31 Healthy Protein Powder Recipes [Dietitian Approved] (2024)

“31 Healthy Protein Powder Recipes [Dietitian Approved]” was written by Balbina Herrera & edited/reviewed by Aly Bouzek, MS, RDN. Balbina is a dietetic intern at Larkin University.

Are you looking for inspiration to add protein powder to your meals? We’ve got you covered! Read below to discover 31 delicious dietitian-approved recipes.

Types of Protein Powders

There are several types of protein powders, each with unique benefits. It is essential to choose the right type of protein powder based on your individual needs and dietary preferences.

Speak to your registered dietitian before making any changes. Below are some of the most common types of protein powders.

Animal Based Protein Powder

Whey Protein Powder

This is one of the most popular types of protein powders. It is a complete protein that is fast-digesting and comes from cow’s milk.

Casein Protein Powder

This is an excellent protein to consume when going for long periods without eating. It is a slow-digesting protein that also comes from cow’s milk.

Plant Based Protein Powder

Soy Protein Powder

This protein is derived from soybeans and is an excellent source of plant-based protein. It is suitable for vegetarians and vegans.

Pea Protein Powder

Pea protein is derived from yellow peas, it is low in carbs and fat, and is easily digestible.

Rice Protein Powder

Rice protein is derived from brown rice and is easily digestible.

Hemp Protein Powder

Hemp protein is derived from hemp seeds. This is an excellent choice that is rich in omega-3s, fiber, and other nutrients.

Protein Powder Benefits

Protein powder is a popular dietary supplement that is often used by those who are looking to increase protein intake.

Potential benefits of protein powder include but are not limited to:

  • Increased muscle mass
  • Improved bone health
  • Improved recovery post exercise
  • Convenient source of protein

31 Healthy Protein Powder Recipes

Below, you will find some of our favorite recipes that have – you guessed it – protein powder! Adding protein powder to some of your recipes is a great way to boost your calories, nutrients, and of course, protein.

But don’t just take our word for it! Keep scrolling and try some of these delicious recipes!

#1 Protein Cookie Dough

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Looking for a simple and delicious snack?

Try these versatile edible cookie dough bites that have 10 grams of protein!

This recipe has three different flavor variations: chocolate chip, chocolate, and funfetti protein cookie dough.

Get the recipe by Megan Byrd, RD.

#2 Easy Protein Overnight Oats

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These easy protein overnight oats are great for making ahead of time when you need a quick on- the-go breakfast!

Each serving offers 22 grams of protein!

Get the recipe by Megan Byrd, RD.

#3 Iced Coffee Protein Shake | Cold Brew Smoothie

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If you’re a coffee lover, then this recipe is for you!

It is the perfect snack for an energy boost, and it only takes 5 minutes to prepare.

Get the recipe by Megan Byrd, RD.

#4 Pumpkin Protein Oatmeal [Gluten-Free]

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Here’s a twist to your typical oatmeal.

These pumpkin protein oats are a great breakfast choice.

Containing 17 grams of protein, this comforting recipe will give you energy to start your day!

Get the recipe by Katie Schimm RD, LD.

#5 Chocolate Protein Ice Cream Recipe Without Bananas

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Healthy chocolate ice cream?

Say no more!

This protein-rich ice cream is a delicious dessert that will satisfy your chocolate craving while helping you meet your protein goals!

Get the recipe by Lara Clevenger MSH, RDN, CPT.

#6 Java Protein Shake + Naked Whey

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This shake is the perfect mixture of your morning smoothie + coffee to energize you as you start your day!

It is the perfect on-the-go breakfast or snack and it takes only 5 minutes to make.

Get the recipe by Lara Clevenger MSH, RDN, CPT.

#7 Overnight Oats with Protein Powder Recipe

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These overnight oats have 25 grams of protein, which is perfect if you’re looking to step up your protein intake!

Give this recipe a try. You won’t be disappointed!

Get the recipe by Summer Yule, MS, RDN.

#8 Protein Brownie Bites

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For the chocolate lovers, this recipe has you covered!

