Name: Mixed Berry Protein Smoothie
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: 1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk; 1/3 cup vanilla protein powder; 1 ½ cups frozen mixed berries (raspberries, blueberries, blackberries); 1 tablespoon peanut butter or almond butter; 1 tablespoon chia seeds

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Per serving

Calories —

Protein —

Carbs —

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This mixed berry protein smoothie is one of my favorite ways to get 42 grams of protein in under 5 minutes while also getting some healthy fats and fiber as well. Another added benefit is that it has no added sugar if you pick the right ingredients. It’s the ideal way to start your morning off right or refuel after an intense workout.

Mixed berry protein smoothie recipe – high-protein easy smoothie with mixed berries — Flexible Feasts – Mixed Berry Protein Smoothie: High-Protein Easy Smoothie

What Makes This Actually Good

The vanilla protein powder supplies the bulk of the 42 grams of protein. Since we’re blending it, you won’t have to worry about a clumpy texture as long as you have a good blender.
Frozen mixed berries are great for two reasons here. They sweeten the smoothie naturally and give it a thick, frosty texture without diluting the flavor like ice cubes would. I also like using mixed berries in my yogurt bowls like my mixed berry protein yogurt.
The peanut butter and chia seeds add healthy fats and fiber that keep you feeling satisfied for hours without any sugar crashes.

Ingredients

Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk. This forms the liquid base of the smoothie while keeping the calorie count low. The vanilla flavor complements the berries nicely without overpowering them. You can also use regular milk or your preferred milk substitute if you’d like.
Vanilla Protein Powder. This is where you get the bulk of your 42 grams of protein. I have tested this recipe with a chocolate protein powder and I’ve found that the chocolate doesn’t go well with the mixed berries, so I would stick with vanilla if possible.
Frozen Mixed Berries. A blend of raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries gives you natural sweetness and a thick, frosty texture. Frozen fruit is the way to go here for a thicker consistency but you can use fresh if that’s all you have on hand.
Peanut Butter. Adds healthy fats and creaminess that make this smoothie actually keep you full. Almond butter works just as well if that’s what you prefer and cashew butter is one of my favorite ways to keep a neutral flavor profile.
Chia Seeds. A small addition that packs a big nutritional punch with fiber and omega-3s. You won’t taste them at all, which makes them an easy win. If you want a recipe that uses more chia seeds, check out my chocolate chia seed protein pudding.

Reasons This Will Become a Regular

It takes just less than 5 minutes from start to finish. This is about as fast as a nutritious breakfast gets, which matters on the mornings when you’re already running late.
The macro split is genuinely balanced. With 42 grams of protein, 17 grams of fat, and 37 grams of carbs, this works well for a post-workout or morning meal.
There’s no added sugar anywhere in this recipe as long as you pick the right ingredients. The sweetness comes entirely from the berries and your protein powder, so you get flavor without the crash.
It tastes good. A lot of high-protein smoothies taste chalky or overly sweet. This vanilla berry protein smoothie lands in the middle, berry-forward with a creamy finish. If you want another creamy berry recipe, try my blueberry cheesecake protein smoothie next.
5 ingredients total. You probably already have most of these in your pantry or fridge so you should be able to make it right away.

How to make mixed berry protein smoothie – step-by-step high-protein recipe photo — Flexible Feasts – Making Mixed Berry Protein Smoothie: Step 1

What Goes Well With This

Whole wheat toast with jam (balances the liquid-heavy smoothie with something more filling)
A few scoops of protein granola for some added crunch to your meal or a healthy muffin on the side for a filling meal.
Hard-boiled or scrambled eggs to add some additional protein to your meal.

Mixed berry protein smoothie in progress – easy high-protein smoothie recipe shot — Flexible Feasts – Making Mixed Berry Protein Smoothie: Step 2

Swaps and Substitutions

Banana swap. Add half a frozen banana for extra creaminess and natural sweetness. This works especially well if your protein powder is on the unsweetened side. I’ve got another no added sugar smoothie that uses bananas which is my chocolate peanut butter banana protein smoothie.
Green version. Toss in a handful of fresh spinach or kale. You won’t taste it, and it adds additional nutrients without changing the berry flavor profile at all.
Almond butter instead of peanut butter. This gives it a slightly different flavor. Both work great and add healthy fats to your diet.

Making a mixed berry protein smoothie – quick high-protein recipe process photo — Flexible Feasts – Making Mixed Berry Protein Smoothie: Step 3

Notes From Testing This

Use frozen berries

This recipe is built on frozen berries. Frozen fruit makes the smoothie thick and cold without watering it down like ice cubes do. Fresh berries will give you a thinner, more juice-like consistency which is fine if that’s what you prefer.
Drink it right away

Chia seeds absorb liquid over time, so this smoothie will get slightly thicker if you let it sit. Also from experience, most smoothies don’t have the best texture if you leave them in the fridge overnight, although shaking it well can help.
Check your protein powder sweetness

Some brands are noticeably sweeter than others. If your protein powder is unsweetened and you want a sweeter smoothie, add a dash of monk fruit or allulose so the recipe stays added-sugar-free.

Mixed berry protein smoothie recipe – high-protein smoothie step-by-step process photo — Flexible Feasts – Making Mixed Berry Protein Smoothie: Step 4

FAQs

Can I meal prep this mixed berry protein smoothie recipe ahead of time?

You could but I wouldn’t recommend doing so. Smoothies like this are best blended right before you drink them. The chia seeds will continue absorbing liquid and make the texture overly thick if you let it sit. You can prep the ingredients the night before and then blend in the morning.
Can I use a different protein powder?

Absolutely. You can swap in strawberry protein powder, casein, or even a plant-based protein. Just keep in mind that different brands have different sweetness levels and thickness, so you may need to adjust the amount of almond milk slightly.
Is this smoothie too thick for a regular blender?

It shouldn’t be but it might be a bit thick depending on your blender’s power. If your blender struggles, add an extra splash of almond milk (a couple tablespoons) and it should blend smoothly. A high-speed blender handles it without any adjustments.

Mixed berry protein smoothie prep – easy high-protein breakfast smoothie in progress — Flexible Feasts – Making Mixed Berry Protein Smoothie: Step 5

Equipment Needed

Recipe