Make Ahead Protein Shake Mixes: Simple Recipes for Tasty Shakes

When I had gastric bypass surgery a few years back, I was advised to supplement my diet with protein shakes. I found that many protein powders don't taste very good when simply mixed with milk or water, but they can be quite tasty when combined with a few other ingredients. Sometimes I don't have time to measure out several different ingredients, though; I want something I can put in my blender bottle, shake and go. These recipes are perfect for me and I think you'll like them, too, regardless of why you're looking for ways to increase your protein intake. Each recipe makes enough for about four servings.

Vanilla Latte

One cup vanilla protein powder
One cup decaf instant coffee
One tablespoon Splenda
Two tablespoons French vanilla non-dairy creamer (powdered)

Mix ¼ cup vanilla latte mix in eight ounces cold milk for a cold protein shake. To prepare a hot protein drink, mix ¼ cup vanilla latte mix with two ounces room temperature water and stir to make a paste. Then stir that paste into six ounces hot milk or water.

Chocolate Mocha

One cup chocolate protein powder
One cup decaf instant coffee
One tablespoon Splenda
One tablespoon sugar free chocolate pudding mix

Mix ¼ cup chocolate mocha mix in eight ounces cold milk for a cold protein shake. To prepare a hot protein drink, mix ¼ cup chocolate mocha mix with two ounces room temperature water and stir to make a paste. Then stir that paste into six ounces hot milk or water.

Caramel Mocha Frappe

One cup chocolate protein powder
One cup decaf instant coffee
One tablespoon Splenda
Two tablespoons sugar free butterscotch pudding mix

Mix ¼ cup caramel mocha frappe mix in eight ounces cold milk for a cold protein shake. To prepare a hot protein drink, mix ¼ cup caramel mocha frappe mix with two ounces room temperature water and stir to make a paste. Then stir that paste into six ounces hot milk or water.

Cinnamon Vanilla Tea

One cup vanilla protein powder
One cup instant tea
One tablespoon Splenda
Two tablespoons French vanilla non-dairy creamer (powdered)
½ teaspoon cinnamon

Mix ¼ cup cinnamon vanilla tea mix in eight ounces cold milk for a cold protein shake. To prepare a hot protein drink, mix ¼ cup cinnamon vanilla tea mix with two ounces room temperature water and stir to make a paste. Then stir that paste into six ounces hot milk or water.

Banana Joe

½ cup vanilla protein powder
½ cup banana protein powder
One cup decaf instant coffee
One tablespoon Splenda
One tablespoon sugar free banana pudding mix

Mix ¼ cup banana joe mix in eight ounces cold milk for a cold protein shake. To prepare a hot protein drink, mix ¼ cup banana joe mix with two ounces room temperature water and stir to make a paste. Then stir that paste into six ounces hot milk or water.

Pumpkin Spice Latte

One cup vanilla protein powder
One cup decaf instant coffee
One tablespoon Splenda
½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

Mix ¼ cup pumpkin spice latte mix in eight ounces cold milk for a cold protein shake. To prepare a hot protein drink, mix ¼ cup pumpkin spice latte mix with two ounces room temperature water and stir to make a paste. Then stir that paste into six ounces hot milk or water.