18 High-Protein Smoothies That’ll Keep You Full
Power up with these satisfying sippers.
Shocker: Chicken isn’t the only way to up your protein intake throughout the day. High-protein smoothies can offer a similar macro boost (plus heaps of micronutrients)—all in a sweet, creamy, and sippable package. But not all of these icy beverages boast the same benefit.
While a blend of frozen fruit and water offers hydration, it probably won’t keep you satisfied until your next meal. To amp up the staying power of your healthy smoothie recipe, blend in collagen or protein powder, or consider adding protein-packed ingredients like Greek yogurt, dairy or soy milk, nut butter, or even a slice of silken tofu to your blender.
What’s the benefit of all this protein-loading? The macronutrient "works to repair muscle cells, and in the process, the muscle gets stronger,” says Julia Shuff, RDN, with Teladoc Health. Protein is essential for your health, and plays an important role in immunity, bone health, and cell repair. And it isn't just for those who want to increase muscle mass—protein keeps you full for longer, which is why smoothies can be a great high-protein breakfast to start your day.
Meet the experts: Julia Shuff, RDN, is a nutritionist with Teladoc Health. Carissa Galloway, RDN, is a Premier Protein nutrition consultant and personal trainer. The experts in the Women's Health Test Kitchen create and test all WH recipes.
“When you consume protein, it boosts your satiety and signals to your body to reduce the level of the hunger hormone called ghrelin,” says Carissa Galloway, RDN, a Premier Protein nutrition consultant and personal trainer. To build the perfect high-protein smoothie, you want to include no more than 25 to 30 grams of protein, since your body can only absorb and effectively use that much at a time, says Galloway.
Ready for more steady energy throughout your day? Grab your blender and try one of these tasty and nutrient-dense smoothies.
Avocado-Spinach Green Smoothie
For a super-creamy sipper, add an avocado to that blender. Trust! A splash of kefir and scoop of collagen intro more protein to the equation.
Get the Avocado-Spinach Green Smoothie recipe.
Per serving: 259 cal, 6 g fat (1.5 g sat), 18 g protein, 212 mg sodium, 43 g carb, 35.5 g sugars (0 g added sugars), 6 g fiber
Tropical Green Protein Smoothie
Stash every ingredient of your smoothie (except liquid) into a jar the night before for a fuss-free morning. Game changer!
Spiced Blueberry Smoothie Bowl
Cinnamon and ginger add a spicy, unexpected kick to an otherwise sweet bowl. Sprinkle some granola and chopped nuts on top to up this dish's protein content.
Get the Spiced Blueberry Smoothie Bowl recipe.
Per serving: 325 cal, 5.5 g fat (1 g sat), 22 g protein, 357 mg sodium, 52 g carb, 29 g sugars (0 g added sugars), 10 g fiber
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Chocolate-Berry Protein Smoothie
A pinch of salt makes the flavors of this fruity smoothie pop (plus, it adds a burst of electrolytes).
Green Machine Smoothie
This vegan smoothie gives off tropical vibes thanks to nondairy coconut yogurt and sweet, tangy pineapple. Double the protein with a scoop of vanilla protein powder (try pea protein if you're keeping it plant-based).
Get the Green Machine Smoothie recipe.
Per serving: 321 cal, 8 g fat (6.5 g sat), 7 g protein, 58 mg sodium, 60 g carb, 16.5 g sugars (0 g added sugars), 10 g fiber
Summer Smoothies
Whether you're craving raspberry, mango, strawberry, or spinach-banana, there's a high-protein sipper for you (thanks to different types of yogurt and milk!). Each flavor boasts at least 13 grams of the macro.
Get the Summer Smoothies recipe from Good Housekeeping.
Raspberry: About 430 cal, 2.5 g fat (1 g sat), 21 g pro, 100 mg sodium, 92 g carb, 16 g fiber
Mango: About 445 cal, 4.5 g fat (4 g sat), 16 g pro, 100 mg sodium, 92 g carb, 8 g fiber
Strawberry: About 225 cal, 4 g fat (4 g sat), 13 g pro, 85 mg sodium, 36 g carb, 4 g fiber
Spinach: About 565 cal, 28 g fat (2.5 g sat), 17 g pro, 285 mg sodium, 73 g carb, 21 g fiber
Pineapple-Cucumber Smoothie
Sure, you don't have to press a thinly sliced cucumber up against the glass, but doing so does make getting in your greens a lot more fun. For more protein, swap in dairy or soy milk for the almond.
Get the Pineapple-Cucumber Smoothie recipe from Good Housekeeping.
Per serving: About 180 calories, 4 g fat (1.5 g saturated), 8 g protein, 60 mg sodium,31 g carbohydrates, 4 g fiber
Blueberry Smoothie Bowl
Craving some crunch with your smoothie? Whip up a thick and creamy blend that sits in a bowl—and begs for all kinds of toppings.
Get the Blueberry Smoothie Bowl recipe from Prevention.
