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!
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).
Perfect Supplements collagen powder is:
- 100% Hydrolyzed Collagen peptides (11 grams of Collagen per serving)
- Sourced EXCLUSIVELY From Brazilian Pasture Raised (Grass Fed) Cows
- 100% Natural and Pesticide and Hormone Free
- World's First Certified Glyphosate Residue Free Collagen
- It has no fillers
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Easy to mix, this collagen powder adds a protein punch to anything you pair it with. Made from pasture-raised (grass-fed) cows there are no pesticides, hormones, or filler agents. Just put collagen protein. Use code mamabear10 to save money on your next order.
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!
Fast, crave-worthy snacks that hit your protein goals (without tracking or extra cooking time).
Frequently Asked Questions About Energy boosting Smoothies
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!
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.
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.
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.
Glenda says
What a great resource! Thanks for posting these all together. I especially love the pomegranate smoothie, but they're all delicious!
fitasamamabear says
Pomegranate is such a nice bright flavor!
Mandy Applegate says
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!
fitasamamabear says
Glad there's a few new ones for you to try!
MacKenzie says
Love all of these protein shakes. I am always looking for ways to change your my regular protein shake. Can’t wait to try 🙂
fitasamamabear says
Glad there's some new ideas for you!
Gen says
These all look fantastic, but it's salted caramel all the way for me! Thank you for the creative, delicious ideas.
fitasamamabear says
Haha salted caramel anything is always a huge hit with me too!
k says
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!
fitasamamabear says
Haha YES!
Nikki says
You're definitely right! I made a high-protein shake, but it tastes more like a dessert!
fitasamamabear says
Always a win!
Jessa says
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.