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Home » Healthy Recipes » Dairy-Free Smoothies » Dairy-Free Salted Caramel Protein Shake

Dairy-Free Salted Caramel Protein Shake

03/21/2022 by fitasamamabear

Jump to Recipe

Enjoy this sweet and salty indulgence any time of the day! A salted caramel protein shake worthy of dessert. Made with vanilla vegan protein powder and drizzled with homemade caramel sauce, this dairy-free protein shake is the perfect afternoon pick me up (outside of this iced coffee protein shake of course!)!

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Mason jar with caramel protein shake topped with coconut whipped cream, caramel sauce and chocolate chips  with hand holding the smoothie this …

Fueling up with essential amino acids post-workout doesn’t have to be boring. Neither does amping up your protein intake!

This salted caramel protein smoothie is a delicate blend of sweet and salty flavors. Blended until smooth and topped with healthy caramel sauce. You’ll fall in love with this smoothie because it’s:

  • Dairy-free, gluten-free, and soy-free (vegan actually)
  • EASY to make
  • Indulgent (but it doesn’t have to be!)
  • A flavorful mood boost

Take a minute out of your day to ENJOY what you’re putting into your body as fuel.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Vegan protein powder: the kind of protein powder you choose will affect the texture and the flavor of the dairy-free protein shake. For best results, use Genuine Healths Vanilla Protein.

Coconut milk: opt for the canned version and go full fat. Remove the water from the can and just use the thick white part.

Almond butter: gives a bit of caramel flavor to the smoothie itself when combined with dates and vanilla. Peanut butter will work as well.

Date: a great way to replace sugar in recipes! The date helps give mild sweetness to the smoothie.

Multiple ingredients like protein powder, nut butter, non-dairy milk in measuring cups with ingredients labeled

How To Make A Caramel Protein Shake

  1. Combine all shake ingredients into a powerful blender.
  2. Blend until smooth.
  3. If using, whip the coconut milk into a 2-minute coconut whip.
  4. In a small bowl, combine the ingredients for the homemade caramel sauce.
  5. Portion the protein shakes into a mason jar. Top with coconut whipped cream and drizzle the caramel sauce on top.
  6. Finally, finish with a tiny sprinkle of sea salt

Step By Step Photos

Hemp milk being poured into a blender with protein powder and ice cubes
Add all ingredients to a high-powered blender.
Chunky caramel protein smoothie being poured into a mason jar with chocolate chips and blue linen behind it
Pour the smoothie into a glass.
Glass bowl with maple syrup being poured over almond butter and chocolate chips and a blue linen behind it
Mix together the healthy caramel sauce.
Mason jar with caramel smoothie topped with coconut whipped cream and a spoon dripping homemade caramel sauce over top.
Drizzle the caramel sauce on top of the smoothie.

Choosing A Protein Powder

Each protein powder is unique in the way that it tastes as well as the way it absorbs liquid (learn more about choosing a protein powder for your goals).

In fact, vegan proteins will absorb almost double the liquid as whey protein powder. On the opposite side, whey protein tends to be sweeter than vegan.

So, the type of protein powder you choose will affect the salted caramel smoothie. This recipe was made with Genuine Healths Vanilla Protein.

Genuine Health’s Fermented Vegan Protein Powder helps fuel your goals, recover and stay full.

Made with 20 grams of plant-based protein, this vegan protein powder is dairy-free, gluten-free, non-GMO, and certified organic. It’s also been voted one of the best tasting vegan protein powders.

But best of all is that this protein is fermented. This helps break down the “anti-nutrient” in grains, nuts, seeds, and legumes that often causes bloating.

This protein powder literally gives you the best of both worlds.

Shop the Genuine Health Store on Amazon.Important Teaching Tips

Both almond butter and peanut butter will work for the homemade caramel sauce. However, make sure the nut butter is fresh and runny (not the hardened bit at the bottom). Otherwise, the sauce won’t mix smoothly.

Likewise, it works better if the nut butter is at room temperature.

