Are you having trouble creating a protein shake that tastes like the ones you're used to ordering? Although making protein shakes at home can be tricky, knowing when to use each has a drastic effect on how your shake will taste. Continue scrolling to learn more about the many different factors that go into making a great-tasting protein shake. We'll cover everything from mixing it to choosing a good quality protein powder.

Choose a Quality Protein Powder

The protein powder you choose will significantly impact the way your shake tastes. From whey protein to soy protein, the many different protein powders available vary based on nutritional needs and dietary restrictions. Take a look at the list below to determine which best suits your lifestyle.

Whey Protein powder

Whey protein powder is one of the most popular proteins on shelves. While that is partly due to it being around the longest, it's also due to its quality. Whey protein is a high-quality complete protein that contains all nine essential amino acids. The body requires these specific amino acids for strength and muscle development and cannot make them independently. That being so, you must receive them from the foods you eat. Adding whey protein to your meals is an excellent way to increase your protein intake without overloading your diet with carbohydrates and fats. Our Bob's Red Mill Whey Protein Powder is unsweetened and simple, something that sets it apart from the rest of the protein powders you'll find on the market today. Additionally, it dissolves instantly, allowing whatever you add to take on a more creamy texture. Incorporating high-quality whey protein into your shakes is an excellent way to ensure that their taste and nutrition are top-notch.

Soy Protein Powder

Topping the most popular list of protein powders, right next to whey, sits soy protein powder. A healthy, plant-based alternative to animal protein, like whey, it contains all nine essential amino acids. As a complete protein, it's easy to digest and has minimal flavor. This makes it easy to blend into smoothies, shakes and other recipes for a quick boost of nutrition. Add it to a delicious protein-packed treat like this Soy Sunshine Smoothie, or work it into these Soy Protein Bars to create a protein-packed dessert.

Hemp Protein Powder

Hemp is one of the best plant-based protein sources around. It contains all 20 amino acids, including the nine essential ones. It's a protein-packed supplement derived from the hemp seed and is overflowing with health benefits. A great source of iron and fiber, hemp protein powder is used to make deliciously creamy smoothies and shakes. Use hemp protein powder in your next breakfast recipe by creating this Berry Peachy Hemp Smoothie.

Almond Protein Powder

A naturally sweet and flavorful plant-based protein powder, almond protein powder is not to be confused with almond meal. Instead of being made from whole, unblanched almonds, almond protein powder is created from blanched almonds that are finely ground and pressed. This process removes the oil from the almonds and creates a de-fatted, high protein powder. Our Bob's Red Mill Almond Protein Powder contains 20 grams of protein per serving and is made with one simple ingredientalmond protein powder. With no added flavors, colors, or sweeteners, it's much healthier than many other protein powder options. Additionally, because it's made in our gluten free facility, it's safe for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance to consume. Make this Green Goodness Smoothie that uses almonds protein powder to boost its nutritional content.

Thoroughly Mix Your Protein Shake

To ensure that your protein shake tastes great, you'll want to mix it well. A protein shake's texture primarily affects how it tastes, and while lumpy protein shakes are not ideal, they're a common problem. When mixing your protein shake, scan the instructions on the back of your bag for mixing instructions. Though some types of protein can be mixed by hand, most will require a small blender to create a smooth, lump-free texture. Don't have a blender? Try using a whisk to blend the protein powder with the other ingredients and opt for all liquid ingredients to mix it more effortlessly.

Refrain From Using Sweetened Protein Powders

When searching for a high-quality protein powder, steer clear of those that contain added sugars and sugar alcohols. Though they may claim to boost the flavor of your protein shake, it's much easier and healthier to sweeten the shake yourself. For example, using sweet ingredients like fruit and berries will boost the recipe's taste. In addition, natural sweeteners like honey or agave can also be used to sweeten up your shake. Not only will these add-ins mix better, but they can also help boost the nutritional content.

Add Flavor Enhancers

Not loving the protein shake you've been making lately? It may not have to do with the protein and instead is due to the other ingredients (or lack of). Luckily, there are several ways that you can boost the taste of your protein shake in minutes. Depending on your taste preferences, just a tiny amount of almond, mint, or vanilla extract can take your protein shake's flavor to the next level. Additionally, cinnamon and cocoa powder can add an overall warmth to your recipe that's sure to satisfy. Finally, coffee, tea and nut butter can also be used to add natural sweetness and flavor to your protein shake while simultaneously boosting the texture. To determine which of the above will work best in your shake, make a note of the other ingredients in the recipe, and then decide which flavor enhancers will work taste best alongside them.

Change up Your Base Liquid

The liquid you choose for the base of your protein shake dramatically affects its overall taste and texture. While making your protein shakes with water is a great way to keep the calories and carbohydrate content low, it's not doing much for the flavor of your shake. Instead, try milk or a plant-based milk substitute like almond milk. Using these liquids as a base will help make the texture of your shake a bit more creamy while also adding a sweet milky flavor. For protein shakes that use more topical/tangy ingredients, juices like orange juice will serve as an excellent, flavorful base. However, you'll want to be careful with how much you use, as most fruit juices contain high amounts of sugar and calories.

Chill Your Protein Shake

Like most smoothies, protein shakes usually taste better when they're cold. Even more so, as your protein sits in your shake, it will begin to taste a bit off the longer you wait to drink it. So the next time you'd like to spice up a bland protein shake, try adding a bit of ice to it. Or, if you're taking your shake to go, pack it into an insulated shaker bottle to keep it cool until you're ready to enjoy it.

Use Fresh Fruit in Your Shake Recipe

One of the best ways to enhance your shake's flavor and overall nutritional profile is by using fresh, healthy and wholesome ingredients. Adding fresh fruits like berries, bananas, strawberries and mango to your shake is an excellent way to flavor it naturally without resorting to artificial ingredients and sugars. We recommend beginning with an unflavored powder when adding fruit to your protein shake recipe. While flavored powders can be mixed with fruits, more often than not, the flavors clash with one another, and you won't love the result.

Mix Protein Powders Together

If you purchased a protein powder that you're not the biggest fan of, not all hope is lost. As long as it's a quality powder, you can still get your money's worth. Instead of throwing the entire package of protein powder away, mix with a powder that you enjoy. This way, you can use both protein powders over time, and nothing goes to waste. To avoid the unwanted protein powder from ruining the good one, we recommend using two-thirds of the protein powder you do like and only one-third of the powder you don't like. Now that you know how to make protein shakes taste better, it's time to put your skills to the test. If your everyday protein shake recipe needs a bit of bolstering, use the tips and tricks above to refresh its flavor and texture, creating something that you genuinely enjoy. We're confident that with a bit of patience, you'll make a shake that's better than ever before. From everyone at Bob's Red Mill, we wish you a happy and protein-packed day! Do you know of more ways to make protein shakes taste better? We'd love to hear them. Share your favorite protein shake tips and tricks with us in the comments below.