12 Easy Protein Powder Recipes for When You Don’t Want a Smoothie (2024)

A deliciously creamy protein shake made with your favorite protein powder can be a healthy breakfast or quick post-workout snack, but they can also get pretty old if you're drinking them all the time. But if you're not in the mood for a protein shake, there are some protein powder recipes you can try so that you're still getting enough protein throughout the day.

There are actually quite a few options out there for ways you can incorporate protein powder into your recipes. This includes things like oatmeal, cookies, muffins, pancakes, and even popcorn!

Read on to learn more protein powder recipes. And for more tips on how to eat healthy, check out7 Highest Quality Proteins To Eat Every Day, Say Dietitians.

Protein Waffles

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If you're a fan of waffles in the morning but are worried that a sugary mix won't fill you up until lunch, you can rest assured that this protein waffle recipe will not only satisfy your sweet craving but leave you feeling full longer. For added fiber, top with some of your favorite berries.

Get our recipe for Protein Waffles.

Protein Pancakes

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These protein pancakes are just like the protein waffles, but are for those who don't have a waffle maker or simply prefer the smooth texture of a pancake. Either way, this recipe calls for your favorite protein powder to give you that helpful nutrient boost. If you want a paleo version, check out this protein pancake recipe from medical expert board member Julie Upton, MS, RD, CSSD.

Get our recipe for Protein Pancakes.

Snickerdoodle Protein Muffins

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If you're a fan of snickerdoodle cookies, then you'll most likely be obsessed with these deliciously sweet snickerdoodle muffins. Bake in your favorite protein powder and voila! A healthily satisfying treat to grab on the go.

Get Tone It Up's recipe for Snickerdoodle Protein Muffins.

Add it to oatmeal

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Another quick and easy way to incorporate your protein powder into your meal is by mixing it in with a bowl of oatmeal! You can do this with any oatmeal recipe, and the protein powder will give plain oats some added flavor, too.

Get our recipe for Peanut Butter Oats.

Oatmeal Can Be Healthy—but Not if You Cook It Like This

Or to overnight oats

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The same can be said about overnight oats, too! The only difference here is that you would prepare the oats the night before and add in the protein powder then, as opposed to the morning of.

Get our recipe for Overnight Oats.

Iced Coffee Shake

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Yes, this recipe is technically still a protein shake, but it made the list because it tastes like an iced coffee. Grab a glass of this for a boost of caffeine AND protein.

Get our recipe for Iced Coffee Shake.

High-Protein Muffins

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These protein muffins are super simple to make and can satisfy your sweet craving without too much added sugar. You can try the usual blueberry variation, or potentially change it up and add chocolate chips or pumpkin.

Get our recipe for High-Protein Muffins.

1-Minute Protein Brownie

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Sometimes you just want a quick and easy dessert for one. This 1-minute brownie recipe is the perfect single-serving dessert without going overboard on the sugar. And the protein powder adds healthy flavor, too.

Get the recipe from The Big Man's World.

Peanut Butter Protein Cookies

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Everyone loves a good peanut butter cookie-especially when there are chocolate chips involved. And thankfully this recipe incorporates protein powder as well, giving it added flavor without too much sugar.

Get the recipe from Well Plated by Erin.

Protein Banana Bread

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This banana bread is perfectly sweet, moist, and nutrient-dense, so you can enjoy a slice for breakfast or a snack and feel fuller for longer than you would with many other sweet treats.

Get the recipe from The Big Man's World.

No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars

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There aren't a lot of things better than a sweet treat that is heavy on protein and requires zero baking. These no-bake bars are deliciously satisfying and so easy to make. They're also the perfect crowd-pleasing snack to bring to a party.

Get the recipe from Ambitious Kitchen.

Protein Popcorn

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Last but certainly not least, this recipe for putting protein powder on your popcorn is so clever and delicious that you'll be making it for all of your friends and family. Most of the flavor options are sweet, but they also have a savory option that uses unflavored protein powder as well.

Get the recipe from The Big Man's World.

Sure, a creamy protein shake can be a yummy option for a quick breakfast or post-workout snack, but they can get old really fast. And as you can see, there are plenty of other options for how to use your favorite healthy protein powders without having to make a smoothie every single time. Incorporating more protein in some of your favorite foods will not only taste good and add flavor, but it will leave you feeling satiated and full for longer periods of time.

