{"title":"Best Protein Powder for Ninja Creami","description":"\u003ch2\u003eWhat is the best protein powder for the Ninja Creami?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe best protein powder for a Ninja Creami makes a smooth, creamy pint, tastes good frozen and doesn't need a pile of sugar to get there. Vanilla is the most flexible base, because you can turn it into strawberry, cookies and cream, coffee or peanut butter with whatever you mix in.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat to look for:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eA flavor that tastes good cold.\u003c\/strong\u003e Cold dulls sweetness and flavor, so a powder with a clear vanilla taste works better than a bland one.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eA creamy texture.\u003c\/strong\u003e Plant proteins and casein tend to thicken a base, which helps the pint turn creamy instead of icy.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNo added sugar.\u003c\/strong\u003e You control the sweetness with fruit, a little maple syrup or nothing at all.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eA short ingredient list.\u003c\/strong\u003e Good protein ice cream doesn't need a dozen additives.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEnough protein.\u003c\/strong\u003e 20g or more per serving makes your pint a real high-protein dessert.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHere's Optimal Plant Protein, straight from the label:\u003csup\u003e\u003ca href=\"#source-2\"\u003e2\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/sup\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"overflow-x:auto\"\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePer serving (36g)\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eOptimal Plant Protein\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eProtein\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e26g\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCalories\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e150\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSugar\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e0g\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFlavor\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eVanilla, sweetened with organic monk fruit\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIngredients\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e4: organic pea protein, organic brown rice protein, organic vanilla, organic monk fruit\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFree of\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDairy, soy, gums, stevia and erythritol\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eDoes the Ninja Creami work with protein powder?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Protein ice cream is one of the most popular things people make in a Creami. You mix protein powder with milk, freeze it in the pint, and the machine shaves and churns the frozen block into something soft and scoopable. Plant protein works especially well because it gives the base body, which helps it turn creamy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eHow do you make protein ice cream in a Ninja Creami?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHere's a simple vanilla base to start with:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMix.\u003c\/strong\u003e Blend or shake 1 serving (36g) of Optimal with about 1.5 cups of milk or plant milk. Add a pinch of salt and, if you like, a tablespoon of nut butter or half a banana for extra creaminess.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePour.\u003c\/strong\u003e Pour it into the pint. Ninja recommends filling at least halfway to the max fill line for the best texture, and you should never go over the line.\u003csup\u003e\u003ca href=\"#source-1\"\u003e1\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/sup\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFreeze.\u003c\/strong\u003e Put the lid on and freeze on a level surface for at least 24 hours.\u003csup\u003e\u003ca href=\"#source-1\"\u003e1\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/sup\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpin.\u003c\/strong\u003e Use the Lite Ice Cream program. Ninja recommends it whenever a recipe uses a sugar substitute, and Optimal is sweetened with monk fruit.\u003csup\u003e\u003ca href=\"#source-1\"\u003e1\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/sup\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRe-spin if needed.\u003c\/strong\u003e If the pint is crumbly or powdery, use Re-spin.\u003csup\u003e\u003ca href=\"#source-1\"\u003e1\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/sup\u003e Many people add a tablespoon or two of milk first.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMix in.\u003c\/strong\u003e Make a hole down the middle, add chocolate chips, crushed cookies or fruit, and use the Mix-in program.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eDo I need protein powder for the Ninja Creami?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. The Creami works with regular ice cream bases, sorbets, frozen yogurt and fruit. Protein powder is optional. People add it because it turns a dessert into a snack with real protein, and because it helps lower-sugar bases turn creamy. Without sugar or fat, a plain milk base freezes hard and icy. Protein gives it structure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou can also make a high-protein pint without powder by using Greek yogurt, cottage cheese or high-protein milk, but a scoop of powder is the easiest way to add a lot of protein to one pint.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eIs whey or casein better for the Creami?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach protein behaves a little differently:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCasein.