Protein shakes are the perfect addition to anyone's diet because they provide sustenance, satiate hunger and are low in calories. But, during the winter, everyone craves the chance to sit down and enjoy a nice, warm drink on a chilly morning or when they’re winding down in the evening. In addition to making us feel cozy, some studies show that drinking hot beverages provides physiological benefits, such as improving symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections.
Best Types of Protein for Hot Protein Shakes
When concocting a hot protein shake, you can use whichever type of protein powder you most enjoy, but some flavors make for better mixers than others. You can indulge in a warm, morning shake with coffee protein powder to get your caffeine and protein fix at the same time. Vanilla and mocha-flavor protein powders also work well with hot protein shakes to give them a little extra, indulgent taste.
Our Favorite Hot Protein Shake Recipes
Before making your warm protein shake, be aware that you should not put hot or boiling water directly into a blender or protein shaker bottle as the pressure will build up and cause the lid to fly off. Instead, add all other ingredients first and mix the hot water in at the end. If you’re using an Ice Shaker protein cup, be careful not to put the top on once the drink is made as the steam can still cause the top to pop off.
Oats and Chocolate Shake
Ingredients:
- ⅛ cup chopped dark chocolate
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- ¼ cup rolled oats
- ½ ripe banana
- Handful of almonds
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- ⅛ cup cold water (optional if drink is too hot)
Directions:
Pour almond milk and chopped dark chocolate into a bowl and then heat in the microwave for 30 seconds at a time until it is warm and the chocolate is melted to mix with the milk. Pour a splash of almond milk into your blender along with oats, banana, chia seeds and almonds. Slowly add the cold water and mix all ingredients until the oats and chia seeds are well-blended. Continue heating chocolate and almond milk mixture in the microwave until it has reached the desired warmth. Pour oat mixture from the blender into your cup and then add warm chocolate and milk mixture.
If you’re out of protein powder, incorporating oats into your shakes as the protein component is a great way to add quality amino acids, minerals, vitamins, unsaturated fatty acid, and phytochemicals.
Salted Caramel Protein Shake
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 scoop chocolate-flavored protein powder
- 2 pumps caramel syrup (sugar-free options are available)
- ½ cup boiling water
Directions:
Mix almond milk, cocoa powder, protein powder and caramel syrup into your protein shaker and shake well. Then, transfer to a heat-safe glass or tumbler and pour in boiling water. Stir well and enjoy.
Protein Hot Chocolate
Ingredients:
- ½ cup water
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
Mix water and almond milk together and then microwave until warm. Pour into heat-safe container and add protein powder, cocoa powder and vanilla extract. Mix well and serve.
Chocolate Raspberry Hot Cocoa
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- ½ cup water
- 1 scoop chocolate protein powder
- 1 tablespoon raspberry jam
Optional: Add a handful of fresh raspberries to this drink and mix in the blender for an even more refreshing shake.
Directions:
Heat almond milk and water in the microwave until hot. Add protein powder and mix well. Then, use a whisk to mix in raspberry jam.
Tea- and Coffee-Based Protein Shakes
Tea and coffee both make the perfect base for a warm winter protein shake. Select your favorite type of tea and try adding protein powder with a flavor that matches. To help you get started, try out one of these tea and coffee recipes.
Chocolate Coffee Shake
Ingredients:
- 1 cup hot coffee
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 scoop chocolate protein powder
- Dash of simple syrup or honey for sweetener
Directions:
First, brew coffee and then mix in almond milk. Whisk the protein powder in for a smooth consistency and stir in optional sweetener.
Green Tea Protein Shake
Ingredients:
- 1 cup water
- 1 bag green tea
- 1 scoop protein powder (vanilla flavor recommended)
- ¼ cup fresh raspberries
- ¼ avocado
Directions:
Steep green tea and then add to blender once it has cooled. Mix in protein powder, raspberries and avocado. Blend well. If the tea has gotten too cold from cooling off before going into the blender, reheat in the microwave for 30 seconds.
