Protein Milkshake Recipe
Are you looking for a quick breakfast or a healthy snack? This Protein Milkshake Recipe is the best way to curb sugar cravings while adding more protein to your daily diet. It’s an easy way to increase your protein intake without spending much time in the kitchen. With 33 grams of protein per serving, you can’t go wrong!
One of the challenges of eating enough protein is finding easy ways to add it throughout the day. The best part about this simple milkshake recipe is the creamy texture and flavor**, and** yes, the high protein is an added benefit! It’s a healthy alternative when you’re craving something sweet, without having to add in a bunch of additional ingredients.
I like this healthy milkshake’s flavor and enjoy drinking it much more than eating a plain ol’ protein bar. You can whip up this protein smoothie as a great way to start the day or use this healthy smoothie as a simple dessert. The options are endless!
Don’t forget to try this Protein Cheesecake Recipe and my Keto Protein Balls for more protein-rich recipes!
Ingredients
- Coconut milk or almond milk – This helps to thin out the shake while keeping it creamy. You can also use ultra-filtered milk if you want to increase the protein content even more.
- Greek yogurt or kefir – Adds creaminess and extra protein.
- Protein powder or peanut butter powder – The main protein source. Choose your favorite flavor or use peanut butter powder for a chocolate peanut butter milkshake.
- Nut butter – Helps with the milkshake flavor and adds richness.
- Joy Filled Eats Sweetener (or see alternatives in recipe notes) – This is optional but is a great way to add sweetness to this chocolate milkshake.
- Cocoa powder – Adds a dark color and chocolate flavor.
- Xanthan gum – This is optional but helps thicken the milkshake.
- Ice cubes – Cools the milkshake and gives it a thicker, frosty texture.
- Water – You may not need this, but adding a little water can help to make the shake thinner.
See recipe card for quantities.
How to Make a Protein Milkshake
Step One: Add all of the ingredients except the ice to the blender.
Step Two: Blend until smooth. It helps to pulse the blender.
Step Three: Add the ice and blend again until smooth. If you want to thin out the shake, this is where you can add extra water or almond milk.
Step Four: Pour into a cup and top with whipped cream, if desired.
Top Tip💡
You control the thickness of this milkshake. You can make it thicker to eat with a spoon, almost giving it an ice cream texture, or thin enough to drink with a straw. Start with less liquid and add more as needed until you get the consistency you like. If you make it extra thick, it’s almost like eating protein ice cream with a spoon!
Substitutions
- Protein powder – You can use vanilla protein powder or chocolate protein powder, so pick your personal favorite. I tend to like the chocolate peanut butter flavor over a plain vanilla protein shake, which is why I follow the steps on the recipe card to get that flavor. You can also use a plant-based protein powder, although you may need to adjust the liquid since different powders absorb different amounts.
Variations
- Add a whole banana – Adding natural sweetness is another great option. A banana will change the flavor combinations a bit, but in a yummy way!
- Dairy-free – Use almond milk or coconut milk, a dairy-free yogurt, and plant-based protein powder to make this milkshake dairy-free.
- Protein – There are a lot of options when it comes to protein, such as whey protein powder or soy protein powder. Choose what you like and use it.
- Collagen – You can add a scoop of collagen peptides for additional protein. Just remember that collagen isn’t a complete protein, so I wouldn’t use it as the only protein source.
- Extra flavor – A splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon adds a little extra flavor without much effort.
- Fruit – Try adding frozen strawberries or cherries for a fruity chocolate milkshake. Just keep in mind that adding fruit will change the carbs and calories.
See these High Protein Low Carb Recipes for more great options!
Equipment
All you need for this chocolate protein shake is a blender. It’s simple to make! A high-speed blender works especially well for crushing the ice and making the milkshake smooth and creamy.
Storage
I don’t recommend making this milkshake ahead of time. Add the ingredients, blend them, pour, and enjoy. Fresh is best when it comes to flavor and texture.
However, if you want to make it ahead and freeze it for later, that does work well! Pour the prepared milkshake into a freezer-safe jar or container, leaving a little room for expansion. It will keep in the freezer for 1-2 months.
Let it thaw slightly before enjoying, or blend it again if you want to bring back that creamy milkshake texture.
Common Questions
Cottage cheese is a great way to increase the protein amount, but you do need to be sure that you blend it well for a smooth texture. Blending it thoroughly helps get rid of the curds so you don’t notice them in the finished milkshake. I use cottage cheese in my Cottage Cheese Fruit Smoothie for added protein.
While fruit doesn’t add much extra protein, it is a delicious way to add more flavor. If you want to top your milkshake with fresh berries, that’s always a great option as well! You can also add frozen fruit to the blender for natural sweetness.
The exact calories and carbs depend on the milk, yogurt, protein powder, and sweetener you use. Check the nutrition information in the recipe card for the amounts based on the original recipe.
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Protein Milkshake Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup carton coconut milk or almond milk
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or kefir
- 1/4 cup protein powder or peanut butter powder
- 2 tbsp nut butter
- 2 tbsp Joy Filled Eats Sweetener (or see alternatives in recipe notes) optional
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder
- pinch xanthan gum optional
- 12 ice cubes
- 1/2 cup water if needed
Instructions
- Blend all the ingredients except the ice until smooth.
- Add the ice and blend again until very smooth. Add water if need to thin the milkshake.
Notes
Nutrition
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Originally Published May 9, 2024. Revised and Republished October 15, 2026.
My ice maker makes super tiny cubes. About how much ice would you say you add? Thank you.
I would start with about 1 cup of ice, regardless of the size of your ice cubes. Blend everything together, then add a little more ice if you’d like a thicker milkshake.
I’m diabetic this shake cuts my sweet cravings thanks so much