19 Natural High Protein Smoothies (No Protein Powder)
- Updated on Sep 06, 2022
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High protein smoothie recipes are a great way to up the grams of protein in your diet, in an easy, tasty, drinkable package. I like to whip up a high protein smoothie in the morning and know that I am starting my day off right!
We have only included protein smoothies without powder in this compilation, preferring to stick to all natural protein sources – avoid the nasty chemicals in commercial protein shakes!
Yoghurt is a good example of a natural protein source. Greek yogurt contains 10g protein per 100g, plus it helps make your smoothie all creamy-dreamy. This mango coconut smoothie is one of my fave yogurt-based smoothies.
Why are we so fussed on protein? It is important for general health and wellbeing, but can also help specifically with weight loss and muscle gain. Check out our High Protein Meal Plan to learn more!
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Time to whizz through my top high protein smoothies!
With flavours from strawberry, to mango, to almond to kiwi, you will definitely find a healthy smoothie you like here. Give them a go now!
Vegan Blackberry Smoothie
Check out the recipe hereBonus: vegan, fruity
A fruity vegan smoothie, packed with protein to fuel your day ahead. Love fruit and nuts? Then you’ll love this!
Mint Pineapple and Spinach Smoothie
Check out the recipe hereBonus: high in iron, refreshing
After a cool and refreshing summer drink that is healthy too? Try our pineapple and spinach smoothie with fresh mint!
Subscribe to get our FREE 7-Day Vegetarian High Protein Meal Plan for Weight Loss
Avocado Spinach Smoothie
Check out the recipe hereBonus: super foods, vegan
This avocado spinach smoothie is a high protein vegan breakfast inspired by Ben Greenfield – a nutrition and fitness expert, triathlon and Spartan Race competitor, as well as New York Times Bestseller! So I think we can trust that it’s going to be pretty darn healthy!
Protein: 24g
Calories: 368 kcal
Ready in: 5 minutes
Recipe by: Alwaysusebutter
Bonus: creamy, naturally sweet
Make this Banana Strawberry Mango Smoothie with Yogurt in under 5 minutes using fresh & frozen fruit. Loaded with flavor and super creamy , this healthy smoothie is naturally sweetened by fruit – but don’t worry, it’s definitely sweet enough as is.
Bonus: quick, simple
Mango Lassi. One of the best tasting smoothies around. Simply delicious, and simply quick.
Super Spinach Banana Smoothie (High-Protein)
Check out the recipe hereBonus: filling, high iron
A super healthy yet tasty summer smoothie. You won’t even realise that you’re eating spinach (or drinking it, smart arse).
Protein: 23g
Calories: 513 kcal
Ready in: 5 minutes
Recipe by: Sally’sBakingAddiction
Bonus: nutty, super high protein
There’s a whopping 28 grams of protein in this chocolate peanut butter cup smoothie– no protein powders either!
Protein: 10g
Calories: 292 kcal
Ready in: 2 minutes
Recipe by: Charlotte’sLivelyKitchen
Bonus: simple, flavourful
A quick, healthy, filling breakfast smoothie recipe – ideal for the morning rush. Can be served warm or cold, so perfect in any weather.
Protein: 13.4g
Calories: 341 kcal
Ready in: 5 minutes
Recipe by: EatGood4Life
Bonus: tropical, flavourful
A delicious tropical smoothie, full of goodness and plenty of protein.
Spicy Kiwi Banana Smoothie
Check out the recipe hereBonus: vitamin C, fiber
Spicy Kiwi Banana Smoothie. A super simple and super healthy green and white spicy kiwi banana breakfast smoothie. High in vitamin C, fiber and potassium. Delicious and tasty.
Protein: 23g
Calories: 431 kcal
Ready in: 5 minutes
Recipe by: Sally’sBakingAddiction
Bonus: naturally sweet, comforting
A thick, creamy, healthy smoothie reminiscent of your favorite childhood sandwich. With 23 grams of pure protein, it will keep you full for hours.
Cashew Milkshake – Chocolate Style
Check out the recipe hereBonus: creamy, chocolatey
This deliciously smooth cashew milkshake can be made any way you like – just follow the simple instructions and you’ll be drinking a mega shake in five minutes!
Protein: 23g
Calories: 277kcal
Ready in: 7 minutes
Recipe by: KiipFit
Bonus: refreshing, anti-inflammatory properties
Turmeric Mint Protein Smoothie is a perfect post workout recovery smoothie (as are these vegetarian post-workout meals!). Its the creamiest anti – inflammatory beverage for the entire family and for all ages.
Protein: 16g
Calories: 365 kcal
Ready in: 5 minutes
Recipe by: FitAsAMamaBear
Bonus: no banana, creamy
A creamy, tangy, no-banana green smoothie recipe perfect to perk up your system. This easy green smoothie is protein powder-free and contains only real food ingredients (check out these other protein-packed breakfasts without protein powder if you like the sound of this).
