How to Make a Protein Shake for Gastroparesis

November 30, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the Cleveland Clinic, protein shakes can be used as meal replacements when solid foods are not tolerated by individuals with gastroparesis. Learning how to make a protein shake for gastroparesis can provide essential nutrients in an easy-to-digest, liquid format, helping to manage symptoms like nausea and early satiety.

Quick Summary

This guide provides instructions and recipes for creating gastroparesis-friendly protein shakes using easily digestible ingredients. It details how to select appropriate protein powders, low-fat liquids, and low-fiber mix-ins, emphasizing the importance of hydration and texture. The article offers practical tips for customization and managing dietary needs to minimize discomfort.

Key Points

Choose Easily Digestible Protein: Opt for powders like whey protein isolate, pea protein isolate, or pure egg white protein, and avoid those with high-fiber fillers or artificial ingredients.
Minimize Fat and Fiber: High-fat and high-fiber ingredients delay gastric emptying, so use low-fat liquids and low-fiber fruits. Peel all fruits before blending.
Blend to a Smooth Consistency: Ensure all ingredients are blended thoroughly to eliminate any chunks that could be hard to digest. Straining may be necessary for very sensitive cases.
Sip Slowly: Avoid drinking the shake too quickly, as large fluid volumes can cause discomfort. Sip small amounts over a longer period.
Include Calorie-Dense Liquids: Consider using fortified milk or nutritional supplement drinks like Ensure or Boost as a liquid base to increase calories, which can be crucial for preventing weight loss.
Remain Upright After Consuming: Stay seated or stand for at least one to two hours after drinking to aid gastric emptying and minimize reflux symptoms.
Customize for Tolerance: Experiment with different low-FODMAP ingredients and temperatures to find the combination that works best for your individual symptoms and tastes.

Selecting Gastroparesis-Friendly Ingredients

Creating a protein shake for gastroparesis requires careful ingredient selection to avoid triggering symptoms like bloating, nausea, and vomiting. The primary goal is to use easily digestible, low-fiber, and low-fat components, as high fiber and fat content can delay gastric emptying. Always consult a healthcare provider or registered dietitian before incorporating new supplements into your diet.

Choosing the Right Protein Powder

The protein powder you choose is critical. Many popular powders contain ingredients that can be difficult for a sensitive digestive system. Whey protein isolate is a common choice because it is rapidly absorbed and typically low in lactose. For those with dairy sensitivities, plant-based alternatives are excellent options, but it is important to check for additional fillers or high-FODMAP ingredients like inulin.

Whey Protein Isolate: A highly digestible option for many, though some with lactose intolerance may still react. Look for third-party tested, grass-fed varieties.
Pea Protein Isolate: A plant-based alternative that is often well-tolerated, especially low-FODMAP versions.
Egg White Protein: A pure protein source free of dairy and often used by those with multiple food sensitivities.
Hydrolyzed Collagen Peptides: A different type of protein supplement that can be easily digested and is also dairy-free.

Incorporating Safe Liquids and Mix-ins

The base of your shake should be a liquid that is easy on the stomach. Water, fortified milks, or nutritional supplement drinks like Ensure or Boost are common starting points. Be mindful of fat content, as liquid fats are often tolerated better than solid fats.

Low-Fiber Fruits (Peeled and Seedless)

Bananas (ripe and soft)
Canned peaches or pears (in their own juice)
Mango chunks (limited amounts)
Applesauce

Dairy Options (Low-Fat or Lactose-Free)

Lactose-free milk or milk substitutes (almond, soy)
Low-fat or Greek yogurt (smooth, without fruit chunks)

Healthy, Easily Digested Add-ins

Pureed smooth nut butters (small quantities)
Cinnamon or nutmeg
Vanilla extract
A small amount of liquid oil (like canola or olive) can be added for calories if tolerated.

