Somewhere around week three, the shaker bottle starts to feel like a chore. The good news is that protein powder recipes go far beyond a drink. Plant protein powder can slot into baking, breakfast, snacks and dessert with a few simple swaps. Here are twelve ideas to put a 1 kg tub to work, each built around 1 serve (50 g) unless stated.
Protein Powder Recipes for Breakfast
- Protein pancakes. Whisk 1 serve with 3/4 cup (110 g) flour, 2 tsp baking powder and 1 cup (250 ml) plant milk, then cook in a pan.
- Overnight oats. Stir 1 serve into 1/2 cup (45 g) rolled oats, 3/4 cup (185 ml) plant milk and 1 tbsp chia seeds. Chill overnight.
- Porridge boost. Cook 1/2 cup (45 g) oats, let them cool for two minutes, then stir in 1 serve with a splash of milk. Stirring in off the heat avoids clumps.
- Smoothie bowl. Blend 1 serve with 1 frozen banana and 1/2 cup (125 ml) milk until thick, then top with fruit and seeds.
Snack and Dessert Recipes
- Mug cake. Mix 1 serve with 1/2 tsp baking powder, 1 tbsp maple syrup, 1 tbsp nut butter and 1/3 cup (80 ml) plant milk. Microwave for about 70 to 90 seconds.
- Stovetop custard. Whisk 1 serve with 2 tbsp (20 g) cornflour and 1 1/4 cups (310 ml) plant milk, then stir gently over low heat until thick.
- Energy balls. Mix 1 serve with 8 pitted dates (160 g), 1/2 cup (45 g) oats and 2 tbsp nut butter. Roll into about 10 balls.
- Chia pudding. Whisk 1 serve into 1 1/4 cups (310 ml) milk, add 1/3 cup (60 g) chia seeds and chill for 3 hours.
Savoury and Everyday Recipes
- Protein hot chocolate. Whisk 1 serve of a chocolate flavour with 1/4 cup (60 ml) hot water, then add 1 cup (250 ml) warm milk.
- Baked oats. Combine 1 serve, 1 cup (90 g) oats, 1 mashed banana, 1 tsp baking powder and 1 cup (250 ml) milk. Bake at 180 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes.
- Frozen nice cream. Blend 1 serve with 3 frozen bananas and 1/4 cup (60 ml) milk until creamy.
- Cookie dough bites. Mix 1 serve with 1/2 cup (130 g) nut butter, 2 tbsp maple syrup and 2 tbsp milk, then roll and chill.
Across these recipes, the protein from the powder is whatever serves of the flavour you use. For reference, one serve of Chocolate has 35 g of protein, and Vanilla or Salted Caramel has 34 g.
Tips for Cooking With Plant Protein Powder
- Start cold: mix powder into cool liquid before applying heat.
- Do not replace all the flour: use powder for part of the dry mix to keep baked goods soft.
- Add fat or moisture: nut butter, banana or plant milk stop recipes drying out.
- Do not overcook: protein firms up quickly, so cook for short bursts and check often.
- Match the flavour: chocolate for oats and baking, vanilla for pancakes and custard, salted caramel for balls and desserts.
Related Reading
Want the full method for each? Look out for our posts on the Vegan Protein Mug Cake, Fluffy Vegan Protein Pancakes, the Protein Custard Recipe, Protein Smoothie Recipes That Don't Taste Chalky, Chocolate Protein Powder Recipes Beyond the Shaker and Protein Dessert Recipes That Taste Like a Treat.
One Bundle, Three Flavours
If you plan to cook with your powder, having all three flavours helps. The Ultimate 3-Flavour Protein Powder Bundle gives you Chocolate, Salted Caramel and Vanilla for $199.99. GC Proteins is an Australian made plant protein with a pea, faba and rice blend. Each 1 kg pack holds 20 serves of 50 g, with 35 g of protein per serve in Chocolate and 34 g per serve in Vanilla and Salted Caramel. The packs are labelled lactose free, gluten free and vegan friendly, with no artificial colours and flavours, and they contain Omega 3. Check the allergen statement on your pack before you use it.
Product image: Ultimate 3-Flavour Protein Powder Bundle – Chocolate, Salted Caramel & Vanilla
Pick one recipe this week, and your tub will start earning its place on the shelf.
This article is for general information and is not medical or dietary advice. Check the allergen statement on your pack and talk to a qualified health professional about your individual needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much protein powder should I use in a recipe? The recipes here use 1 serve (50 g). For baking, replace only part of the dry mix so baked goods stay soft.
Can I use any flavour? Match the flavour to the recipe: chocolate for oats and baking, vanilla for pancakes and custard, salted caramel for balls and desserts.
How do I stop protein powder clumping when cooking? Mix the powder into cool liquid before applying heat, and stir it into hot dishes off the heat.
Explore more: vegan protein powder, plant-based protein powders, the 3-flavour Sample Pack, or browse our protein recipes.
