Protein shakes can have some great nutritional benefits, but the taste can sometimes leave something to be desired. To make protein shake mixes taste better, consider adding some ingredients for a taste that can't be beat.
Fruit
Adding fruit to a protein shake may not only improve the flavor, but is also effective when it comes to thickening the beverage - making it seem more like a real milkshake. Bananas are an especially popular choice when it comes to enhancing the taste of a protein shake, as they can provide a smooth texture and pleasing flavor.
Fresh or Frozen
While fresh fruits are highly effective at improving the taste of protein shakes, frozen fruit can also provide a flavorful - and more cost-effective - alternative. In addition to serving as a flavor enhancer, frozen fruit can also chill the beverage without the need for ice. This helps to maintain a thicker, less watery protein shake that retains a delicious taste.
For best results when it comes to adding frozen fruit to your protein shake, include types that are naturally quite juicy, like strawberries, raspberries and blackberries. These frozen fruits will release the most juice when mixed in a blender with the protein shake and produce a beverage that is especially flavorful.
Frozen mango can also be an effective flavor-booster and provides a creamy texture when blended with a protein shake.
Flavored Syrups
As with frozen fruit, flavored syrups are a popular choice for those who are interested in improving the flavor of the protein shake. While there are a number of flavored syrups currently on the market, chocolate, strawberry, or caramel may provide the best results when it comes to improving protein shake flavor. Experiment with a variety of flavors to determine which combination is best for you.
Since flavored syrups do not need to be mixed in a blender and can simply be stirred into a protein shake with a spoon, they may be ideal for those who are making these beverages at the gym or the workplace.
Extracts
Those who are looking for a fast and easy boost to their protein shake may benefit from the use of extracts. As with flavored syrups, there are a number of extract flavorings currently available for purchase including:
- Vanilla
- Orange
- Strawberry
- Rum
- Licorice
Be careful when adding extracts to your protein shake, as they generally pack a flavor punch. Start with just a quarter-teaspoon per eight ounces of protein shake and add more depending on your taste preferences.
Dairy Products
Some individuals turn to the use of dairy products like milk or yogurt when it comes to enhancing their protein shakes. Chocolate or strawberry milk and fruit-flavored yogurt can also reduce the graininess of a protein shake while at the same time providing a flavor boost.
While plain milk and unflavored/unsweetened yogurt will provide only minimal changes to the flavor of a protein shake, it can make the texture creamier, thus providing a more pleasant mouth feel.
Water and Ice
Increasing the amount of water added to a protein shake may be a good choice for those who are looking for a more mild-flavored product. Add small amounts of water at a time until you have reached your desired flavor to avoid over-dilution of the protein shake.
As with water, ice can be helpful when it comes to diluting the flavor of a protein shake. Consider blending the ice with the shake to create a protein smoothie with a milder taste and a thicker texture.
Reducing the amount of protein powder added to a shake can also produce similar results when it comes to diluting the flavor of the product.
Nut Butters
Most nut butters have a strong flavor that can be used to mask the flavor of a protein shake. While peanut butter is especially popular when it comes to enhancing protein shake flavor, consider other products as well, like almond or hazelnut butter.
Combine nut butters with a protein shake in a blender to distribute evenly. Remember that in most cases, a little goes a long way when it comes to the use of nut butters.
Tea Powder
Green tea has become a popular beverage, both for the health conscious and for those looking for a tasty drink. For a unique flavor, consider stirring matcha tea powder, which provides the basis of green tea, into a vanilla protein for a green tea shake that you won't be able to put down.
As with extract flavorings, use caution when adding this powder to the shake. Try a sample after each small addition to ensure that you haven't over-embellished your drink.
Find Your Perfect Option
There are plenty of options to improve the taste of protein shake mixes. Before you decide that protein shakes aren't for you, try one or more of these flavor-boosting suggestions or a completely different protein shake recipe. Chances are that you'll find a tasty option that you really enjoy.
