7 ways to make protein shakes taste better

We don’t blame you for wanting to learn how to make your protein shakes taste better—while they’re great for helping you hit your daily nutritional goals, drinking them every day can become mundane.

Here are 7 ways to make your protein shakes taste better, so you can boost your protein intake without getting a mouth full of lumpy powder.

1. Try different protein powders

Not all protein powders are created equal. If you want to learn how to make your protein shakes taste better, it’s a good idea to experiment with different types of powder to understand your preferred tastes.

Even unflavoured protein powders have a slight taste, as it’s impossible to eradicate this.

While it may not be a strong flavour, it can still affect the overall taste of your drink, so be sure to get to know each type before experimenting with different bases and flavour enhancers.

The main types of protein powder available on the market include:

whey powder—perfect for a smooth texture and allows your body to absorb protein swiftly to begin the muscle reparation process as soon as possible
casein powder—thicker than whey but provides a slow-release source of protein and essential amino acids
hemp powder—a good plant-based source of antioxidants and minerals (namely iron and magnesium), with an earthy taste that blends well in most bases (excluding water)
pea powder—a good plant-based source of protein for reducing blood pressure and cholesterol, has an extremely smooth texture
collagen powder—has a range of health benefits on the skin, joints and bones and is easy to blend with most bases

Try a few different types and see what tickles your fancy. You might find it useful to order sample packs, such as this £1.62 bag from Myprotein, so you can have a taster session without breaking the bank.

2. Purchase unflavoured protein powder

Assuming you’re used to purchasing flavoured protein powder and only mixing it with milk or water to find it tastes sub-par, we’d suggest ditching the pre-flavoured kind altogether.

This gives you more control over your shakes’ flavour, giving them a less processed taste.

Natural sweeteners like stevia, honey, or agave syrup are great to experiment with alongside fresh fruit or juice if you’re making a protein smoothie.

3. Switch up the base liquid

Building a delicious protein shake or smoothie is best done if you start with the foundations. It’s a good idea to try different powders and bases to find a combination that suits your taste buds.

The most popular bases for protein shakes include:

whole milk—great for adding a creamier texture to your protein shake or getting rid of chalkiness
semi-skimmed milk—works well with powders that produce shakes that are too thick when mixed with whole milk
plant-based milks—almond, oat, soy, coconut or cashew milk can transform the flavour and texture of your shakes
fruit juice—perfect for sweet and nutrient-boosting protein smoothies
kombucha—an interesting way to change up your protein shake recipes, as there are many different flavours
water—ideal for adding to shakes that are too thick, but doesn’t usually taste great used in isolation (it can create chalky textures)

Once you find a base and powder combination (or multiple) that excites you, you can elevate your recipes in a few simple ways and learn how to make your protein shakes taste better.

4. Experiment with flavours and textures

Now is when things get exciting. You can enhance the flavours and texture of your shakes or smoothies in a variety of ways by adding ingredients such as:

extracts like vanilla or mint
nut butters like peanut, almond, or cashew
powders and spices like cinnamon, turmeric, nutmeg, or cocoa
sugar-free flavoured syrups or drops
shots of espresso
nuts and seeds
yoghurt
low-calorie ice cream

Hopefully, this list demonstrates that there are endless possibilities for creating delicious concoctions to match your tastes.

Ingredients like ice cream, yoghurt, and nut butters will make a creamier and more filling drink. However, adding nuts and seeds to a lighter juice-based protein smoothie will add earthier flavours to tone down the sweetness.

Whether you’re in the mood for a Starbucks-inspired coffee shake or a fragrant turmeric smoothie, experimenting with different online recipes or even your intuition is the best way to make your protein shakes taste better.

Remember to write down your recipes if you’re winging it to ensure your next shake tastes just as good!

5. Don’t be afraid to add more ingredients

Want to make your protein shakes more filling and flavourful without adding a ton of extra calories? The best way to do so is by adding fruits and vegetables that go well together with your other ingredients.

They will provide a flavour boost and add a range of nutritional benefits depending on the combination you use.

Popular fruits to add to protein shakes include:

frozen berries
bananas
mango
pineapple
apples

Popular vegetables to add to protein shakes include:

kale
spinach
pumpkin
celery
avocado

Just check that your ingredients (including the drink’s base liquid) mix well, and you’re ready to go.

6. Blend your shakes to improve the texture

While shaker cups are convenient, they aren’t the most effective way to mix your protein shakes—we’ve all taken a sip prematurely and gotten a mouth full of powder.

Protein shakes taste better when blended, even if you only use powder and a base liquid.

It’s the only way to guarantee a smooth texture, especially since most are transparent, so you can easily see when the mixture is ready. It takes slightly longer, but avoiding gritty or lumpy shakes is worth it.

If you don’t already have one, check out these budget-friendly blenders to get you started.

7. Remember to add ice

Finally, this is one of the most important steps when learning how to make protein shakes taste better. A shake that is room temperature, or even worse—lukewarm—will never taste good.

Protein shakes left sitting out for a time can even congeal and taste off, which isn’t great when the goal is to make them taste enjoyable.

Adding ice to your shakes and storing them in an insulating bottle to keep them cool if you’re drinking them on the go can eradicate this problem and ensure they always taste fresh.

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