How I Even Got Into High-Protein Vegan Smoothies
It started maybe eight months ago when I was tired of feeling like crap after every meal. I read some article about how too much dairy was messing with my digestion (probably exaggerated but whatever) and decided to try going mostly plant-based for a bit. First few attempts were disgusting—think gritty sludge or straight-up spinach water. But once I started adding actual protein powder and not being cheap about it, things got better. Now high-protein vegan smoothies are pretty much the only thing I reliably make for breakfast. My blender’s base is permanently stained green and I don’t even care anymore.
My Go-To High-Protein Vegan Smoothie Recipes (Flawed But Tasty)
These are the three I actually make over and over. They’re usually 25–35 grams of protein if I don’t skimp, though I’m bad at measuring so who knows sometimes.
- Green Peanut Butter Monster Thing
- 1 scoop vanilla or unflavored pea protein (the vanilla ones are less chalky)
- Whatever sad spinach or kale is left in the bag
- 1 frozen banana that’s been in there too long
- Big spoonful natural peanut butter
- Like a tablespoon of hemp hearts if I remember
- Unsweetened almond milk till it blends Tastes mostly like pb&banana heaven with a tiny green aftertaste. I overdid the kale one morning and it was like drinking lawn—lesson learned. Still drank it tho cuz I’m stubborn.
Top 7 Protein Smoothies for Athletes – BLENDi
- Chocolate-Cherry “Dessert” Smoothie
- 1 scoop chocolate vegan protein (Orgain is fine, I grab whatever’s cheapest at Target)
- Big handful frozen cherries
- Sneaky spinach handful
- Spoon of cocoa powder cuz why not
- Splash of oat milk This one tricks my brain into thinking I’m having milkshake for breakfast. I once dumped in way too many cherries and it was super tart—had to add extra protein to balance it. Spilled half on my hoodie too, classic me.
Chocolate Cherry Smoothie | A Sweet and Healthy Dessert
- Berry-Beet Weird-but-Good One
- Half pack silken tofu (blends creamy, don’t knock it till you try)
- Mixed frozen berries
- Couple chunks cooked beets from the salad section
- Handful pumpkin seeds
- Cinnamon sprinkle
- Plant milk of choice Turns bright purple-magenta and my toddler calls it “princess juice.” Protein’s solid here but beets stain my cutting board forever. Worth it? Maybe.
If you want more ideas on where to get decent plant protein without breaking the bank, NutritionFacts.org has a good rundown here and Harvard’s got a nice overview here.
Random Tips I’ve Learned the Hard Way
- Always use frozen fruit or it ends up thin and sad
- Cheap protein powders taste like sadness—spend a few bucks more
- Freeze smoothie packs ahead… I say this but forget 80% of the time
- If it looks separated just shake it hard, nobody’s judging
- In summer when it’s 95° and humid AF here, extra ice is non-negotiable
