Protein Shake Recipes That Won't Bore You to Tears

Best Protein Shake Recipes

When you're aiming to hit a high daily protein goal — or generally trying to consume more of the macronutrient without tracking your consumption — protein shakes can make life so much easier. Throw together a few ingredients and you've got a portable meal or snack with a respectable amount of protein. The catch? They can get bland and boring fast, especially if you're taking a just-add-water approach with a powder that can't help but taste chalky.

Save yourself from the monotony by adding some new protein powder shake recipes to the rotation. Rest assured, add-ons such as spices or nut butter can go a long way — there's no need to get too complex and end up with a snack option that's no longer what anyone would deem "convenient." These easy recipes will help you step up your protein shake game without requiring too much effort.

Dairy-Free Pumpkin Protein Shake

This dessert-inspired protein shake recipe incorporates all the flavors of classic pumpkin pie: pumpkin pie spice, vanilla, cinnamon, and of course, canned pumpkin. Unlike pie, though, it's naturally sweetened with banana and maple syrup, and comes together in five minutes.

Blueberry Vanilla Protein Shake

If you're searching for easy protein shake recipes, this one's about as simple as it gets. It requires three ingredients, and you can use either fresh or frozen blueberries depending on what you have on hand. (Either way, you'll get vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber from the fruit.)

Coconut Chai Protein Shake

Again, there's no need to stick to basic protein powder recipes if you're sick of them. This recipe takes vanilla protein powder up a notch with the addition of frozen coconut meat and masala chai spices. Billed as a drink akin to "a cold coconut milk chai latte," this is not your average protein shake.

Vegan Protein Spirulina Shake

This vegan shake owes its pretty blue-green color to spirulina. The superfood is loaded with potassium, calcium, and B vitamins, and offers four grams of protein per teaspoon. It's one of four ingredients that make up this low-effort protein shake recipe.

Almond Joy Protein Shake

You can never go wrong with a candy bar–inspired protein shake. This recipe features the chocolate, almond, and coconut combination of an Almond Joy bar. Almonds are filled with healthy fats, vitamin E, fiber, and magnesium, and they're bound to taste *chef's kiss* in this shake.

Keto Cinnamon Roll Protein Shake

The next time you're in the mood for cinnamon rolls but want to go with something higher in protein, you can snack on this shake inspired by the pastry. You'll add a hunk of cream cheese right to the smoothie to mimic the flavors of a sweet cinnamon roll glaze. With 18 grams of protein, 11 grams of fat, and 6 net carbs, this shake can fit into a keto or other low-carb diet.

S'mores Protein Shake

With the addition of crushed graham crackers, this chocolate protein shake recipe crosses into s'mores territory. You can top it with (optional) toasted mini marshmallows to get even closer to the real deal.

Healthy Cookies and Cream Protein Shake

This shake may taste like Oreos — it even gets topped with cookie crumbles — but unlike the classic sandwich cookie, it has a hidden vegetable. Specifically, the recipe includes frozen zucchini, which provides nutrients such as vitamin C and potassium but doesn't have an overpowering flavor.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Protein Shake

Not all chocolate protein shakes are created equal. As you may already know, the wrong fresh-frozen-liquid ratios will leave you with a result that's too watery. This recipe, on the other hand, promises a "thick," "super creamy," and "ice cream–like" consistency. Plus, it brings together the tried-and-true combo of chocolate, peanut butter, and banana. (You can also just make straight-up protein ice cream.)

McDonald's Shamrock Shake (Healthy Copycat)

Sadly, McDonald's only sells its Shamrock shake for a few (blissful) weeks out of the year — but you can make this protein-spiked alternative any time you feel like it. You'll still get a hint of mint and a pretty green color from fresh mint leaves and folate-rich spinach and avocado.

Coconut Cream Pie Protein Shake

If you're a hardcore coconut fan, you'll want to start with this recipe, which incorporates coconut milk, coconut oil, coconut flakes, and coconut cream to mimic the taste of — you guessed it — coconut cream pie. It fits into a variety of dietary practices since it's vegan, paleo, and gluten-free.