This protein-rich acai peanut butter smoothie recipe is packed with protein from delicious, all-natural protein sources.
This smoothie is everything you want in a protein shake – healthy, tasty, fresh, and creamy, with plenty of protein, of course.
You can make it with or without protein powder – either way, it offers tons of protein as well as other nutritional benefits.
Enjoy this protein smoothie after a workout, or whenever you need an energizing snack!
Let’s get into this delicious and protein-rich acai peanut butter smoothie recipe…
How to Make an Acai Peanut Butter Protein Smoothie
Step 1: Gather ingredients
Peanut butter – I always recommend using all-natural peanut butter made from 100% peanuts. Peanut butter without any additives is going to be much healthier and offer a much tastier true peanut flavour. This recipe calls for just a tablespoon of peanut butter as I find the peanut flavour can often overwhelm a smoothie if I’m not careful. But if you love PB, go ahead and add another spoon for some extra flavour and protein!
Acai – acai berry is usually sold in two different forms: powder and puree. For this recipe, I use acai powder just because that it what I tend to have on hand. But if you want to use acai puree instead, simply swap the 2 tablespoons of acai powder in the recipe for a packet of acai puree. Either way, it will turn out delicious and impart that lovely acai flavour! (and health benefits!)
Blueberries – blueberries and acai taste quite similar so I like to pair them together in smoothies. Blueberries are added here to add some extra nutritional benefits and berry flavour, and to make the smoothie colder if using frozen berries. Fresh blueberries can also be used though. This recipe calls for 1/2 a cup of blueberries, but again, feel free to adjust this to your taste.
Banana – half a banana is added for a bit of sweetness and creaminess. Banana and peanut butter is, of course, a wonderful pairing, and the banana really makes the whole blend more cohesive. Again, I like to use frozen banana to help make the smoothie cold and slightly thicker and creamier.
Milk – you can use any milk of your choice for the liquid base of this smoothie.
Yogurt – yogurt is definitely a key ingredient because it really helps make the smoothie creamy, satiating, and protein-rich! This recipe calls for plain, unsweetened yogurt so as to not interfere with the other flavours of the smoothie. You can use either regular or Greek yogurt. Greek yogurt is my personal favourite as it is wonderfully thick and creamy, and contains loads of protein!
Optional: Protein powder – add a scoop of your favourite protein powder for an extra protein boost!
Step 2: Blend!
Add all ingredients to your blender (frozen ingredients added last) and blend for about 30-60 seconds until thoroughly smooth.
Pour into a glass and enjoy!
Acai Peanut Butter Protein Smoothie Health Benefits
One important benefit of this smoothie is its protein content. Protein is important for muscle growth, tissue repair, energy, and pretty much every function in the body!
Making a smoothie that is high in protein is beneficial because protein helps slow down metabolism and digestion. This helps avoid spikes in blood sugar, and makes the smoothie more satiating and energizing.
This smoothie includes many naturally protein-rich ingredients, such as peanut butter, milk, and yogurt.
Peanut butter contains ~8g of protein in 2 tbsp.
Milk has a high protein content as well, which varies according to what kind of milk. Cow’s milk contains ~8g of protein in 1 cup.
Yogurt too has a variable protein content (~5-10g of protein per 100g of yogurt) depending on the type of yogurt. Greek yogurt in particular packs a hefty protein punch with ~12g of protein per half cup!
In addition to protein, this smoothie offers many other fantastic health benefits.
The berries in this smoothie – acai and blueberries – are known for their high polyphenol content.
Polyphenols are powerful antioxidants that work to reduce harmful oxidation and inflammation in the body.
Other nutritional benefits of this smoothie include:
- Fibre from the peanut butter, banana, and berries.
- Healthy fats from the peanut butter and dairy.
- Probiotics from the yogurt.
- Micronutrients such as B vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin A, calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron, and more.
Give this acai peanut butter protein smoothie a blend, and let me know in the comments below how you like it!
Acai Peanut Butter Protein Smoothie
This acai peanut butter smoothie recipe is packed with protein from delicious, natural protein sources. It's the perfect tasty, creamy, and nutritious way to get in some extra protein. Great for after a workout, or whenever you need an energizing snack! Try it with or without protein powder!
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp peanut butter
- 2 tbsp acai powder*
- 1/2 cup frozen blueberries
- 1/2 frozen banana
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup plain, unsweetened yogurt
- Optional: 1 scoop of protein powder
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a blender (frozen ingredients added last).
- Blend until smooth (about 30-60 seconds).
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- *You can use a packet of acai puree instead of acai powder.
- Feel free to add in a scoop of your favourite protein powder if you want.