\u003c\/strong\u003e Very thick, so it tends to make a dense, creamy pint.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWhey.\u003c\/strong\u003e Thinner, so pints can turn out icier unless you add a thickener.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePea and brown rice.\u003c\/strong\u003e Naturally thick and creamy, and dairy-free. A good fit if you don't do dairy or find that whey upsets your stomach.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBlends.\u003c\/strong\u003e Many protein ice cream fans mix proteins to get the texture they like.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you want a dairy-free pint, use Optimal with a plant milk like oat, soy or almond.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat milk is best for Creami protein ice cream?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWhole dairy milk.\u003c\/strong\u003e The creamiest everyday option, and it adds protein.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoy milk.\u003c\/strong\u003e The highest-protein plant milk, with a smooth texture when frozen.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOat milk.\u003c\/strong\u003e Creamy and slightly sweet. A good dairy-free choice.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAlmond milk.\u003c\/strong\u003e Light and low in calories, but pints can come out icier.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCanned coconut milk.\u003c\/strong\u003e Very rich. Mix it with a lighter milk if you want something in between.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe more fat and protein in the base, the creamier the pint tends to be. Lighter milks usually need an extra re-spin.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat is the best protein powder for making ice cream?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor homemade protein ice cream, with or without a Creami, you want a powder with a good frozen flavor and a texture that thickens the base. Vanilla gives you the most options. Plant protein gives you a creamy, dairy-free result. A powder with 0g of sugar means you decide how sweet the dessert is.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDon't have a Creami? Blend frozen banana chunks with a serving of Optimal and a splash of milk in a food processor for a quick soft-serve.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eCan you make protein ice cream without sugar?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Optimal has 0g of sugar and is sweetened with monk fruit, so a base of Optimal and unsweetened milk has no added sugar at all.\u003csup\u003e\u003ca href=\"#source-2\"\u003e2\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/sup\u003e Sugar normally keeps ice cream soft, so sugar-free pints freeze harder. That's why the Lite Ice Cream program and a re-spin matter. If you want more sweetness, ripe banana or a little maple syrup work well, and cold dulls sweetness, so taste the base before freezing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy is my protein ice cream icy or crumbly?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIt's crumbly after the first spin.\u003c\/strong\u003e This is normal for low-sugar bases. Use Re-spin.\u003csup\u003e\u003ca href=\"#source-1\"\u003e1\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/sup\u003e A tablespoon or two of milk before re-spinning helps many pints.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIt's very hard to spin.\u003c\/strong\u003e If your freezer runs very cold, let the pint sit on the counter for a few minutes before processing.\u003csup\u003e\u003ca href=\"#source-1\"\u003e1\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/sup\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIt froze at an angle.\u003c\/strong\u003e Don't process a lopsided pint. Let it melt in the fridge, whisk and refreeze on a level surface.\u003csup\u003e\u003ca href=\"#source-1\"\u003e1\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/sup\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIt tastes icy.\u003c\/strong\u003e Add more body: a little nut butter, banana, Greek yogurt or a higher-fat milk.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIt tastes bland.\u003c\/strong\u003e Cold mutes flavor. Add vanilla extract, a pinch of salt, cinnamon or a little maple syrup to the base.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eProtein ice cream flavors to try\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStart with the vanilla base above, then add these before freezing unless noted:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStrawberry.\u003c\/strong\u003e Blend in 1 cup of strawberries.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePeanut butter banana.\u003c\/strong\u003e Add half a banana and a tablespoon of peanut butter.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCoffee.\u003c\/strong\u003e Replace half a cup of the milk with cold brew. See the \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/best-protein-powder-for-coffee\"\u003ebest protein powder for coffee\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCookies and cream.\u003c\/strong\u003e Spin the vanilla base, then add crushed cookies with the Mix-in program.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCinnamon roll.\u003c\/strong\u003e Add cinnamon to the base, then mix in crumbled graham crackers.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMango.\u003c\/strong\u003e Blend in 1 cup of mango and use coconut milk.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eChocolate.\u003c\/strong\u003e Add 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa and a little maple syrup.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBlueberry cheesecake.\u003c\/strong\u003e Blend in a few spoonfuls of Greek yogurt or cream cheese, then mix in blueberries.