What to Mix Protein Powder with for Best Results: 11 Options Other Than Water

Adding protein powder to your diet is a great way to increase your protein intake and help you reach your fitness goals. Whether you’re looking to lose weight, build muscle mass, or just need a nutritional supplement, protein powder is a great way to get the protein you need. But what do you mix protein powder with?

Well…the possibilities are almost endless!

From smoothies to protein bars, there are plenty of ways to mix protein powder to get the most out of your intake. Whether you prefer whey protein, plant-based protein powders, or your favourite vanilla protein powder, here are 11 healthy ideas for what to mix protein powder with for optimal nutrition and best results.

What is Protein Powder?

Protein powder is a popular nutritional supplement used to increase daily protein intake. They are typically made from a variety of sources such as whey, casein, egg, or plant proteins such as rice, pea, and hemp.

Protein powders come in many different flavors and contain many nutritious and beneficial ingredients. Knowing what to mix your protein powders with will not only help you get your daily intake of protein, but drinking, or eating, the right protein mix can maximize your nutrient intake, optimize your performance and help you reach your fitness goals.

Therefore, it’s important to choose the most suitable protein powder for your fitness goals.

What are the Benefits of Protein Powder?

Protein powder is a quick and convenient supplement to boost your protein intake throughout the day and is great for those who lead a busy lifestyle.

Consuming protein powder regularly aids in muscle growth, repair, and recovery, helping you reach your fitness goals effectively, and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

In addition, some protein powders can contain essential vitamins and minerals, further aiding in muscle recovery and maintenance. Plus, protein powder provides a quick boost of energy, making it an excellent option if you need energy before a workout or post-workout fuel.

What to Mix Protein Powder With: 11 Healthy Ideas

Mixing protein powder with other ingredients can help you reach your recommended daily protein intake, while also providing additional nutritional benefits.

When choosing what to mix with your protein powder, it’s important to consider your individual dietary needs and fitness goals. Some mixtures may be more suitable for specific goals; so be sure to select a mixture that is best for you.

With that said, here are a few ways to add protein powder to your next meal.

Dairy Milk

Milk is a great option to mix with your protein powder, as it has been a long-time popular option, besides water. Mixing protein powder with milk is beneficial because milk is packed with vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin D and calcium, which is essential for healthy and strong bones.

This option is perfect for those who want to build muscle, maintain muscle mass, or recover from a tough workout.

If your current fitness goal is to lose weight, it would be ideal to focus on selecting a low-calorie, low-fat milk such as skim or 1% milk, to reduce your caloric intake. However, if your goal is to gain weight, then I would recommend consuming 2% or 3% milk, bulk up on the calories.

Milk mixed with protein powder can be a delicious protein shake and a convenient way to boost your protein intake. Regardless of the reasons you are incorporating it into your diet, using quality a protein powder and avoiding sugary mix-ins can help you reap the benefits of dairy milk with protein powder.

Plant-Based Milk

Plant-based milk, or non-dairy milk, is a great alternative for people who are lactose intolerant, have digestive sensitivities or simply prefer a vegan diet. Unlike traditional dairy milk, plant-based milks are cholesterol-free and lower in saturated fat. Plant-based milk is usually fortified with additional vitamins and minerals like calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin B12, making plant-based milk another great option for those who are losing or maintaining their weight.

Some of the most popular plant-based milk options available include almond milk, oat milk, soy milk, cashew milk, and coconut milk. Each milk can be used to create delicious and nutritious protein shakes and smoothies.

These plant-based options are suitable for just about any goal and diet. However, if you have a nut or soy allergy, be sure to consume nut-free or soy-free plant milk. Similarly, if you have a gluten allergy or sensitivity, be sure you consume gluten-free plant milk. So be sure to always read the label.

Fresh or Frozen Fruits

Fresh and frozen fruits are an excellent addition for making a protein shake as they add extra nutrients and a touch of sweetness to your drink.

Bananas are one of the most popular fruits to mix with protein powder, as they provide a creamy texture and a ton of natural sweetness. Berries are also a great choice, as they are low in calories and high in antioxidants, making them ideal for maintaining good health.

Other fresh fruits that work well with protein powder include apples, pears, and pineapple. These fruits add a natural sweetness and provide additional fibre and vitamins to your shake.

So, consider adding fresh or frozen fruits to your protein shake to boost your consumption of essential nutrients while enjoying a delicious and sweet drink!

Homemade Smoothie

Adding protein powder to a homemade smoothie is an excellent way to boost your protein intake and create a filling, satisfying meal or snack. By using your favourite vanilla or chocolate protein powder and frozen fruits, you can create a delicious, nutritious smoothie that will keep you full for hours.

To make a homemade smoothie with protein powder, start by choosing your favourite frozen or fresh fruits or vegetables. Berries, apples, and bananas work well and provide a natural sweetness and thickness to the smoothie. Add a scoop of your favourite protein powder to the blender, along with your selected frozen fruit and any additional ingredients, such as almond milk, chia seeds, and cinnamon.

Blending is key to creating a smooth, drinkable texture, and preventing clumps of protein powder. Adding protein powder to a smoothie not only provides a quick protein boost but can also slow digestion, resulting in a more filling, satisfying drink.

Incorporating protein powder into your homemade smoothie is an easy and delicious way to increase your protein intake and meet your daily protein goals.

Black Coffee

If you love coffee, get ready to start mixing it with your favourite protein powder.

Studies have shown that black coffee can help with fat loss, increase your metabolic rate, improve performance, and boost your overall energy levels.

So it’s no surprise that black coffee is a great option to mix with your protein powder. In addition, black coffee is known to be packed with antioxidants, which are known to help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.