Per serving: 370 cal, 25 g pro, 32 g carb, 7 g fiber, 16 g sugars (4 g added sugars), 17 g fat (2.5 g sat fat), 0 mg cholesterol, 130 mg sodium
Almond Cherry Smoothie
This vegan smoothie is loaded with antioxidants from frozen cherries and spinach. And you can make this your own by adding flaxseeds, Greek yogurt, or vanilla protein powder for an extra protein boost.
Get the Almond Cherry Smoothie recipe from Ambitious Kitchen.
Per serving: 326 cal, 56.2 g carb, 7 g pro, 10.1 g fat, 0.9 g sat, 11.9 g fiber, 32.7 g sugar
Flaxseed Protein Shake
Flaxseed, the star of this recipe, is rich in fiber and heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acid. And made with just five ingredients, this is one easy breakfast smoothie you can throw together before rushing out the door.
Get the Flaxseed Protein Shake recipe from Cheerful Choices.
Per serving: 445 cal, 21g fat, 70 mg sodium, 50 g carb, 9 g fiber, 26 g sugar, 23 g pro
Apple Banana Smoothie
Have extra apples and bananas lying around? Use them to make this smoothie. Apples are full of vitamin C and soluble fiber, so they can give your immune system a boost and keep you regular.
Get the Apple Banana Smoothie recipe from Cheerful Choices.
Per serving: 300 cal, 10 g fat, 1.5 g sat fat, 120 mg sodium, 45 g carb, 7 g fiber, 25 g sugar, 12 g pro
Pretty in Pink Peach Smoothie
Made with five simple ingredients, this easy peach smoothie has the perfect amount of sweetness from ripe peaches and berries, and it gets its protein punch from Greek yogurt.
Get the Pretty in Pink Peach Smoothie recipe from Ambitious Kitchen.
Per serving: 336 cal, 43 g carb, 16.2 g pro, 11.7 g fat, 4.6 g sat, 10.9 g fiber, 29.6 g sugar
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Matcha Strawberry Smoothie
The antioxidant-packed superfood, matcha, makes a great feature in this vegan smoothie. You can also skip your morning cup of java, thanks to the caffeine found in this concentrated green tea powder.
Get the Matcha Strawberry Smoothie recipe from Frozen Bananas.
Per serving: About 130 cal, 3 g fat (0.1 g sat), 341 mg sodium, 21 g carb, 4 g fiber, 11 g sugar, 15 g pro
Healthy Hot Chocolate Smoothie
This low-calorie, vegan smoothie is a perfect way to start your day or to wrap up a workout. And if you want a warm version, just heat up the milk in a saucepan over medium heat for five minutes, then blend and enjoy!
Get the Healthy Hot Chocolate Smoothie recipe from Skinny Fitalicious.
Per serving: About 285 cal, 9 g fat (2 g sat), 42 mg chol, 336 mg sodium, 35 g carb, 14 g fiber, 10 g sugar, 26 g pro
Carrot Cake Smoothie
This creamy smoothie tastes like carrot cake. That’s a win in our book.
Get the Carrot Cake Smoothie recipe from Skinny Fitalicious.
Per serving: About 199 cal, 4 g fat (1 g sat), 74 mg chol, 309 mg sodium, 16 g carb, 2 g fiber, 5 g sugar, 24 g pro
Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie
With just four ingredients (plus ice!), this smoothie is thick and creamy, thanks to ingredients like Greek yogurt and peanut butter.
Get the Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie recipe from Kristine's Kitchen.
Per serving: About 456 cal, 21 g fat (5 g sat), 19 mg chol, 255 mg sodium, 44 g carb, 4 g fiber, 28 g sugar, 28 g pro
Dragon Fruit Smoothie
This refreshing smoothie gets its vibrant magenta color from frozen dragon fruit and a boost of added protein from riced cauliflower.
Get the Dragon Fruit Smoothie recipe from Feel Good Foodie.
Per serving: About 307 cal, 8 g fat (4 g sat), 47 mg chol, 153 mg sodium, 44 g carb, 4 g fiber, 29 g sugar, 17 g pro
Breakfast Coffee Smoothie
This delicious smoothie has all your favorite breakfast flavors like oats, banana, and coffee blended into one. Say hello to your new burst of morning energy.
Get the Breakfast Coffee Smoothie recipe from Feel Good Foodie.
Per serving: About 266 cal, 8 g fat (4 g sat), 53 mg chol, 112 mg sodium, 34 g carb, 4 g fiber, 17 g sugar, 18 g pro
Lauryn Higgins is a freelance journalist whose work focuses primarily on public health. Her work tracking the coronavirus for The New York Times was part of a team that won the 2021 Pulitzer Prize for Public Service. When she's not working she loves spending time in her kitchen and garden, taking barre classes and cuddling with the love of her life, her 90-pound bernedoodle, Gus. Her work has also appeared in NPR, Salon, Teen Vogue and Well + Good.
Samantha (she/her) is an Assistant Editor in the Good Housekeeping Test Kitchen, where she writes about tasty recipes, must-try food products and top-tested secrets for home cooking success. She has taste-tasted hundreds of products and recipes since joining GH in 2020 (tough job!). A graduate of Fordham University, she considers the kitchen to be her happiest place.
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