This quick and easy banana protein shake is the best! It tastes just like a frosty, is ready in just 5 minutes AND packs 30g of protein! Plus? The ingredients were hand picked by a Registered Dietitian and are sure to keep you full all morning long!
Why This Recipe Works
To be honest I used to be kinda anti-protein shakes and smoothies. I felt like I was much more of a "chewer" and drinking something just would NOT keep my full for long. Well.... turns out I was just making them wrong and they're actually very filling and insanely delicious!
Now, I make this banana protein shake SO often! It's got the perfect balance of carbs, protein (a whopping 30 grams!) and fat that leave me feeling satisfied, yes, but... guys? This thing is like ICE CREAM! Oh my gosh, it's amazing. The consistency is so insanely fluffy thanks to a few key secrets: using pudding mix and extra blending!
This recipe is the base for all of my other smoothie recipes (it's THAT good!) like my eggnog smoothie and creamy cranberry pie smoothie!
Ingredients
- Whole Milk: Using whole milk is key for this recipe, or any milk that has some fat in it. If you pick a non-fat milk I'd recommend adding some sort of fat in there to help keep you satisfied. Nut butter or even avocado would work!
- Protein powder: I like to use Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey. To me it tastes the best and it doesn't upset my stomach. Protein powder choices can be highly individualized though so do what works for you! My friend and fellow Registered Dietitian, Angie, from Eleat Nutrition has a great post on everything you need to know about protein powders- be sure to check that out for more info!
- Pudding Mix: Okay.. this one is random, I know... BUT hear me out here. Adding a touch of pudding mix makes this delish protein packed smoothie insanely thick and a touch sweeter, too. A lot of smoothie bars actually use this trick, too!
How To Make This Recipe
It's literally as easy as throwing all of the 5 ingredients into a blender. I have a Ninja that I am OBSESSED with. You can find the same Ninja Blender here. The quality of your blender will play a role in how your smoothie turns out. The better the blender you have the better your smoothie will be. That's just the way the cookie crumbles.
The key here is when you think it's done... blend for an additional minute or so! This will ensure that there are NO chunks of ice and get your banana protein shake to be super fluffy!
Pour your homemade protein shake into a glass and enjoy!
I'm a BIG fan of topping this thick, creamy banana goodness with some granola, like my cinnamon pretzel granola.
Recipe FAQs
Honestly, the key to a really thick smoothie is the banana. While you can add in other fruit, I wouldn't suggest taking out the banana! If you really need to try another fruit I'd recommend trying mango, it's another pretty "sturdy" fruit. Make sure it's frozen!
I'd suggest adding some greek yogurt in place of protein powder if you don't have any. Protein IS key to feeling full. And if you're using this as a post-workout snack your muscles are going to want some protein to help them recover from your workout.
The pudding mix is KEY here! Honestly, this protein shake doesn't taste super banana-y. It'll take on the flavor of the protein powder and the pudding mix.
Protein shakes can be a great way to get quick nutrition in... but I don't recommend having more than 1 a day at max. Even then, I'd recommend more whole foods.
Absolutely not! If you use only half of a banana you likely won't have the same result for your banana protein shake. The FULL banana is key here!
You can use a plant based protein powder. I do find that whey gets fluffier, but it will still work with plant based. You might want to add a touch extra pudding mix to thicken it to get it fluffier, or add a few extra frozen banana slices.
Expert Tips
The best part of this banana protein shake is that it's SUPER customizable. Here are some variations that I like:
- Mocha Protein Smoothie: Use chocolate protein powder and/or pudding mix, add a heaping spoonful of cocoa powder, and ~2 tsp of instant coffee
- Chunky Monkey: Use chocolate protein powder and/or pudding mix, add a heaping spoonful of cocoa powder, and a heaping spoonful of peanut butter
- Cinnamon Peanut Butter: Add a heaping spoonful of peanut butter and a dash of cinnamon
- Banana Cream Pie: Use banana pudding mix and top with crushed graham cracker
Other Recipes You Might Like:
If you love this recipe be sure to leave a star rating on the recipe card and a comment below!
XOXO
-Colleen
Easy & Quick Banana Protein Shake
This thick and creamy banana protein shake has only five ingredients and will keep you full for hours!
Ingredients
- 2 cups ice
- 1 frozen banana
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 scoop protein powder
- 2 tsp vanilla pudding mix
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in a large blender and blend until smooth.
Notes
Be sure to blend this smoothie extra- more than you think! That is how you get it nice and creamy.
You can sub any type of pudding mix flavor your like!
You can also omit the pudding mix if you don't have it on hand.
Using a FULL banana is key!
If you need to sub a fruit try a mango.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 1 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 296Total Fat: 5gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 17mgSodium: 123mgCarbohydrates: 36gFiber: 4gSugar: 22gProtein: 30g
Alexis
I know you there’s not an exact substitute for whole milk, but is there something similar? I’m super lactose intolerant, but agree that almond milk just doesn’t keep me full. I’ve heard about Fairlife, though I’ve only seen 2% and chocolate.
Alexis
*whoops I meant to say “I know there’s not...”
Colleen
Great question! You can add any form of fat. I know a lot of people like using avocado in smoothies, too! or you can add some of your fave nut butter!!
Jacklyn
Lactose free fairlife milk! It's also super high in protein
Molly Collins
If I’ve learned anything from the out of ordinary things in her recipes it’s to TRUST COLLEEN!!! She knows what she’s doing!! 🤩
Colleen
lol I love this! Thanks for the confidence boost haha!!
Alia
Hey how are you just wondering what your thoughts are on coconut yogurt
Would that work instead of milk
Colleen
Hi! I haven't tried it so I can't say for sure! I'd suggest trying something with fat in it- because I think that is what helps it become so fluffy!
Aurora
Just made this for me and my boyfriend and it tastes great! I used the Myprotein vanilla protein powder 🙂 we don't have any pudding mix but it still was very good xx thanks for the recipe!
Colleen
So glad you loved!!!!
Alexia
I made this for breakfast this morning and it was amazing how full I felt for hours afterword! This shake had the perfect amount of sweetness and it was super creamy, like a thick and filling dessert milkshake! I used salted caramel protein powder and it tasted wonderful! Thank you so much for this fabulous recipe!
Colleen
So glad you loved! That combo sounds delish!
Laura
Pudding mix? Genius !
Can't have regular milk but i think using my fave soy milk and adding nut butter should do the trick for the fat...
Also frozen mangoes tend to have the same consistency as bananas when blended if you want to try switching up fruits...
Thanks so much for the recipe, insta stories and everything ❤️
Colleen
Mmm frozen mangos I need to try that! Thanks, Laura!