This Creamy Vegan Protein Smoothie is a delicious basic smoothie recipe, perfect for a post-workout meal or a mid-day snack! Simple ingredients make it a breeze to throw together.
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This Creamy Vegan Protein Smoothie is my go-to to refuel my body after workouts. It’s made with nutritious plant-based ingredients, paired with high-quality vanilla protein powder. Smoothies are a simple and delicious way to help you get more protein in your diet and meet your nutrition goals.
Made with Wholesome Plant-based Ingredients
Like our other plant-based, menopause-friendly recipes, this smoothie offers just the right balance of protein, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats. Here is a breakdown of the ingredients:
Frozen Fruit: Frozen fruit gives you a thicker shake-like consistency, but fresh fruit works fine too. Frozen fruit is also super convenient and readily available. It can be stored in the freezer for long periods and used whenever it’s needed. Favorite types of fruit include bananas (provides creaminess), berries (filled with antioxidants), and peaches and mangos (adds extra sweetness).
Unsweetened Soy Milk: I like soy milk for the added protein and creaminess, but other plant-based milks work just as well. A couple favorites to try are oat milk or almond milk.
Plant-based Vanilla Protein Powder: These days it’s easy to find plant-based protein powders at nearly any store that sells grocery items. Unfortunately, it’s not so easy to track down high-quality, safe protein powders that you can feel good about. See our tips below to help you shop and learn about our favorites!
Ground Flaxseeds: A tablespoon of ground flaxseed provides a good source of omega-3s and fiber.
Vanilla Extract: Added for that extra-rich vanilla flavor.
Ground Cinnamon: Just a pinch adds just the right amount of spice without being overpowering. Stick to Ceylon cinnamon when possible, as others that contain coumarin have been linked to liver damage at high doses.
Smoothie Variations
This base recipe can be used as a blueprint for creating different smoothie flavors. Try out some of these different variations, or use some of these suggestions to create your own!
Chocolate Smoothie: For the fruit, use a whole frozen banana, and swap the vanilla protein powder for a chocolate protein powder instead. (The cinnamon is optional.)
Tropical Smoothie: Use a tropical fruit blend with mangos and pineapples. Add a bit of coconut cream.
Green Smoothie: Create a healthy green smoothie by throwing in a couple handfuls of leafy greens, such as spinach or kale. Fresh ginger would complement this smoothie nicely.
Peanut Butter Smoothie: For the fruit, use one whole frozen banana, and blend in a couple tablespoons of peanut butter.
Avocado Smoothie: Leave out the cinnamon, use frozen pineapple for the fruit, and add one-half of a large avocado.
How to Make Creamy Vegan Protein Smoothie
See the full recipe card with measurements and instructions below.
What You’ll Need:
- plant-based vanilla protein powder
- frozen fruit of choice (berries, banana, mango, etc.)
- ground flaxseed or chia seeds
- unsweetened soy milk
- vanilla extract
- ground cinnamon
How to Make this Recipe:
- In a high-powered blender, add the plant-based protein powder, frozen fruit, ground flaxseeds or chia seeds, unsweetened soy milk, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon.
- Blend all ingredients until smooth. If needed, add extra soy milk a little at a time to adjust the thickness.
- Serve in a tall glass and enjoy!
Protein Shopping Tips:
With so many plant-based protein options available to purchase, it’s hard to know which one to choose. Most of us hope for clean, minimally processed ingredients that we can feel good about. Here are some tips to help you choose a protein powder that is right for you.
- Check for Third-Party Testing: Unfortunately some plant-based protein powders have tested high for lead, among other heavy metals. Plant-based protein powders tend to have higher concentrations of heavy metals due to plants absorbing them naturally from the soil and water; however, some levels have exceeded what would be deemed safe. Check to see if the company has the results from third-party testing, and ask for a copy of those results. Some companies are very transparent and will have them available right on their website. Others you may have to ask.
- Check the Ingredients List: Look out for powders that contain a long list of ingredients that are unrecognizable or artificial. Check for allergens if necessary.
- Check the Return Policy: Nothing is worse than dishing out a large sum of money for 30 servings of something you end up not liking. You can ask the company for samples or see if they have an open container return policy.
- Brands We Are Loving: Here are a few brands we love that tick the boxes for safety and flavor!
Creamy Vegan Protein Smoothie
Ingredients
- 1-2 scoop(s) (24 g) plant-based vanilla protein powder
- 1 cup (140g) frozen fruit (mix of berries, banana, mango, etc.)
- 1 tbsp (7g) ground flaxseed or chia seeds
- 1 cup (240mL) unsweetened soy milk (plus more to thin, as needed)
- 1 tsp (5mL) vanilla extract
- Ground cinnamon, to taste
Equipment
Method
- In a high-powered blender, add the plant-based protein powder, frozen fruit, ground flaxseed (or chia seeds), unsweetened soy milk, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon.
- Blend all ingredients until smooth. If needed, add extra soy milk a little at a time to adjust the thickness.
- Serve in a tall glass and enjoy!
