31 Healthy Protein Powder Recipes [Dietitian Approved] (2024)

“31 Healthy Protein Powder Recipes [Dietitian Approved]” was written by Balbina Herrera & edited/reviewed by Aly Bouzek, MS, RDN. Balbina is a dietetic intern at Larkin University.

Are you looking for inspiration to add protein powder to your meals? We’ve got you covered! Read below to discover 31 delicious dietitian-approved recipes.

Types of Protein Powders

There are several types of protein powders, each with unique benefits. It is essential to choose the right type of protein powder based on your individual needs and dietary preferences.

Speak to your registered dietitian before making any changes. Below are some of the most common types of protein powders.

Animal Based Protein Powder

Whey Protein Powder

This is one of the most popular types of protein powders. It is a complete protein that is fast-digesting and comes from cow’s milk.

Casein Protein Powder

This is an excellent protein to consume when going for long periods without eating. It is a slow-digesting protein that also comes from cow’s milk.

Plant Based Protein Powder

Soy Protein Powder

This protein is derived from soybeans and is an excellent source of plant-based protein. It is suitable for vegetarians and vegans.

Pea Protein Powder

Pea protein is derived from yellow peas, it is low in carbs and fat, and is easily digestible.

Rice Protein Powder

Rice protein is derived from brown rice and is easily digestible.

Hemp Protein Powder

Hemp protein is derived from hemp seeds. This is an excellent choice that is rich in omega-3s, fiber, and other nutrients.

Protein Powder Benefits

Protein powder is a popular dietary supplement that is often used by those who are looking to increase protein intake.

Potential benefits of protein powder include but are not limited to:

  • Increased muscle mass
  • Improved bone health
  • Improved recovery post exercise
  • Convenient source of protein

31 Healthy Protein Powder Recipes

Below, you will find some of our favorite recipes that have – you guessed it – protein powder! Adding protein powder to some of your recipes is a great way to boost your calories, nutrients, and of course, protein.

But don’t just take our word for it! Keep scrolling and try some of these delicious recipes!

#1 Protein Cookie Dough

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Looking for a simple and delicious snack?

Try these versatile edible cookie dough bites that have 10 grams of protein!

This recipe has three different flavor variations: chocolate chip, chocolate, and funfetti protein cookie dough.

Get the recipe by Megan Byrd, RD.

#2 Easy Protein Overnight Oats

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These easy protein overnight oats are great for making ahead of time when you need a quick on- the-go breakfast!

Each serving offers 22 grams of protein!

Get the recipe by Megan Byrd, RD.

#3 Iced Coffee Protein Shake | Cold Brew Smoothie

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If you’re a coffee lover, then this recipe is for you!

It is the perfect snack for an energy boost, and it only takes 5 minutes to prepare.

Get the recipe by Megan Byrd, RD.

#4 Pumpkin Protein Oatmeal [Gluten-Free]

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Here’s a twist to your typical oatmeal.

These pumpkin protein oats are a great breakfast choice.

Containing 17 grams of protein, this comforting recipe will give you energy to start your day!

Get the recipe by Katie Schimm RD, LD.

#5 Chocolate Protein Ice Cream Recipe Without Bananas

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Healthy chocolate ice cream?

Say no more!

This protein-rich ice cream is a delicious dessert that will satisfy your chocolate craving while helping you meet your protein goals!

Get the recipe by Lara Clevenger MSH, RDN, CPT.

#6 Java Protein Shake + Naked Whey

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This shake is the perfect mixture of your morning smoothie + coffee to energize you as you start your day!

It is the perfect on-the-go breakfast or snack and it takes only 5 minutes to make.

Get the recipe by Lara Clevenger MSH, RDN, CPT.

#7 Overnight Oats with Protein Powder Recipe

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These overnight oats have 25 grams of protein, which is perfect if you’re looking to step up your protein intake!

Give this recipe a try. You won’t be disappointed!

Get the recipe by Summer Yule, MS, RDN.

#8 Protein Brownie Bites

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For the chocolate lovers, this recipe has you covered!

Try these amazing protein brownie bites, you won’t regret it.

