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    Home » Healthy Recipes » Dairy-Free Smoothies

    12 High Protein Shake Recipes For Energy

    Modified: Mar 16, 2025 · Published: Aug 25, 2022 by Shelby Stover · This post may contain affiliate links · 13 Comments

    Pumpkin smoothie with almond butter and coconut milk on top in a mason jar with a blue straw and a hand holding the smoothie with text over the jar about protein shakes for energy
    Pin image with text about energizing protein shakes, four images of different protein shakes in mason jars, one green, one light orange, one pink and one a caramel color
    Caramel protein shake in a mason jar topped with caramel sauce and coconut whipped cream with red straws and text above it about protein shakes for energy
    Green smoothie in a glass topped with chocolate chips and fresh mint and a hand holding the glass with text above the picture about energizing protein shakes
    Pin image with text about energizing protein shakes, four images of different protein shakes in mason jars, one green, one light orange, one pink and one a caramel color

    Need a pick-me-up to kick off your day? These are the best protein shakes for energy to whip up! Creamy, delicious, and all dairy-free these energy-boosting shakes are protein-packed and a sure-fire way to give you a pick me up!

    Use them as breakfast shake to start your day or as a mid-afternoon pick-me-up. Regardless, these protein shakes will help you power up!

    Pin image with text about energizing protein shakes, four images of different protein shakes in mason jars, one green, one light orange, one pink and one a caramel color

    Made with a delicious blend of your favorite fruits and indulgent flavors like chocolate and peanut butter, these high-protein smoothie recipes are also packed with nutrients you wouldn't otherwise take in.

    Plus, a well-made energy smoothie can be a great way to actually keep you full and avoid mindless snacking (learn how to build well-balanced smoothies).

    As a Certified Nutrition Coach, I use protein shakes daily for myself and my SMASH workout clients to help them stay on top of their protein goals while indulging in whatever flavor they're craving (seriously, learn how to eat 100 grams of protein per day).

    Why You'll Love These Smoothie Recipes

    Easy to make: Protein shakes come together in under 5 minutes and they can even be made in baggies and frozen or dump-and-go.

    Healthy: All of the energizing smoothie recipes are naturally dairy-free, gluten-free, and protein-packed. Plus, they all use natural sweeteners like dates, maple syrup, or honey.

    High protein: All the smoothies have 20 grams or more of protein which means they're great for both a high protein breakfast or midday snack.

    Ingredients You'll Need

    When it comes to learning to build your own smoothie, you want to choose foods that nourish. Most of the energizing protein smoothies have the same similar ingredients below.

    Fresh or frozen fruit: this will help sweeten the smoothie so that you don’t need added sugars or juices.

    Healthy fats: this is what will make a protein shake taste indulgent and satiating. Fats like chia seeds and hemp hearts are also great protein sources.

    Liquids: opt for low-sugar liquids like almond milk, coconut water, or coconut milk.

    Choosing A Protein

    Protein powder is a great way to amp up your intake without feeling like you only eat chicken breast!

    But know that all powders are somewhat different from each other. Meaning, that they taste different, absorb liquid differently, and can alter the texture of the smoothie. Learn how to choose the best vegan protein powder for your goals

    These energy smoothies are made using either collagen powder or vegan protein powder. You can learn more about adding protein to smoothies and choose the system that best fits your lifestyle.

    Collagen Powder

    A lot of these protein shakes use collage powder as their protein source. Collagen powder is the cleanest source of protein and can help boost your immune system, help with muscle recovery, gand rowth, and improve muscle density.

    I use collagen powder regularly (in fact, I put it in almost everything!) which means I opt for a high-quality product (check out these collagen powder recipes).

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    Protein Shake Recipes For Energy

    The following energy smoothies are not only delicious but fueling! They use whole food ingredients to give you energy and are indulgent but healthy.

    All of them contain more than 20 grams of protein per serving, and are dairy-free and gluten-free. Scroll through, pick up some new ideas and give them a try!