If you want to alter the flavor of the protein shake, you can definitely use a flavored protein powder. In fact, chocolate peanut butter protein powder makes a great twist! However, using a milk protein or milk protein concentrate will drastically alter the protein drink.

Though you can use whey protein in place of the vegan protein powder, the smoothie will most likely be a bit thinner.

If whipping up the caramel sauce right before using it, it should just drizzle off a spoon. Piping it from a bag tends not to work as well, especially if it’s not mixed completely smooth.

Unleash Your Energy

The ultimate roundup of high-protein snack recipes for hectic lifestyles. 

Trying to lose weight postpartum and not feel ravenous was frustrating with my first.

It took a whole other pregnancy for me to realize that eating more protein was the “secret” solution.

Unfortunately, living off eggs and chicken breasts sucked after a while.

The solution? I started creating high-protein recipes that tasted more like dessert to help boost my intake.

Say goodbye to mid-day slumps, slow metabolism, and constantly feeling hungry.

I gave the protein bars to a friend of mine with a gluten allergy; I usually can't give her the food I make so I saved these for her. She absolutely loved them, she said most of the protein bars she eats are way too dry but these were great! - Ste
Ebook cover of two fingers setting down homemade protein bars with text about the best protein snacks for moms.

The Protein Power Snack Ebook for busy moms has sixteen, easy-to-make recipes all with 17 grams of protein or more. Many of them can be made ahead of time for grab-and-go days!

They’re the secret to helping you stay energized, enjoy what you eat, and meet your goals.

Plus, a two-day meal plan to show you how to eat over 100 grams of protein per day.. and not hate food. This is what I have all my clients start with.

GRAB THE EBOOK NOW

Frequently Asked Questions About Caramel Protein Shakes

Can you make a protein shake ahead of time?

Though you can make the salted caramel smoothie ahead of time, it will thin out while stored in the fridge. Also, make sure not to add any of the toppings until completely ready to eat.

 Can you use a protein shake as a meal replacement?

A This caramel smoothie does provide a great balance of protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates and can be used as a meal replacement or healthy snack. However, everyone's diet is unique and you'll want to make sure it fits your macros before swapping it out.

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

More Recipes You Might Enjoy:

  • Cookies and cream protein shake
  • Protein granola
  • Chocolate chip granola
  • Easy granola bars
  • Make-ahead breakfast recipes
  • Overnight cookie dough protein oats
  • Chocolate chia protein balls
  • Peanut butter and jam protein balls
  • Chocolate fudge protein balls
  • Crunchy granola
  • Sugar-free granola
  • Fudgy protein brownies
  • Chocolate chip granola bars
  • High protein cookies
  • High protein pancakes
  • Yogurt protein pancakes
  • Energizing protein bar
  • Easy, no-bake vanilla protein bar
  • High protein snack recipes
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

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.
5 from 174 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Cook Time 0 minutes mins
0 minutes mins
Total Time 5 minutes mins
Course post-workout, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 2
Calories 356 kcal

Equipment

  • High powered vitamix

Ingredients
  

  • 7 ice cubes
  • ⅓ cup protein powder
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ⅛ cup coconut milk
  • 1 cup hemp milk
  • 1 tbs almond butter
  • 1 date
  • Healthy Caramel Sauce
  • 2 tbs almond butter
  • 2 tbs maple syrup
  • 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Instructions
 

  • Combine the smoothie ingredients and blend until smooth.
    Hemp milk being poured into a blender with protein powder and ice cubes
  • Whisk the caramel sauce with a fork.
  • Drizzle some caramel into the glasses with a spoon.
  • Pour in the shake.
    Chunky caramel protein smoothie being poured into a mason jar with chocolate chips and blue linen behind it
  • Top with coconut whipped cream (if using) and more drizzled caramel.
    Mason jar with caramel smoothie topped with coconut whipped cream and a spoon dripping homemade caramel sauce over top.

