What Can You Mix With Protein Powder?
If you’re like most people, you probably think of protein powder as a standalone supplement. But did you know that you can also mix it with other ingredients to create delicious and nutritious meals and snacks? This blog post will explore some of the best combinations for adding protein powder to your diet. So whether you’re looking for a quick and easy breakfast or a healthy snack to tide you over until dinner, we’ve got you covered!
Here are examples of what you can mix with protein powder:
- Milk
- Chocolate milk
- Almond milk
- Coconut milk
- Soy milk
- Apple juice
- Orange juice
- Gatorade
- Hot Water
- Collagen
- Cereal
- Eggs Whites
MILK
Milk is good to mix with protein powder if you want the best taste and texture. Your shake will have a creamy taste and a thicker, milkshake-like consistency.
Milk will also help you to feel full longer after you consume it because of the additional fat and protein it provides. This makes it a good option for a high-protein snack or light meal. This extra protein is also helpful in helping you reach your daily protein goal, in particular, if you have multiple shakes per day.
It’s important to pick the type of milk that best aligns with your goals. If you are looking to reduce body fat, lower-fat milk like skim or 1% will have fewer calories. If you are looking to gain mass, whole milk will be higher in calories without making you feel as full.
If you are lactose intolerant you can still enjoy a protein shake with milk, just ensure you purchase lactose-free milk from the grocery store.
CHOCOLATE MILK
If you want to mix things up, chocolate milk is a great option. It has the same consistency and creaminess as regular milk, but with the delicious addition of chocolate. This can be a good way to make your shake more enjoyable if you are getting tired of the standard flavor.
Adding some flavoring to your shake can also help you reach your daily nutrient goals. For example, if you are trying to increase your intake of fruits and vegetables, adding spinach or kale to your shake will help you do that while also masking the taste.
ALMOND MILK
Almond milk is a good alternative to regular milk if you are looking for a dairy-free option. It has a similar consistency and can be just as creamy as milk, depending on the brand.
Almond milk is also lower in calories than regular milk and is a good source of healthy fats. This makes it a good choice if you are looking to lose weight or are lactose intolerant.
Like regular milk, almond milk comes in a variety of flavors so you can find one that you enjoy the most.
COCONUT MILK
Coconut milk is another good dairy-free option. It is thicker than almond milk and has a more distinct coconut flavor.
Coconut milk is high in saturated fat, which some people may not want to consume. However, the fats in coconut milk are considered healthy so it can be a good choice if you are looking for a high-fat option.
Coconut milk is also a good source of electrolytes, which can be helpful if you are working out frequently. This makes it a good choice for post-workout recovery shakes.
SOY MILK
Soy milk is the most popular dairy-free milk option. It is thick and has a slightly nutty flavor.
Soy milk is a good source of protein and fiber, making it a good choice for people who are looking for a high-protein shake. It also contains all the essential amino acids, making it a complete protein source.
Soy milk is the most affordable dairy-free milk option.
There are a variety of soy milk brands available, so you can find one that you like the best.
APPLE JUICE
Apple juice is good to mix with protein powder if you don’t like the taste of protein shakes. You can mix unflavoured protein powder with apple juice without any change to the flavor. will make your shake sweeter and more palatable.
Apple juice is also a good source of vitamins and minerals, like vitamin C and potassium. This can help you reach your daily nutrient goals.
The extra carbohydrates make it high in calories without being very filling. This is beneficial for anyone looking to put on extra mass but has difficulty eating enough. It’s not a good option for someone looking to improve body composition as those calories would be more filling coming from food.
ORANGE JUICE
Orange juice is a higher-calorie liquid to mix with your protein powder. The extra calories are primary from sugar, which means it won’t be very filling. This is helpful if you are having trouble consuming enough calories in your day but isn’t a good option if you are looking to lose weight.
The sugar is helpful around a workout, however. Consuming it 30 minutes before, or during a workout will give you an extra boost of energy. Post-workout it’s great to sip on while you’re headed home, starting the muscle recovery and repair process.
If you aren’t into the taste of protein shakes, mix it with unflavoured protein. This will just leave you with the flavor of the orange juice.
GATORADE
Gatorade is a popular choice to mix with protein powder, especially post-workout. Its main benefit over other options is the electrolytes it contains. This can help you recover from a workout more quickly and reduce the risk of cramping.
It’s also helpful if you are working out in the heat as it can help you replace the fluids and electrolytes you are sweating out.
Gatorade is high in sugar, however, so it’s not the best choice if you are trying to lose weight. It can also cause gastrointestinal issues if consumed in large amounts.
HOT WATER
Hot water is a calorie-free way to mix your protein powder. It can also help dissolve the powder more thoroughly so you don’t end up with clumps in your shake.
The downside of hot water is that it can make the shake less palatable. If you find the taste unbearable, try adding some flavoring like honey, maple syrup, or fruit juice.
Hot water is a good option if you are trying to consume more fluids throughout the day. It’s also helpful if you want a quick and easy shake to take on the go.
COLLAGEN
Collagen is a protein that can be added to shakes to help with joint health and muscle recovery. It’s not a complete protein on its own, but it does have all the essential amino acids.
Adding collagen to your shake can help you reach your daily protein goals. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce the soreness you feel after a tough workout.
The downside of collagen is that it can be expensive. There are also a few flavor options, so it might not be the best choice if you don’t like the taste of protein powder shakes.
CEREAL
Cereal is a great way to add some extra crunch and flavor to your protein shake. It’s also a good source of carbohydrates, which can help you refuel after a workout.
Just be careful with the cereal you choose as some are high in sugar. You want to look for a cereal that has at least five grams of fiber and less than ten grams of sugar per serving.
If you are struggling to reach your daily calorie goals, try adding a tablespoon or two of cereal to your shake. This will give you an extra 100-200 calories without making the shake too thick or filling.
EGG WHITES
Egg whites are a complete protein and make a great addition to shakes. They are also low in calories, so they are a good choice if you are trying to lose weight.
Adding egg whites to your shake will help you reach your daily protein goals. They are also a good source of the amino acid leucine, which is important for muscle growth.
The downside of egg whites is that they can make the shake taste bitter. If you don’t like the taste, try adding some fruit juice or a flavor enhancer like vanilla extract.
Protein powder is a versatile ingredient that can be used in many different ways. We’ve provided some delicious and nutritious recipes for you to try, but don’t stop there! Be creative and experiment with your own combinations. With so many possibilities, there’s no excuse not to add more protein to your diet. What’s your favorite way to enjoy protein powder?
