12 Recipes with Protein Powder

Practical protein powder recipes for baking, blending, and cooking, including snacks, breakfasts, and smoothies.

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Most of the time, I just mix my protein powder into a shake and call it a day, but there are definitely stretches where I get tired of drinking it. I’ve also tried plenty of protein powders over the years that I didn’t love in smoothie form, and I hate wasting something that wasn’t cheap. That’s usually when I start looking for things to actually make with it, baked goods, breakfasts, snacks, anything that helps use it up in a way I actually want to eat. This list is a collection of recipes I turn to when I want to use protein powder beyond a shaker bottle. Some are sweet, some are more filling, but all of them are realistic ways to get protein in without forcing down another shake.

Protein baked oats with different add ins.
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12 Protein Powder Recipes

Below are some of my personal favorite recipes to use protein powder in! But don’t just stop here, try adding a scoop to your favorite smoothie and see how satisfied you’ll feel. These easy recipes with protein powder are just the beginning.

Breakfast Recipes with Protein Powder

Bite cut into chocolate protein pancakes
Breakfast

Chocolate Protein Pancakes

These pancakes is one of those easy recipes with protein powder that's great to have on hand for busy mornings. Packs in 15 grams of protein and so good!
 
17 minutes
5 from 246 votes
Protein waffle recipe.
Breakfast, Snack

Protein Waffle Recipe

These protein waffles are made with 3 protein sources: eggs, cottage cheese, and protein powder. I also use oats instead of flour, and everything gets blended and then cooked in a waffle iron; 2 waffles are a whopping 23g of protein.
 
21 minutes
5 from 2 votes
Protein Oatmeal with Bananas.
Breakfast

Protein Oatmeal

Protein oatmeal made with rolled oats, milk, chia seeds, and vanilla protein powder for a warm breakfast with about 23 grams of protein.
 
10 minutes
5 from 205 votes
Strawberries and Cream Protein Crepes.
Breakfast

Strawberry Protein Crepes

The best recipes with protein powder are also the tastiest. These crepes are delicate but also provide the satisfaction you need to tie you over until lunch time with 10g of protein per serving.
 
20 minutes
5 from 78 votes
Breakfast

Protein Baked Oats

If you want good protein powder baking recipes, make sure you add this one to your list. It's easy, delicious, and versatile, so there's a flavor for everyone. Each serving is around 18g of protein.
 
25 minutes
4.7 from 25 votes

Sweets and Snack Recipes with Protein Powder

Protein ice cream recipe.
Dessert

Protein Ice Cream Recipe

This high-protein ice cream recipe uses 5 ingredients, is no churn, and has 18 grams of protein per ¾ cup. Protein powder, Greek yogurt, frozen bananas, and honey.
 
4 hours 2 minutes
No ratings yet
Cottage cheese cookie dough recipe.
Snack

Cottage Cheese Cookie Dough

This edible cookie dough is made with cottage cheese, protein powder, natural sweetener, vanilla extract, and a handful of chocolate chips with 15g of protein per serving!
 
5 minutes
5 from 2 votes
Protein ball recipe.
Snack

Protein Ball Recipe – 4 Flavors

This protein ball recipe is no bake, and uses protein powder as the base with a few mix-ins. I've got 4 flavors for you to try Cake Batter, Chocolate Chip, Lemon Coconut, and Cinnamon Raisin. Each ball is around 3g of protein.
 
30 minutes
4.9 from 70 votes
Vegan protein bar recipe.
Snack

Vegan Protein Bars

These vegan protein bars are a great post workout snack or great for a healthy energy boost. Made with no refined sugar, they are gluten-free and dairy-fee with 13g of protein per serving.
 
25 minutes
5 from 343 votes

Smoothie Recipes with Protein Powder

Smoothies

Coffee Smoothie Recipe

This coffee smoothie recipe is a quick breakfast fix to get your caffeine, fiber, and 18g of protein all at once. All you need is coffee, oats, protein powder, and a banana to get going.
 
5 minutes
5 from 395 votes
Two cups of strawberry protein smoothies topped with slices of strawberries
Beverages

Strawberry Protein Smoothie

This Strawberry Protein Smoothie is creamy and rich with a natural sweetness from the fruit and loaded with 21g of protein to give you energy and fuel!
 
10 minutes
5 from 510 votes
Easy dragon fruit smoothie recipe.
Beverages, Smoothies

Dragon Fruit Smoothie

If you're looking for a different smoothie idea, try making this Dragon Fruit Smoothie using frozen pitaya, a banana, milk and protein powder. It's a quick recipe with 15g of protein!
 
