21 Protein Drinks for Muscle Gain and Daily Nutrition

Adding more protein to your diet to stay full and support muscle growth is simple when you include a variety of high protein drinks throughout your day.

Protein drinks are an easy and convenient way to boost daily protein intake. Many recipes require just a few ingredients and can be adapted to your taste and dietary needs.

Protein powder is a quick way to increase protein in smoothies and shakes—combine it with milk and frozen fruit for a fast, satisfying drink.

If you prefer not to use powders, whole-food options like nut butter, Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, and fortified plant milks also add substantial protein to beverages.

high protein drink recipes

Best High Protein Drinks

Below are 21 high-protein drink ideas you can try. They range from smoothies and shakes to hot drinks and iced coffees—each provides a tasty way to meet your protein goals.

1. Chocolate Zucchini Smoothie

zucchini chocolate smoothie

goodfoodbaddie.com

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 422
  • Fats: 23.5g
  • Protein: 26.7g
  • Carbs: 40.6g
  • Fiber: 11.2g
  • Sugar: 18.4g

Don’t be surprised by zucchini in a smoothie—when blended it becomes silky and virtually undetectable. Raw cacao provides the chocolate flavor while Medjool dates add natural sweetness. Any protein powder works well here to create a chocolate-milkshake-like drink.

2. Peanut Butter Milkshake

peanut butter milkshake

mymorningmocha.com

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 508
  • Fats: 33g
  • Protein: 16g
  • Carbs: 40g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sugar: 34g

This creamy milkshake needs only peanut butter, vanilla ice cream, and milk. Peanut butter supplies most of the protein, while full-fat milk and ice cream give a rich texture. Adjust milk and ice cream to change thickness, and top with a peanut butter drizzle for extra flavor.

3. Strawberry Banana Protein Smoothie

strawberry banana protein smoothie

apaigeofpositivity.com

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 315
  • Fats: 7g
  • Protein: 19g
  • Carbs: 46g
  • Fiber: 8g
  • Sugar: 25g

Classic strawberry and banana pair perfectly. Use vanilla or coconut protein powder for a complementary flavor, and frozen fruit for a thicker, colder smoothie. Almond milk or regular milk both work well as the liquid base.

4. Protein Iced Coffee

protein iced coffee

thelittlestcrumb.com

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 157
  • Fats: 2.9g
  • Protein: 17.3g
  • Carbs: 16.3g
  • Fiber: 0.8g
  • Sugar: 14.3g

Cold-brew coffee blends with chocolate protein powder for a caffeinated protein boost. A homemade chocolate syrup can intensify the flavor if you want a richer, dessert-like iced coffee.

5. Mint Chocolate Smoothie

mint chocolate smoothie

apaigeofpositivity.com

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 358
  • Fats: 10g
  • Protein: 27g
  • Carbs: 45g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sugar: 25g

This tastes like mint chip ice cream thanks to chocolate and mint flavors. Spinach provides the vibrant green color without altering taste, while fresh mint leaves boost the minty aroma. Vanilla protein powder blends best, and chocolate chips add a crunchy finish.

6. Peanut Butter Coffee Latte

peanut butter coffee latte

thelittlestcrumb.com

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 333
  • Fats: 19.7g
  • Protein: 13.1g
  • Carbs: 29.5g
  • Fiber: 1.8g
  • Sugar: 24.4g

A warm latte that incorporates peanut butter for added protein and creaminess. Build a stovetop peanut butter mixture, then combine with milk, sugar, and espresso for a nutty, comforting drink.

7. Chocolate Cherry Smoothie

chocolate cherry smoothie

apaigeofpositivity.com

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 291
  • Fats: 4g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Carbs: 37g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Sugar: 24g

Chocolate and cherry make a delicious pair. Use chocolate protein powder, frozen cherries for a milkshake-like texture, and Greek yogurt for extra protein and creaminess.

8. Healthy Eggnog Milkshake

healthy eggnogg milkshake

theoregondietitian.com

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 451
  • Fats: 15g
  • Protein: 26g
  • Carbs: 57g
  • Fiber: 7g

A seasonal favorite that works for breakfast or dessert. Vanilla protein powder complements eggnog and frozen banana, while pumpkin pie spice adds a cozy twist.

9. Mango and Spinach Smoothie

mango and spinach smoothie

hellofrozenbananas.com

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 311
  • Fats: 14g
  • Protein: 23g
  • Carbs: 30g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Sugar: 20g

Tropical mango and nutrient-rich spinach create a refreshing, summery smoothie. Frozen mango yields creaminess while vanilla protein powder and shredded coconut add depth and texture.

10. Espresso Protein Shake

espresso protein shake

cookeatpaleo.com

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 302
  • Fats: 1g
  • Protein: 49g
  • Carbs: 20g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 11g

A bold morning drink that combines espresso with egg white protein powder and cashew milk. Frozen banana adds sweetness and creaminess, making a coffee-shop-style beverage at home.

