Protein Drink Ingredients
Making your own protein drinks is a healthy and less expensive way to get a kick-start before a workout routine or a grab-and-go alternative to a full breakfast. Protein drink ingredients can remain simple with just a few items or can vary to include several tasty options. Mix and match ingredients to come up with a protein drink that best suits your taste while providing an energy boost.
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Dairy
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Most protein shakes have a milk or yogurt base. Start with a low or nonfat milk or yogurt. For a nondairy alternative, use soy, almond or oat milk, which provides good protein without the lactose content. Look for soy or goat yogurts as well. Egg whites are also an excellent addition to a protein drink.
Powders and Grains
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Several ready-made protein powders are available in supermarkets, nutritional centers and online. If you want to forgo commercial products, you can make your own by purchasing bulk products such as wheat germ, oat bran or soy, spirulina and whey powders at natural food stores. One to 2 tbsp. of these ingredients provide healthy protein.
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Nut Butters and Tofu
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Peanut or almond butters are a tasty addition to your protein drink and provide a rich, nutty texture. As long as you don't overdo the amounts (a tablespoon is plenty), your drink won't be too thick. Tofu is also a good source of both protein and calcium, and blends well, creating a creamy result.
Fruit
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While fruit may not be loaded with protein, it does have some and also adds healthy fiber and antioxidants to your drink. Use fresh or frozen fruit for a more healthful result, and try to avoid canned products with added sugars. Try fruits such as berries, peaches, bananas, cherries, apples, oranges and pineapple.
Vegetables
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Vegetables may seem like an odd addition to a protein drink, but like fruit, vegetables add fiber, vitamins and minerals for a healthy beverage. Use fresh or frozen vegetables, and watch for products with added sodium. Fresh, leafy greens like lettuce, kale, chard and spinach blend very well. Try juicing carrots and beets. If you don't have a juicer, chop them into small pieces or grate the vegetables for better blending.
Flavor Additives
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Experimenting with flavors will keep your protein drink from becoming routine and boring. Add spices like cinnamon, ginger, pumpkin pie spice or nutmeg. Try a dash of hot sauce if you like a little zing. Other flavors include vanilla, grated coconut or fresh cilantro. Stay away from using sugar; try adding honey or pure maple syrup instead. Although they won't provide much taste when blended, a tablespoon of olive or flax seed oil will give you a healthy dose of omega fatty acids.
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