12 Healthy Protein Shakes for Weight Gain

If you’re trying to bulk up, protein shakes are a great addition to your workout routine. They’re convenient and cost-effective, providing the protein you need to meet your daily requirements.

But if you’re tired of the same protein powder and water combination, don’t worry! There are numerous shake recipes that can add variety to your diet while promoting overall health. These recipes incorporate fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds, all of which are rich in essential vitamins and minerals.

Here are 12 protein shakes that can help you gain weight in the form of muscle mass.

12 protein shakes for bulking up

1. Dark chocolate and peppermint shake

This delicious recipe combines the flavors of marshmallow-topped peppermint hot cocoa into a protein-packed dessert shake. It provides calcium, protein, and antioxidants. You can adjust the ingredients to meet your calorie requirements and taste preferences.

• Ingredients:

• 1 cup of whole milk (or almond/soy milk for vegans)
• ½ cup of grated dark chocolate
• ¼ teaspoon of peppermint extract
• 1 tablespoon of unsweetened almond butter

2. Peanut butter and banana milkshake

Peanut butter is a protein-rich food that also contains healthy fats. By combining it with bananas, you can create a delicious shake that supports weight gain.

• Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon of unsweetened peanut butter (or almond butter)
• 1 cup of whole milk (or almond/coconut/soy milk for vegans)
• 1 sliced banana

3. Birthday cake shake

This vanilla protein shake recipe resembles the taste of birthday cake, but with the nutritional benefits of protein. It can keep you full without weighing you down. Additionally, the inclusion of nuts provides omega-3 fatty acids that support overall health.

• Ingredients:

• 1 cup of cake batter
• 1 scoop of vanilla ice cream
• 1 scoop of unflavored whey protein or pea protein
• ¼ cup of mixed nuts

4. Cinnamon banana shake

If you’re looking for a shake that supports healthy weight gain, try a cinnamon banana shake. Bananas are naturally sweet and filling, providing essential B vitamins and minerals. Cinnamon and honey add antioxidants, while almond butter contributes protein and healthy fats.

• Ingredients:

• 1 sliced banana
• 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons of unsweetened almond butter
• 1 teaspoon of honey
• 1½ cups of milk or plant milk

5. Chocolate, chia seed, and hazelnut milkshake

This delicious combination provides not only great taste but also omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants that support immunity and overall health. You can also add unsweetened protein powder to increase the shake’s protein content.

• Ingredients:

• 1½ cups of almond milk (or any other type of milk)
• ¼ cup of diced hazelnuts
• ¼ cup of grated unsweetened chocolate
• 1 teaspoon of chia seeds (or a mix of chia, hemp, and flaxseeds)
• 1 tablespoon of hazelnut chocolate spread (optional)

6. Strawberry mango protein shake

If you want a fresh, delicious, and healthy protein shake, this strawberry and mango smoothie is a must-try. Strawberries and mangoes are packed with phytonutrients, while Greek yogurt provides protein and probiotics. You can add a scoop of protein powder to increase the shake’s protein content.

• Ingredients:

• ½ cup of chopped strawberries
• ¾ cup of chopped mangoes
• 1½ cups of yogurt
• 1 scoop of unflavored whey or plant protein

7. Coffee, granola, and honey milkshake

This protein smoothie recipe allows you to turn your morning coffee into breakfast. It’s a beneficial way to obtain protein while enjoying the benefits of coffee, such as an enhanced metabolic rate and improved physical performance. Pumpkin seeds and granola provide healthy fats and protein for healthy weight gain.

• Ingredients:

• 1½ teaspoons of instant coffee
• 1 tablespoon of granola
• 1 teaspoon of pumpkin seeds
• 1 teaspoon of honey
• 1 scoop of unflavored whey protein
• 1½ cups of milk

8. Pineapple protein shake

This fruity protein smoothie will fulfill your craving for a pina colada. Pineapple is rich in phytonutrients that help reduce inflammation and boost metabolism. This simple and protein-rich recipe is great for building lean muscle.

• Ingredients:

• ½ cup of diced pineapples
• 1½ scoops of whey or unflavored plant protein powder
• 1½ cups of Greek yogurt
• Sweetener or sugar to taste

9. Strawberry and cream cheese shake

This creamy drink resembles strawberry cheesecake, but it’s packed with protein and healthy fats. It’s an excellent option for muscle gain if you don’t have protein powder or prefer natural foods.

• Ingredients:

• 1 cup of chopped strawberries
• 1 cup of Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons of cream cheese
• 2 tablespoons of mixed nuts
• Sweetener or sugar to taste

10. Cinnamon protein shake

If you love cinnamon rolls, this cinnamon protein shake is perfect for you. It’s not only delicious but also low in calories and high in protein. Plus, it’s rich in essential minerals and antioxidants.

• Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon of cinnamon powder
• 3 egg whites
• 1 cup of almond milk or regular milk
• 2 teaspoons of maple syrup

11. Avocado and mint shake

This unique combination of creaminess and freshness will add excitement to your protein shake routine. Avocado is rich in healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals, making it an excellent source of protein. Mint also provides vitamins A, B, and C.

• Ingredients:

• ½ avocado
• ¼ cup of chopped mint
• 1 scoop of vanilla ice cream
• 1 cup of milk
• 1 scoop of protein powder

12. Mixed seeds and dates shake

This protein shake is simple to make and satisfying. It combines two superfoods that promote overall health in addition to muscle gain. Seeds and dates are packed with good fats, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals like iron.

• Ingredients:

• 1½ teaspoons of chia, pumpkin, and flaxseeds
• 6-7 pitted dates
• 2 teaspoons of unsweetened almond butter
• 1½ cups of milk or non-dairy alternative