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12 Easy Protein Powder Recipes for When You Don’t Want a Smoothie (2024)

FAQs

How do you use protein powder without a smoothie? ›

10 ways to use protein powder that go beyond shakes
  1. You can add protein powder to your coffee. ...
  2. You can mix protein in with homemade guacamole. ...
  3. You can put protein powder in your oatmeal. ...
  4. You can make protein powder pudding. ...
  5. You can mix protein powder into soups. ...
  6. You can turn protein powder into energy bites.
Oct 3, 2018

What to do with protein powder besides shakes? ›

Here are 10 different ways to use your True Protein Powder, along with recipes created by our very own recipe creators!
  1. Protein Shake. ...
  2. Protein Smoothie + Smoothie Bowl. ...
  3. Protein Oats + Overnight Oats. ...
  4. Protein Balls. ...
  5. Cakes + Slices. ...
  6. Cookies. ...
  7. Pancakes. ...
  8. Savoury Muffins and Loaves.
Jul 26, 2022

How to use plain protein powder? ›

Get Creative with Unflavored Protein Powder: Ideas for Shakes, Smoothies, and More
  1. Bake with it. You can add protein powder to your favorite baking recipes to give them an extra protein boost. ...
  2. Mix it into oatmeal. ...
  3. Make protein-rich dips. ...
  4. Use it to make protein-rich pasta sauces. ...
  5. Mix it into yogurt.

How do you make protein powder easier to eat? ›

Here are some ways you can try to make your protein shakes taste better:
  1. Add fresh or frozen fruit to your shake for sweetness and flavor. ...
  2. Use almond milk, soy milk, or regular milk instead of water. ...
  3. Add a spoonful of peanut butter for healthy fats and protein.
Feb 18, 2022

What can I mix protein powder with? ›

The Best Liquids to Mix With Protein Powder With
  • Water: You knew this was coming, we know it too. ...
  • Milk: Milk is most people's favorite liquid to mix their protein powder into. ...
  • Fruit Juices. ...
  • Smoothies. ...
  • Peanut butter: ...
  • Oats: ...
  • Bananas: ...
  • Greek Yogurt.
Feb 5, 2024

Can I put protein powder in my coffee? ›

Depending on the type of protein powder, it can thicken or get a bit clumpy if you add it to hot coffee. Instead, mix the protein powder with a little bit of warm water first. Then add your hot coffee to your mixture. A milk frother can help dissolve the powder more quickly.

What tastes good with protein powder? ›

Try these tricks to significantly improve the taste of that diet-keeping, muscle-building concoction that will keep you scooping, mixing, and enjoying!
  • Add Fruit. ...
  • Add Milk. ...
  • Add Cocoa Powder. ...
  • Add Yogurt. ...
  • Toss In Some Peanut Butter!

What can I substitute for a protein shake? ›

6 Breakfast-Boosting Alternatives If You Hate the Taste of...
  • Make overnight oats with Greek yogurt or cottage cheese. ...
  • Blend Greek yogurt or cottage cheese into smoothies. ...
  • Cook oatmeal in whole or 2-percent milk, and add some nuts. ...
  • Cook an egg into your oatmeal. ...
  • Eat dinner leftovers, if you feel like it.

How should a beginner take protein powder? ›

Generally, it's recommended to have a protein intake of about 0.792 grams per kilogram of body weight or 0.36 grams per pound of body weight. For most protein powders, it is recommended to use one scoop per 8 oz. of liquid.

Can you put protein powder in scrambled eggs? ›

Get an extra punch of protein with your breakfast with these protein packed scrambled eggs. INGREDIENTS: 1/2 scoop cup Natural Pounamu Protein Powder, concentrate and isolate both work perfect. 1/4 cup water or milk.

Is it better to take protein powder on an empty stomach? ›

Drinking protein on empty stomach during breakfast helps set the tone for rest of the day by getting you the jumpstart on the daily protein intake. Add protein powders as a breakfast boost. Protein powders can easily be mixed into some of your go-to morning foods or beverages.

How do you use protein powder if you don't like shakes? ›

9 Ways to Use Protein Powder That Aren't Smoothies
  1. Have Your Cake & Eat It, Too. ...
  2. The Latest Scoop. ...
  3. The Better Butter Cup. ...
  4. Wake to a Make-Ahead Breakfast. ...
  5. Cookies for Breakfast! ...
  6. Pancakes to Flip Over. ...
  7. Chocolate Lovers, Rejoice! ...
  8. Dip Into Hummus.
Jan 16, 2023

What are the top 10 protein foods? ›

Top 10 Protein Foods
  • Fish.
  • Seafood.
  • Skinless, white-meat poultry.
  • Lean beef (including tenderloin, sirloin, eye of round)
  • Skim or low-fat milk.
  • Skim or low-fat yogurt.
  • Fat-free or low-fat cheese.
  • Eggs.
Mar 6, 2022

Can you take protein powder without anything? ›

The best way to safely consume protein powder is by mixing it with a liquid such as water or plant-based milk before ingesting it. This will ensure that all the nutrition contained in the powder is broken down properly and absorbed more easily into your bloodstream than if you were to consume it dry.

Can you take protein powder without mixing? ›

Technically, you can eat protein powder without water but it won't have a pleasant taste or texture. Swallowing a dry powder is also tough to do and can be dangerous for your health. Protein powder is designed to dissolve in liquid for ease of use and optimal taste and texture.

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