just 171 calories, making it a very filling, very chocolatey snack.

Get the 3-Ingredient Protein Mug Cake recipe and nutrition info from One Clever Chef.

8. Keto Lemon Meringue Pie Protein Popsicles

18 Delicious Protein Powder Recipes That Aren't Shakes | Livestrong.com (11)

These lemon meringue pie protein popsicles are as unique as they are beautiful.

This recipe checks so many boxes. They're protein packed, sugar free, keto-friendly and genuinely delicious. If you're in the market for an icy cool treat that's super satisfying, you've found your ticket. The recipe makes 10 popsicles, each of which contains 89 calories and 6 grams of protein. The low-carb meringue is an optional add, but we highly recommend going the extra mile if you've got the time. I

Get the Keto Lemon Meringue Pie Protein Popsicles recipe and nutrition info from One Clever Chef.

9. Cottage Cheese Pancakes

18 Delicious Protein Powder Recipes That Aren't Shakes | Livestrong.com (12)

These pancakes already get a hit of protein from cottage cheese — protein powder takes it to new heights.

These protein-packed pancakes boast the wonderful taste and texture of your everyday fluffy flapjack, but is packed with protein and free of flour, sugar or butter.

Whole grain oats, eggs, cottage cheese and, yes, protein powder are the main ingredients here. This breakfast recipe is incredibly versatile: You could skip the vanilla extract and cinnamon and make these pancakes savory instead of sweet.You could also add the zest of one lemon to the batter to make them deliciously tart. The options are limitless!

Advertisement

Get the Cottage Cheese Pancakes recipe and nutrition info from Tastes Better From Scratch.

10. Pumpkin Protein Muffins

18 Delicious Protein Powder Recipes That Aren't Shakes | Livestrong.com (13)

These pumpkin protein muffins are moist and bursting with fall flavors.

Pumpkin spice doesn't have to be reserved for the fall; we think these pumpkin-y muffins are fair game year round. These filling muffins are made from oats and incorporate canned pumpkin, pitted dates as well as vanilla-flavored whey protein powder for sweetness and flavor. The option pumpkin seed topping adds a great texture, some extra healthy fats and, come on, is pretty nice to look at.

Get the Pumpkin Protein Muffins recipe and nutrition info from One Clever Chef.

11. Protein Chia Pudding

18 Delicious Protein Powder Recipes That Aren't Shakes | Livestrong.com (14)

This chia pudding has multiple sources of protein, including chia seeds, protein powder and nut butter, if you'd like!

This unassuming chia pudding is high in protein — each pot has 30 grams — and packed with fiber, with 9 grams per serving. It's the perfect recipe for making ahead of time in a big batch and lends itself to an array of palate preferences: You can top with fresh or frozen berries, nut butters, agave or maple syrup or even a bit of yogurt.

Get the Protein Chia Pudding recipe and nutrition info from Real Food Whole Life.

12. Protein Ice Cream

18 Delicious Protein Powder Recipes That Aren't Shakes | Livestrong.com (15)

This dairy-free, protein-rich recipe is made with frozen bananas and the protein powder flavor of your choosing.

This nice cream recipe is extra nice: 11 grams of protein, 1 gram of fat and 160 calories per serving. With such credentials, we don't see why this ice cream has to be reserved for dessert. Try it as a post-workout snack, midday pick-me-up or refreshing breakfast if you're so inspired.

To make it, you'll use your food processor to mix together the frozen bananas, non-dairy milk, nut butter and protein powder. There are instructions for making both vanilla and chocolate, but feel free to play around with different flavors, or add other types of frozen fruits for even more variety.

Get the Protein Ice Cream recipe and nutrition info from Eating Bird Food.

13. Peanut Butter Protein Balls

18 Delicious Protein Powder Recipes That Aren't Shakes | Livestrong.com (16)

Up your breakfast game with this easy, super-charged recipe that is perfect after a workout.

This anytime-snack will fuel you when hunger pangs hit. They take just 15 minutes to put together and freeze particularly well (up to three months), so make an enormous batch if you find you like the taste. Plus: You don't need any fancy kitchen equipment to whip these together, just a bowl, a spoon and a bit of elbow grease.

