HOW TO MAKE PROTEIN SHAKES IN A BLENDER

There’s a wide selection of protein powder. Let’s review:

• Whey protein is a popular variety and is derived from milk.
• Casein is also derived from milk. It differs from whey protein because it can be digested and absorbed more slowly.
• Other less common forms of protein include  egg-white protein, pea protein and mixed plant protein.

Nuts and nut butters are packed with protein. A few common nuts/nut butters to consider adding to your next shake include: 

• Almonds
• Peanuts
• Cashew
• Walnuts

Keep in mind that nut butters may also contain sugar, so you should weigh the value of protein against adding more sugar to your diet. You can always make your own nut butter to control the nutritional content of your protein shake.

Many types of seeds are a strong source of protein. You can add them to the ingredients mix of your protein shake or sprinkle some raw seeds on top of the final product. 

Seeds that are high in protein and commonly used in protein shakes include:

• Chia seeds

• Flax seeds

• Hemp seeds

Fruits and vegetables are an excellent way to add flavour and protein to a shake. If you’re looking to add fruit and/or vegetables to your shakes, consider these high-protein options: 

• Guava

• Avocado

• Kiwi

• Spinach

• Kale 

• Sweet potato

Start by adding ice or frozen fruit to your blender. You can’t go too wrong with frozen berries or bananas.

Now you have to choose what type of protein you want to use. You can opt for either a protein powder or a natural protein. Other protein-rich options include Greek yogurt, nut butter, protein powder and chia seeds.

This step is optional, but if you are adding fruits or vegetables to your shake, now is when you do it. Fruits and vegetables are a great way to naturally add extra nutrients, freshness and a flavour profile like sweet or tart.

If you want to sweeten your protein shake, you can add some honey, maple syrup, agave or a sweetener of your choice.

Careful not to over sweeten your mix, especially if you’re using fruit.

Be conservative about the amount of liquid you add at first. Too little or too much liquid could prevent you from achieving the consistency you want. 

You can continue adding liquid as needed as you continue blending. The liquid you add is up to you and common options are milk, almond milk, and water.

Start blending your shake on the lowest setting and gradually increase the speed based on your desired smoothness. Select KitchenAid^® Blenders have Ice Crush, Icy Drinks and Smoothie settings, each of which can help blend ingredients until it gets to the texture you want.

You should thoroughly clean your blender after every use. This will help maintain the appliance and ensure that it’s ready to go the next time you’re craving a protein shake.

You can make a chocolate protein shake with chocolate protein powder and unsweetened almond milk. You can jazz it up with frozen bananas, homemade nut butter and a touch of cocoa powder. 

Coffee fans can also liven the flavour of their protein shake with a shot of espresso.

Peanut butter is packed with protein and has a thick, gooey texture and creamy flavour. Vanilla, chocolate or banana pair well with peanut butter and are fantastic ingredients for protein shakes.

You could also go for dark chocolate chips, which are a deliciously sweet and indulgent topping for a peanut butter shake.

A coffee protein shake combines the benefits of a post-workout recovery drink with your morning coffee. To make, brew a cup of coffee, let it cool and then add it to your protein shake. Vanilla almond milk can add some creaminess and richness while raw honey can sweeten the beverage.

Most vanilla protein shake recipes are basic but you can elevate it by adding chia seeds or a dusting of freshly ground cinnamon. Substitute water with unsweetened almond milk to enhance the flavour.

A cookies and cream protein shake is a perfect way to combine sweetness with extra protein. Use vanilla protein powder, milk and chocolate graham crackers to create a satisfying and filling cookies and cream protein shake with your KitchenAid^® blender.

To make a mint protein shake, create a rich chocolatey base and then complement it with a touch of mint extract or fresh mint and then mix everything in your KitchenAid^® blender. If you have a sweet tooth but want to avoid sugar, add some diced Medjool dates or crunchy cacao nibs.

To make a thick pumpkin spice protein shake, use pumpkin pureé, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla protein powder, a banana, and almond milk. If you’re looking for a more authentically autumn flavour, you can even make your own homemade pumpkin pureé.