Have you tried different recipes from your favorite fitness enthusiasts but still couldn’t achieve the perfect consistency and taste? Don’t stress; we all have been there.
If you have been wondering how to make protein shakes taste better, you just need to learn some tricks to enhance their flavor. For instance, you can add honey to sweeten up your drink or mashed fruits to make the shake taste better.
Let’s discover some finger-licking tricks to transform your bland protein shakes into a delicious beverage. As a bonus, we will also mention some recipes, so keep reading till the end.
What Is a Protein Shake?
Protein shakes are drinks made with protein powder, milk, water, or other preferred liquids. They can be different flavors depending on the fruits and flavorings you add.
While you can make protein shakes at home, some are available in ready-made forms. If you’re someone who is always on the go, you can just go to your supermarket, grab a protein shake, and fulfill your protein needs for the day.
One serving of protein shake has around 10 to 30 grams of protein, depending on their ingredients. Some versions have artificial flavorings, vitamins, minerals, and sugar, so their total protein content may vary.
The main goal of protein shakes is to increase your daily protein intake. According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020-2025, the minimum recommended protein intake for adult females is 46 grams, while males should consume 56 grams daily.
If you are looking to lose weight or build muscles, you may need more protein than you get from your regular food. Protein shakes are the best way to fulfill this additional protein intake.
The Benefits of a Protein Shake
Here are some benefits of protein shakes that you may want to know about.
When consumed after a workout, the protein shake helps repair your muscles and make them grow.
Protein shakes might also assist in weight loss. Since proteins take time to digest, they make you feel full for a long time. As a result, you don't eat much throughout the day.
Older people need additional protein as they age. In that case, protein shakes might be a good source.
If you plan to have surgery soon, protein shakes with whey protein may be beneficial for repairing your body tissues.
If you don't have the time to prepare protein-rich food every day, protein shakes are the most convenient alternatives available.
With so many benefits to offer, it makes sense to add protein shakes to your diet.
How To Make Protein Shakes Taste Better? 6 Tricks To Try Today
Consuming the same types of protein shakes every day can get mundane. Here are 6 tips to make your protein shakes taste better and prevent them from getting wasted.
Try Multiple Protein Powders
If your home-made protein shake doesn't taste great, you may want to check the powder you're using. Not all protein powders are created equally. Even the unflavored ones have a slight taste that you might not like at all.
So, to see which powder tickles your fancy, try different powders available in the market. For instance, there are whey powders for a smooth texture or hemp powders with an earthy flavor.
If you prefer a thick drink, you might want to mix casein powder in milk or water. Experiment with multiple options before you are satisfied with one or two.
Opt for Unflavored Versions
At times, the flavored powders have a sub-par flavor. Therefore, we recommend picking the unflavored protein powders and then customizing them according to your preference.
For instance, you can add honey or stevia to your shake for just the right amount of sweetness. Also, you can include mashed fruits in your drink to enhance the overall flavor.
Experiment With Your Base Liquid
You may be playing it safe by adding your protein powder to milk or water only. However, many other base liquid options are available to upgrade the taste of your drink.
Some powders taste better when mixed with plant-based milk only. Similarly, a few go well with fruit juices or kombucha.
The trick is to try your powder with different liquids until you find a combination that excites you.
Explore New Ingredients
Don't just stick to regular ingredients like sweeteners or fruits. Run your imagination and explore new flavors that may help elevate the taste of your protein shake.
For example, adding mint extracts might help create a refreshing drink.
People also like to add spices such as turmeric, cocoa, or nutmeg. If you love caffeine, a shot of espresso in your shake may work wonders.
Also, if you are on a cheat day, add low-calorie ice cream to your protein shake for that much-needed indulgence.
Blend Them Well
Your protein shakes won't taste good until you shake them well. You may want to opt for shaker cups but know nothing works better for your protein drink other than a blender.
A blender will help you create a shake with a smooth consistency without any lumps.
If you don't have a blender already, buy one right away. Many affordable options are available, byt pick those that last long and come with an attractive guarantee.
Don't Forget to Add Ice
Your protein shakes will only taste better when chilled. So, don't forget to add ice to your drink.
Add ice cubes with the powder and milk. Then, just blend the mixture and enjoy.
If you want to drink the shake on the go, put it in an insulated bottle to stay cold for a long time.
Best Protein Shake Recipes
Now that you know how to make protein shakes taste better, it’s time to learn about some recipes that will make your taste buds dance with joy.
Basic Protein Shake
Ingredients
1 cup of frozen fruit of your choice
Protein powder
A teaspoon of chia seeds
A tablespoon of nut butter
Honey (as per your preference)
Almond milk
Method
Start by adding frozen fruit to your speed blender. You can either add bananas or berries.
Now add your protein powder, followed by chia seeds and nuts.
Pour in some almond milk. Start with ⅓ cups and then gradually increase the quantity to attain your desired consistency.
Now blend. Add more milk if the consistency isn't smooth.
Pour the mix into a bottle and enjoy.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Shake
Ingredients
1 cup of unsweetened vanilla soy milk
½ cup of frozen bananas
Protein power
¾ cup of Greek yogurt
One tablespoon of cocoa powder
One tablespoon of peanut butter
Method
Add soy milk to the blender.
Now, include bananas, yogurt, protein powder, cocoa powder, and peanut butter.
Add some ice to the mix.
Blend the mix until the consistency is smooth.
Enjoy after a strenuous workout.
Low-fat Ice-cream Protein Shake
Ingredients
One scoop of low-fat ice cream of your choice
Ice cubes
1 cup of almond milk
Protein powder
½ cup of strawberries
Method
Add milk, protein powder, ice cubes, and diced strawberries in a blender.
Blend the mix well.
Add a scoop of ice cream and blend for a few seconds until you get the perfect creamy texture.
Protein Shake Mistakes to Avoid
Protein shakes may seem easy to prepare, but some silly mistakes can make them taste awful. That happens whether you’re a beginner or a professional. If you want to consume your protein shake to achieve your fitness goals, avoid the following mistakes.
Not taking the shake at the right time: This is one of the biggest mistakes people make. For instance, they consume it close to a meal. Some also have the shake hours before or after their workout. Don't make this error. Have the shake within 30 or 40 minutes of the workout.
Wrong quantity: You must be careful when adding protein powder to your base liquid. Adding too much or less can cause severe health problems. Start with just ½ scoops of powder for a few days and then gradually increase the quantity.
Using low-quality powder: Don't compromise on the quality of protein powder you use. Make sure you read the ingredients and their sources correctly. Poor-quality powders can upset your health with just a few uses.
Don’t mix properly: You may be hurrying when making a protein shake. However, that shouldn’t be the case. A protein shake that's not appropriately blended tastes incredibly awful. Plus, it may not benefit your body or a well-blended one. So, instead of rushing, spare ample time to make the best protein shake for your workouts.
Wrapping Up
If you are tired of looking for an answer to how to make protein shakes taste better, we hope that you now know the tricks to follow. Just ensure to get a blender if you don't have one already.
Always use high-quality powder and liquid bases that go well together. Then, just add the rest of the ingredients of your choice to make a flavorful drink to consume. You can always mix and match different things to achieve your desired taste.
Have a wonderful time with your protein shake preparation!