Get the Peanut Butter Protein Balls recipe and nutrition info from Well Plated.

14. Vegan Vanilla Mug Cake

18 Delicious Protein Powder Recipes That Aren't Shakes | Livestrong.com (17)

You can top this mug cake with classic chocolate chips, or experiment with other fun niblets, like peanut butter chips, oats or raisins.

We thought it only fair to share a vanilla version of the mug cake: This one's free of added sugars and takes less than 10 minutes to prepare. It's the perfect recipe for times you can't quiet your sweet cravings, and it will keep you satisfied until your next meal, since it contains a snack-size amount of protein — a little under 4 grams per serving.

Get the Vegan Vanilla Mug Cake recipe and nutrition info from Cotter Crunch.

15. No-Bake Chocolate Protein Bars

18 Delicious Protein Powder Recipes That Aren't Shakes | Livestrong.com (18)

These no-bake bars take the cake when it comes to a fulfilling post-workout snack.

Why buy packaged protein bars when you can make a nutritious version at home for a fraction of the cost? This recipe makes the question a rhetorical one. These no-bake chocolate protein bars are an ideal post-workout snack, with 15 grams of protein for each 230 calorie bar. And unlike those store-bought bars, these are entirely customizable to your flavor preferences. A total win!

Get the No-Bake Chocolate Protein Bars recipe and nutrition info from Purely Kaylie.

16. Healthy Protein Powder Cookie Dough

18 Delicious Protein Powder Recipes That Aren't Shakes | Livestrong.com (19)

This brilliant snack is safe to eat because it doesn't contain raw eggs.

Traditionally, raw cookie dough isn't safe to eat — it's made with raw eggs, which are not safe to eat, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Edible cookie dough has grown in popularity, however, because it is so delicious and, free of raw eggs, safe to eat.

This recipe checks the boxes when it comes to deliciousness ‌and‌ protein content: With 19 grams per serving, it's one worth writing home about. The tasty treat comes together with a mixture of protein powder, coconut flour, apple sauce and non-dairy milk. If your a fiend for cookie dough, congratulations — you've just discovered your next favorite recipe.

Get the Healthy Protein Powder Cookie Dough recipe and nutrition info from Food Faith Fitness.

17. Strawberry Protein Crepes

18 Delicious Protein Powder Recipes That Aren't Shakes | Livestrong.com (20)

Fancy up your breakfast routine with these satisfying protein crepes

Rare is it to eat crepes for their protein content, but it's exactly what you'll be doing with this simple recipe that focuses on plant-based protein.

Feel free to use this crepe recipe as a guide to experimenting with other flavors. Strawberries not in season? Go savory and stuff them with cottage cheese. Want a drizzle of Nutella? Who's stopping you?Have some extra greens on the verge of wilting in your fridge? Blanket them in these beautiful, protein-forward crepes.

Get the Strawberry Protein Crepes recipe and nutrition info from Feel Good Foodie.

18. Pumpkin Protein Pancakes

18 Delicious Protein Powder Recipes That Aren't Shakes | Livestrong.com (21)

Don't limit yourself to seasonality here: Canned pumpkin is available year-round, so you can make these flapjacks any time!

These gorgeous pancakes come together simply in the blender: You'll blend almond flour, protein power, pumpkin puree, eggs, sweetener and non-dairy milk together for the batter, and then heat them in a non-stick pan as you would a standard pancake.

Two pancakes contain 17 grams of protein and fewer than 200 calories. Let your imagination run wild when it comes to toppings: Think yogurt, nut butter, fresh or frozen fruit and beyond.

Get the Pumpkin Protein Pancakes recipe and nutrition info from One Clever Chef.

Other Ways to Use Protein Powder

If you want to know how to use protein powder in some other, more creative ways, here are some customizable tips and tricks you can try.

1. Make Hummus and Other Dips

Unflavored is the best protein powder to use when you're incorporating the ingredient into a recipe. While chocolate or strawberry may be better options for mixing with just water, you want to be able to control both the flavor and the sugar content when used in a dip recipe.

To amp up hummus, add about one scoop of plain, unflavored protein powder for every can of chickpeas in your recipe. Try this in other savory dips, too.

