I get TONS of questions from you all about how to boost the protein in your meals, and I love that we’re all trying to get more protein into our diets! It’s such an easy way to make a meal feel more satisfying and keep you fuller for longer.
One of my favorite ways to get more protein in my breakfasts and snacks? Protein powder! Just one scoop can add anywhere from 10-25g of protein — helping you reach your daily protein goal a little easier. I put together tons of easy, delicious ways to use protein powder in recipes like baked oatmeal, energy bites, and overnight oats, plus included my favorite no bake snack recipes that already have protein powder as an ingredient.
Check out the AK team’s favorite brands below, and have fun experimenting with different flavors!
Our favorite protein powder brands
As always, choose the protein powder that works best for you and your dietary needs! I lean towards protein powders without stevia and monkfruit sweetener because they tend to have an odd aftertaste, and I’ve gotten used to brands without dairy from the times when I had to cut out dairy during breastfeeding. You do you! Here are some of my personal favorites:
- Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides: this has no flavor, so it’s great for adding to recipes that already have enough sweetness and flavor. Plus it’s not chalky at all! Note that it is not plant-based but it is dairy-free.
- Aloha Vanilla: this is a great vegan/plant-based option for adding a little flavor boost in recipes like energy bites, bars, and more neutral-flavored smoothies.
- Tera’s Whey Protein: this brand comes in chocolate and vanilla, so it’s perfect in chocolate or vanilla-flavored recipes. This is not plant-based but definitely one of my favorites!
- Promix Vanilla: another great vegan/plant-based protein powder that comes in a few different flavors and packs in extra vitamins.
How to add protein powder to recipes
Because protein powder is a dry ingredient, I don’t recommend adding it to baked goods like cookies, bars, or cakes unless the recipe tells you exactly how to do so (or you experiment with your own wet-dry ingredient ratios). If you do decide to experiment, I’d suggest replacing some of the dry ingredient the the recipe with your protein powder of choice.
There are plenty of ways to add your fav protein powder to other types of recipes!
- For smoothies: add 1-2 scoops of protein powder before blending. If the smoothie gets too thick for your liking, simply add more of the liquid that you’re using in the recipe (milk, juice, etc.) Get all of my smoothie recipes here!
- For baked oatmeal: you can typically get away with mixing 1 scoop of protein powder to your baked oatmeal batter before baking. Get my oatmeal recipes here!
- For overnight oats: similar to smoothies, feel free to add 1-2 scoops into your overnight oats before chilling. You may need extra milk.
- For energy bites: if the recipe for your energy bites are made with Medjool dates, feel free to add 1 scoop of protein powder and then add warm water until the mixture is easy to roll into balls. Get all of my no bake snack recipes here.
Easy no bake recipes using protein powder
These recipes are ones that have protein powder as a dry ingredient, so you can follow them as-written and mix in your favorite kind!
No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Bars: 8.6g protein
No bake chocolate peanut butter protein bars that taste just like a peanut butter cup. These low carb peanut butter protein bars will be your new favorite snack to keep in your fridge and enjoy all week long!
Chocolate Protein Brownie Bites (with a nut-free option!): 10g of protein
Deliciously fudgy protein brownie bites made with simple ingredients and packed with almost 10g of protein. These no bake brownie energy bites are the perfect afternoon snack or dessert, and truly taste like a decadent brownie! Easily make them nut-free for a great back-to-school snack option.
Pumpkin Pie Smoothie: 17g of protein, or 38.2g of protein with 1 scoop of protein powder added
Creamy, protein-packed pumpkin pie smoothie blended with pumpkin puree, banana, yogurt, nut butter and cozy spices for a delicious breakfast or snack! This healthy pumpkin smoothie recipe will be your new favorite to make for fall.
High Protein Coffee Overnight Oats: 30.5g protein
Creamy coffee overnight oats made with brewed coffee, hearty oats, greek yogurt, and your choice of protein powder for a filling breakfast to start your morning. These protein-packed coffee overnight oats are easy to make and are extra delicious with a little cacao powder and a few chocolate chips for a mocha flavor!
Peanut Butter Protein Cookie Dough Bites: 10.3g protein
Easy cookie dough protein bites made with 7 simple ingredients for the perfect freezer-friendly snack or treat! These vegan-friendly cookie dough energy bites are naturally sweetened and packed with over 10g of protein, plus healthy fats from creamy peanut butter to keep you satisfied.
Vanilla Brown Butter Pear Baked Oatmeal: 11.4g of protein with 1 scoop protein powder added
Wonderful vanilla brown butter pear baked oatmeal with hints of cinnamon and sweet pears in every bite. This easy pear oatmeal bake is filled with warming flavors and makes the perfect winter breakfast or brunch!
Coconut & Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Bars: 7.4g protein
Delicious no bake coconut chocolate protein bars made with simple ingredients like oats, peanut butter, chia seeds and your favorite protein powder. These healthy coconut and chocolate protein bars are packed with healthy fats, easy to customize and a great homemade snack to have on hand!
Sea Salt Cashew Butter Chocolate Protein Bars: 7.6g protein
Incredible no bake cashew butter chocolate protein bars with a sprinkle of sea salt. These decadent bars pack over 7g of protein and make the best post-workout snack or satisfying treat! Gluten free and vegan-friendly.
5-Minute Protein Peanut Butter Energy Bites: 6.6g protein
No bake protein packed peanut butter energy bites that taste like peanut butter cookie dough with an amazing chewy texture. These healthy peanut butter energy bites are loaded with nutritious ingredients like flaxseed, chia and oats for the perfect no bake snack.
If you make any of these protein-packed recipes, be sure to leave a comment and a rating so I know how you liked it!