Try these amazing protein brownie bites, you won’t regret it.

Get the recipe by Lara Clevenger MSH, RDN, CPT.

#9 Gluten Free Banana Nut Protein Bites

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This recipe has everything you love about banana bread, but with fewer calories.

These bites are perfect for a sweet snack to keep you going through the day!

Get the recipe by Lara Clevenger MSH, RDN, CPT.

#10 Profee – Coffee Protein Drink

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The perfect way to energize your body!

This 3-step simple recipe will boost your day.

Plus, it is both vegan and gluten-free!

Get the recipe by Melissa Nieves, Rd, LDN, MPH, founder of Fad Free Nutrition Blog.

#11 High Protein Chia Pudding

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This nutrient-dense recipe is the perfect healthy breakfast or snack idea.

The recipe uses simple ingredients and offers plenty of variations for you to personalize your chia pudding!

Get the recipe by Miranda Galati, MHSc, RD, and Owner at Real Life Nutritionist.

#12 Blueberry Beet Smoothie

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This dish is anything but boring!

If you’re in the mood to try something different, you should taste this nourishing bowl full of nutritious benefits.

Get the recipe by Jill Merkel, RD.

#13 The Best High Protein Cheesecake Overnight Oats

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This recipe combines everyone’s love for cheesecake and oats in one simple dish.

A healthy way to have dessert for breakfast!

These are creamy, smooth, and of course, delicious!

Get the recipe by Nicole Addison, RD, MHSc, founder of Nourished by Nic.

#14 Easy No-bake Protein Cheesecake Recipe (Greek Yogurt)

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These quick and easy no-bake protein cheesecakes are the perfect dessert or snack option.

They are low in sugar compared to the typical cheesecake, but are the perfect combination of a fresh and creamy treat!

Get the recipe by Jackie Silver, MHSc, RD.

#15 5 Minute Chocolate Baked Oats

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If you’re a fan of dessert for breakfast, then you’ll love these chocolate baked oats!

They are made with clean ingredients, and it will only take you 5 minutes to create this delicious healthy chocolate cake!

Get the recipe by Colleen Christensen, RD and founder of the brand No Food Rules.

#16 Cookie Dough Protein Bars

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Making your own protein bar is easier than you think!

These cookie dough protein bars are packed with 15 grams of protein and take no longer than 5 minutes to prepare.

Get the recipe by Colleen Christensen, RD and founder of the brand No Food Rules.

#17 Protein Baked Oats

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Can’t decide on a flavor for your protein baked oats?

This recipe provides amazing variations for you to decide which one is the perfect fit for you!

Get the recipe by Colleen Christensen, RD and founder of the brand No Food Rules.

#18 Wild Blueberry Lavender Smoothie

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Here’s a fun twist to your typical berry smoothie.

This recipe contains lavender — adding a delicious twist!

Get the recipe by Amy Gorin, MS, RDN.

#19 Better Than Cake Carrot Banana Smoothie

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This delicious creamy carrot banana smoothie is the perfect post-workout snack – or even a tasty breakfast.

Bonus?

It has 11 grams of fiber per smoothie! And yes, it does taste like carrot cake!

Get the recipe by Kelsey Kunik, RDN and owner at Graciously Nourished.

#20 Lemon Protein Balls

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Protein balls are a quick and easy way to eat a nourishing on-the-go snack.

Switch things up with this fun twist on a classic protein ball recipe.

These lemon protein balls are as energizing as they are refreshing.

Get the recipe by Sarah Schlichter, MPH, RD, of Bucket List Tummy.

#21 Easy High Protein Granola

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This is one of the recipes that you can turn to again and again.

Check out this easy high protein granola recipe.

It’s perfect as a healthy snack or breakfast!

Get the recipe by Sarah Schlichter, MPH, RD of Bucket List Tummy.

#22 Orange and Mango Smoothie

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Known as the best post-run smoothie!

This smoothie is great for athletes or those who are looking for a refreshing drink that is packed with nutrients.

Get the recipe by Sarah Schlichter, MPH, RD of Bucket List Tummy.

