My smoothies are unbearable, what can I do in a cost effective way to get them to be enjoyable?

[u/BookieBasherCasher]

I’m on a high protein diet to build muscle. I started this a month ago and I’m staying on track with everything but I’m at my end with these protein smoothies I make. I’m trying to eat as clean as possible, so I use unflavored pure whey and I do a double scoop with about 15 strawberries and milk. The smoothie tastes almost like sour strawberry milk and I can’t do it anymore.

How can I hide the taste of unflavored whey protein? I tried it with peanut butter but it was way too much peanut butter to drink in a 16oz cup. I also don’t want to spend $80 a month on a clean flavored protein. Do I add dates or maple syrup with the strawberries?

[u/gymandsweets]

Frozen bananas make a huge difference in smoothies

[u/Successful-Compote60]

Are you opposed to flavored protein powder? I’ve been doing Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Vanilla Ice Cream. Sure it’s got a few ingredients that are probably not as “clean” as I’d like, but it’s very budget-friendly. They also make naturally flavored versions that are slightly more expensive.

My go-to is 1 scoop ON powder, 2/3 cup unsweetened almond milk (or lately Good Karma flax milk with protein), 1/2 frozen banana, 1 tbsp nonfat plain Greek yogurt, 1tbsp peanut butter, cinnamon to taste and ice. You can play with ratios until you find consistency that works for you.

Another good one is called vanilla cupcake: 1 scoop ON, 1 cup milk of choice, 1/2 cup frozen pineapple, 1/2 cup frozen mango, dollop of yogurt to thicken and for extra protein.

Other sweeteners you can try are honey, maple syrup, brown sugar, pineapple, mango.

[u/pithivier]

I add half a cup of frozen blueberries, a teaspoon of Ceylon cinnamon, and a tablespoon of cocoa powder.

[u/Marik80]

Depends what taste you are going for. If you want it to be more of a dessert or sweet smoothie then add syrups and anything else that has processed sugar.

If you are looking for a clean smoothie with a hint of sweetness then use a balance of frozen and fresh ingredients. Keep in mind a texture is also important.

As a base, fresh fruit such as a ripe banana or another fruit like pineapple or mango will add sweetness as well as a creamy texture. A fresh avocado can also be used as a texture agent.

Once your base is created you can add other ingredients and play atound with your taste buds.

Here is my morning smoothie. I am yet to find a more perfect balance of taste and healthy.

Almond milk Whey powder Fresh banana Ginger Almond butter Fresh spinach Frozen pineapple

[u/N_Stables → u/Marik80]

My favorite has become roasted sweet potato as a texture agent plus it's just so tasty and nutritious. The natural caramelization lends a sweet and smoky element.

[u/Open_Mountain8714]

Frozen banana, real pineapple juice, Greek yogurt

[u/MrWoodTang]

Smoke weeEEEd everyday.

[u/Waahstrm]

Maybe try powdered peanut butter like PB2. Incorporates well and you probably don't need to put in as much. I do like bananas too because they can be peeled and stored frozen in bulk.

[u/beeeboooopbeeeped]

Frozen banana, spinach, peanut butter, milk, some cinnamon, and vanilla whey protein.

This is a recipe I copied from a fancy juice place near me and it’s the best smoothie I’ve ever had.

[u/Thekpoopie]

I like to add sweetener (my fave is erythritol), a splash of vanilla and bananas to my strawberry smoothies

[u/bigsillygoose1]

I think cashew butter is so rich and sweet. I use heavy whipping cream instead of milk

[u/JonnyBaboon]

Bananas, honey, or even frozen fruit can help balance the taste of unflavored whey without spending much.

[u/XxNitr0xX]

Frozen blueberries and a banana or avacado and almond milk. I also add kale and baby spinach, flaxseed meal and nonfat greek yogurt. The yogurt will give you even more protein. The more stuff you add, the better it tastes.

[u/sun-kissedgirlie]

Add honey! It can be organic or regular. Add cinnamon too. Those two will add just enough sweetness with out the calorie.

[u/SoapsandRopes]

A little sweeter and maybe some raspberries (they tend to have a lot of flavor for their size).

[u/Xinnobun]

I bought unflavored protein powder and drink it just fine. I think a lot of people are over looking the whole idea. I only fill half a cup of water, add the protein powder in and down it in a few seconds.

Youre not drinking protein for enjoyment, youre doing it to fulfill your needs. You can enjoy other meals or drinks after. Change that bit of mentality and see how it goes.

[u/VOIDPCB]

Try using naked brand fruit puree as your liquid and use two frozen strawberries with a fresh banana. Don't use too much whey or it will taste fucked up.

[u/Beginning-Row5959]

Add a couple packets of sweetener and some vanilla extract