Get the recipe by Lara Clevenger MSH, RDN, CPT.

#9 Gluten Free Banana Nut Protein Bites

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This recipe has everything you love about banana bread, but with fewer calories.

These bites are perfect for a sweet snack to keep you going through the day!

Get the recipe by Lara Clevenger MSH, RDN, CPT.

#10 Profee – Coffee Protein Drink

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The perfect way to energize your body!

This 3-step simple recipe will boost your day.

Plus, it is both vegan and gluten-free!

Get the recipe by Melissa Nieves, Rd, LDN, MPH, founder of Fad Free Nutrition Blog.

#11 High Protein Chia Pudding

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This nutrient-dense recipe is the perfect healthy breakfast or snack idea.

The recipe uses simple ingredients and offers plenty of variations for you to personalize your chia pudding!

Get the recipe by Miranda Galati, MHSc, RD, and Owner at Real Life Nutritionist.

#12 Blueberry Beet Smoothie

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This dish is anything but boring!

If you’re in the mood to try something different, you should taste this nourishing bowl full of nutritious benefits.

Get the recipe by Jill Merkel, RD.

#13 The Best High Protein Cheesecake Overnight Oats

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This recipe combines everyone’s love for cheesecake and oats in one simple dish.

A healthy way to have dessert for breakfast!

These are creamy, smooth, and of course, delicious!

Get the recipe by Nicole Addison, RD, MHSc, founder of Nourished by Nic.

#14 Easy No-bake Protein Cheesecake Recipe (Greek Yogurt)

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These quick and easy no-bake protein cheesecakes are the perfect dessert or snack option.

They are low in sugar compared to the typical cheesecake, but are the perfect combination of a fresh and creamy treat!

Get the recipe by Jackie Silver, MHSc, RD.

#15 5 Minute Chocolate Baked Oats

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If you’re a fan of dessert for breakfast, then you’ll love these chocolate baked oats!

They are made with clean ingredients, and it will only take you 5 minutes to create this delicious healthy chocolate cake!

Get the recipe by Colleen Christensen, RD and founder of the brand No Food Rules.

#16 Cookie Dough Protein Bars

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Making your own protein bar is easier than you think!

These cookie dough protein bars are packed with 15 grams of protein and take no longer than 5 minutes to prepare.

Get the recipe by Colleen Christensen, RD and founder of the brand No Food Rules.

#17 Protein Baked Oats

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Can’t decide on a flavor for your protein baked oats?

This recipe provides amazing variations for you to decide which one is the perfect fit for you!

Get the recipe by Colleen Christensen, RD and founder of the brand No Food Rules.

#18 Wild Blueberry Lavender Smoothie

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Here’s a fun twist to your typical berry smoothie.

This recipe contains lavender — adding a delicious twist!

Get the recipe by Amy Gorin, MS, RDN.

#19 Better Than Cake Carrot Banana Smoothie

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This delicious creamy carrot banana smoothie is the perfect post-workout snack – or even a tasty breakfast.

Bonus?

It has 11 grams of fiber per smoothie! And yes, it does taste like carrot cake!

Get the recipe by Kelsey Kunik, RDN and owner at Graciously Nourished.

#20 Lemon Protein Balls

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Protein balls are a quick and easy way to eat a nourishing on-the-go snack.

Switch things up with this fun twist on a classic protein ball recipe.

These lemon protein balls are as energizing as they are refreshing.

Get the recipe by Sarah Schlichter, MPH, RD, of Bucket List Tummy.

#21 Easy High Protein Granola

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This is one of the recipes that you can turn to again and again.

Check out this easy high protein granola recipe.

It’s perfect as a healthy snack or breakfast!

Get the recipe by Sarah Schlichter, MPH, RD of Bucket List Tummy.

#22 Orange and Mango Smoothie

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Known as the best post-run smoothie!

This smoothie is great for athletes or those who are looking for a refreshing drink that is packed with nutrients.

Get the recipe by Sarah Schlichter, MPH, RD of Bucket List Tummy.

#23 Creamy Orange and Carrot Smoothie with Ginger and Turmeric

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An immune-supporting, healthy smoothie.

