What is best to mix with unflavored protein powder?

November 15, 2025 •

3 min read

According to a 2024 article from EarthChimp, adding fruits and vegetables to a protein shake is an easy way to boost flavor and nutrition. Figuring out what is best to mix with unflavored protein powder depends on your health goals and personal taste preferences, but plenty of ingredients can help you create a delicious and satisfying meal or snack.

Quick Summary

Unflavored protein powder can be mixed into a variety of liquids, fruits, nuts, and spices to enhance flavor and texture. The best mix-ins are determined by your dietary goals, whether focusing on weight loss, muscle gain, or general nutrition. Creative additions range from simple water and milk bases to complex smoothies with fruits, vegetables, and nut butters.

Key Points

Goal-Oriented Mixing: Choose your mix-ins based on your fitness goals; use water for low-calorie options and milk or oats for extra calories and creaminess.
Enhance with Fruits and Greens: Boost flavor and add vitamins by blending unflavored protein powder with fruits like bananas or berries, and even nutrient-rich leafy greens.
Thicken with Healthy Fats: Add nut butters or avocado to increase healthy fats, make your shake more filling, and improve the overall texture and creaminess.
Flavor with Spices and Extracts: Use natural flavor enhancers like cinnamon, cocoa powder, or vanilla extract to customize the taste without relying on high-sugar additions.
Ensure Smoothness: For a lump-free shake, always add liquid before powder and use a blender or quality shaker bottle. Cold ingredients help improve texture.

Unflavored protein powder offers unmatched versatility, allowing you to customize your protein intake without artificial flavors or sweeteners. However, its neutral or sometimes chalky taste requires a bit of creativity. By selecting the right mix-ins, you can transform your powder into a delicious and nutritious part of your diet. Below, we explore the best options for mixing with unflavored protein powder, categorized by nutritional goals.

Liquid Bases: The Foundation of Your Shake

The liquid you choose is the starting point for your protein shake and sets the tone for its texture and calorie content. Water is the simplest, most accessible, and lowest-calorie option, making it ideal for weight management. For a creamier, more filling shake with extra protein and calories, dairy milk is a classic choice.

Water: For a light, calorie-free shake. Best for hydration and weight loss. Add ice to keep it chilled and improve the texture.
Dairy Milk: Adds creaminess, protein, and calcium. Great for muscle gain and a richer texture. Whole milk adds more calories and fat, while lower-fat options reduce these.
Plant-Based Milks: Almond, oat, soy, and coconut milks are excellent dairy-free alternatives. Unsweetened options keep sugar low. Soy milk, in particular, adds a significant protein boost. Oat milk contributes to a creamy texture.
Fruit Juice: Provides natural sweetness and extra vitamins, but be mindful of the added sugar content. Orange, cranberry, and pineapple juice can effectively mask the powder's flavor.
Coconut Water: A refreshing, electrolyte-rich base for post-workout shakes.

Fruits, Vegetables, and Nut Butters: Adding Flavor and Nutrients

These additions are the key to making your protein shake both tasty and nutrient-dense. Using a blender is highly recommended to achieve a smooth, lump-free consistency with these ingredients.

Bananas: A smoothie staple that adds natural sweetness and a thick, creamy texture. It pairs well with almost any base and can help mask the protein's flavor.
Berries: Blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries are rich in antioxidants and add a refreshing, tangy flavor. Using frozen berries also helps create a colder, thicker shake.
Nut Butters: Peanut, almond, and cashew butter contribute healthy fats, extra protein, and a rich, creamy texture. They make the shake more filling and satisfying.
Avocado: Adds healthy monounsaturated fats and a luxurious, creamy consistency without an overpowering taste.
Leafy Greens: Spinach or kale are nutrient powerhouses that can be blended into a smoothie without significantly altering the taste, especially when paired with sweet fruit.

Spices and Sweeteners: Fine-Tuning the Flavor

For those who prefer not to use fruit, or want more control over the taste profile, spices and sweeteners are a perfect solution. You can also mix unflavored protein powder into baked goods, oatmeal, or even savory dishes.

Cinnamon: A warming spice that complements creamy or nutty flavors.
Cocoa Powder: Transforms a plain shake into a chocolatey treat. Unsweetened cocoa powder is a low-sugar option.
Vanilla or Almond Extract: Just a few drops can add significant flavor without extra calories.
Honey or Maple Syrup: Natural liquid sweeteners that easily dissolve. Use sparingly to control sugar intake.
Stevia or Monk Fruit: Calorie-free options for adding sweetness.

Comparison of Mix-ins by Goal


Feature	Best for Weight Loss	Best for Muscle Gain	Best for Digestive Health
Liquid Base	Water, Unsweetened Almond Milk	Whole Milk, Oat Milk	Kefir, Plant-Based Milks
Fruits/Veggies	Spinach, Kale, Berries	Bananas, Berries	Berries, Ginger
Fats/Fibers	Chia Seeds, Flaxseed Meal	Peanut Butter, Oats	Kefir, Ground Flaxseed
Sweeteners/Spices	Cinnamon, Stevia	Honey, Maple Syrup	Cinnamon, Maple Syrup

Mixing Tips for a Smooth Result

Regardless of your mix-ins, a clumpy protein shake is unappealing. Follow these steps for the best results:

Add liquid first: Pour your chosen liquid into the blender or shaker bottle before the powder.
Use a blender: For the smoothest texture, a blender is the most effective tool, especially when adding solid ingredients like fruit or nuts.
Invest in a shaker bottle: For quick, on-the-go shakes, a shaker bottle with a mixing ball helps break up clumps.
Chill your ingredients: Using cold liquids or frozen fruit can improve the flavor and texture.
Mix thoroughly: Vigorously shake or blend your ingredients until fully combined.

Conclusion

Unflavored protein powder is a highly customizable tool for boosting your protein intake. The best mix-ins depend on your specific health goals, whether you're aiming for weight loss, muscle gain, or simply a nutritious, great-tasting shake. With the right combination of liquids, fruits, healthy fats, and spices, you can easily create a delicious and satisfying drink or food item that perfectly fits your nutritional needs and taste preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can mix unflavored protein powder with just water for a low-calorie, hydrating shake. However, water will not mask any of the protein's natural flavor, which some may find unappealing. Adding ice or chilling the water can improve the taste and texture.

For a low-calorie option, mix unflavored protein powder with water or unsweetened almond milk. You can add flavor with calorie-free sweeteners like stevia, spices like cinnamon, or a handful of spinach which adds nutrients without many calories.

To make your shake thicker, add ingredients like a frozen banana, Greek yogurt, or a tablespoon of nut butter. Using less liquid or adding ice cubes to the blender also helps achieve a thicker, smoother consistency.

Yes, you can mix unflavored protein powder into coffee for a caffeinated protein boost. For best results, mix the powder with a small amount of cold liquid first to create a paste before adding it to the hot coffee to prevent clumping.

For muscle gain, consider adding high-calorie ingredients like whole milk, oats, peanut butter, or bananas to your shake. These provide additional protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates to support energy and recovery.

To prevent clumping, add your liquid to the shaker bottle or blender first, then the powder. Using a blender or a shaker bottle with a mixing ball is also effective. You can also mix the powder into a small amount of liquid to create a paste before combining with the rest.

Yes, unflavored protein powder is versatile and can be added to many foods. Stir it into oatmeal, yogurt, pancake batter, or even savory dishes like soups and mashed potatoes to boost the protein content without altering the main flavor.