It’s so easy to make this homemade protein powder recipe to make smoothies and flavored milks more filling. And it only takes about 2 minutes and costs so much less than buying protein powder at the store.
Protein Powder Recipe
I have spent way too much money in my adult life on protein powders that wind up having flavors I don’t even like—and often more vitamins and ingredients than I’m looking for. And since most kids get plenty of protein without us needing to add more, I’ve found that this homemade protein powder is an excellent way to make a smoothie be a little more filling, without going overboard.
The method and ingredients for making this are super simple and accessible. You can make adjustments for allergies as needed and the powder stores in the fridge or freezer for months.
I add two spoonfuls to smoothies (or more if I’m making a big batch to share with the kids) and it blends right in, no funny flavors or textures added.
Ingredients You Need
To make this homemade protein powder, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Dry milk powder: You can use any brand you like. To make this dairy-free, you can try instant coconut milk powder.
- Hemp seeds: These add fiber, protein, and healthy fats without changing the taste or texture of the smoothie or milk.
- Almonds: You can use whole or sliced almonds here. I would use unsalted and opt for sliced almonds if your blender isn’t super powerful.
- Rolled oats: These help thicken the smoothie like purchased protein powders do.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making your own protein powder is super simple. Here’s a look at the process. Scroll down to the end of the post for the full recipe.
- Add the ingredients to a blender.
- Blend very smooth, using the stick that came with the blender if needed.
- Transfer to an airtight storage container and store in the fridge until ready to use. I add 2 spoonfuls to each smoothie.
Frequently Asked Questions
This homemade protein powder works well added into any smoothie recipe you like. You can also use it in flavored milks.
You can add some to pancake mix, oatmeal, or a muffin recipe if you’d like. Or you can add it to milk.
Most kids get plenty of protein without us trying very hard, so this protein powder can help make a smoothie more filling (without making it taste like peanut butter). This, in the mix with other normal foods, will likely provide plenty of protein for kids. You can read more about protein for kids (and recommended store bought kids protein powders).
Smoothie Recipes to Try
In addition to my Protein Shakes, these are some of my favorite smoothie recipes to add this protein powder to.
How to Store
Transfer to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 6 months or in the freezer for up to 1 year.
Best Tips for Success
- To use, add 2 tablespoons to each smoothie.
- Dairy-free: Look for vegan powdered milk (which is often made from coconut milk) as an option.
- Nut-free: Skip the almonds. You can double the hemp seeds if you’d like.
- Chocolate Protein Powder: Add ¼ cup cocoa powder to the mix. You will want to add 1-2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup to the smoothie (or very sweet fruit) to balance the flavors.
- Peanut Butter Protein Powder: Add ½ cup powdered peanut butter, such as PB Fit, to the mix.
Related Recipes
I’d love to hear your feedback on this recipe, so please comment and rate the recipe below!
Easy Protein Powder Recipe (3 Flavors)
Ingredients
- 2 cups dry milk powder
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ½ cup hemp seeds
- ½ cup sliced or slivered almonds
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a blender.
- Blend well to grind the ingredients into a smooth powder.
- Transfer to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 1 month or in the freezer for up to 6 months.
- To use, add 2 tablespoons to each smoothie.
Equipment
Notes
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 6 months.
- Add 4 tablespoons to a standard smoothie recipe to increase the protein amount.
- Dairy-free: Look for vegan powdered milk (which is often made from coconut milk) as an option.
- Nut-free: Skip the almonds. You can double the hemp seeds if you’d like.
- Chocolate Protein Powder: Add 2-3 tablespoons cup cocoa powder to the mix. You will want to add 1-2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup to the smoothie (or very sweet fruit) to balance the flavors.
- Peanut Butter Protein Powder: Add ½ cup powdered peanut butter, such as PB Fit, to the mix.
- To use, add 1-2 tablespoons to a kids smoothie, Protein Shake, or Flavored Milk.
Can I use almond meal instead of slivered almonds?
Sure
I am looking forward to making the non-dairy version of this recipe using Ripple milk and coconut milk powder. The embedded link sends me to a can of coconut milk on Amazon. Is that the intended link? If not, what is the correct link?
Apologies for that, here you go (affiliate link) https://amzn.to/48hFS3n
Hi! I was wondering if I could substitute flax seed powder for hemp seeds? Excited to try this!
Hi- my only hesitation is that flax powder can make liquids a little gummy/thick so that might be more noticeable in whatever you add this to. It’s possible that you might not notice it in a smoothie, but just making sure you know it’s possible.
Hello I was wondering how much you add of each ingredient? It wasn’t mentioned.
The full recipe is always at the end, so you just need to go down farther or use the “jump to recipe” button at the top of the post.
Hi there! Just double checking, in the recipe it says it keeps in the fridge for a month, freezer for up to 6 months. But in the notes under the recipe it says it keeps on the fridge for 6 months. Are you able to clarify? Thank in advance. Love your recipes!
Should be fine in the fridge for 6
Thank you!!
Hi! Is it a must to store it in the fridge?
Hi- it’s okay out of the fridge for a shorter amount of time, there’s nothing in it immediately perishable. I store it in the fridge just to keep it fresh for a few weeks.
Hi,
Excellent receipies you have.
Im in India, certain ingredients aren’t available here. If you can make more options of available stuff it would be even more helpful.
And here, in the protien powder instead of hemp seeds can we add chia seeds? There is no hemp seeds available here. It would be really helpful if you can respond.
Thanks in advance
Hi- I would use more almonds if you can’t find hemp seeds. Chia seeds don’t have the same amount of protein and will thicken anything you add them to. I hope that helps!
Thanks for this recipe! I’ve been toying with the idea of naming my own for a while and your recipe finally convinced me and showed me the way, thank you! I made a few tweaks for my preferences and cut the batch in half because I wanted to be sure my family and I enjoy it before committing a full set of ingredients. I chose to leave out the milk powder and the oats due to diet restrictions. I added in organic unsweetened flake coconut and flax seed both with healthy fats and a little protein and fiber too! It keeps so well in the fridge and is very easy to add to my smoothies. My toddler likes the smoothies more because they’re not as chunky as when I’d add these ingredients whole. Grinding them up ahead of time saves me time and the incorporates the nuts and seeds better! Thanks again!
Hi Elise, Do you mind sharing the measured amounts of the substituted ingredients and any other tweaks, etc.? We have a grandson with PKU and a granddaughter with severe ADHD, both with sensory disorders and food issues. We are praying this recipe will help some with our granddaughters weight and nourishment. Thank you!!