2. Amp Up Bean Burgers

Another pro tip: Look for a powder with as few ingredients as possible. "A lot of companies add gums and emulsifiers to their protein powders to ensure that they can easily be turned into a smooth drink by shaking. When it comes to cooking, though, those ingredients can make your recipes turn out gummy and rubbery," explains Anna Sward, founder of ProteinPow.com and author of "The Ultimate Protein Powder Cookbook."

Give bean burgers even more protein by adding anywhere from a quarter-cup to a half-cup of protein powder for every can of beans your recipe calls for.

3. Build Your Own Pizza Crust

You can make a variety of typically carb-heavy foods a protein makeover by adding in some protein powder. Pizza crust is one of the best options. Just process one cup of oats, a quarter-cup of protein powder (unflavored pea protein is great), one egg and a half-cup of liquid egg whites, Sward says. Then, cook the batter in a skillet like a pancake.

Once the crust is ready, add your favorite toppings and place your pizza under the broiler until your cheese is nice and gooey.

4. Create Soups That Satisfy

Add up to a scoop of unflavored protein powder to the broth, milk or other liquid you're going to use when you're making soup. To eliminate clumps, blend well with a whisk or in a blender before adding the liquid to your pot. You may also need to add more liquid if you prefer thinner soups, so add half a scoop of protein powder at a time, adjusting as necessary.

5. Make Super Salad Dressings

Get more nutrients into your homemade salad dressings but incorporating protein powder. That's right — you can whisk unflavored protein powder into your favorite vinaigrette or yogurt- or avocado-based salad dressings.

Use no more than one scoop of protein powder for every one-and-a-half total cups of liquid (oil, vinegar, etc). Too much powder will leave you with a gloppy mess on your hands rather than a delicious drizzle for your kale or Caesar salad.

6. Incorporate Into Cookies and Other Baked Goods

"The main way I turn a recipe into a protein powder recipe is to substitute half the flour for unflavored protein powder," Seitz says, who recommends using whey protein. Try it in your favorite cookie recipe and see. Or search online to find cookie recipes for everything from chocolate chip and oatmeal raisin to snickerdoodles and even thin mints!

7. Create Protein Truffles of All Flavors

Thanks to the many varieties of flavored protein powder, you can make truffles flavored with chocolate, vanilla, cookie dough and more. One of the easiest ways to make these is to mix protein powder and nut butter in a two-to-one ratio in a food processor, adding honey, maple syrup or agave to taste. Add a splash of milk if necessary to help it all combine nicely.

Advertisement

Advertisement

18 Delicious Protein Powder Recipes That Aren't Shakes | Livestrong.com (2024)

FAQs

What to do with protein powder besides shakes? ›

Here are 10 different ways to use your True Protein Powder, along with recipes created by our very own recipe creators!
  1. Protein Shake. ...
  2. Protein Smoothie + Smoothie Bowl. ...
  3. Protein Oats + Overnight Oats. ...
  4. Protein Balls. ...
  5. Cakes + Slices. ...
  6. Cookies. ...
  7. Pancakes. ...
  8. Savoury Muffins and Loaves.
Jul 26, 2022

How to eat protein powder without making a shake? ›

10 ways to use protein powder that go beyond shakes
  1. You can add protein powder to your coffee. ...
  2. You can mix protein in with homemade guacamole. ...
  3. You can put protein powder in your oatmeal. ...
  4. You can make protein powder pudding. ...
  5. You can mix protein powder into soups. ...
  6. You can turn protein powder into energy bites.
Oct 3, 2018

What can I mix with plain protein powder? ›

To make it more delicious, we recommend mixing it with your milk of choice. If you're running low on electrolytes, then coconut water is a great liquid to make it with. And if you want to keep your protein shake as low in calories as possible, then water is always a solid choice.

What can I have instead of a protein shake? ›

Try the following protein powder alternatives for size:
  • High-protein smoothies. ...
  • Hard-boiled eggs. ...
  • Greek yoghurt and fruit. ...
  • Chocolate milk. ...
  • Apple slices with nut butter. ...
  • Overnight oats.
Apr 14, 2022

What tastes best with protein powder? ›

The best way to do it is to add other ingredients, like fruits, nuts, or even veggies. Not only will it fix the flavor of your protein shake, it will also add important nutrients, vitamins and minerals to your shake. Some popular fruits to add to your shake include: Berries.

