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    Home » Healthy Recipes » Dairy-Free Smoothies

    Salted Caramel Protein Shake (Dairy-Free)

    Jump to 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 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.

    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!)!

    I have an advertisement relationship with the ads in this post. Check out my disclaimer here
    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

    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.

    Take a minute out of your day to ENJOY what you’re putting into your body as fuel- like this protein powder ice cream! Then, learn more about the benefits of a high protein diet and why you want to amp it up!

    Why You'll Love The Recipe

    Allergy-friendly: This salted caramel protein smoothie is naturally dairy-free, gluten-free, soy-free, and vegan!

    Easy: You only need a handful of ingredients to whip it up.

    Versatile: You can make the protein shake as indulgent or simple as you like based on your toppings.

    Energizer: This smoothie has everything you need to gain some energy and hold on to it for a few hours.

    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 Health Vanilla Protein and learn more about adding protein to smoothies.

    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
    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.
    Hey! We;;, I think someone should say it.. you are a ROCKSTAR. That is a lot to take in and a lot to overcome. The fact that you are pushing forward is amazing and every little step counts, so definitely be proud! That’s awesome about your daughter! Haha my kids are insane in the gym so I’m glad she enjoys the crazy videos lol So step one: definitely get Trainerize! I can invoice you through paypal it just means nothing is automated them so I’ll have to do your program set up manually. This is fine there just might be a lag between paying and being able to see the workouts in the app. But yes, figure out how to download the app! I’m an old0school trainer (12 years jeesh) so prior to this I was totally writing them in excel and linking everything. This new tech age is so handy but weird! So we’re definitely going to leave your lower body alone and let your PT do his thing, it sounds like you’re doing a lot of engagement which is awesome. It also sounds like a lot of the upper body work might have to be done sitting down to start so that we don’t cause any crazy swelling on your hip. Would committing to 3 upper body workouts each week be practical? For the core stuff, I think 4 quick, ten minute sessions would be a great start. You can either do them after the upper body workouts or any other time in the day (they don’t require warming up as much). I can program in TRX (I LOVE TRX) but will standing to do the exercises be alright so long as they’re not all standing? You obviously have ankle weights, do you have any resistance bands or mini loops? What I’ll Need From You Before I program I’ll need a few videos of you performing some exercises so that I can get an idea of how your body moves. These are best sent in Trainerize because it’s easy. Let me know when that’s set up and I will send over the one’s I’d like to see. I’m attaching a waiver to this email that I’ll need from you at some point. You can print, fill it out and take pictures to send it back. Bad news: I actually leave for vacation in a week! I’m not back until February 25 so I’m not 100 percent sure I can get you programmed by then especially because I won’t be around to answer your questions and I do like to be able to have some back and forth when people start (you’ll have a lot of questions). So we may have to push this back until I return. Shoot me back an email with thoughts on standing exercises and your equipment and I’ll think on this for a day until you get trainerize and then we’ll at least get the ball rolling and get some videos filmed so I can map out what I think we should do. Sound good? And MEGA congrats on curbing the alcohol. Hard as hell but it makes the biggest impact. You’re doing amazing.
    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.

    Expert Tips To Make It

    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.

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

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    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 26 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

    Video

    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.

    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!

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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
    22. Theresa

      November 09, 2023 at 5:52 pm

      5 stars
      I'm always in a rush in the morning, and this smoothie has become my breakfast of choice. It's quick, easy, and so tasty. Worth making again and again!

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear

        November 10, 2023 at 7:58 am

        Ha, me too! Glad it helped!

        Reply
    23. Annie Lynn

      November 09, 2023 at 5:53 pm

      5 stars
      This was super creamy! And the flavor was spot on. I am always nervous to try protein shake recipes because I usually don't like them, but this one was fabulous!

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear

        November 10, 2023 at 7:58 am

        Sometimes shakes can be funky but this is one I could live off lol

        Reply
    24. Celia

      November 09, 2023 at 7:52 pm

      5 stars
      Oh, the salted caramel protein smoothie is my absolute favorite! I'm a big fan of salted caramel in my coffee, so having it in a protein smoothie is a delightful treat. Thanks!

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear

        November 10, 2023 at 7:58 am

        It's really the best flavor.

        Reply
    25. Khrys

      November 09, 2023 at 11:17 pm

      This is my new “go-to” shake. It’s the perfect blend of flavors. Absolutely love this recipe!

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear

        November 10, 2023 at 7:59 am

        Happy you love it!

        Reply
    26. Beverly

      November 10, 2023 at 7:57 am

      5 stars
      Oh. My. Gosh. INSANELY good. Never would have thought that it's good for me too!

      Reply
    27. Elaine

      June 27, 2024 at 11:11 am

      5 stars
      This was fantastic so decadent I almost forgot it is good for me!

      Reply
    5 from 26 votes (1 rating without comment)

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