Good Protein Powder For Smoothies

Ridiculously Good Protein Smoothie

By Emma

If youre a fitness buff, gym rat, exercise enthusiast, or whatever name suits someone who enjoys being physically active, save this recipe now because theres no doubt youre going to love this smoothie recipe. Lifting weights, running, swimming, yoga, Pilates, and playing sports are all excellent forms of exercise. In fact, any physical activity performed for a certain amount of time can be considered as exercise.

Exercising on a regular basis is one of the best ways an individual can improve his or her overall health and well-being but theres more to it than that. Exercise puts strain on the body which is why post-workout nutrition is so important. To help your body recover well, you need to feed it with essential nutrients.

Experts agree that consuming a sufficient amount of protein is vital for those who are active. Eating lean meats and fish are great protein sources but not everyone has the time to cook. An easy, fast and convenient way to meet your daily protein requirements is by consuming protein shakes.

Protein Powders For Smoothie Making

Some Soy Flour on rustic wooden background

Looking to bulk up your smoothie? Then chances are youre going to reach for a protein powder. The question is, which one should you choose? As the options get more plentiful, the choice also gets more confusing. Whichever you decide on, be sure to read the nutrition label to see how much you need to use. Twenty to 25 grams of protein is a safe amount to add, but depending on the protein source, that could mean anywhere from half a scoop to two full scoops, says Kelly Pritchett, Ph.D., R.D., a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Heres the rundown on six popular protein mix-ins.

This is considered the king of plant-based proteins and is a great option for vegans and vegetarians. Made from ground soybeans, its a complete protein and has the highest bioavailability of all the plant-based options. Look for soy isolate, rather than soy concentrate, in order to get the most protein bang for your buck.

Hemp

While it is derived from cannabis seeds, hemp wont get you high. What it will do is provide all nine essential amino acids plus Omega-3s and fiber. Hemp is not as protein-packed as other sources , but you can pair it with another plant-based option to create a more complete protein.

Navitas Organics Hemp Powder

Price: $$

In addition to offering 13 grams of hemp-based protein, Navitas Organic Hemp Powder is a good source of magnesium, iron, and fiber. It also contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and all nine essential amino acids.The powder is also suitable for people who require gluten-free options and have digestive sensitivities.

Plus, it has an earthy, nutty taste with no chalky aftertaste and can be used as a flour substitute.

The powder also dissolves well, making it a delicious addition to smoothies, yogurt, and baked goods. You can even add it to dips, salads, and soups.

According to the companys website, Navitas Organics products are third-party tested to ensure quality and safety, though the name of the testing organization isnt disclosed.

Just keep in mind that its a bit lower in protein than other products on this list, which may be a drawback for some.

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When Is The Best Time To Take Protein

The best time to take protein powder depends on your health goals. You may want to have one large portion or several small portions of protein per day.

If you want to lose weight, you can also try incorporating more high protein foods throughout the day, as studies show increasing your intake of protein could help reduce appetite and cravings .

If youre using protein powder to improve your athletic performance or endurance, when to consume protein powder largely depends on your overall fitness goals .

For example, for muscle building, its recommended to consume protein powder within 2 hours after your weightlifting session .

Eating moderate amounts of protein throughout the day may also help prevent muscle loss in older adults .

Finally, some research suggests that taking protein powder before you go to sleep may help your muscles recover overnight (

Sunwarrior Warrior Blend Mocha Protein Powder

Plant-based? No problem. Organic fermented pea protein, goji berry, and hemp protein combine to provide a full amino acid profile and muscle-building BCAAs without any need for animal protein. Use this satiating protein powder with this Frozen Hot Chocolate Smoothie for a decadent post-workout treat.

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Real Food Protein Smoothie Recipe Inspiration

I’ll be the first to admit that the majority of these foods don’t have the same protein content as a protein powder. But what’s important to note is how quickly protein can add up if you’re intentional when selecting your smoothie ingredients. See for yourself! Check out some of my favorite high protein smoothie recipes below that all contain over 20 grams of protein:

Black Forest Smoothie

• 1 cup frozen, pitted cherries
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 cup skim milk
• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
• ½ cup plain, nonfat greek yogurt
• 1 teaspoon honey

TOTAL PROTEIN: 22.4 grams

• 1 cup raspberries
• ½ banana

Protein Types And Uses

Whey protein isone of the most commonly used proteins and is best for day-to-day use. Itcontains all of the essential amino acids and is easily digested. It helpsboost energy and can reduce stress levels.

Whey isolates and concentrates are best to use after aworkout.

Soy protein isanother common choice. It helps reduce high cholesterol and can ease symptomsof menopause for some women. It can also help with osteoporosis by helpingbuild bone mass.

Other types of protein include:

• Eggprotein, released more slowly than whey, can be taken throughout the day.
• Milkproteins help support immune function and enhance muscle growth.
• Brown Riceprotein, which is 100% plant-based, is a good choice for vegetarians or forpeople who dont consume dairy products. Its also gluten-free.
• Peaprotein is highly digestible, hypo-allergenic and economical.
• Hempprotein is also 100% plant-based. Its a good source of omega-3 fattyacids.