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWant it drinkable? Spin a pint, add a bit more milk and use the Milkshake program. For blended drinks, see the \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/best-protein-powder-for-smoothies\"\u003ebest protein powder for smoothies\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eCan you make a protein smoothie bowl in the Creami?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Blend frozen fruit like berries, banana or mango with a serving of Optimal and just enough milk or juice to get it moving, freeze it in the pint and use the Smoothie Bowl program. Top with granola, sliced fruit and a drizzle of nut butter for a cold, spoonable breakfast with protein.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eHow much protein is in a Creami pint?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA pint made with one serving of Optimal gets 26g of protein from the powder, plus whatever your milk adds.\u003csup\u003e\u003ca href=\"#source-2\"\u003e2\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/sup\u003e Dairy milk and soy milk add the most protein. Almond and oat milk add less. Some people use two servings in a pint for an even higher-protein dessert. If the base gets too thick, add a little more milk.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eCan you use plant protein in the Ninja Creami?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Plant protein like pea and brown rice makes a thick, creamy base and keeps the pint dairy-free when you use plant milk. Because Optimal contains no gums, the texture comes from the protein itself and whatever you add. Expect a soft-serve style scoop after a re-spin or two.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eIs protein ice cream healthy?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt's a dessert with a lot more protein and usually a lot less sugar than regular ice cream. That makes it a great swap if you love something sweet at night. What you add still counts. Cookies, candy and syrups can turn a light pint into a heavy one. If you're watching calories, keep mix-ins to a spoonful and use a lighter milk. For more, see the \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/best-protein-powder-for-weight-loss\"\u003ebest protein powder for weight loss\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eHow long does Creami protein ice cream keep?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLeftovers can go back in the freezer with the lid on. They'll freeze hard again, so smooth the top flat and re-process before eating. If you added mix-ins and your recipe uses a sugar substitute, Ninja recommends processing leftovers on the Lite Ice Cream program.\u003csup\u003e\u003ca href=\"#source-1\"\u003e1\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/sup\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy we make Optimal this way\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e26g of protein per serving (36g).\u003c\/strong\u003e 150 calories and 0g of sugar.\u003csup\u003e\u003ca href=\"#source-2\"\u003e2\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/sup\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVanilla that tastes good frozen.\u003c\/strong\u003e Organic vanilla and organic monk fruit.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFour ingredients.\u003c\/strong\u003e Organic pea protein, organic brown rice protein, organic vanilla and organic monk fruit. No gums, dairy, soy, stevia or erythritol.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTested.\u003c\/strong\u003e We publish our heavy metal results from Light Labs, an independent lab.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCertified.\u003c\/strong\u003e USDA Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified and certified gluten-free.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNinja and CREAMi are trademarks of SharkNinja Operating LLC. fitppl isn't affiliated with or endorsed by SharkNinja. Always follow the instructions that came with your machine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eSources\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli id=\"source-1\"\u003eNinja Kitchen support. NC300 Series Ninja CREAMi 7-in-1 Ice Cream Maker FAQs.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli id=\"source-2\"\u003efitppl. Optimal Plant Protein Nutrition Facts.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"optimal-organic-plant-protein-powder","title":"Optimal Plant Protein","description":"\u003cp\u003eOptimal Plant Protein is organic plant protein powder made with just four ingredients: organic pea protein, organic brown rice protein, organic vanilla and organic monk fruit. Each 36g serving has 26g of protein, 150 calories and 0g of sugar.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e26g of protein per serving from organic pea and brown rice protein\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSweetened only with organic monk fruit, with no stevia, erythritol or added sugar\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNo gums, natural flavors, dairy or soy\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUSDA Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified and certified gluten-free\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHeavy metal results from the independent lab Light Labs published on the product page\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVanilla flavor, 30 servings per bag\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"fitppl","offers":[{"title":"Vanilla \/ 30 Serving Bag","offer_id":49098912825625,"sku":"OPP-V-30BAG","price":69.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0852\/1757\/5193\/files\/updated-optimal-bag.jpg?v=1788114381"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0852\/1757\/5193\/collections\/Optimal-Thumbnail-5_2d95d768-d9ce-44e2-a07f-1c6f7f6c9413.jpg?v=1794600378","url":"https:\/\/fitppl.com\/collections\/best-protein-powder-for-ninja-creami.oembed","provider":"fitppl","version":"1.0","type":"link"}