How to Make Protein Shakes Taste Better: 6 Tips

When you get done at the gym, one of the things you look forward to is your protein shake. It’s easy to get down after a workout, and it’s practical because of its high protein content. Some people mix their protein powder with water and drink it. Your post-workout drink can improve with these six tips on how to make protein shakes taste better.

1. Fruit

One of the easiest ways to make a protein shake taste better is to add fruit. Whether fresh or frozen, fruits add sweetness to your drink. It also adds carbohydrates like fiber and other important antioxidants your body needs. Fiber especially is critical in your diet because it aids digestion and keeps you satiated until the next meal. 

Some of the best fruits for a protein shake include bananas, raspberries and strawberries. For flavored protein powders, find a fruit that mixes well, such as bananas with a chocolate powder.

2. Nut Butter

Nut butter is the way for your protein shake if you’re trying to bulk and gain muscle. It can come from peanuts, almonds and cashews and adds an incredible depth of flavor to your shake. Nut butter can dominate the flavor, so be careful when adding it. Or, go nuts with it if you love the taste. 

Nut butter is also an excellent source of unsaturated fat. They typically contain monounsaturated fats, the preferred source of fat over saturated and trans fats. Unsaturated fats can lower the risk of heart disease and improve blood cholesterol levels.

3. Milk

Milk is another way to add depth and protein to your shake, and you probably already have some in the refrigerator. Water is a suitable liquid for your protein shake, but milk adds more nutritional benefits if you don’t mind the handful of calories it contributes. 

Milk is an excellent source of calcium, a necessary mineral for your body to build and maintain the muscles you just worked out in the gym. You can easily replace regular milk with plant-based milk if you’re vegan or have dietary restrictions.

4. Greek Yogurt

Adding Greek yogurt to your protein shake is a superb way to add an extra protein source and creaminess. Six ounces of Greek yogurt contains between 15 and 20 grams of protein, depending on the brand you buy. Greek yogurt typically contains a low amount of lactose, which makes it easy for your body to digest. 

For flavors, there are many options. You can opt for plain, vanilla or any fruit flavor your stores have. If you want to watch your calorie intake, try non-fat Greek yogurt because it still has a high amount of protein with fewer calories per serving.

5. Natural Sweetener

If you have a sweet tooth, you can make your protein shakes taste better with natural sweeteners. These additions are typically low or absent in calories, which helps if you are trying to watch your weight. A popular sweetener you can use is stevia. This sweetener comes from a plant called Stevia rebaudiana. Its calorie content is negligible, and it’s sweeter than sugar. Stevia can help those with high blood pressure and can help regulate blood sugar levels.

6. Ice

One way to make your smoothie better is to make it colder. An easy way to do that is to add ice cubes. You can add ice before you blend or afterward. If you’re feeling ambitious, try both. Adding ice cubes before blending helps make your smoothie thicker and gives it more depth. If all of your smoothie ingredients are at room temperature, adding ice is an ideal way to make it thicker and cool down. It could be the ingredient you need to make your protein shake better.

Making Magnificient Shakes

Who says protein shakes have to be just protein powder and water? When you finish your workout, you want something that will build muscle and taste delicious. Or, maybe you are about to hit the road and need a quick, easily transportable meal. A great-tasting protein shake will get the job done. Follow these six tips on how to make your protein shakes taste better.