Water is a good option for weight loss because it adds no calories, but it does nothing to mask the taste of the powder. Instead, try different berry teas. A cold raspberry or acai tea, for example, could make your shake tastier. For a slightly thicker shake, try fat-free milk or milk substitutes like almond or soy milk. Many people find almond milk, in particular, to have a pleasant, slightly sweet flavor. If you are trying to gain weight or if you prefer an extra-thick shake, try using whole milk. Be aware that the combination of whole milk and protein powder can be hard to digest. If your body can’t adjust to it, step back to a thinner, fat-reduced milk.
Peanut butter both sweetens and thickens shakes. Chopped fresh fruit and fruit juice provide vitamins and fiber as well as sweetness. Banana is popular because of its strong flavor and thickness. Avoid citrus fruit if using a dairy-based protein powder, as it may cause curdling. If you want sweetness without additional flavors or calories, try an artificial sweetener. Splenda and stevia are popular options that sweeten without adding calories.
Mixing flavors can better mask the taste of the protein powder as well. Try adding more than one type of fruit — strawberries and bananas, for example. Add a shot of espresso and some vanilla flavoring. Explore with combinations that work for you.
Try Greek yogurt for an even stronger, tangy taste and the added benefit of extra protein.
Pour all the ingredients into the blender and blend on high until the texture is even and lump-free. For shakes with many solid ingredients, use a “grind” option when available. If you absolutely can’t get access to a blender, put the shake ingredients into a sealed container and shake for a long time. Microwaving the liquid or heating it over the stove can also make it easier to mix together. You may also consider buying a “shaker cup” specially designed to break up powder clumps for consistent texture. These products can dramatically improve your shakes at a fraction of the cost of a good blender.
Peanut butter honey shake: Blend one scoop of protein powder, one cup of ice, one cup of milk or milk substitute, 1/8 cup of peanut butter, and 1/8 cup of honey. Optional: add half a ripe banana, and/or a square of dark chocolate. Fruit smoothie: Blend one scoop of protein powder, one cup of vanilla yogurt, three to four strawberries, one ripe banana, 1/2 cup milk or milk substitute, and a handful of ice cubes. Nuts and spice drink: Blend one scoop of protein powder, ½ cup of berries, ⅓ cup of chopped nuts, one tbsp cocoa powder, ¼ tsp ground cinnamon, and one to two cups of milk of milk substitute. Optional: add more flavor and texture with ½ cup of raw oats.
Replace cocoa powder in baked goods with chocolate-flavored protein powder. A scoop of protein powder is equal to about 1/4 cup of cocoa powder. If you want a really rich chocolate taste, add about 1/2 of the recommended amount of cocoa powder as well as a scoop of chocolate-flavored protein mix. If the recipe does not include cocoa powder, you can typically add a scoop of protein powder without affecting the taste. It may still be a good idea to use half a scoop on a small batch when trying it for the first time. Try adding unflavored protein powder to your baked goods to maintain the flavors that you like while still getting your protein boost. [9] X Research source
This works best with chocolate-flavored protein powder, but strong flavors like cinnamon can work as well.
If these flavors don’t work for you on their own, try mixing them together. Half a scoop of cinnamon with half a scoop of chocolate may be your new favorite flavor.
Keep in mind that added sugar should be limited throughout the day and will add extra calories to your protein powder.