    Healthy Iced Coffee Protein Shake
    Made with vanilla protein powder and sweetened with a date this iced coffee protein shake is the perfect day to pick up your day!
    Check out this recipe
    Mason jar with coffee protein shake in it and blue straws on top of white cheesecloth on a cutting board with protein powder and chocolate chips around it.
    Mint Chocolate Protein Smoothie (Paleo)
    Made with real mint and frozen bananas for a thick texture, this mint chocolate protein smoothie is both energizing and fueling.
    Check out this recipe
    Featured image with text: two glasses with mint green smoothie topped with chocolate chips, fresh mint and blue straws with fresh mint around the glasses
    Cookies & Cream Protein Smoothie
    Super smooth and healthy! This cookies and cream protein shake is made with minimal ingredients and is the perfect way to indulge a craving.
    Check out this recipe
    Glass with cookies and cream shake topped with coconut whipped cream and crumbled cookies with a striped straw in it. There are straws, chocolate chip, cookies and chocolate chips around the glass.
    Salted Caramel Protein Smoothie
    An indulgent blend of vanilla protein, coconut milk, and homemade caramel. This delicious smoothie is free from artificial flavors and high in all things good for you.
    Check out this recipe
    Mason jar with caramel protein shake topped with coconut whipped cream, caramel sauce and chocolate chips two red straws in the smoothie and chocolate chips on a cutting board behind it
    High Protein Pomegranate Smoothie (Dairy-free)
    Bright, refreshing flavor this healthy pomegranate smoothie makes a tasty post-workout snack! Holiday-inspired it boasts 30 grams of protein per serving and is a great way to boost your daily intake!
    Check out this recipe
    Pomegranate smoothie in a glass topped with arils and a polka dot straw with a hand holding the glass on a cutting board
    Anti-Inflammatory Dairy-Free Turmeric Smoothie
    This turmeric protein shake is filled with healthy, anti-inflammatory ingredients! It makes a delicious snack or healthy post-workout protein smoothie
    Check out this recipe
    turmeric peach smoothie in a mason jar with a purple straw. Turmeric root and powder and ginger root around it
    Dairy-Free Strawberry Smoothie
    A super simple, equally delicious strawberry protein shake! This protein shake makes the perfect post-workout meal with 28 grams of protein, as well as creamy indulgence.
    Check out this recipe
    Strawberry protein shake in a glass on a cutting board with strawberries around and behind it and a hand holding the glass
    Key Lime Protein Shake
    A zesty and refreshing burst of flavor for after your workout! This key lime pie protein shake is a creamy blend of vegan protein powder and yogurt to give it a total of 31g of protein in just three hundred calories
    Check out this recipe
    Featured image: a green smoothing in a clear glass jar with limes
    Mango Protein Smoothie Recipe
    Ultra creamy and well-balanced this easy mango protein smoothie is bright, and refreshing, and comes with a tropical flavor twist. The perfect way to gain some energy and boost your protein intake for the day.
    Check out this recipe
    Mango protein smoothie in a glass on a cutting board topped with lime and mango and straws in the glass.
     Creamy Banana Matcha Smoothie (dairy-free)
    Enjoy all the energy this banana matcha smoothie provides with just a few simple ingredients! A great way to kick start your day with maximum focus.
    Check out this recipe
    Matcha banana smoothie in a glass with two red straws and a hand holding the glass.
    Creamy Blueberry Protein Shake
    Made in 5 minutes with 5 ingredients this blueberry protein shake is the perfect breakfast for busy days. Thick, rich, and with 19 grams of protein, the blueberry maple flavor helps you gain some fuel and energy.
    Check out this recipe
    Blueberry protein shake in a glass with blueberries on top and straws in the glass.
    High Protein Coffee Smoothie Bowl [Dairy Free]
    Check out this recipe
    Wooden bowl with a coffee protein smoothie in it topped with granola, chocolate chips, bananas, and peanut butter.

    Fast, crave-worthy snacks that hit your protein goals (without tracking or extra cooking time).

