If you are looking for the perfect easy breakfast for a busy morning, this vegan berry vanilla protein smoothie is it! With only 4 healthy ingredients, 5 minutes and a high speed blender, you can enjoy this delicious high protein smoothie on the run. There's no fancy ingredients or frills but you will love the berry creamsicle flavor and the way you feel when your tank is full instead of empty.
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What's a smoothie vs a protein smoothie?
Defining a smoothie is easy. These are cold beverages made from juice, milk or coconut water blended with various frozen fruits and sometimes ice. Most old school smoothies contain frozen banana as the base because they give this blended drink a nice smooth and silky texture and some natural sweetness.
Smoothies are more than just a juicy cold drink though. They are quite filling and healthy for you, containing fiber and hydration as well as other vitamins and minerals depending on their ingredients.
Many people add vegetables like frozen cauliflower, spinach or kale to "trick" themselves into eating more veggies and fiber. Hiding these otherwise unpalatable foods in a drink that tastes like a milkshake is quite genius actually.
A protein smoothie is different, because it is a balanced, filling meal in a glass. That's because whether it's from added protein powder or a combo of nuts, seeds and soy or dairy products, the macros are more balanced with higher protein instead of carbs.
Protein is a buzzword nowadays for good reason. Your body needs it for so many essential functions like muscle growth and repair, enzymes and hormones, and so much more. It's also super important for weight management and making you feel full. Making sure your breakfast has enough protein will set you up for better sustained energy, and for less erratic hunger levels later in the day.
Why you'll love this Vegan Berry Vanilla Protein Smoothie
- It has over 20 grams of protein!
- The ingredients list is short and sweet making this recipe ideal for busy people
- Tastes great! The combo of mixed berries, juice and vanilla protein powder is like a berry infused creamsicle
- So easy to make, it's ready in 5 minutes flat
- Great for a handheld breakfast on the go!
- Full of vitamin C which some say is great for fighting colds and other viruses
- Balanced macros
My favorite Vegan Protein: Ora Organic
Over the years, I've sampled countless protein powders and came to the same conclusion, I hated the chalky texture and sweet and funky aftertaste.
My super fit, blogger bestie Jackie from Jackfruitful who I trust, suggested I try Ora Organic Protein powder and although skeptical I decided to try.
I expected to be disappointed but to my surprise, it was really good. Both the flavor and texture were great with no chalkiness or weird sweetness. I was astounded.
Since then, I have been working with Ora Organic and enjoying their Protein Powders as well as their supplements.
If you want to try my favorite, I have a link for you to get 30% off clean vegan protein powder and supplements.
Vegan Berry Vanilla Protein Smoothie Ingredients
One think I love about this smoothie recipe is that it is so easy and quick, there are only 4 ingredients!
- Vanilla Protein Powder: My favorite flavor from Ora Organic
- Ice and Water: For hydration
- Frozen mixed berries and Bananas: Give it a smooth and frosty texture
- Orange Juice- To give it a little citrus tang
Banana Tip: If you aspire to making a daily protein smoothie, having frozen bananas on hand is the key. Buy a whole bunch of ripe bananas, peel them and break them into quarters and freeze in a ziplock bag, Tupperware or silicone reusable bag. The smaller pieces are easier to blend and to grab just enough for one smoothie at a time.
How to Make Vegan Protein Smoothies
This is so easy it's barely even a recipe, the blender does all the work. After making hundreds of smoothies (hello 1990s Juice Bar part time job) I have come to the conclusion that the order of adding ingredients matters.
- Add in this order to a high speed blender: juice/water, ice, berries and banana and last the protein powder.
- Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Enjoy
Tips for Making the Best Protein Smoothie
- Use a good tasting protein powder with macros that meet your goals (hello Ora)
- Use frozen fruit rather than fresh for that milkshake vibe
- Get creative: if you don't have frozen berries, use frozen mangos or any other fruits you have in the freezer
- No juice? No problem. Most protein powders work with water too.
- Make it higher in protein by adding vegan Greek Yogurt, unsweetened Soy milk or a tablespoon of hemp seeds, nuts or nut butter
- Add veggies: frozen cauliflower is barely perceptible in a smoothie and a great way to start getting those servings of veggies in early
FAQs
No, but I do recommend them for their excellent flavor profile and texture. You can use whatever you have on hand or your favorite kind.
Absolutely not! I don't even have a Vitamix, I use a moderately priced Ninja blender. Your blender doesn't matter too much if you are making single serving smoothies for one. Just follow the recipe order, and even an old blender should be able to make smoothies like a pro.
Well, if you don't, it won't be a protein smoothie. It will be a delicious fruit smoothie that will not have a balanced macro load. You can certainly enjoy fruit smoothies in moderation but it won't make you feel full for long!
Other Delicious Vegan Breakfast Recipes
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Vegan Berry Vanilla Protein Smoothie
Ingredients
- ½ banana frozen
- ⅓ cup mixed frozen berries
- 4 oz water
- 4 oz orange juice
- 2 scoops Vegan Vanilla Protein Powder Ora Organic brand
Instructions
- To a high speed blender, in this order, add the ingredients: Juice and water. Ice, banana, berries, protein powder
- Blend until smooth and creamy. Pour into a glass and enjoy immediately
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