Palatable Protein

Change your liquid base

Use liquids other than plain water to significantly enhance the flavor and creamy texture of your shake.

• Cow's milk: Richer, classic shakes with extra creaminess and maximum protein are often made with traditional dairy milk.
• Nut milk: For a nutty flavor and dairy-free alternative, try unsweetened almond, cashew or hazelnut milk.
• Oat milk: Oat milk provides a creamy texture that works especially well with oatmeal-style shakes.
• Coconut water: This lighter, more refreshing base pairs well with tropical fruits.
• Coffee: Chilled coffee or cold brew makes a great base for a coffee-flavored, energy-boosting shake.
   

Add fruits and vegetables

For natural sweetness, extra nutrients and fiber, incorporate fruits and vegetables into your shakes. For a thicker, colder shake, use frozen fruit instead of ice.

• Berries: Strawberries, blueberries and raspberries are low in sugar and add a fresh, tangy flavor.
• Bananas: Frozen bananas add natural sweetness and create a creamy, milkshake-like texture.
• Mango and pineapple: Both are excellent for tropical-themed shakes.
• Leafy greens: Spinach and kale are nearly flavorless in a shake but are packed with nutrients (and make for a fun color!).

Incorporate healthy fats and textures

Adding healthy fats gives your shakes a richer texture and helps keep you feeling full longer.

• Nut butter: A bit of peanut, almond or cashew butter adds a rich flavor and extra protein.
• Avocado: A small amount of mildly nutty-sweet avocado makes your shake extra creamy and thick.
• Seeds: Chia, flax and hemp seeds add fiber, omega-3s and a unique texture. 
   

Spice it up

Spices, herbs and extracts add depth and warmth to your shake without adding extra sugar or calories. 

• Cinnamon and nutmeg: These warm spices are perfect for pairing with vanilla, chocolate or banana-based shakes.
• Fresh herbs: Consider adding fresh mint leaves to a chocolate shake for a cool, refreshing twist.
• Cocoa powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder is a simple way to create a chocolate shake with rich flavor.
• Vanilla or almond extract: A quick splash significantly enhances the flavor of a vanilla or unflavored protein powder.
   

Good to Know: Protein Powder

While protein powder is a convenient staple, low-quality blends laden with artificial flavors or sweeteners can throw off the taste of your beverage. Look for high-quality powders with clean ingredients for the best results. For maximum control, opt for unflavored or minimally sweetened protein powder. Nonfat dry milk powder is another high-quality, budget-friendly source of protein that blends seamlessly into drinks without adding an artificial aftertaste.