Banana Protein Smoothie
This banana protein smoothie is jam-packed with protein to keep you full and repair your muscles! It’s ultra-creamy and tastes like a banana milkshake. Enjoy for breakfast or as a post workout smoothie.

Why You’ll Love it:
This banana protein shake has a creamy, milkshake-esque consistency but it’s made with frozen bananas and protein powder! It’s perfect for breakfast or as a post-workout smoothie.
It’s best to increase your protein through the foods you eat, but that’s not always possible on a high-protein diet. Protein shakes can help boost your protein in a pinch.
Your body uses protein to build and repair muscles, increase energy levels, and function effectively. That’s why I love to incorporate protein into my smoothies!
Key Ingredients:
- Vanilla protein powder – Plant-based or regular both work great! You can get a good deal on protein powder at Costco. They sell Vital Proteins collagen peptides. It’s paleo-friendly and whole30 approved.
- Hemp hearts – For a boost of nutrients and more protein! These tiny seeds pack a nutritional punch with omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E.
- Frozen banana – For natural creaminess and sweetness! Just peel and cut two bananas in half, pop them in a zip-top bag, and freeze overnight. Easy peasy.
- Milk – I used dairy milk for the added protein, but you can also use plant-based. Soy milk is a good source of protein with 8 grams of protein per cup.
How to Make a Banana Protein Shake:
This protein smoothie is super simple! Here’s what you need to do:
- Combine ingredients: If you don’t have a high-speed blender, cut the banana into chunks first. Add everything into your blender.
- Blend: Turn the blender on low speed, then increase the speed to high. If the blender stalls, add more milk and blend again.
- Adjust: Check the smoothie for consistency and flavor. If you want to adjust anything, do it now. I prefer a thick yet pourable smoothie.
- Serve: Pour into a glass and enjoy immediately. Or for a to-go smoothie, pour into a vacuum insulated cup to keep it cold for longer.
High-Protein Ingredients:
There’s SO many ways to add protein to smoothies and shakes! Here’s a few of my favorites:
- Hemp hearts – You won’t even know they’re in there! Add 1 to 2 tablespoons to your next smoothie. I buy a big bag at Costco.
- Chia seeds – Chia seeds add texture so keep that in mind. Start with 2 teaspoons then increase the amount as desired.
- Nut butter – A scoop of almond or peanut butter adds nuttiness and protein.
- Greek yogurt – One cup of Greek yogurt contains 24 grams of protein!
- Cottage cheese – One cup of cottage cheese boasts 25 grams of protein.
- Rolled oats – Oats add subtle texture and oatmeal flavor. Start with 1/4 cup then increase to 1/3 cup if desired.
- Collagen peptides – You can buy Vital Proteins collagen peptides at Costco.
- Protein powder – Look for a high-quality protein powder with clean ingredients.
Variations & Substitutions:
- Dairy-free/vegan: Use plant-based protein powder and plant-based milk. Soy milk is high in protein.
- Fruit – Swap the frozen banana with 1 1/2 cups of frozen mango for a fruity take!
- Yogurt – Add 1/3 cup of Greek yogurt for extra creaminess and protein!
Storage:
This banana protein drink takes 2 minutes to make so I don’t recommend storing it overnight. It tastes best when it’s fresh!
If you do plan to store it in the fridge, pour it into a vacuum insulated cup with a lid first.
You can make it into protein popsicles! Pour into popsicle molds, add popsicle sticks, and freeze overnight. It tastes best when the pop gets a little melty!
More Protein Smoothies:
- Mango Protein Smoothie
- Strawberry Protein Hemp Seed Smoothie
- Pear Banana Protein Smoothie
- Smoothie King Peanut Power Plus Recipe
- Protein Acai Bowl
- Banana Smoothie
Banana Protein Smoothie
Equipment
- high-speed blender
Ingredients
- 1½ frozen bananas cut into halves or chunks
- ¼ cup vanilla protein powder plant-based or regular
- 1 tablespoon hemp hearts
- ⅔ cup milk of choice plant-based or regular, I used dairy milk
Instructions
- In the pitcher of a high-speed blender, combine the protein powder, hemp hearts, frozen bananas, and milk.
- Blend until creamy and smooth. It should be thick yet pourable. If it's too thick, add a splash more milk and blend to incorporate.
- Pour into a glass and enjoy right away.