This mixture is perfect to consume as a pre-workout drink, and great for those who are focused on fat loss or boosting their workout performance. It’s also a convenient way to supplement your daily protein intake while also enjoying your morning coffee. Just be sure to choose a high-quality coffee that suits your needs and preferences.

Greek Yogurt

Greek Yogurt is another great option to mix with your protein powder. Greek yogurt is high in protein and contains vitamins and minerals that contribute to muscle mass growth. By combining yogurt with your favourite protein powder, you can easily increase your protein intake and make the most out of your workout.

One of the best things about Greek yogurt is that it can be easily customized. Add some fresh fruits like berries or slices of banana to your yogurt, or top it off with nuts and seeds to create a delicious and healthy snack that’s perfect for any time of the day.

With the added nutrients, you can enjoy a tasty treat while still staying on track with your fitness goals.

Cereals

Cereal, granola, or even oatmeal are all suitable options to mix your protein powder with.

Depending on your cereal selection many cereals are fortified with vitamins and minerals, supporting muscle growth and development, making them an excellent choice to mix with protein powder.

However, depending on your fitness goals, you may need to opt for a cereal with fewer carbs if your goal is to reduce body fat. In addition, it’s important to opt for cereal, or granola, that has little to no added sugars for a highly nutritious meal.

To get the best mixture, try mixing your protein powder with your choice of milk first, with a shaker cup if needed, for a smoother texture.

Oats

Oats and protein powder sound a little weird, but I promise it’s not. Similar to cereals, you can mix your protein powder with oatmeal to maximize your protein and fibre intake. Not to mention, you can also mix protein powder with dried oats to make protein oatmeal cookies or protein balls.

Oatmeal is a great option to mix with protein powder because oats are packed with a soluble fibre called beta-glucan, which can help with digestion and feelings of fullness. In addition, oats are known to help reduce cholesterol and blood sugar levels.

So consider meal prepping with oats for optimal results.

Pancakes

Pancakes are a great and popular option to mix with your protein powder.

Using plant-based flours such as oat flour, chickpea flour, or even bananas, offer a range of vitamins and minerals, that each contribute to muscle growth and development.

For example, oat flour is packed with carbs and fibre, making it a great choice for a post-workout meal, or if you are looking to gain mass. Chickpea flour is naturally packed with carbs, protein, and iron which are essential for maintaining adequate energy levels. Lastly, banana flour is high in resistance starch, which can aid in digestion, lower cholesterol, and aid in weight loss.

Adding protein to your pancakes may take a little more effort, but it’s an effective way to keep up with your protein intake. So next time you feel like indulging in pancakes for breakfast, try making them with protein powder for an extra dose of protein to help you reach your daily protein intake goals.

Waffles

Similar to pancakes, mixing protein powder with your waffle mixture is another great combination.

I personally love to use chickpea flour on its own as it’s naturally high in protein. One cup of chickpea flour contains 21 grams of protein. Making protein waffles allows me to get my protein intake while enjoying one of my favourite breakfast meals.

For flavor variations, try adding cinnamon or powdered sugar (not so healthy) for a fancy touch. You can also add fresh berries like blueberries, strawberries, or raspberries for added nutrition.

So, next time you’re making waffles, try substituting flour with protein powder and enjoy a protein-packed breakfast.

Baked Goods

Incorporating protein powder into your baked goods can be a simple and delicious way to boost your protein intake.

Brownies

Adding protein powder to your brownie recipe can give you a guilt-free indulgence. Adding vanilla protein powder or chocolate protein powder are great additions to your favourite brownie recipe.

Protein Cookies

Protein cookies are a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth while boosting your protein intake. Whether you’re an athlete looking to aid muscle mass development, or simply seeking a healthier alternative to traditional cookies, protein cookies are a quick and convenient solution. Plus, they’re perfect for on-the-go snacking or as a post-workout treat.

Protein Balls

Protein balls are a perfect snack for those seeking a quick protein boost on the go. These small snacks are easy to prepare, less time-consuming, and a healthy option compared to store-bought bars. One of the best things about protein balls is that you can add your favourite ingredients to make them taste amazing. Aside from protein powder, common ingredients include oats, chia seeds, almond butter, and chocolate chips.

The recipe for protein balls is simple, and many variations are available online. With endless ingredient options, you’re sure to find a recipe that suits your taste buds.

Overall, incorporating protein powder into your baked goods can offer a protein boost to support muscle mass and weight loss goals.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to getting the most out of your protein powder, it’s important to consider what you mix it with. By combining protein powder with other healthy ingredients, you can create a nutrient-rich and delicious meal or snack that will keep you feeling full and energized throughout the day. However, it’s important to select a high-quality protein powder for optimal results.

From smoothies and oatmeal to yogurt and pancakes, there are plenty of options for what to mix protein powder with for optimal nutrition. With these 11 healthy ideas, you can enjoy the benefits of protein powder without sacrificing flavor or nutrition.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is The best Thing to Mix Protein Powder With?

The best option to mix protein powder with ultimately depends on your dietary needs and fitness goals. If your goal is to lose weight, I would opt to mix protein powder with a low-calorie liquid, in addition to a low-calorie protein powder.

If you are focusing on gaining muscle mass, then would opt for a liquid with high carb content, along with opting for food, like pancakes or waffles to maximize your carb and protein intake per serving.

How much protein do I need?

The amount of protein powder you need will ultimately depend on your gender, body weight, and current physical activity levels. The recommended dietary intake for protein is 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight per day. However, if you are very active, you will need more to supplement your needs.