This recipe contains a mixture of citrus and carrot with a touch of ginger and turmeric.

Get the recipe by Marie Dittmer, MA, RDN of Healthy Ideas Place.

#24 Chia Collagen Pudding

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Looking to sneak collagen into your routine? Try this wholesome overnight chia collagen pudding.

And don’t forget to top with some berries for an extra kick of vitamin C, antioxidants, and other nutrients.

Get the recipe by Laurel Ann Deininger, MS, RD, LDN.

#25 Chocolate Chip No Bake Energy Bites

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Put this 6 ingredient recipe together for a no-bake chocolate chip energy bite!

In only 5 minutes, you will have these tasty bites that contain 5 grams of protein in each bite!

Get the recipe by EA Stewart, MBA, RDN.

#26 High Protein Banana Bread

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Everything about this recipe is comforting.

This gluten-free banana bread is a healthy and tasty recipe that can be enjoyed for breakfast or as a snack.

Each slice is packed with 8 grams of protein!

Get the recipe by Josten Fish, RD.

#27 High Protein Banana Nut Muffin

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Fluffy, sweet, and moist, this recipe is loaded with comforting ingredients like bananas, walnuts, and chocolate chips.

If you’re looking for a high protein, high calorie snack, you should definitely give these a try!

Get the recipe from our sister site: High Calorie Recipes.

Protein Powder Recipes & Weight Gain Smoothies

#28 1000 Calorie Weight Gain Smoothie

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For those who don’t have much appetite, this smoothie is a great way to get your necessary nutrients and calories.

It contains ingredients such as strawberries, bananas, honey, oats, and peanut butter.

Get the recipe from our sister site: High Calorie Recipes.

#29 Avocado Weight Gain Smoothie

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This 5-ingredient recipe is perfect if you’re aiming for a high-calorie smoothie for weight gain.

One serving contains 839 kcal and 39 grams of protein.

Get the recipe from our sister site: High Calorie Recipes.

#30 Vegan Weight Gain Smoothie

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If you want to add some extra calories to your meal and you like bananas and peanut butter, then this vegan smoothie is a great choice!

As an added bonus, this weight gain smoothie comes in at over 500 calories.

Get the recipe from our sister site: High Calorie Recipes.

#31 Chocolate Peanut Butter Smoothie

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Whoever came up with the combination of chocolate and peanut butter gets a round of applause from us!

This delicious (and protein-packed) smoothie will help boost your calories with only 5 ingredients.

Get the recipe from our sister site: High Calorie Recipes.

31 Healthy Protein Powder Recipes Conclusion

Protein powder is convenient and a good source of protein for many people. Additionally, protein powders are also nutrient-dense, which makes them an efficient way to get more protein in your diet.

Protein powder can be used in a variety of ways, making it a versatile ingredient to be used in different recipes like the ones mentioned above (and so much more!).

We hope you enjoy exploring different recipes to continue incorporating protein powder into your diet in different ways!

Remember to speak to your doctor or a Registered Dietitian before using protein powder or any kind of supplement.

31 Healthy Protein Powder Recipes [Dietitian Approved] (2024)

FAQs

Do nutritionists recommend protein powder? ›

Yes, if it is a good quality, third-party-tested product with minimal sugar and void of harmful additives. Protein powders can fit into most eating patterns and help you meet your health goals. Just remember—protein powder is a dietary supplement. This means it enhances your diet.

What is the healthiest protein powder? ›

Most registered dietitians consider whey—a component of milk—the “gold standard” for protein supplementation, Angie Asche, MS, RD, CSSD, owner of Eleat Sports Nutrition and author of Fuel Your Body: How to Cook and Eat for Peak Performance, tells SELF.

How do I choose a protein powder dietitian? ›

Simplicity is Key: Choose protein powders with fewer ingredients listed, as this indicates a focus on protein intake. Avoid proprietary blends where ingredient specifics are not transparent. Look out for added sugars and opt for non-nutritive sweeteners like stevia or sucralose for taste without added energy density.

