Smoothies are generally considered healthy beverages, and they’re an excellent option for all lifestyles, including vegans. If you choose to remove animal proteins from your diet, it’s important to add it with other plant-based sources.
After all, protein is an important building block for bones, muscles, cartilage, skin, and blood, and having enough of it in your diet has a significant effect on weight loss and metabolic health.
“If you are a vegan and don’t get adequate protein, you are going to run into problems,” says Danielle Pashko, a holistic nutritionist and the author of Breaking Your Fat Girl Habits.
“Protein is responsible for your hormones. [It] supports bones, muscles, hair, skin, and nails, gives you energy and helps to stabilize blood sugar. It also prevents you from overeating carbohydrates. If you want to feel well during the day, I recommend a high-protein breakfast and a smoothie [as] an easy way to start.”
Fortunately, protein comes in many different forms. Some protein-rich ingredients for your next vegan smoothie include:
Whether you’re vegan, plant-based, or simply skipping dairy for any reason, here are some easy protein-rich vegan smoothie recipes to try.
Green Protein Smoothie by Naturally Sassy
Ingredients
1 frozen banana
1 serving protein powder of your choice
1 teaspoon almond butter
1 handful kale
1 handful spinach
1 cup unsweetened almond milk
Directions
- Blend all ingredients until smooth.
Protein Source: Nut Butter
Nut butters offer considerable benefits, including protein, fiber, and small amounts of iron, magnesium, potassium, zinc, and vitamin E. Try adding almond butter or cashew butter for a protein kick.
Pea Protein Powder Smoothie by Danielle Pashko
Ingredients
1 scoop pea protein powder
1 large handful organic kale
½ cup frozen organic blueberries
1 tablespoon chia seeds
½ cup ice
1 cup water
Directions
- Blend all ingredients until smooth.
Protein Source: Seeds
Seeds are a good source of fiber, fat, and protein, and they’re easy to incorporate into any recipe. High-protein seeds include hemp seeds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, flaxseed, sesame seeds, and chia seeds.
Healthy Caramel Protein Smoothie by Naturally Sassy
Ingredients
1 large banana, frozen
1 scoop brown rice protein powder
2 Medjool dates
1½ cups almond milk
1 tablespoon almond butter
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract, pinch of cinnamon (optional)
Directions
- Blend all ingredients until smooth.
Protein Source: Vegan Protein Powder
There are a number of vegan protein powders, including pea, brown rice, hemp, and soy. The recipe above and the two recipes below are great options if you prefer your protein in a powder form. “Pea protein and hemp protein are great vegan alternatives to whey,” says Saskia Gregson-Williams, founder of Naturally Sassy.
Lori’s Luscious Berry Smoothie by Dr. Lori Shemek
Ingredients
1 scoop Reaal Muscle Brazilian Better protein powder (Note: This powder is fermented premium non-GMO corn and non-GMO sugar beets.)
½ banana
1 handful blueberries
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
8 ounces unsweetened almond milk
Directions
- Blend all ingredients until smooth.
Banana Kale Protein Smoothie by Green Blender
Ingredients
1½ ounces red Russian kale
1 banana, peeled
1 nectarine, pitted
1 tablespoon hemp seeds
1 tablespoon pea protein
1 cup water
1 cup ice
Directions
- Blend all ingredients until smooth.
Add these high-protein vegan smoothies to your week of meal planning for a quick and easy post-workout boost.