Are protein shakes healthy?

Usually, yes! It depends largely on your protein powder and what else you put in your protein shakes. Many protein powders have health benefits like added vitamins such as vitamin B, vitamin C, Omega 3 fatty acids, and other things to help your immune system . ZardyPlants doesn't recommend whey protein powder since it contains dairy. But as long as you put healthy ingredients in, you'll get a healthy protein shake. (Also make sure your protein powder isn't loaded with sugar!)

How to customize this recipe?

There are SO many ways to customize this pumpkin spice protein smoothie! For some healthy fats, try a tablespoon or two of almond butter or hemp seeds. A pinch of brown sugar would be a great addition for those warm fall flavors (instead of the maple though!), especially if you have a sweet tooth! You could also add cold brew to this smoothie for a protein-packed pumpkin spice latte!

When is the best time to consume this pumpkin pie smoothie?

Whenever you want, really! It's great for busy mornings when you just need a quick yet healthy breakfast. You can serve it alongside your meal or pack it along with some overnight oats like our Coffee Overnight Oats or chia pudding like our Chocolate Peanut Butter Chia Pudding . It's a great way to build muscle after a workout, so make this quick pumpkin protein shake when you get home from the gym. You can also enjoy it for dessert!

Can I make it with zero added sugar?

Yup! Simply use an unsweetened protein powder and nix the maple syrup. You might need another frozen banana or a pitted medjool date or two to naturally sweeten your healthy pumpkin smoothie to your liking.

Easy Pumpkin Protein Shake

Name: Easy Pumpkin Protein Shake
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1.5 Cups Unsweetened Soy Milk (or any plant based milk); 1/3 Cup Unsweetened Pumpkin Puree (see Note 1); 1 Scoop Vanilla Protein Powder (see Note 2 for my favorite); 1 Frozen Banana (see Note 3 for substitutions); A Pinch (Less Than 1/8 Teaspoon) or a Dash of Pumpkin Pie Spice; 1-2 Tablespoons Pure Maple Syrup, Optional (to taste, see Note 4 for substitutions)

Description

Pumpkin Protein Shake is a sweet and healthy way to enjoy your favorite fall flavor with it's creamy rich texture and pie-like flavor.

Ingredients

Units Scale

1.5 cups Unsweetened Soy Milk (or any plant based milk)
1/3 cup Unsweetened Pumpkin Puree (see Note 1)
1 Scoop Vanilla Protein Powder (see Note 2 for my favorite)
1 Frozen Banana (see Note 3 for substitutions)
A Pinch (Less Than 1/8 Teaspoon) or a Dash of Pumpkin Pie Spice
1-2 Tablespoons Pure Maple Syrup, Optional (to taste, see Note 4 for substitutions)

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Instructions

Blend: Add all your ingredients to the blender and blend on high for 30-60 seconds, until smooth.
Taste: Taste your healthy pumpkin protein shake! Does it need more sweetness? Add a little more maple syrup. Is it too thick? Add a splash more non-dairy milk. Blend again if necessary.
Serve: Pour your creamy pumpkin smoothie into a glass and enjoy (with a straw, if you like)!
Store: If you have leftover pumpkin puree, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Notes

Note 1: If you don't have pumpkin purée and want to try using pumpkin pie filling, make sure you read the ingredients label. Most canned pumpkin pie filling brands will already have the warm spices in it (so don't add more) and may also have sugar so you might not need to add any maple syrup. And, of course, if you want to use fresh pumpkin puree, feel free!
Note 2: My favorite plant based protein powder by far is the Sun Warrior Warrior Blend Protein Powder. The amount of protein in this recipe and how much sweetener you might need depend highly on which protein powder you're using! Use your favorite vanilla protein powder for this pumpkin shake. If you have an unsweetened pea protein powder (or any kind), you may want a little more sweetener.
Note 3: If you can't have (or don't like) banana, try using something creamy like a quarter cup of vegan yogurt or 2 tablespoons of creamy almond butter and something cold like ice cubes to make your pumpkin shakes without banana.
Note 4: This recipe may be sweet enough for you without any sweetener depending on how sweet your protein powder is. Any other sweetener such as agave or a pinch of brown sugar will work here. If you prefer a no calorie sweetener, try a little stevia.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Category: Dessert, Snack, Protein
Method: Blender
Cuisine: American, Health

Keywords: Fall Recipes, Pumpkin Milkshakes, Protein Shakes, Vegan Protein Shakes.