How many protein shakes do you need a day a dietitian has answers? ›

Most experts reckon one to two protein shakes per day is the sweet spot. "The most I would recommend to an average person is two per day, simply because anything beyond that point is going to cut into your diet in a negative way,” said registered dietitian Christine Byrne in a 2023 interview with Men's Health (1).

Which is the No 1 protein powder in world? ›

True Nutrition's Whey Protein Isolate (Cold-Filtration) has the highest amount of protein per serving on our list and is one of the many types of protein powders this company offers. Additionally, True Nutrition “allows for personal customization of a variety of protein powders,” notes Collier.

Is there an FDA approved protein powder? ›

Third-party testing- Protein powders are classified as a dietary supplement in the U.S., which means they are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the same ways that foods and drugs are.

What are the downside of protein powder? ›

Some protein powders have little added sugar, and others have a lot (as much as 23 grams per scoop). Some protein powders wind up turning a glass of milk into a drink with more than 1,200 calories. The risk: weight gain and an unhealthy spike in blood sugar.

Which protein powder is easiest on kidneys? ›

In general, plant protein powders are healthier and safer for those with kidney problems. Quinoa, pea, brown rice, and hemp protein powder are all good examples.

Which protein powder is least harmful? ›

Truvani Protein Powder

Certified organic and non-GMO, Truvani's ingredients and finished products are regularly tested for mercury, lead, cadmium, arsenic, and glyphosate according to Good Manufacturing Practices and Prop 65 compliance. Truvani is the epitome of clean protein powder.

Which protein is best for weight loss? ›

Whey Protein Isolate is the ultimate choice for those who aim to shed pounds while maintaining lean muscle mass. Here's why we chose it: Contains 28 grams of protein per 34 gram scoop. Promotes muscle recovery and growth, supporting overall health and longevity.

What is best protein powder for weight loss? ›

Best protein powder for weight loss
  • Best for weight loss: GNC Lean Shake Burn.
  • Best for a meal replacement: Thorne Whey Protein Isolate.
  • Best for sensitive stomachs: Ora Organic So Lean So Clean.
  • Best affordable: Dymatize ISO100 Hydrolyzed.
  • Best for high protein content: Muscle Milk.
  • Best for quality ingredients: NutraBio.

What happens when you drink protein shakes without working out? ›

Without exercise, the extra protein from the shakes might not be used well by your body. This could lead to issues like gaining too much weight or not having enough muscle strength. In the long term, it might also affect things like your heart health or how your bones stay strong.

Will I lose weight if I drink 3 protein shakes a day? ›

It's possible that you can lose weight while drinking three protein shakes a day, but it will depend on your overall calorie intake and energy expenditure. Protein shakes aren't a magic bullet for losing weight—being in an energy deficit is still required, where you burn more calories than you take in.

Is it OK to drink a protein drink every day? ›

"There is nothing inherently wrong with using protein powder every day or without exercise, but for most people, it shouldn't replace meals," explains Marissa Gaab, MS, RD, LDN. "Whether your powder is derived from cow's milk, hemp, or pea -- it is often stripped of most micronutrients, fiber, fat, and carbohydrates."

Do nutritionists recommend whey protein? ›

Alternatively, you could simply avoid whey protein and eat other protein-rich foods instead. But generally speaking, whey protein has an excellent safety profile and most people can consume it without problems. Whey protein is very safe. A commonly recommended dose is 1–2 scoops (25–50 grams) per day.

Are protein powders actually beneficial? ›

Protein powder is a nutritional supplement that can help people achieve specific goals, such as muscle gain or weight loss. It also has potential benefits for those with unique dietary needs who may not get enough protein from solid, whole foods due to illness or progressive age-related muscle loss.

Is protein powder recommended by doctors? ›

But be careful: a scoop of chocolate or vanilla protein powder can harbor health risks. "I don't recommend using protein powders except in a few instances, and only with supervision," says registered dietitian Kathy McManus, director of the Department of Nutrition at Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women's Hospital.

Do you really need protein powder? ›

Protein powders are convenient, but unnecessary for most

For those looking to enhance the muscle growth that typically occurs with exercise, evidence supports consuming 20 to 40 grams of protein at a time (roughly the amount found in a can of tuna).

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