Consuming protein powder can help improve muscle development, have more energy, and help the recovery process after strenuous exercise. Unfortunately, many protein powders taste so bad that you have to take them with disgust. However, it only takes a little effort to get protein powder into your diet in ways that you can enjoy. You can make your own smoothies or hide the powder in food; In either case, there are many ways to make protein powder taste good.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Make Your Own Protein Shakes
Step 1. Choose a liquid
Some prefer watered down, diluted beverages that can be swallowed quickly. Other people find that thicker liquid may help to hide the taste. To determine which consistency you prefer, you will likely need to go through a process of trial and error. Most people add about 8 oz. (236 ml) of liquid for each scoop of powder; however, you can add more if you want a thinner drink or less if you want it to be thicker. You can also use another base liquid for your smoothie:
- Water is a good option for weight loss, as it does not provide any calories. However, it does not hide the taste of the powder at all. You can use a variety of berry teas instead, as they are known to improve energy and help you lose weight. For example, an iced raspberry or acai tea could make your smoothie more delicious while also promoting weight loss.
- For a slightly thicker shake, try fat-free milk or milk substitutes like almond or soy milk. Almond milk, in particular, is considered by many to have a slightly sweet and pleasant taste.
- You can have whole milk if you want to gain weight or if you prefer a thicker shake. Keep in mind that if you mix whole milk and protein powder, you may have a hard time digesting the mixture. Consume a milk with less fat and more diluted if your body cannot adapt to this mixture.
Step 2. Add a sweetener
Sugar has a powerful effect on the brain. Research shows that sugar releases dopamine, which regulates the brain's control and reward response. An increase in dopamine allows us to identify rewards more clearly, and can increase motivation in the short term. However, in addition to these exercise benefits, sugar is great at masking off-flavors. Add a couple of teaspoons of sugar, honey, chocolate syrup, dextrose, or maltodextrin to the shake. On the other hand, if you are going to limit your sugar intake, try healthier alternatives, such as the following:
- Peanut butter makes smoothies sweet and thick.
- Pieces of fresh fruit and fruit juice provide vitamins, fiber, and a sweet taste. Bananas are a popular choice, as they have a strong flavor and are thick. If you are taking a dairy-based protein powder, do not add citrus fruits, as they can be cut.
- If you want to add a sweet flavor that doesn't add any other flavor, try an artificial sweetener. Splenda and stevia are popular products that provide a sweet taste without adding calories.
Step 3. You can add stronger flavors to hide the bad taste
If teas and sugar aren't enough to make your smoothies palatable, you have other options. You can add a couple of tablespoons of cocoa or vanilla powder to the smoothie. It may also help to add a half teaspoon of a strong-flavored spice, such as cinnamon or nutmeg. Sugar-free syrups for homemade sodas or coffee flavors are an easy way to add flavor to your shake without giving it a more powdery texture.
- By combining flavors, you can hide the flavor of the protein powder more effectively. You can add more than one type of fruit, such as strawberries and bananas. Add some espresso and some vanilla flavoring.
- Experiment with combinations that are right for you.
Step 4. Use yogurt to thicken and sweeten the smoothie
Some love yogurt-based smoothies, but others find them unpleasant. Taste it a couple of times to determine if you find it creamy and delicious, or if you pass it on with disgust. Just add a tablespoon of yogurt, or frozen yogurt, for a smoothie with an ice cream topping.
Greek yogurt has a stronger, tart taste and has the added benefit of adding more protein
Step 5. Make a smoothie with ice in the blender
Some indicate that the taste of protein powder is less noticeable when consumed in an ice-cold beverage. If you make a blended shake with ice and your protein shake, it will thicken a bit, but not as thick as using yogurt or peanut butter.
Step 6. Make a vegetable smoothie for a delicious taste
For some, a kale smoothie is a nightmare, but you might love it if you are juicing regularly. Protein powders go very well with green vegetables, from spinach and spirulina powder to zucchini. You can add a more delicious flavor with a tablespoon of nuts and seeds, which also helps to make your shake thick. You can balance the flavor with a little sweet, adding pieces of fruit like bananas or strawberries.
Step 7. Get a good blender
The worst type of protein shake is one that has dry, undissolved lumps of protein powder. If you don't need a blender for other purposes, you can buy a small one for individual servings that doesn't cost a lot of money.
- Place all the ingredients in the blender and blend them on high intensity, until the mixture has a uniform texture without lumps.
