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