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Healthy Whey Protein Smoothie Recipes For Weight Loss

If youre looking to add protein smoothies to your weight loss journey, its vital to pack every drink with just the right amount of protein, nutrients, and energy-boosting ingredients without going overboard with calories and sugar.

Paired with exercise, meal planning, and portion control, the following whey protein smoothie recipes will help you feel satisfied, boost your weight loss efforts, increase energy and help you recover from your workouts faster.

Garden Of Life Raw Meal

This organic protein blend is derived from belly-blasting brown rice, quinoa and beans, plus tea and cinnamon extract. With 20 grams of protein and 7 grams of fiber per serving with a reasonable 120 calories, having one of these for lunch before a workout will keep you feeling full and energized while preserving muscle.

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Savory Weight Loss Smoothies

A smoothie can be a lot of things: a pre- or post-workout boost, a cold and refreshing thirst quencher, a thick and creamy dessert, a perfectly balanced breakfast. But one thing most of us never think of when we think of smoothies: comfort food.

These recipes, from the book Zero Belly Smoothies, stake out a new territory in the smoothie landscape, a culinary point of departure into a taste realm you might not have considered. While these smoothies are still cold and refreshing, they’re going to taste more like a savory soup than a bright pick-me-up.

• ¼ cup unsweetened almond milk
• 1 scoop plant-based plain protein powder
• 3 ice cubes
• Water to blend

NUTRITION: 232 calories / 2 g fat / 28 g carbs / 3.5 g fiber / 10 g sugar / 26 g protein

The Best Overall Whey Protein Powder

When Naked Nutrition calls its Naked Whey Protein additive-free, it means it as this protein powder has literally just one ingredient: Whey protein derived from grass-fed cows.

Pros: Contains just whey protein from grass-fed cows, low carbohydrate and fat count per serving, has 5.9 grams of BCAAs per serving

Cons: Not completely devoid of sugar , hard to mix, and can sometimes be chunkya

Consumer Lab approved? N/A

Total calories: 120

Cost per 20g of protein: $0.94

Many of Naked Nutrition’s products live up to the brand’s namesake of being literally naked, though perhaps none do it quite as well as its flagship protein powder, Naked Whey. Comprised of a single ingredient , Naked Whey is a clean, additive-free product that has no artificial sweeteners, no artificial colors, and no artificial flavors.

From a protein standpoint, one serving of Naked Whey delivers 25 grams of protein, 3 grams of carbs, 2 grams of fat, 120 calories, and just 2 grams of sugar. Each serving also has 5.9 grams of a combination of the BCAAs isoleucine, leucine, and valine. BCAAs may help build protein in muscles and aid in recovery.

Naked Whey comes in either a 5 lb. tub for $90 or a smaller 1 lb. option for $22 and Naked Nutrition even allows customers to set up recurring monthly deliveries at a discounted rate.

Total calories: 120

Cost per 20g of protein: $0.59

Total calories: 140

Cost per 20g of protein: $0.80

Cons: Not the most economical in terms of amount and cost

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Is Vegetable Protein Powder Better Than Whey

This has a complicated answer. And it comes down to what you mean when you ask the question.

Is vegetable protein better tasting in a smoothie?

Is vegetable protein easier to blend in a smoothie?

Is vegetable protein better than whey as far as muscle building?

See, all different questions.

First, lets say that vegan protein doesnt blend as easy as whey protein. But thats not a big issue when you are using a blender. The bigger problem when it comes to mixing protein powder is when you are only blending it using a blender bottle shaker.

As long as youre blending your protein powder in a smoothie blender like a Ninja or NutriBullet, then its not an issue.

How about taste?

Well, thats a personal preference. I think that some of the vegan protein powders taste great. And thats one of the reasons I drink them. They are thicker than whey protein, but thats more of an issue if you are only mixing them with water in a shaker bottle.

As long as youre making a smoothie it wont come up.

Now, as far as building muscle. Thats a hotly contested argument. Some people are strong advocates for whey because its faster absorbing. However, all you have to do is search for vegan athletes and you will see how many millions of people are building strong, lean bodies using vegan protein.

Protien, remember, is simply amino acids that help build muscle. Vegan protein powders are complete and contain as many amino acids as regular protein powders.

Great for Lactose Intolerant

Cheaper

What To Look For In A Protein Shake

If there’s one thing the experts all agree on, it’s this: when it comes to protein shakes, you want to steer clear of added sugar. “Consuming a high amount of added sugar can be deleterious to anyone’s health,” Rose says. “It has been linked to unwanted weight gain, increased triglyceride levels, and type 2 diabetes.”

In addition, you’ll want to ensure you’re getting the best source of protein from your shake. “It’s important to seek out a protein base that contains the full spectrum of essential amino acids, which promote proper nourishment, satiety, and muscle recovery,” says celebrity chef and certified nutritionist Serena Poon. Rose recommends whey and casein, which are complete sources of protein that can increase muscle mass, as well as soy and pea proteins for plant-based individuals.

