{"title":"Best Protein Powder for Smoothies","description":"\u003ch2\u003eWhat is the best protein powder for smoothies?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe best protein powder for smoothies blends in without clumps, tastes good with fruit and doesn't pile on sugar. A neutral or vanilla flavor is the most flexible, because it goes with berries, bananas, mango, greens, coffee and nut butter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHere's what to look for:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlavor that plays well with fruit.\u003c\/strong\u003e Vanilla works with almost everything. Chocolate is great with banana and peanut butter but clashes with strawberries and greens.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNo added sugar.\u003c\/strong\u003e Fruit already brings natural sweetness. A powder with 0g of sugar keeps the total in check.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eA clean aftertaste.\u003c\/strong\u003e Some sweeteners, like stevia and sucralose, can taste bitter or linger once you blend them with fruit.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEnough protein per scoop.\u003c\/strong\u003e 20g or more turns a fruit smoothie into a real meal or snack.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eShort ingredient list.\u003c\/strong\u003e Gums and fillers thicken the drink, but frozen fruit already does that job.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHere's how Optimal Plant Protein measures up, straight from the label:\u003csup\u003e\u003ca href=\"#source-1\"\u003e1\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\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSweetened with\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOrganic 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\u003eIs it good to put protein powder in a smoothie?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Most fruit smoothies are mostly carbs, with very little protein. Adding a scoop of protein powder balances the drink, so it keeps you full longer instead of leaving you hungry an hour later. Protein is more filling than the same calories from carbs or fat.\u003csup\u003e\u003ca href=\"#source-2\"\u003e2\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/sup\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt also makes a smoothie a practical breakfast. A blender, a scoop, some frozen fruit and a cup of milk is a 3-minute meal with 26g of protein from the powder alone.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eCan you put protein powder in smoothies?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou can put any protein powder in a smoothie, but some work better than others. Plant proteins like pea and brown rice blend well and give the drink a creamy body. Whey also blends easily. Collagen dissolves, but it isn't a complete protein, so it shouldn't be your only source.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe bigger difference is flavor. A heavily sweetened powder can make a fruit smoothie taste cloying, while a light vanilla lets the fruit come through.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eHow do you dissolve protein powder in a smoothie?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMost clumps come from the order you add things. Powder dumped on top of frozen fruit sticks to the cold, wet surface and forms dry pockets. Try this order instead:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLiquid first.\u003c\/strong\u003e Pour in 10oz to 12oz of milk, plant milk or water.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePowder second.\u003c\/strong\u003e Add one serving (36g) and pulse a few times so it hydrates.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoft ingredients.\u003c\/strong\u003e Add banana, yogurt, nut butter or greens.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFrozen fruit and ice last.\u003c\/strong\u003e They sit on top and get pulled down into the blades.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBlend 30 to 60 seconds.\u003c\/strong\u003e Long enough to be smooth, not so long that it turns warm and foamy.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf your smoothie is too thick, add a splash more liquid. If it's too thin, add a few more pieces of frozen fruit or ice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eCan I put protein powder in a blender?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, a blender is the easiest way to get a perfectly smooth shake. You don't need anything fancy. A regular countertop blender or a personal blender works fine. Just add the liquid before the powder so it doesn't cake on the bottom.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo blender? Optimal also mixes in a shaker bottle with water or milk.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eHow much protein powder should you put in a smoothie?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne serving is the right place to start. A serving (36g) of Optimal gives you 26g of protein.\u003csup\u003e\u003ca href=\"#source-1\"\u003e1\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/sup\u003e If the smoothie is replacing a full meal after a hard workout, some people use more, but most adults do well spreading protein across meals rather than loading it into one drink. See \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/nutrition\/how-much-protein-powder-per-day\"\u003ehow much protein powder per day\u003c\/a\u003e for amounts by body weight.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat liquid is best for a protein smoothie?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYour liquid changes the taste, texture and nutrition of the whole drink:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDairy milk.\u003c\/strong\u003e The creamiest option, and it adds protein of its own.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoy milk.\u003c\/strong\u003e The plant milk closest to dairy milk in protein.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eUnsweetened almond or cashew milk.\u003c\/strong\u003e Light and low in calories, with little protein.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOat milk.