Protein: 17g
Calories: 403
Ready in: 6 minutes
Recipe by: AVirtualVegan
Bonus: vegan, delicious
Do you love the idea of packing the green stuff into your smoothie but always dislike the taste? Then you need to try this Vegan Green Smoothie! It’s stuffed full of healthy ingredients including spinach but is creamy, sweet & delicious!
Protein: 16g
Calories: 213kcal
Ready in: 20 minutes
Recipe by: SkinnyTaste
Bonus: naturally sweet, low calorie
Roasted strawberries in this protein packed smoothie brings out their amazing natural flavor, made with creamy cottage cheese and added chia seeds – what a great way to start the day!
Protein: 15g
Calories: 350kcal
Ready in: 5 minutes
Recipe by: IowaGirlEats
Bonus: colourful, fun
Sunrise Smoothie is a fresh and healthy smoothie recipe to get any morning off to a good start!
Protein: 9.2g
Calories: 80kcal
Ready in: 5 minutes
Recipe by: ChocolateCoveredKatie
Bonus: festive, creamy
How to make the best thick, smooth, and creamy vegan eggnog recipe at home, with absolutely NO eggs or dairy required!
Blueberry Banana Protein Smoothie
Check out the recipe hereBonus: delicious, colourful
Blueberry Banana Protein Smoothie. A superior blueberry and banana smoothie with a huge protein kick! Try it, love it.
Ingredients
- 1 cup blueberries, frozen (fresh is fine too)
- 2 ripe banana (make sure they’re soft and sweet! Keep some in the freezer like we do here)
- 1 cup water
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 oz low fat cottage cheese (use regular if you prefer*)
- 2 tbsp chia seeds
- 1 tsp lemon zest
Optional
- 1 serving vanilla protein powder (for that extra protein hit!)
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients to a blender, and grate in the lemon zest.
- Blend. Done!
NOTES
Nutrition
Protein Smoothie FAQs
How many calories in a high protein smoothie?
These high protein smoothies can contain anything from 250 calories to 500! The higher calorie ones are a great option for breakfast, the lower calorie ones make a good drink to up your energy levels and give you a nice boost of protein between meals.
However, high-protein smoothie recipes can massively vary in calorie content. Don’t aim for low calorie content, because it’s not realistic (or desirable) to get enough protein with very few calories.
Are high protein smoothies good for vegetarians?
Yeah! You’re unlikely to find any non-veggie ingredients in a smoothie . Chicken smoothie? No thank you.
You’re going to be working with simple ingredients like whole fruit, dairy or non-dairy milk, yogurt, natural peanut butter or almond butter, maybe even some leafy greens!
In fact, I would actively recommend these smoothies to vegetarians as they are a great way to up your protein content when meat is off the table.
What can I add to my smoothie for more protein?
So many things! You can add yogurt, silken tofu, nut butters – these all provide an ample amount of protein to a shake. You could also opt for protein powder but these are often quite processed and can end up being bad for you. We prefer real ingredients, for more natural high quality protein.
Are protein smoothies good for weight loss?
Yes – but drink them wisely. They can be a good source of fiber and protein, and therefore keep you full for a long time, which can help you stick to your weight loss meal plan.
However, make sure you are making your smoothies with filling, natural ingredients, like fruit, oats, yogurt etc.
There is many a protein drink that is full of sugar instead of healthy fats and protein, and therefore doesn’t fill you up. They just pile on empty calories that can lead to weight gain, as you will inevitably need to eat more to actually feel satisfied.
How much protein should a breakfast smoothie have?
This varies: it is estimated that the minimum amount to prevent deficiency should be 0.8grams per kilogram of body weight. This works out as the average amount for a man being 55g and for a woman being 45g.
Reminder: upping your protein levels a bit to help you build muscle is a good idea, but, as with anything, you only need so much and too much protein is bad for you.
We hope you have enjoyed whizzing up some high protein smoothies. Let us know which were your favourites in the comments.
Hauke Fox
I’m always on the lookout for these damn smart recipes. You know, those that only take a few minutes to put together and taste delicious. Vegetarian Cooking at home is a way to take back control over what I eat. I don’t like what many companies do to animals and the environment with their products.
Article has been medically reviewed by James LeBaigue
James LeBaigue
James has a Masters Degree in Sport and Exercise Nutrition, as well as an Advanced Diploma in Human Nutrition.
He loves combining his scientific knowledge along with food in the real world, and these recipes are the result.
He’s on top of all the latest evidence and guidelines to make sure our nutrition advice on the website is as accurate as it can be.
By day he works as an Advanced Clinical Practitioner in a busy NHS GP Practice.
Each recipe is tested and then eaten (much to James’ delight), many times before it is deemed worthy to be published. Bon appetit!
Comments
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44 comments
This is an exceptional post! I love that I now have so many options when it comes to morning smoothies – all on one page. Great post!
Thanks Byron! Hope you’ll find a few you like 🙂
I didnt know that smoothies can be that attractive !!!thanks.
I know Shivani! I was very surprised myself how delicious they can be and still healthy 😛
I love these will definitely try them! Thanks!
