Just like deliciously, smooth chocolate, everybody loves smoothies! What's not to enjoy? They’re a firm favourite! Smoothies are super delicious, thick and easy to make. Add your favourite ingredients in a blender, hit start, and voilà, you have yourself a smoothie! 
 
Smoothies are excellent for when you're busy and need a tasty pick-me-up. They're also great for those who are craving other ways to increase their protein intake. Add your favourite protein-rich ingredients to your smoothie to create a fantastic tasting drink!

Why is protein so important?

Our bodies need protein for growth and overall health. Protein helps repair and build the body's tissues, and it helps keep immune systems strong.  

What are some high protein ingredients for smoothies?
 
Protein-rich foods can be found right under our noses (or, most likely hiding in our pantries or fridges). We'll have you know that protein isn't just found in chicken breast, beef, tuna, and turkey breast. Nuh-uh! Protein is also found in almonds, oats, Greek yoghurt, milk, peanuts, and whey and plant-based protein powders. These are just some ingredients that go perfectly in smoothies! Plus, most of them you might already have in your home. Score! 

Let's talk more about some of our favourite protein-rich ingredients that can be added to smoothies. 

Almonds

Almonds are a popular go-to snack. They're easy to take around with you, aren't they? Drop a few in a container and there you have it, a tasty snack with good crunch! Almonds are rich in fibre, vitamin E, manganese, and magnesium. And their one of our favourite high protein ingredients for smoothies!

As for protein, almonds contain approximately six grams per 28-gram serving. Now, don't go eating a whole bag of almonds. Almonds can be high in calories, so consume the recommended amount. 

Oats

How easy are oats to prepare? They're great in overnight oats and porridge. #yum. 
Oats provide healthy fibres, magnesium, manganese, vitamin B1, and some other nutrients too! Depending on the brand you go for and the amount consumed, rolled oats can contain around 3.8 grams of protein per 30-gram serving. Oat-my-goodness, we love oats so much more now!

Greek yoghurt

Greek yoghurt can contain many great nutrients! It can be enjoyed on its own, with fruit, in smoothies, or recipes. But as well as its versatility, it contains protein! And it’s one of our much-loved high protein ingredients for smoothies! Check out the nutritional information of the Greek yoghurt you choose, ensuring to pick the best one for you! Depending on the brand and amount consumed, Greek yoghurt contains approximately 17 grams of protein per a 170-gram serving. 

Milk

Since birth, we've always known the importance of milk. Generally speaking, milk is a good source of high-quality protein. It's high in calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin B2. Though, milk isn't for everyone. Some people have lactose intolerances or follow plant-based diets. An alternative is soy milk. 

Again, different brands may contain varying amounts of protein. Though, one cup of whole milk can contain approximately 8 grams of protein! Excuse me while I grab a cup. Just let me know if I have a milk moustache, won't you?

Whey protein powders

Out of the other high protein ingredients for smoothies, whey protein powders are one of the most popular! Plus, they offer a great whey to consume and enjoy protein! Also, there are so many flavours available: vanilla, chocolate, coffee, berry - the list goes on! Protein powder can be added to a smoothie or shake. We like to add them to pancakes, muffins, and protein balls too! 

Different brands, varieties, and flavours can offer varying amounts of protein per serving. Though, Happy Way's vanilla flavoured whey protein powder contains 21.2 grams of protein per 30-gram serving. Whey to go protein powder! You can shop our range of whey protein powders here.

Plant-based protein powders

Also available are plant-based protein powders! They’re one of our desired high protein ingredients for smoothies! They're excellent for those wanting to increase their intake of protein! Plant-based protein powders can also be enjoyed in shakes, smoothies, and other delicious recipes. Depending on the brand you choose, the quantity you consume, and flavour you pick, your plant-based protein powder can have varying amounts of protein. A popular Happy Way flavour is the peanut butter plant-based protein powder. It contains 21.0 grams of protein per 30-gram serving. 
We've added ingredients such as chia seeds, coconut flour, and maca. It's so yummy too, just like eating peanut butter straight from the jar! Discover the full list of ingredients and learn more about our peanut butter plant-based protein powder here. 

Two recipes for you!

Are you in need of some breakfast inspo? Want some ideas of high protein ingredients for smoothies? We highly recommend the Banana Breakfast Smoothie. It's super delicious that you won't want to peel yourself away from this one!

This recipe needs just eight ingredients. Ensure you have ready one banana, one cup of almond milk, a quarter cup of rolled oats, and 30 grams of vanilla flavoured protein powder (whey or plant-based). You will also need one tablespoon of chia seeds, one teaspoon of cinnamon, one teaspoon of pepita seeds, and one teaspoon of almond butter. 

Now that you have all your ingredients ready to go, simply add them all into a high-powered blender and blend them well until smooth. Pour you smoothie into a glass and enjoy!  This recipe is by @malissafedele, and you can view it on our website here.

If you're more into a veggie-based smoothie, then you MUST try the Green Breakfast Smoothie. It uses one of our favourite high protein ingredients for smoothies, which is the vegan vanilla flavoured protein powder. One word: YUM!
This recipe needs just nine delicious ingredients, some of which you may already have in the pantry and fridge!

For this one, the ingredients you'll need are one cup of baby spinach, half an avocado, one banana, one tablespoon of oats, and half a mango. Also have ready one pinch of cinnamon, one cup of ice, one cup of almond milk, and 30 grams of vegan vanilla protein powder. 

Likewise, the method for this smoothie is super easy: add all of the ingredients into a high-speed blender. Blend it all until it's smooth. 
Pour your green breakfast smoothie into a glass and slurp away at this amazingly yummy drink!

This recipe is also by @malissafedele, and you can view it here.