- If you're making smoothies with a lot of solid ingredients, use the "blend" option if your blender has one.
- If you can't get a blender at all, put the ingredients in a sealed container and shake it for a long time. You can also mix the liquid more easily by heating it in the microwave or in the kitchen.
- You can also purchase a "shaker cup" designed to remove dust clumps and achieve a uniform texture. Your smoothies can be significantly improved by these products, which you can get for a fraction of the cost of a good blender.
Step 8. Try some of your favorite classic smoothies
Many people like to experiment with their own ingredient and flavor combinations. If you just want to make a tasty protein shake right now, you can try these classic shakes:
- Honey Peanut Butter Shake: Blend one tablespoon of protein powder, one cup of ice, one cup of milk or milk replacer, 1/8 cup of peanut butter, and 1/8 cup of honey. Optionally, you can add half a ripe banana or a square of dark chocolate.
- Fruit smoothie: blend a scoop of protein powder, a cup of vanilla yogurt, 3 or 4 strawberries, a ripe banana, ½ cup of milk or milk substitute, and some ice cubes. Be aware that citrus fruits reduce the effectiveness of dairy-based protein powders.
- Nut and Spice Drink: Blend 1 tablespoon of protein powder, ½ cup of berries, ⅓ cup of chopped walnuts, 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder, ¼ teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1 or 2 cups of milk or milk substitute. Optionally, you can add ½ cup of raw oatmeal for added flavor and texture.
Method 2 of 3: Adding Protein Powder to Food
Step 1. Add flavored protein powder to sweet treats
You deserve a treat from time to time if you do strenuous exercise frequently. This does not mean that you cannot add some additional protein to your cookies, fudge cakes, or pancakes.
- When preparing baked goods, use chocolate-flavored protein powder instead of cocoa powder. One tablespoon of protein powder is about ¼ cup of cocoa powder.
- If your recipe doesn't call for cocoa powder, you can usually add a scoop of protein powder, as this won't alter the flavor. The first time you taste it, it may be a good idea to add half a spoon to a small amount of food.
Step 2. Make a protein glaze for baked goods
Some people like protein frosting, but others hate it. But you don't lose anything by trying it! Make a thick “frosting” by mixing some protein powder with yogurt or a very small amount of water or milk. If you apply it to your cupcakes or other baked goods, you will enjoy the benefits of protein and, at the same time, you will hide its flavor with that of your delicious treat!
Step 3. Add protein powder to thick foods
You can effectively mask the taste of protein powder through thick foods like oatmeal, pudding, yogurt, or applesauce. These will moisten and dissolve the powder on their own, so you don't have to use your blender. You just need to beat well so that the powder dissolves completely.
Step 4. Make peanut butter protein tartlets
Blend a scoop of flavored protein powder, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and a scoop of peanut butter. Place the mixture in some kind of mold. You can use an ice cube tray if you don't have something more appropriate. Freeze the mixture for a few hours so that it sets and becomes hard.
This works best when using chocolate-flavored protein powder; however, you can also use strong flavors like cinnamon
Method 3 of 3: Find a Tastier Protein Powder Brand
Step 1. Read the reviews they make on the internet for the various brands and flavors
Protein powder can be extracted from many different foods, such as dairy products, egg whites, and vegan products. This is why different brands of protein powders can come in very different flavors. Take some time to get information on the Internet, before buying a powder that could turn your stomach. On many health, fitness, and bodybuilding forums, you'll find discussions where users will talk about their favorite protein powders and their least favorite.
Step 2. Try various protein powders in small amounts
If you are looking for a better tasting powder, don't buy giant containers, get the smallest first. If it's not to your liking, you can either ditch it or consume it until it runs out, which we hope will happen quickly!
Step 3. Try flavored protein powders
The problem could be that you cannot tolerate the taste of unflavored protein powder. Fortunately, there are many brands that carry products that already have chocolate, vanilla, and cinnamon flavors. You might even find more unusual flavors, like cookies and cream!
If these flavors alone are not enough for you, you can combine them. Your new favorite flavor might consist of a half a spoon of cinnamon and a half a spoon of chocolate
Step 4. Get powders that contain sugar or artificial sweeteners
Protein powders are aimed at people who are concerned about their health; therefore, most of them do not have sugar or corn syrup. What's more, these often promote that they do not contain flavors or sweeteners. However, sugar always masks the flavor of the powder, no matter what you mix it with. Look for brands that contain some type of sweetening agent.