Video

Notes

  • Make sure the nut butter is fresh and runny (not the hardened bit at the bottom) for the caramel sauce. Otherwise, the sauce won’t mix smoothly.
  • The sauce works better if the nut butter is at room temperature.
  • As is, this smoothie is not "creamy" but textured. Tastes amazing.
  • Though you can use whey protein in place of the vegan protein powder, the smoothie will most likely be a bit thinner.
  • If whipping up the caramel sauce right before using it, it should just drizzle off a spoon. Piping it from a bag tends not to work as well, especially if it’s not mixed completely smooth.
  • Coconut whip is not included in nutritional breakdown.
  • Refrigerating the caramel sauce will cause it to harden.
Disclaimer:

Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data"

Nutrition

Calories: 356kcalCarbohydrates: 23gProtein: 20gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gSodium: 839mgPotassium: 342mgFiber: 4gSugar: 16gVitamin A: 246IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 270mgIron: 6mg
Keyword dairy-free, post workout
Have You Tried This Recipe?Please leave a star rating and comment below. Mention @fitasamamabear or tag #fitasamamabear!

Shelby aka Mama Bear

fitasamamabear

Meet Shelby – a Certified Strength Coach who has spent the last 10 years teaching women how to show up for their goals.

Her website, Fitasamamabear.com is a crucial resource for busy moms who need help making fitness and healthy living practical.

Learn how an everyday smoker and fast food junkie turned into a super fit mom of 3. If you want to send Shelby a message, visit her contact page.

See author's posts

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Faaiza

    March 21, 2022 at 6:00 am

    I love salted caramel! Perfect flavour in a smoothie.

    Reply
    • fitasamamabear

      March 22, 2022 at 6:59 am

      It's literally the best flavor lol

      Reply
  2. Jess

    March 21, 2022 at 9:01 am

    5 stars
    This sounds so delish!

    Reply
  3. Ashley

    March 21, 2022 at 9:03 am

    5 stars
    A great and tasty way to get protein powder in!

    Reply
    • fitasamamabear

      March 22, 2022 at 6:59 am

      Might as well enjoy it!

      Reply
  4. Kat

    March 21, 2022 at 10:20 am

    5 stars
    I could drink this everyday, what a treat!

    Reply
    • fitasamamabear

      March 22, 2022 at 7:00 am

      You and me both hehe

      Reply
  5. Chris

    March 21, 2022 at 10:54 am

    5 stars
    A salted caramel protein shake is my favorite to make for breakfast! This recipe is the best. It has the perfect consistency.

    Reply
    • fitasamamabear

      March 22, 2022 at 7:00 am

      It's such a nice morning treat!

      Reply
  6. Liz

    March 21, 2022 at 2:14 pm

    5 stars
    I'm a vegetarian so I've been trying to add more high protein meals into my diet and this shake is perfect! Such a fun way to get in protein

    Reply
    • fitasamamabear

      March 22, 2022 at 7:00 am

      Yay! Happy I could give you something yummy to work in!

      Reply
  7. Jennifer

    March 21, 2022 at 2:41 pm

    5 stars
    I'm in love - this decadent treat is so good, I want one every day of the week! Love adding protein powder to it and the caramel sauce is sooo good!

    Reply
    • fitasamamabear

      March 22, 2022 at 7:00 am

      Caramel sauce is life necessity lol

      Reply
  8. Glenda

    March 21, 2022 at 3:31 pm

    5 stars
    Yum! It's hard to beat salted caramel! I didn't have hemp milk so subbed in cashew milk and it was absolutely scrumptious! Looking forward to making this one, again!

    Reply
    • fitasamamabear

      March 22, 2022 at 7:02 am

      Cashew milk is BLISSFUL- so much extra creaminess!

      Reply
  9. nancy

    March 21, 2022 at 3:39 pm

    5 stars
    i love salted caramel and i love how you used hemp milk!

    Reply
    • fitasamamabear

      March 22, 2022 at 7:02 am

      Hemo milk is definitely our staple but I do love nut milks!