\u003c\/strong\u003e Creamy and a little sweet, with more carbs than most plant milks.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCoconut water.\u003c\/strong\u003e Light and tropical, with some natural sugar.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater.\u003c\/strong\u003e The lowest-calorie choice. Let the fruit and the powder carry the flavor.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFruit juice is the one to skip as a base. It adds a lot of sugar without the fiber you get from whole fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eShould I add protein powder to my smoothie to lose weight?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt can help, as long as you keep an eye on the rest of the blender. Protein helps you stay full and hold on to muscle while you eat less.\u003csup\u003e\u003ca href=\"#source-2\"\u003e2\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/sup\u003e But smoothie calories climb fast once you add juice, extra fruit, nut butter, honey and granola.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSome research suggests calories you drink aren't as filling as calories you chew.\u003csup\u003e\u003ca href=\"#source-4\"\u003e4\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/sup\u003e To make a weight loss smoothie that actually holds you:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUse water, unsweetened plant milk or regular milk, not juice.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStick to about one cup of fruit.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAdd a handful of spinach or other greens for volume.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMeasure nut butter instead of scooping it freely.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSkip sweeteners. Ripe fruit and a vanilla protein powder are usually sweet enough.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor 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\u003eIs a protein smoothie a good meal replacement?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt can be, if you build it like a meal. A smoothie with only fruit and powder is closer to a snack. To make it hold you through the morning, include:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eProtein.\u003c\/strong\u003e A serving of protein powder, plus milk or yogurt if you like.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFiber.\u003c\/strong\u003e Whole fruit, a handful of greens, a spoonful of oats or chia seeds.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSome fat.\u003c\/strong\u003e Nut butter, avocado or seeds help keep you full.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStructured meal replacements can help with weight loss. A review of trials found that programs using meal replacements led to more weight loss at one year than standard diet programs.\u003csup\u003e\u003ca href=\"#source-8\"\u003e8\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/sup\u003e Still, a homemade smoothie works best as one meal in a varied diet, not every meal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eCan I use protein powder in a fruit smoothie?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, and vanilla is the easiest match. Some combinations that work well with Optimal:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBerries.\u003c\/strong\u003e Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries or a frozen mixed berry blend.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTropical.\u003c\/strong\u003e Mango, pineapple and banana, with coconut milk.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStone fruit.\u003c\/strong\u003e Peaches or cherries with a pinch of cinnamon.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBanana.\u003c\/strong\u003e On its own or with peanut butter for a milkshake-style drink.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFruit with vitamin C, like berries, also helps your body absorb the plant iron in pea and rice protein.\u003csup\u003e\u003ca href=\"#source-5\"\u003e5\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/sup\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat is a good protein to put in a smoothie?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA good protein for smoothies is one that blends smoothly, tastes clean and fits your diet. Pea and brown rice protein are a strong choice if you avoid dairy or find that whey upsets your stomach. Together, they give a fuller set of essential amino acids than either one alone.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou can also boost protein with whole foods. Greek yogurt, milk, soy milk, silken tofu, hemp seeds and nut butter all add protein. Combining one of those with a scoop of powder makes a very filling drink.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy do some dietitians say no to protein powder?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMost dietitians aren't against protein powder. They're against using it instead of food, or using a product they can't trust. Their concerns are fair:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFood first.\u003c\/strong\u003e Whole foods bring fiber, vitamins and minerals that a powder can't fully replace.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSupplements aren't approved before sale.\u003c\/strong\u003e The FDA doesn't review protein powders for safety or effectiveness before they reach shelves.\u003csup\u003e\u003ca href=\"#source-6\"\u003e6\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/sup\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeavy metals.\u003c\/strong\u003e Consumer Reports found lead in most protein powders it tested in 2025.\u003csup\u003e\u003ca href=\"#source-7\"\u003e7\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/sup\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAdded sugar and extras.\u003c\/strong\u003e Some powders are closer to dessert mix than to protein.