#23 Creamy Orange and Carrot Smoothie with Ginger and Turmeric

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An immune-supporting, healthy smoothie.

This recipe contains a mixture of citrus and carrot with a touch of ginger and turmeric.

Get the recipe by Marie Dittmer, MA, RDN of Healthy Ideas Place.

#24 Chia Collagen Pudding

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Looking to sneak collagen into your routine? Try this wholesome overnight chia collagen pudding.

And don’t forget to top with some berries for an extra kick of vitamin C, antioxidants, and other nutrients.

Get the recipe by Laurel Ann Deininger, MS, RD, LDN.

#25 Chocolate Chip No Bake Energy Bites

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Put this 6 ingredient recipe together for a no-bake chocolate chip energy bite!

In only 5 minutes, you will have these tasty bites that contain 5 grams of protein in each bite!

Get the recipe by EA Stewart, MBA, RDN.

#26 High Protein Banana Bread

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Everything about this recipe is comforting.

This gluten-free banana bread is a healthy and tasty recipe that can be enjoyed for breakfast or as a snack.

Each slice is packed with 8 grams of protein!

Get the recipe by Josten Fish, RD.

#27 High Protein Banana Nut Muffin

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Fluffy, sweet, and moist, this recipe is loaded with comforting ingredients like bananas, walnuts, and chocolate chips.

If you’re looking for a high protein, high calorie snack, you should definitely give these a try!

Get the recipe from our sister site: High Calorie Recipes.

Protein Powder Recipes & Weight Gain Smoothies

#28 1000 Calorie Weight Gain Smoothie

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For those who don’t have much appetite, this smoothie is a great way to get your necessary nutrients and calories.

It contains ingredients such as strawberries, bananas, honey, oats, and peanut butter.

Get the recipe from our sister site: High Calorie Recipes.

#29 Avocado Weight Gain Smoothie

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This 5-ingredient recipe is perfect if you’re aiming for a high-calorie smoothie for weight gain.

One serving contains 839 kcal and 39 grams of protein.

Get the recipe from our sister site: High Calorie Recipes.

#30 Vegan Weight Gain Smoothie

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If you want to add some extra calories to your meal and you like bananas and peanut butter, then this vegan smoothie is a great choice!

As an added bonus, this weight gain smoothie comes in at over 500 calories.

Get the recipe from our sister site: High Calorie Recipes.

#31 Chocolate Peanut Butter Smoothie

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Whoever came up with the combination of chocolate and peanut butter gets a round of applause from us!

This delicious (and protein-packed) smoothie will help boost your calories with only 5 ingredients.

Get the recipe from our sister site: High Calorie Recipes.

31 Healthy Protein Powder Recipes Conclusion

Protein powder is convenient and a good source of protein for many people. Additionally, protein powders are also nutrient-dense, which makes them an efficient way to get more protein in your diet.

Protein powder can be used in a variety of ways, making it a versatile ingredient to be used in different recipes like the ones mentioned above (and so much more!).

We hope you enjoy exploring different recipes to continue incorporating protein powder into your diet in different ways!

Remember to speak to your doctor or a Registered Dietitian before using protein powder or any kind of supplement.

31 Healthy Protein Powder Recipes [Dietitian Approved] (2024)

FAQs

Do dieticians recommend protein powder? ›

Protein powders are not something everyone needs to use. You don't need protein powder to meet your daily protein needs; however, for some people, they can be a great help. We often find them useful for various reasons: A convenient option, providing a quick and easy way to get protein in after a workout.

Are most protein powders FDA approved? ›

Third-party testing- Protein powders are classified as a dietary supplement in the U.S., which means they are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the same ways that foods and drugs are.

How many protein shakes do you need a day a dietitian has answers? ›

Most experts reckon one to two protein shakes per day is the sweet spot. "The most I would recommend to an average person is two per day, simply because anything beyond that point is going to cut into your diet in a negative way,” said registered dietitian Christine Byrne in a 2023 interview with Men's Health (1).