Can I put protein powder in my coffee? ›

Depending on the type of protein powder, it can thicken or get a bit clumpy if you add it to hot coffee. Instead, mix the protein powder with a little bit of warm water first. Then add your hot coffee to your mixture. A milk frother can help dissolve the powder more quickly.

How can I get enough protein without shakes? ›

  1. Add Protein to Every Meal and Snack.
  2. Eat More Legumes.
  3. Swap Cereal for Higher-Protein Options.
  4. Add Collagen to Your Coffee and Tea.
  5. Use Nuts and Seeds in Plant-Based Recipes.
  6. Buy Greek Yogurt Over Regular.
  7. Eat High-Protein Carbs.
  8. Buy Easy-to-Use Proteins.
Jan 16, 2024

What is the best tasting protein powder? ›

A comparison of the best-tasting protein powders
Price rangeVegan
Transparent Labs Whey Isolate$$no
mindbodygreen grass-fed whey isolate+$$$no
Naked Whey$no
Ora Organics So Lean & So Clean$$yes
1 more row
Mar 28, 2024

What's the best drink to put protein powder in? ›

Milk is most people's favorite liquid to mix their protein powder into. Cow's milk adds a creamy texture and extra nutrients, like calcium and vitamin D, to your shake. Plant-based milks, such as almond, soy, oat, and coconut milk offer a lactose-free alternative with similar nutritional profiles.

What not to mix protein powder with? ›

The addition of real milk powder may lead to bloating, constipation and probably dysentery because of it's high lactose and sugar level. Don't add ingredients such as soy protein which contains chemical compounds that can lead to hormonal disturbance in some people. Avoid mixing vegetable oils that contain trans fats.

How to make unflavored protein tasty? ›

To make raw/unflavoured protein tasty, try diluting it with more water or milk. Then you can use yoghurt or any natural sweetener (like honey) to make it more tasty. You can also add 100% fresh juice of any fruit you like. Try not adding any artificial sugar, it would not be good for your health.

What to do if you hate the taste of protein powder? ›

Try adding a couple teaspoons of sugar, honey, chocolate syrup, dextrose, or maltodextrin to your shake. If you're restricting your sugar intake, though, try healthier alternatives: Peanut butter both sweetens and thickens shakes. Chopped fresh fruit and fruit juice provide vitamins and fiber as well as sweetness.

What is an inexpensive alternative to protein shakes? ›

  • 10 Alternatives to Protein Supplements. There is no getting away from the fact the protein supplements market is massive! ...
  • Milk. Milk is one the best sports drinks you can get. ...
  • Fish. ...
  • Eggs. ...
  • Chicken. ...
  • Peanut Butter. ...
  • Greek yoghurt. ...
  • Beans.

Do protein shakes help you lose belly fat? ›

Protein shakes alone won't specifically target belly fat loss. However, incorporating protein shakes into a balanced diet-and-exercise routine can support overall weight loss, including in your stomach area.

What can I do with protein powder without a blender? ›

The easiest way is to add the protein powder first, then your desired liquid, such as almond milk. Then, take a sturdy whisk—which will act as a protein shaker ball—to the mix until the protein dissolves.

How do you drink protein powder if you don't like it? ›

Some people find that they taste protein powder less when it's in a cold, icy drink. Making a blended ice smoothie with your protein shake will also thicken it a little bit, though not nearly as much as yogurt or peanut butter. Consider a vegetable shake for a savory taste.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Saturnina Altenwerth DVM

Last Updated:

Views: 6341

Rating: 4.3 / 5 (44 voted)

Reviews: 83% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Saturnina Altenwerth DVM

Birthday: 1992-08-21

Address: Apt. 237 662 Haag Mills, East Verenaport, MO 57071-5493

Phone: +331850833384

Job: District Real-Estate Architect

Hobby: Skateboarding, Taxidermy, Air sports, Painting, Knife making, Letterboxing, Inline skating

Introduction: My name is Saturnina Altenwerth DVM, I am a witty, perfect, combative, beautiful, determined, fancy, determined person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.