Delicious ways to use protein powder other than in a daily smoothie

Everyone loves a protein shake (or smoothie). They're a great way to start the day, finish a workout, or simply for a much-needed energy boost before continuing your activities. The shake options are endless, and the health benefits are limitless. Plus, they're quick to whip up in a blender.

But what if you're looking for something other than a smoothie, but still want to enjoy the health benefits of a protein powder?

Beyond the daily shake, there are plenty of ways to fuel up with protein powder. You can incorporate protein powder into a multitude of recipes without compromising nutritional value. From muffins, bread mixes, and granola to unsweetened dishes of all kinds, adding 2-3 or more scoops of protein powder to the mix before baking is a great way to boost the protein effect.

Like many other companies, Botanica offers protein powders in two flavours—chocolate and vanilla. But don't let the flavor profiles limit your creative ideas. These flavors are so subtle that each can be used in a variety of dishes—sweet, savoury, spicy, or not—to add nutrients while giving you a boost of energy.

Start the day with these easy-to-do ideas:

1. Whisk eggs with a spoonful of protein to make French toast.
2. Add a scoop of protein to any waffle recipe you like.
3. Add it to yogurt and stir it in, topping it with fruit, nuts, and roasted grains.
4. Add a scoop of protein powder to a good pancake recipe .
5. Make a stash of protein granola to eat throughout the week.

Lunch and dinner

Unsweetened, salty, or spicy dishes are also excellent with a dose of protein.

1. Add a scoop of vanilla protein to butternut squash or pumpkin soup with coconut milk curry for a protein boost with a creamy texture and delicious flavor. Garnish with shredded coconut before serving.
2. Mix a scoop of chocolate protein into a pot of hearty chili. A true Mexican chili is made with unsweetened chocolate, which adds depth, flavor, and color.
3. Use one scoop of protein powder to replace ¼ cup (60 mL) of flour in a muffin recipe you like. This may take some experimenting, as every recipe is a little different!
4. Whisk 2 tbsp (30 mL) of vanilla protein powder into 1/4 cup (60 mL) of olive oil and 1 tbsp (15 mL) of seasoned rice vinegar. Enjoy drizzled over grilled vegetables, such as green beans, broccoli, and cauliflower.

Desserts and snacks

When it comes to desserts or snacks, protein powder offers unlimited possibilities.

1. Satisfy your sweet tooth by having healthy snacks like a no-bake chia seed pudding on hand.
2. Energize your chocolate popsicles with chocolate protein. They add a rich, creamy texture that would otherwise be difficult to achieve without extra cream or milk.
3. Add vanilla protein to a custard recipe for fruit salads.
4. In plain yogurt, mix a few spoonfuls of vanilla or chocolate protein, according to your taste, and serve it as a dip with fruit.
5. Boost vanilla pudding with protein to make trifles.
6. Make protein energy bars or bites to freeze and take out as needed.

This blog post was originally published on January 26, 2017.