Comparison Table: Protein Powder Types for Gastroparesis


Protein Type	Pros	Cons	Best for	Notes
Whey Protein Isolate	Fast digestion, high protein, high bioavailability	Contains lactose, may cause bloating for some	Those who tolerate dairy well and need fast absorption	Opt for 100% isolate to minimize lactose.
Pea Protein Isolate	Plant-based, dairy-free, low-FODMAP	Can be lower in protein content than whey	Those with dairy intolerance or following a plant-based diet	Look for brands specifically tested to be low-FODMAP.
Egg White Protein	Dairy-free, low-fat, highly digestible	Can be more expensive, some may not like the taste	Individuals with multiple food sensitivities	A very clean and pure protein source.
Hydrolyzed Collagen	Extremely easy to digest, supports connective tissue	Incomplete protein profile (lacks tryptophan)	Individuals needing the easiest possible digestion	Best used to supplement rather than replace a balanced protein intake.

Basic Gastroparesis-Friendly Shake Recipes

Simple Vanilla-Banana Shake

This simple, low-fiber recipe is a great place to start when symptoms are flaring. The ripe banana adds natural sweetness and thickness without added fiber or fat.

1 scoop vanilla protein powder (whey isolate or pea protein isolate)
1 cup almond milk or lactose-free milk
1/2 ripe, soft banana
Ice cubes (optional, can help with palatability)

Instructions: Blend all ingredients until smooth. Sip slowly throughout the day.

Soothing Strawberry-Yogurt Shake

For those who tolerate smooth, low-fat dairy, this shake provides probiotics and additional calories.

1 scoop vanilla protein powder
1/2 cup plain, smooth, low-fat Greek yogurt
1/2 cup fortified low-fat milk
1/2 cup hulled and stemmed strawberries (fresh or frozen)
Dash of vanilla extract

Instructions: Combine ingredients in a blender and process until completely smooth. You may strain the shake if any seeds from the berries remain. This shake is thicker, so sip very slowly.

Important Considerations for Consumption

Beyond the ingredients, how you consume your protein shake is equally important for managing gastroparesis. The following practices can make a significant difference in comfort and nutritional absorption:

Sip Slowly: Gulping large volumes of liquid can overwhelm a slow-emptying stomach and increase feelings of fullness, nausea, and discomfort. Take small, steady sips over an extended period. Some people find success by sipping throughout the day instead of drinking the entire shake at once.
Temperature Matters: For some, an ice-cold shake can be more palatable and soothing. Experiment with different temperatures to see what works best for you.
Small, Frequent Meals: As with solid foods, consuming smaller, more frequent portions of liquids can reduce the burden on your stomach.
Stay Upright: Remain in an upright position (sitting or standing) for at least one to two hours after consumption. This helps promote gastric emptying and reduces symptoms like reflux.
Consult a Professional: A registered dietitian with experience in gastrointestinal motility disorders can provide personalized recommendations based on your specific symptoms and nutritional needs. They can also help identify any ingredient sensitivities you may have. For further information on managing gastroparesis through diet, resources like the Cleveland Clinic offer valuable insights and guidelines.

Conclusion

Learning how to make a protein shake for gastroparesis is an effective strategy for meeting nutritional requirements and managing symptoms when solid foods are difficult to tolerate. The key lies in selecting easily digestible protein powders, low-fiber liquids, and low-fat add-ins, while adhering to mindful consumption practices. By creating customized shakes and working with a healthcare provider, individuals can better manage their symptoms and support their overall health and well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions

Whey protein isolate is often recommended for its rapid digestion and high bioavailability. For those with dairy sensitivities, plant-based options like pea protein isolate or egg white protein are good alternatives.

High-fiber ingredients slow down gastric emptying, which can exacerbate symptoms of gastroparesis like bloating, nausea, and a feeling of fullness. It is best to use low-fiber fruits and remove all skins and seeds.

While some may tolerate regular milk, lactose-free milk or plant-based milks like almond or soy milk are often easier to digest. Full-fat dairy products should generally be avoided.

Yes, but use low-fiber fruits that are peeled and seedless, such as ripe bananas, canned peaches, or applesauce. High-fiber fruits like berries or oranges should be avoided.

To increase calories, use fortified milk, add a small amount of liquid oil (if tolerated), or include a higher-calorie nutritional supplement drink as your liquid base.

Personal tolerance varies. Some individuals find that a colder, more milkshake-like consistency is easier to handle, while others prefer room temperature. Experiment to see what works best for you.

If your symptoms are very severe, a strictly liquid diet may be necessary for a short period. In such cases, commercial nutritional supplement drinks might be a better option. Always follow a healthcare professional's guidance during severe flare-ups.