What is the healthiest protein shake? ›

Summary: Compare the Best Protein Shakes of 2024
ProductForbes Health RatingsBest For
Lean Body by Labrada5.0Best Overall
Fairlife Core Power4.5Best Budget-Friendly
OWYN Plant-Based Protein Shake4.0Best Plant-Based
Premier Protein3.0Best Flavor Variety

What is the healthiest type of protein powder? ›

While any kind of protein powder is a healthy, affordable and convenient addition to your diet, whey protein, a byproduct of strained milk, stands out. It has a more concentrated amount of the amino acid leucine than plant proteins like soy.

Which is the no. 1 protein powder in the world? ›

Compare the Best Protein Powders of 2024
ProductForbes Health RatingsLearn More
Bloom Whey Protein Isolate (Chocolate)5.0Shop Now On Amazon
Naked Nutrition Egg White Protein Powder4.8Shop Now On Amazon
Orgain Organic Protein Powder (Chocolate Fudge)4.6Shop Now On Amazon
Ascent Native Whey (Vanilla Bean)4.6Shop Now On Amazon
4 more rows
May 8, 2024

Is whey protein safe for the kidneys? ›

Regular consumption of whey protein has been associated with improper kidney functioning. It increases the urinary volume, plasma urea content and urinary calcium excretion.

Is it good to drink protein shakes every day? ›

It is safe to drink protein shakes every day, but be sure to obtain the majority of your protein and other foods from whole food sources. Without whole food sources, you'll be missing out on other valuable nutrients that are vital for health and supporting your workout performance and recovery.

How do I choose a protein powder dietitian? ›

It's best to choose a protein powder with little or no added sugar and no added artificial sweeteners. Consider ones that use natural sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit. If you have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), steer clear of ones sweetened with sugar alcohols, as they can wreak havoc on your gut.

What happens when you drink protein shakes without working out? ›

Without exercise, the extra protein from the shakes might not be used well by your body. This could lead to issues like gaining too much weight or not having enough muscle strength. In the long term, it might also affect things like your heart health or how your bones stay strong.

Will I lose weight on 2 shakes and 1 meal a day? ›

Replacing meals with protein shakes may help you lower your daily calories, which can help you lose weight. But in time you'll need to start eating solid food again.

What protein shakes do doctors recommend? ›

Top ready-to-drink protein shakes
  • Best for an energy boost: SlimFast Advanced Energy Meal Replacement Shakes.
  • Best for muscle mass: MuscleMeds Carnivor Ready to Drink Protein.
  • Best vegan: OWYN Vegan Protein Shake, Chocolate.
  • Best high in calcium: Orgain Clean Protein Milk Protein Shake.

What is the healthiest protein to eat everyday? ›

To help narrow things down, here are eight of the best protein-containing foods for you to enjoy.
  1. Lean Beef. 22 g protein (3-ounce serving) of 93% lean ground beef. ...
  2. Chicken. 27 g protein (3-ounce serving) of skinless chicken breast. ...
  3. Salmon. ...
  4. Eggs. ...
  5. Peanut Butter. ...
  6. Pasta. ...
  7. Low-Fat Cottage Cheese. ...
  8. Lentils.
Jun 22, 2023

What is the recommended protein intake for a dietitian? ›

Protein is a key part of any diet. The average person needs about 7 grams of protein every day for every 20 pounds of body weight. Because protein is found in an abundance of foods, many people can easily meet this goal.

Are dietitians allowed to recommend supplements? ›

Most Dietitians Take Supplements Themselves and Recommend Them to Patients. Top reasons for recommendations include dietary deficiencies, poor nutrition, and caloric needs.

Is protein powder recommended by doctors? ›

Yes, Whey protein powder is completely safe to use, provided you are taking it in a prescribed quantity which is 0.5 to 1 gram per pound of body weight.

Do you really need protein powder? ›

Healthy adults should get about 45 to 56 grams of protein a day, and most people get enough from food. But if you exercise regularly, or otherwise live an active lifestyle, you may need more, which is why some people drink protein shakes.

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