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High-Protein Smoothie: Vanilla or Chocolate

By Holly Darnell, RD

August 30, 2024

We’ve shared all kind of great smoothies here, with all kind of flavors and ingredients. But sometimes you want to go really simple (vanilla or chocolate) and high-protein. We listened and delivered.

These two recipes use our new whey protein powders along with high-protein milk (Fairlife Reduced Fat Ultra-Filtered Milk) for these smoothies that boast around 37 grams of protein. They’re both delicious and very easy to make, with just three to four necessary ingredients along with some optional ones.

Either smoothie makes for a great high-protein breakfast or what to eat after a workout.

Key Ingredients for a High-Protein Smoothie

Let’s first talk about whey protein. It’s the go-to protein powder for most active people who want to increase lean muscle mass, which is great for your body shape as well as metabolism.

Ancient Nutrition’s Whey Protein (vanilla bean and milk chocolate) is a whey protein like no other. First, it’s made from regenerative A2/A2 milk protein. What does that mean? It’s sourced from a U.S.–based family-owned regenerative organic farm that aligns with sustainable dairy farming practices, and A2/A2 milk protein comes from cows that naturally produce only the A2 type of beta-casein protein.

This type of milk protein is easier to digest for many people compared to the more common A1 protein. This can mean less bloating and discomfort.

Grass-fed whey protein is sourced from cows that graze on natural pastures. That means milk that’s often richer in omega-3 fatty acids, conjugated linoleic acid (also good for lean muscle and metabolic health) and essential vitamins. In other words, a clean protein from cows raised without antibiotics, synthetic hormones and non-GMO feed.

Ancient Nutrition’s Whey Protein isn’t done there. It also features the clinically studied ingredient eggshell membrane collagen to add other benefits to this supplement. Scientific studies show that it helps healthy hair growth, skin health, and joint mobility and recovery.

Next up is Fairlife Reduced Fat Ultra-Filtered Milk. While you can used a plant-based milk or regular reduced fat milk, we choose Fairlife because it’s higher protein and lactose-free. It also contains less than half the sugar of regular milk.

For both the chocolate and vanilla protein smoothie, we advise you use half of a frozen banana. Why a frozen banana? It adds just the right amount of sweetness while also helping create an ideal smooth texture. (Ice will also aid the texture.)

Add some unsweetened cocoa powder to the chocolate protein shake for some additional chocolate flavor along with plenty of antioxidants.

Then we get into options. If this high-protein smoothie isn’t sweet enough for you, add a tablespoon of maple syrup or some stevia powder (a little goes a long way).

For the vanilla protein smoothie, consider adding some flaky sea salt and cinnamon for an additional flavor kick.

For the chocolate protein smoothie, consider cacao nibs as a topping for even more natural chocolate goodness plus a fun crunchy texture.

Nutrition Facts

Beyond the sublime taste of each smoothie, you’re also here for the nutrition, including the protein. You won’t be disappointed.

The vanilla high-protein smoothie contains 296 calories, with great macronutrients: 23.5 grams of carbohydrates, 5 grams of fat and 37 grams of protein.

The chocolate high-protein smoothie is pretty similar, with 314 calories and 26 grams of carbohydrates, 5 grams of fat and 38 grams of protein.

Ancient Nutrition's Whey Protein delivers the lion’s share of the protein, with 23 grams per scoop. Fairlife Reduced Fat Ultra-Filtered Milk also helps with the protein, along with assisting with the mineral content such as calcium and vitamin D.

As you’ll see below in the recipe card, these two protein smoothies contain over 20 percent Daily Value in vitamin B12, calcium, vitamin D, manganese, selenium and phosphorus. The chocolate high-protein smoothie is also high in copper, riboflavin and magnesium.

Recipe Variations

Besides the options listed below for each protein smoothie recipe, you can always add flaxseeds or flaxseed powder for additional omega 3 fatty acids, Greek yogurt for more calcium and protein (and it adds creamy texture), greens (or Supergreen Powders) or half a cup of frozen fruit.

Recipe developed by Holly Darnell, RD. Holly is a registered dietitian nutritionist who unlocked self-love at the intersection of exceptional food and practical solutions for healthy living. She’s passionate about helping others make simple, positive lifestyle changes on their individual path to healing.