      Reply
  10. Rosanna

    March 21, 2022 at 5:04 pm

    5 stars
    Wow this looks so delicious and I’m very grateful for all the tips you included that will help me make it myself! Can’t wait for this new post workout smoothie!

    Reply
    • fitasamamabear

      March 22, 2022 at 7:02 am

      I hope you love it!

      Reply
  11. Jeannie

    March 21, 2022 at 6:25 pm

    5 stars
    never thought of enjoying protein shake and turning it into a salted caramel drink! more workouts with this

    Reply
    • fitasamamabear

      March 22, 2022 at 7:03 am

      Haha might as well enjoy it! Definitely worth whipping up the caramel sauce.

      Reply
  12. Allyssa

    March 22, 2022 at 10:28 am

    5 stars
    Thank you so much for sharing this amazing recipe! Will surely have this again! It's really easy to make and it tasted so delicious! Highly recommended!

    Reply
  13. Rebekah Kuk

    March 24, 2022 at 1:56 pm

    5 stars
    I'm always looking for new ways to enjoy protein shakes, and discovered this one after feeling in a bit of a rut. Yay for new flavors! I love salted caramel, but obviously can't have salted caramel ice cream whenever I feel like, and this is hands down the next best thing. Thanks for a great recipe.

    Reply
    • fitasamamabear

      March 25, 2022 at 5:52 am

      Haha I also wish we could have salted caramel ice cream all the time 😀 happy I can give you a bit of an alternative at least!

      Reply
  14. Glenda

    June 08, 2022 at 10:03 am

    5 stars
    If it says salted caramel in the recipe title, I'm all in. lol This smoothie did not disappoint. Absolutely scrumptious!

    Reply
    • fitasamamabear

      June 10, 2022 at 11:50 am

      Omg me too haha best flavor ever!

      Reply
  15. Jennifer

    June 08, 2022 at 10:11 am

    5 stars
    I'm a sucker for all things caramel and this hit the spot!

    Reply
    • fitasamamabear

      June 10, 2022 at 11:50 am

      You and me both!

      Reply
  16. Jenni

    June 08, 2022 at 2:47 pm

    5 stars
    This shake was so easy and delicious! I can't believe it counts as a protein shake because it definitely tastes like dessert!

    Reply
    • fitasamamabear

      June 10, 2022 at 11:50 am

      Haha double win!

      Reply
  17. Vladka

    May 09, 2023 at 4:15 pm

    5 stars
    I made it with coconut milk and peanut butter, and it was just the perfect snack after a busy day at work.

    Reply
    • fitasamamabear

      May 12, 2023 at 11:08 am

      Mmm peanut butter works in everything!

      Reply
  18. Addison

    May 09, 2023 at 6:25 pm

    5 stars
    This protein shake is so thick and creamy! I love it for breakfast and dessert!

    Reply
    • fitasamamabear

      May 12, 2023 at 11:08 am

      So glad you loved it!

      Reply
  19. Kristen

    May 09, 2023 at 6:30 pm

    5 stars
    Wow, was this tasty! It really satisfied my dessert cravings. Will make again and again. 🙂

    Reply
    • fitasamamabear

      May 12, 2023 at 11:09 am

      Life win!

      Reply
  20. Michelle

    May 10, 2023 at 6:59 am

    5 stars
    I love the classic flavour of salted caramel, the balance of sweet and salty flavors is spot on. The added protein is a plus and it tastes great!

    Reply
    • fitasamamabear

      May 12, 2023 at 11:09 am

      It really is such a great flavor!

      Reply
  21. Sharina

    May 10, 2023 at 7:38 am

    5 stars
    This is what I need for summer! It has the perfect combination of flavors that are also refreshing!

    Reply
    • fitasamamabear

      May 12, 2023 at 11:09 am

      Amazing, I love hearing this!

      Reply

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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 with text on the top of the image.
Pin image with text: 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
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 with text on the top of the image.