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    Frequently Asked Questions About Energy boosting Smoothies

    Can protein shakes give you energy?

    Whether or not you use protein powder or plant-based proteins, protein itself contains calories and calories can provide energy. Protein is a quality macronutrient that gives the body the building blocks it needs to do its job and part of that job is energizing you!

    Are protein smoothies good for weight loss?

    Protein smoothies can be a valuable tool in your weight loss journey so long as they are made with quality ingredients, lower in sugar, and fit into your macro breakdown. Protein smoothies can replace breakfast or a snack and can be a great way to fuel up and feel energized.

    How can I add protein to my smoothie?

    There are lots of different ways to add protein into an energy smoothie. The common ways are with protein powder, collagen powder, and Greek yogurt. However, combinations of plant-based proteins like chia seeds, flax seed, hemp hearts, and almond butter are great ways as well.

    Does protein powder actually give you energy?

    Not in the way that you think. The smoothie gives you energy as food naturally does and even more so if it has a carbohydrate source like fruit. The protein powder is what gives you LONGER lasting energy as protein takes longer to break down so these smoothies won't leave you with a sugar crash.

    More Dairy-Free Smoothies

    • a bowl of protein cookie dough smoothie topped with cookie dough balls, pecans and chocolate chips
      High Protein Cookie Dough Smoothie Bowl
    • Wooden bowl with a coffee protein smoothie in it topped with granola, chocolate chips, bananas, and peanut butter.
      High Protein Coffee Smoothie Bowl [Dairy Free]
    • Chocolate smoothie with coconut milk on top and two red straws in a glass with dates around it.
      Chocolate Pregnancy Smoothie [High Protein No Dairy]
    • Blueberry protein shake in a glass with blueberries on top and straws in the glass.
      Blueberry Protein Shake (Dairy Free)

    Comments

    1. Glenda says

      August 25, 2022 at 1:21 pm

      What a great resource! Thanks for posting these all together. I especially love the pomegranate smoothie, but they're all delicious!

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear says

        August 28, 2022 at 6:23 am

        Pomegranate is such a nice bright flavor!

        Reply
    2. Mandy Applegate says

      August 25, 2022 at 2:41 pm

      This is a great list! I always struggle to vary my protein shakes, so this is now going to be my 'go to' list - thanks!

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear says

        August 28, 2022 at 6:23 am

        Glad there's a few new ones for you to try!

        Reply
    3. MacKenzie says

      August 25, 2022 at 11:56 pm

      Love all of these protein shakes. I am always looking for ways to change your my regular protein shake. Can’t wait to try 🙂

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear says

        August 28, 2022 at 6:24 am

        Glad there's some new ideas for you!

        Reply
    4. Gen says

      August 26, 2022 at 9:45 pm

      These all look fantastic, but it's salted caramel all the way for me! Thank you for the creative, delicious ideas.

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear says

        August 28, 2022 at 6:25 am

        Haha salted caramel anything is always a huge hit with me too!

        Reply
    5. k says

      August 27, 2022 at 10:23 am

      Was just talking with a gym buddy about shakes and how we needed to mix up our routine! This is a great list. I can't wait to try the mint chocolate chip one!

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear says

        August 28, 2022 at 6:25 am

        Haha YES!

        Reply
    6. Nikki says

      February 08, 2024 at 10:21 am

      You're definitely right! I made a high-protein shake, but it tastes more like a dessert!

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear says

        February 11, 2024 at 7:03 pm

        Always a win!

        Reply
    7. Jessa says

      February 21, 2024 at 12:43 am

      The protein shake was so thick, creamy and very delicious. I'm not against store-bought drinks but homemade is just the best since you know what's in it. Thanks for sharing the recipe. I'll be trying the dairy-free salted caramel shake next time.

      Reply

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    I'm Shelby, a Certified Strength & Nutrition Coach who has spent the last 10 years helping women feel more comfortable in their skin though home strength training and healthy food- no diets, no shortcuts

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