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe fix is to treat powder as a convenient protein food inside a balanced diet, and to choose a brand that's open about its ingredients and testing. We publish ours in our guide to \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/nutrition\/lead-in-protein-powder\"\u003elead in protein powder\u003c\/a\u003e. For more, see \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/nutrition\/is-protein-powder-bad-for-you\"\u003eis protein powder bad for you\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eHow much sugar should a protein smoothie have?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe sugar from whole fruit isn't counted as added sugar. The American Heart Association recommends no more than 25g of added sugar a day for most women and 36g for most men.\u003csup\u003e\u003ca href=\"#source-3\"\u003e3\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/sup\u003e Honey, syrups, sweetened yogurt, juice and sweetened protein powders all count toward that limit. Optimal has 0g of sugar, so the powder adds none.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eEasy protein smoothie recipes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach recipe uses one serving (36g) of Optimal. Add liquid first, then powder, then everything else.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBerry vanilla.\u003c\/strong\u003e 1 cup unsweetened almond milk, 1 cup frozen mixed berries, half a banana, a handful of spinach.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePeanut butter banana.\u003c\/strong\u003e 1 cup milk of choice, 1 frozen banana, 1 tablespoon peanut butter, a dash of cinnamon.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMango green.\u003c\/strong\u003e 1 cup coconut water, 1 cup frozen mango, a handful of kale, a squeeze of lime.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCoffee breakfast shake.\u003c\/strong\u003e 1 cup cold brew, half a frozen banana, 1 tablespoon almond butter, ice.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStrawberry cheesecake.\u003c\/strong\u003e 1 cup milk, 1 cup frozen strawberries, a few spoonfuls of Greek yogurt or a dairy-free alternative.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOatmeal cookie.\u003c\/strong\u003e 1 cup oat milk, a quarter cup of rolled oats, half a frozen banana, cinnamon and a few raisins.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWant more? We have 16 options in our \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/nutrition\/delicious-plant-protein-shake-and-smoothie-recipes\"\u003eprotein shake and smoothie recipes\u003c\/a\u003e. Prefer it frozen? Try our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/best-protein-powder-for-ninja-creami\"\u003ebest protein powder for Ninja Creami\u003c\/a\u003e page.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eShould you add greens to a protein smoothie?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGreens are an easy way to add volume and nutrients without much flavor. Baby spinach is the mildest, and you'll barely taste a handful once it's blended with fruit. Kale is stronger and a little bitter, so start small. Frozen spinach works well and keeps for months. A vanilla protein powder and a sweet fruit like banana or mango help balance the earthy taste of greens.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eCan you make a protein smoothie without a blender?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot a true smoothie, since you need a blender or food processor to break down frozen fruit. An immersion blender in a tall cup works for soft or thawed fruit. Without any of those, shake Optimal with milk and a spoonful of nut butter in a shaker bottle, then eat your fruit on the side. You'll get the same protein, just in two parts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eCan you make protein smoothies ahead of time?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. A blended smoothie keeps in a sealed jar in the fridge for about a day. It will separate a bit, so shake or stir before drinking. For faster mornings, prep freezer packs instead: portion the fruit, greens and any seeds into bags, then dump one into the blender with liquid and a scoop of powder.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy we make Optimal this way\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe made Optimal Plant Protein to be the easy scoop that goes in everything:\u003c\/p\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-1\"\u003e1\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/sup\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLight vanilla.\u003c\/strong\u003e Organic vanilla and organic monk fruit, so it tastes good with fruit without a bitter finish.\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\n\u003ch2\u003eSources\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli id=\"source-1\"\u003efitppl. Optimal Plant Protein Nutrition Facts and directions.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli id=\"source-2\"\u003eLeidy HJ, et al. The role of protein in weight loss and maintenance. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2015.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli id=\"source-3\"\u003eAmerican Heart Association. Added sugars.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli id=\"source-4\"\u003eDiMeglio DP, Mattes RD. Liquid versus solid carbohydrate: effects on food intake and body weight. International Journal of Obesity, 2000.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli id=\"source-5\"\u003eNational Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements. Iron: fact sheet for health professionals.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli id=\"source-6\"\u003eU.S. Food and Drug Administration. Questions and answers on dietary supplements.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli id=\"source-7\"\u003eConsumer Reports. Protein powders and shakes contain high levels of lead. October 2025, updated January 2026.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli id=\"source-8\"\u003eAstbury NM, Piernas C, Hartmann-Boyce J, et al. A systematic review and meta-analysis of the effectiveness of meal replacements for weight loss. Obesity Reviews, 2019.\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.jpg?v=1794599879","url":"https:\/\/fitppl.com\/collections\/best-protein-powder-for-smoothies.oembed","provider":"fitppl","version":"1.0","type":"link"}