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Dymatize Nutrition Iso 100 Hydrolyzed 100% Whey Protein Isolate

Flavored with both natural and artificial ingredients, the product has a sweet but not too strong strawberry scent. Actually, it tastes more like a strawberry milkshake than the berry. Since the powder mixes well not only with water but also with milk, so you can make a true strawberry milkshake full of protein. As for protein, it comes in a concentration of 25 grams per serving.

Apart from that, the supplement includes 5.5 grams of BCAAs and 2.7 grams of leucine, meaning it is a great option to take after workouts. That said, it is low in calories â only 110 calories per serving â and has only 1 gram of carbs. Therefore, it is a good choice for people on a keto diet or a weight loss program.

Dymatize Nutrition: Check the current price

Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Isolate

“This protein powder is a mixture of whey protein and hydrolyzed isolate, which means it is not only quick digesting, but also contains a higher amount of protein per serving than regular whey protein which is great for building lean muscle,” says Jonathan Valdez, RDN, owner of Genki Nutrition and media spokesperson for the New York State Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. “It is also low fat and contains only a gram of carbohydrates for anyone watching their carb intake.”

What’s more, since the supplements aren’t closely regulated, you can feel secure using Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard because the ingredients have been verified by a third party called Informed Choice, Valdez adds.

Per serving : 110 calories, 0.5 g fat, 190 mg sodium, 1 g carbs, 25 g protein

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What Protein Powder Is Best For Smoothies

Eeeeverybody has their opinion on protein powder. We talk a lot about our favorite protein powders in this Guide to the Best Protein Powder. However, taste buds, dietary restrictions, and definitions of clean eating are so different for everyone!

Read more: how to freeze avocado for smoothies

Personally, we love SFH Pure Whey Vanilla Protein Powder for whey protein and Garden of Life Raw Organic Vanilla Protein Powder for our vegan protein option. They taste great in smoothies and both have clean ingredient labels.

What Protein Powder Should I Use for This Smoothie? Great news is, ANY vanilla protein powder will work for this smoothie. You do you and use your favorite protein in this triple berry smoothie! We support you completely.

Recipes For Smoothies Using Protein Powder

• Can You Double This Smoothie?

This Triple Berry Smoothie is packed with clean ingredients and a whopping 12g of protein per serving.

Made with mixed berries, banana, protein powder, almond milk and chia seeds, this protein smoothie will start your day off right!

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Whats The Best Protein Powder For Smoothies You Wont Believe Us

Getting enough calories to gain muscle is sometimes tricky. For that reason I recommend smoothies to my readers often. An excellent smoothie has a few ingredients, protein, vegetables, fruits, water and ice. The vegetables and fruits you choose will be based on your tastes but whats the best protein powder for smoothies?

In this post Ill talk about what protein I think is best for smoothies and why.

Lets dive in.

What Are The Best Flavors Of Protein Powders

Below, you will find a review of the best-tasting protein powders at a price ranging from $30 to $45. You can choose between the five most popular flavors: chocolate, cookies and cream, vanilla, strawberry, or a natural flavor of plant-based proteins. These are delicious and effective powders from trustworthy brands that are well-known for their high-quality nutritional supplements.

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Mrm Nutrition Egg White Vanilla Protein Powder

Is there anything eggs cant do? This quality protein can be scrambled, baked, boiled, and now you can add it to your daily smoothie, too. Egg whites are flavored with vanilla and sweetened with stevia and monk fruit to create a tasty protein powder thats ideal for anyone avoiding dairy and also looking for animal protein. Stay fueled all day long by adding it to this Strawberry Veggie Smoothie.

What Is The Best

Although taste is a matter of personal preference, some protein powders are more popular with customers than others in terms of flavors they deliver. In order to provide you with unbiased analysis, we have examined a research study conducted by Joshua Manter from the University of South Florida. Over 150 participants, both men and women, took part in the trial, which lasted for a week. They were given different protein powders mixed with cold water in a randomized order. After drinking the solution, they answered two questions about the initial taste of each product and its aftertaste.

So what were the results? When it comes to the initial taste, the Nesquik Vanilla milk protein powder received the highest score . It was followed by Muscle Milk and BSN Syntha-6 . The fourth product in the trail, Optimum Nitro Core, has turned out to be the least delicious one as it scored only 3 points. As for the aftertaste, the results are approximately the same: Nesquik Vanilla Milk has scored 5.08 and is followed by Muscle Milk , BSN Syntha-6 , and Optimum Nitro Core . Additionally, the researchers have concluded that the order of taste preference was approximately the same for men and women.

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Now Sports Egg White Protein

Price: $$

NOW Sports Egg White Protein Powder is free of dairy, making it a good choice if youre lactose intolerant. Its also paleo-friendly and free of fillers, additives, and sweeteners.

Additionally, this product is certified by Informed Sport, a third-party organization that tests supplements to ensure that theyre free of banned substances.

The powder is smooth and unflavored, making it a great addition to shakes, smoothies, and baked goods.

Still, some reviews note that it can be somewhat hard to mix, which may not be suitable for all types of recipes.