Vanilla Chai Protein Smoothie

This vanilla chai protein smoothie is a healthy way to start the day with 28 grams of protein—learn how to make it in just 5 minutes with a handful of simple ingredients. Vegan, gluten free and soy free.

Why You’ll Love This Smoothie

• Has 28 grams of plant protein
• Unique flavour
• Thick and creamy consistency

This vanilla chai protein smoothie is packed with antioxidants, fibre and of course protein! The taste is unexpected and delicious, a nice change from basic vanilla protein drinks. It’s extra creamy, satisfying and can be enjoyed as a post-workout snack or a healthy dessert. With 28 grams of protein per glass this smoothie is a great way to start the day.

Frozen bananas make up the base of this smoothie. Bananas are a healthy fruit containing high amounts of antioxidants, minerals and vitamins like A & C. They help to lower inflammation and oxidative stress, which can reduce the risk of chronic diseases that develop over time. Bananas also act as a prebiotic to the gut and balance good bacteria levels. That makes them a great food for a healthy digestive system.

Almond butter provides healthy fats for glowing skin and a satiating effect, keeping hunger away for hours after enjoying this yummy chai smoothie.

Ingredients Needed

These are the ingredients you will need to make this vanilla chai protein smoothie.

Almond butter: Adds a rich creaminess when combined with the frozen ingredients.

Cinnamon, nutmeg & clove: The powdered spices used to enhance the chai flavour.

Hemp seeds: Adds to the creamy consistency of the smoothie and provides extra protein.

Himalayan salt: Balances out the sweetness and brings depth to the other ingredients.

Protein powder: Vanilla chai vegan protein powder (from the brand Vega). See notes further down in this post for achieving the flavour without this exact protein powder.

Frozen bananas: Creates the thick, creamy base of the smoothie bowl and adds sweetness.

Oat milk: The liquid that brings all of the other ingredients together to blend smoothly and adds a creamy consistency.

For ingredient amounts and instructions, please see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

Benefits

Hydrating

Staying properly hydrated is a basic requirement for optimal health. By incorporating daily smoothies you can maintain your ideal hydration level more easily. Start each morning with a smoothie for easy hydration!

High fibre

Easily get more fibre in your every day diet! In addition to being generally healthy, getting enough fibre can be extremely helpful for weight loss as it helps keep you feeling full for longer, without adding calories. Fibre also helps improve our gut health.

Nutrient dense

Vegan smoothies are a great way to get more nutrient rich foods in each day. By blending them into a single meal, it’s super quick, easy and fun! Choose ingredients like dark leafy greens, berries, nuts, seeds and fruits to make your smoothies nutrient rich.

Variations

Try an alternative plant milk

This recipe uses oat milk but you can try using any plant based milk you prefer. Some alternatives include soy, almond or cashew! You can also make your own plant milk from scratch in a blender.

Protein powder substitutions

If you don’t have the Vega vanilla chai protein powder on hand use regular vanilla vegan protein powder instead. Add 1 cup of strong, cooled chai tea to the smoothie along with the other ingredients for a more intense flavour.

Switch base ingredients

If you don’t like bananas then try something else as the base! Mango usually substitutes banana well. If you’re allergic to or simply dislike a suggested ingredient then try to find something with a similar texture that you enjoy the flavour of. There is no wrong way to make a smoothie, and you can always omit any ingredients you don’t have on hand.

Instructions

• Add all ingredients to blender.

• Start blending at low speed for 5-10 seconds. Increase to high speed and blend for 1-2 minutes. Use the blender tamper to push ingredients down towards the blades.

• Pour into a glass and serve your vanilla chai vegan protein smoothie.

Prep & Blending

Add ingredients in the correct order

Always add liquid ingredients to your blender first. Then add powders, nut butters, nuts and seeds. Then add fresh greens and fresh fruit. Finally add your solid ingredients like frozen fruit. If using a small blender container with a twist on lid, reverse the order so that when you turn the container over to blend the frozen ingredients are farthest away from the blades.

Use a tamper

Push ingredients down towards the blades while blending using the tamper that comes with your blender. This helps to avoid thick smoothies from getting stuck, so you don’t have to stop blending and scrape down the sides of the container.

Don’t over blend

Try to blend your smoothie for less than a couple of minutes. If blended for too long, even thick smoothies will become thin. This is because the heat generated by the blades and motor of the blender heat up your ingredients while they are being blended.

Use a high power blender

For smoothies that have a perfectly smooth and creamy texture use a high powered blender such as a Vitamix. It can break down any ingredients to much finer particles than standard blenders, and more nutrients are released. A high speed blender also reduces the time you need to blend your recipe, which helps keep it nice and cold.

Chill your glass

By placing your smoothie glass in the freezer for a few moments you can help your smoothie stay cool for longer. This is especially helpful if you’re in a hot climate. Pop it into the freezer while you are prepping and blending, then take it out when it’s time to pour your finished smoothie!

FAQ’s

Are vegan smoothies healthy?

Yes! Generally smoothies are very healthy to consume, depending on what ingredients are used. Plant based smoothies are rich in fibre and nutrients. This chai smoothie contains a ton of vitamins and satiating fats which provide lots of energy.

Can I lose weight with smoothies?

Smoothies are an excellent weight loss food! This is because they are generally lower calorie and higher in fibre and nutrients. Due to high water content, the large volume of a smoothie helps your stomach to feel satiated. And the fibre keeps you feeling full for longer, without feeling weighed down or tired like a huge meal would.

Can smoothies be refrigerated?

Smoothies are best enjoyed immediately after blending, while they are freshest. However you can refrigerate most smoothies for 1-2 days in an airtight container such as a jar.

Can I make smoothies without a high speed blender?

Yes, you can still make smoothies with a regular blender. It might take more patience depending on the recipe, but it can work. Turn off the blender to scrape down the sides of the container, and secure the lid before continuing to blend. Repeat as needed. Alternatively you can add a small amount of additional liquid to the recipe, which should help.

How can I increase the protein?

If you wish for your smoothie to have a higher protein content, you can simply add (more) protein powder to the recipe. Plain unsweetened plant based protein will work in any smoothie. Alternatively you can try adding hemp seeds or even silken tofu.

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