11. Whey Protein Hot Chocolate

whey protein hot chocolate

likehotketo.com

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 150
  • Fats: 2g
  • Protein: 32g
  • Carbs: 5g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Sugar: 0g

Whey can curdle in hot liquids unless prepared carefully. This method uses unflavored whey and cocoa powder, plus a small thickening agent, to create a smooth, indulgent hot chocolate without lumps.

12. Peach Blueberry Smoothie

peach blueberry smoothie

summeryule.com

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 232
  • Fats: 5g
  • Protein: 14.5g
  • Carbs: 32.8g
  • Fiber: 4g

Fresh peaches and blueberries get a floral lift from lavender. Cottage cheese adds unexpected creaminess and protein—full-fat gives the best texture. Sweeten with maple syrup if needed.

13. Vanilla Smoothie

vanilla smoothie

plantbasedwithamy.com

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 604
  • Fats: 29g
  • Protein: 33g
  • Carbs: 62g
  • Fiber: 14g
  • Sugar: 31g

A gentle, sweet smoothie using vanilla bean for authentic flavor. Frozen banana provides creaminess, while edamame contributes protein for a plant-based alternative to powder-based recipes.

14. Keto Strawberry Smoothie

keto strawberry smoothie

lowcarbspark.com

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 202
  • Fats: 14g
  • Protein: 13g
  • Carbs: 8g
  • Fiber: 3g

A low-carb strawberry smoothie with a vibrant color and thick texture from frozen strawberries. Use a low-carb protein powder to keep carbs down while maintaining a creamy, satisfying drink.

15. Blueberry Smoothie

blueberry smoothie

thecleaneatingcouple.com

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 261
  • Fats: 3g
  • Protein: 32g
  • Carbs: 30g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Sugar: 19g

Frozen blueberries provide the vivid color and chilled texture. Almond milk, nonfat Greek yogurt, and vanilla protein powder combine for a high-protein, antioxidant-rich smoothie. Use fresh berries if you want a thinner consistency.

16. Almond Breakfast Smoothie

almond breakfast smoothie

ifoodreal.com

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 340
  • Fats: 23g
  • Protein: 13g
  • Carbs: 23g
  • Fiber: 7g
  • Sugar: 2g

Almond flavor is layered through almond milk, extract, and raw almonds, with rolled oats added for a heartier, breakfast-style smoothie. Vanilla protein powder ties the flavors together and increases protein content.

17. Energy Boosting Green Smoothie

green smoothie

worldlytreat.com

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 333
  • Fats: 15g
  • Protein: 19g
  • Carbs: 33g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sugar: 19g

Baby spinach provides vitamins and a vivid green hue, while frozen banana and honey supply creaminess and natural sweetness. Almond or peanut butter can replace protein powder if needed.

18. Protein Smoothie

protein smoothie

joyfoodsunshine.com

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 322
  • Fats: 12g
  • Protein: 17g
  • Carbs: 41g
  • Fiber: 6g
  • Sugar: 28g

A berry-forward smoothie using frozen fruit to avoid adding ice. Greek yogurt, almond butter, and vanilla protein powder deliver a good protein mix; add collagen for an extra boost if desired.

19. Strawberry Blackberry Banana Smoothie

strawberry blackberry banana smoothie

greedygourmet.com

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 342
  • Fats: 9.1g
  • Protein: 15.7g
  • Carbs: 54.2g
  • Fiber: 7.7g
  • Sugar: 38.8g

A fruity blend that helps you reach a large portion of your daily fruit servings. Almond milk, plain yogurt, and dates (or honey/maple syrup) add sweetness and creaminess to the berry mix.

20. Blueberry Avocado Smoothie

blueberry avocado smoothie

theroastedroot.net

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 424
  • Fats: 15g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Carbs: 47g
  • Fiber: 11g
  • Sugar: 21g

Avocado adds a silky, rich texture and healthy fats, while banana and lemon zest brighten and thicken the drink. This smoothie balances creaminess with fresh blueberry flavor.

21. Almond Milk Protein Shake

almond milk protein shake

greedygourmet.com

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 331
  • Fats: 7.8g
  • Protein: 25.9g
  • Carbs: 57.5g
  • Fiber: 12.3g
  • Sugar: 16.8g

This nutty shake uses flaxseed-based protein powder and almond milk, with cocoa and frozen banana for a chocolatey, thick texture. It’s a satisfying way to enjoy a chocolate-flavored protein drink without dairy if desired.

Try these recipes as quick breakfasts, post-workout refuels, or nutritious snacks. Each can be customized—swap milks, adjust sweeteners, and choose the protein source that best fits your goals and preferences.