Enjoy, Elissa!
Great post! I love smoothies and have one every morning!!
Thank you so much Sophia! I hope you found some new ones in this post to try out.
Mmmm, nr #13 sounds tasty! I will check them all out. Thanks! 🙂
Great!! Maybe you can let us know which one you liked the most 😀
I’ve come to prefer a veggie laden smoothie over the ultra sweet ones. Usually a half banana provides all the sweetness I need along with plain Greek yogurt for protein. You’ve done a nice job in choosing a variety for this round up.
Thanks Lydia! I totally agree with you. For me a smoothie quickly becomes too sweet. A banana is more than enough to sweeten a smoothie 🙂
fab round up! pinned. 🙂
That’s great thank you Sarah!!
I think I’ll have No. 4! MANGO LASSIE SMOOTHIE… love mangos!
hahaha, great pick! 😀
I love this smoothie collection and I will share this for sure!
thanks Razena 🙂
WOA – What a lineup of amazing smoothies! That mango lassi one has me drooling uncontrollably…
hahahah, well it’s definitely a tasty one 😀
Actually I think it’s our first recipe ever
Thanks for the recipes. Really good taste. I tried all the smoothies and it came out very well. Love from India
Happy to share! Glad you enjoyed 🙂 much love back to India!
This is an amazing list of smoothies. I will go Mango Lassi at any time of the day…Yumm..!!!
You are right Deepika, the Mango Lassi is an old classic, which fits to any time of the day 😉
One can never have too many smoothie recipes! These all look fabulous!
Indeed Jenn, thank you so much for your lovely comment!
What a great list– I am always trying to come up with ways to make my smoothies higher protein with less reliance on powders. I have been using a lot of hemp seeds lately– I am allergic to soy, so relying on soy milk doesn’t work!
Hemp seeds how interesting, wouldn’t mind trying that out some time as well. Thank you very much for your comment Michelle 🙂
This is quite a colleciton, Howie…and many of my favorite bloggers!!
This is a great collection – I love adding some protein in my smoothies, because it simply fills me up better & longer. Definitely a list to keep on hand 🙂
Thank you so much Kat 😉 and you are totally right there, smoothies with protein make you feel satisfied much longer than other ones!!
Great round-up! I always get stuck making the same old smoothie, so nice to get some inspiration from all these fantastic recipes!
I know what you mean Donna I so often overmake certain recipes till I can’t eat them anymore and need to take a break…with this collection you have great smoothie ideas for a long time 😀
Thanks for featuring my banana and almond smoothie (I’ve been meaning to say that since you posted but I’ve been slacking!). It is completely unintentionally high in protein – I just put in what I liked.
There’s a few delicious looking ones on here. I’m definitely going to have to try the chocolate and peanut butter one as those are just my kind of flavours.
Thank you Charlotte, your smoothie just had everything that we needed to fit into this collection!!
The chocolate and peanut butter one also caught my eye immediately 😛 #chocoholic
Great protein smoothie roundup! I’m always looking for different flavours to try out to keep things interesting…this post will be a great smoothie resource for me 🙂 Thanks for posting!
Many thanks for your lovely comment Elysia. It makes me really happy that you find this compilation so useful 🙂
I never comment on articles, blogs etc…
However! I have to say AMAZING JOB! LOVE, LOVE, LOVE! Thank you for these
Glad we were able to create something that helped you, Jenn!
We’re proud of every comment we receive 😀
Thank you for the post.am now spoiled for choices.
I’m looking for a preworkout meal to add to my daily routine and was wondering if any or all of these could be frozen to cut down on the daily prep time.
Hi Don! You could freeze pretty much any of them to be honest. You really have two ways of doing that. The first way might lose a little taste, but if that’s not a drama then it’s quickest for the morning.
1) Just make the smoothie like normal, then freeze it in a bag or similar (not glass as the expanded smoothie will likely crack it). Take it out of the freezer the night before you want it, stick it in a glass and give it a stir in the morning.
2) Prep all the ingredients needed (except the liquids) (including peeling skin off, chopping fruit etc, exactly as you would before popping them in the blender. Then when they’re ready, stick them in a bag and freeze them instead. In the morning, add the frozen ingredients to the liquids and blend. It’ll be nice and fresh.
Hope that helps!
I am 59 years old it seems like I’ve lost my muscle tone any high protein drinks that you can recommend? Also I know need other vitamins as well in my smoothies what’s your thoughts.
Hi Dennis. Good question. To be honest, the big thing I would ask is do you do any form of strength training? For example weight lifting, strength yoga, that sort of thing. If you don’t then this would probably be the primary reason for losing your muscle tone and no high protein drink will stop that or bring it back. To keep muscle tone you have to exercise and actively work to keep it – otherwise it will go.
If you are doing strength training (2-3 times a week) then the next most important thing is eating sufficient amounts of protein throughout the day. It seems we need more protein as we get older too, so proportionately you need more than when you were younger. Unless you have a medical reason not to then at least 25g of protein per meal is a good starting point for most people.