5 minutes
5 from 30 votes

What Protein Powder is Best?

The best protein powder for you depends on your individual needs and goals, dietary restrictions, taste preferences, and budget. I wish it was as easy as stating X is the best, but it isn’t. There are two common types of protein powders made from either animal or plant protein.

  • Whey protein powder is a popular and widely available option that is easily digested and quickly absorbed by the body.
  • Plant-based protein powders are also a good choice for those who are vegan or have dairy or soy allergies. Some examples of plant-based protein powders include pea protein, hemp protein, and brown rice protein.

To better help you choose which is best for you, be sure to take a look at my comprehensive beginner’s guide to protein powder, which provides a more detailed breakdown of each type!

My Favorite Protein Powder Brands

Simpy tera's pure whey protein powder.

Simply Tera Protein Powder is one I’ve used for a long time, mostly because it’s pretty neutral and easy to work with. It has all nine essential amino acids, and the plain, unsweetened version is especially useful when I’m baking or mixing it into recipes where I don’t want a strong protein taste coming through.

I’ve found that their whey protein blends in well without that chalky aftertaste some powders have, which matters a lot when you’re cooking with it instead of just drinking it. It’s also gluten-free, non-GMO, and low carb, which makes it easy to keep on hand for different kinds of recipes. I usually stick with the plain version for baking and use flavored options only when I actually want the flavor to show up, like in smoothies.

Plant-Based Protein Powder

Four Sigmatic Protein Powder is one I reach for when I want a plant-based option that doesn’t taste overly sweet or artificial. It’s made with pea protein and chia, which gives it a decent texture for mixing into things like oatmeal, baked goods, or no-bake snacks. It’s also gluten-free, dairy-free, and soy-free, which makes it easy to work around different dietary needs.

This one also includes adaptogenic mushrooms like reishi and cordyceps. I don’t use it because of the mushrooms so much as I don’t mind that they’re there. The bigger win for me is that it blends well and doesn’t overpower recipes. It’s a good option if you’re looking for a plant-based protein powder that works outside of just smoothies.

Important! Choose the right type of protein powder for your needs. Different types of protein powder have different benefits and are better suited for different purposes. For example, whey protein is quickly absorbed and great for post-workout recovery, while casein protein is slower digesting and can help keep you feeling full for longer.

    What Recipes can I add Protein Powder to?

    • Smoothies & Shakes – Protein powder shake recipes are a great way to add extra nutrition just by blending in a scoop of protein powder! Pick a flavor that matches your recipes, and you’re good to go for an easy-to-make shake or smoothie.
    • Pancakes & Crepes – Boost your breakfast with extra protein by adding protein powder to pancake or waffle batter. Not only will it add a satisfying protein punch, but it also makes for a delicious and filling morning meal. Check out my pancake recipes or waffles for ideas to sneak in some protein powder.
    • Baked goods – Protein powder is great for baking recipes, too, such as muffins, baked oats, and cookies.
    • Oatmeal – Simply mix a scoop of protein powder in with your oats, add your favorite fruits and nuts, and you’ve got a filling and protein-packed breakfast to fuel your day.
    Protein crepes on a plate with strawberries and cream, red coffee mug in background and Four Sigmatic protein powder in background

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How should I store protein powder?

    Protein powder should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. It’s best to keep it in its original container or a sealed container to prevent moisture and air exposure.

    Can I use protein powder if I’m lactose intolerant?

    Yes, you can use protein powder if you’re lactose intolerant. Many protein powders are made from non-dairy sources such as pea protein, soy protein, or rice protein, making them suitable for those who are lactose intolerant.

    Be sure to check the label and ingredient list carefully before purchasing to ensure that the protein powder is free from lactose or any other dairy-derived ingredients. You may also want to consider choosing a protein powder that is specifically marketed as lactose-free or dairy-free.

    Can protein powder substitute whole foods in my diet?

    Protein powder should not replace whole foods in your diet completely. Whole foods provide essential nutrients not found in protein powder and offer a more sustainable source of energy. It’s best to have a balanced diet that includes both whole foods and protein powder as a supplement, not a replacement.

    Vegan protein bars stacked up with parchment paper.

    For more similar roundup of recipes, be sure to check out: Best Avocado Recipes, Recipes Using Tahini, Plant-based Dinner Ideas, and Oat Recipes.

    If you found this recipe roundup for for Protein Powder Recipes helpful or if you try any recipe on Feel Good Foodie, then don’t forget to rate the recipes! It helps others who are thinking of trying out this tutorial and we would love to hear about your experience. And if you snapped some shots, share it on Instagram so we can repost on Stories!

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