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    Home » All Recipes

    Author: Donna | Published: Mar 17, 2021 |

    Red Berry Protein Smoothie Without Protein Powder

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    This protein smoothie is so simple and delicious, with the addition of white beans making it super creamy and chock full of protein. Don't worry, you won't even know the beans are in there. Vegan, vegetarian, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free, this is one easy smoothie that will fast make it into your regular routine.

    red berry smoothie in a tall glass placed on a chopping board and surrounded by berries and spinach

    Why not try this Mango Pineapple Smoothie next?

    Red Berry Protein Smoothie

    Jump to:
    • Red Berry Protein Smoothie
    • How To Make A Protein Smoothie Without Protein Powder
    • A Note On Ingredients
    • Tips, Tricks and Substitutions
    • Shop This Post:
    • Need More Smoothie Recipes?
    • Recipe

    Ready for a new smoothie recipe with a twist?

    This smoothie contains twice as much protein as smoothies sold in grocery stores, which tend to mostly be made of juice.

    The trick: for this smoothie, we are going to combine frozen berries with some white beans for an extra hit of protein without the need for protein powder.

    You will need:

    • frozen strawberries
    • frozen raspberries
    • plant-based milk of choice (I use almond)
    • canned white beans (no salt added, drained and rinsed)
    • chopped fresh mint
    • hemp seeds
    • optional: maple syrup or honey if you prefer your smoothie sweeter
    • fresh berries and coconut to garnish
    Overhead shot of ingredients for red berry smoothie

    Don't let the addition of the white beans put you off.

    They add a nice hit of protein and creaminess to the smoothie, but the flavour is so subtle you won't even know they are in there once everything has been blended smooth.

    Overhead shot of ingredients for red berry smoothie

    How To Make A Protein Smoothie Without Protein Powder

    As with most smoothies, this is simply a case of adding everything to a high-speed blender and blending until smooth.

    Garnish with some fresh coconut and berries to make this smoothie that little bit fancier.

    I use a Vitamix, but any good quality blender will suffice

    Overhead shot of ingredients for red berry smoothie
    Blend until smooth and creamy.

    A Note On Ingredients

    Not all ingredients are created equally!

    Frozen Strawberries and Raspberries

    Check the packaging to see where your strawberries have come from, and that there are no unnecessary added ingredients such as sugar.

    This is the same for the raspberries.

    If you can afford to go for organic fruit, then do that, as berries can tend to be sprayed a lot more than some other fruits.

    If there is a glut of strawberries or raspberries in your area you can always buy in bulk and freeze your own to save some money.

    To freeze your own berries: wash, dry, and arrange the berries in a single layer on a baking sheet small enough to fit into the freezer (I don't bother removing the green stem from the strawberries as they will be blended anyway). Pop into the freezer. Remove when frozen and transfer to a freezer-friendly container or Ziploc bag and pop back into the freezer until ready to use.

    red berry smoothie in a tall glass placed on a chopping board and surrounded by berries and spinach

    Canned White Beans

    Look for canned white beans with no salt added.

    You will need to give the beans a really good rinse before adding them to the smoothie, especially if you are using a canned version that does include salt in the brine.

    Maple Syrup Or Honey

    If you prefer your smoothie to be sweeter, then you may want to add some maple syrup or honey.

    Be sure to purchase maple syrup and not maple flavoured syrup.

    Choose local honey over imported honey.

    Start with one tablespoon and then add more as required.

    red berry protein smoothies served in 2 glasses with glass straws with fresh raspberries and coconut in the background

    Tips, Tricks and Substitutions

    If you do not have access to frozen berries, you can always use fresh berries instead.

    However, you will need to add a good cup or two of ice.

    If blueberries or blackberries are more readily available, they can easily be used instead of the strawberries and raspberries (although please note that the colour of the smoothie will change).

    Feel free to add the following ingredients to your smoothie:

    • chia seeds: however these will thicken up the smoothie if left to sit, so drink straight away
    • flax seeds
    • protein powder: for an even bigger protein hit
    • collagen (look for vegan collagen if you want to keep this smoothie plant-based)

    If you have any other nuts or seeds you like to add to your smoothies then go on ahead and make it yours.

    red berry protein smoothies served in 2 glasses with glass straws with fresh raspberries and coconut in the background

    Shop This Post:

    Need More Smoothie Recipes?

    It's always nice to have a few different smoothies on rotation to keep things interesting, so after trying this red berry smoothie, check out these recipes:

    • Blueberry Almond Milk Smoothie
    • Super Green Celery Smoothie
    • Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Smoothie
    • Creamy Green Mango Avocado Smoothie
    • Kale Pineapple Smoothie from Cook It Real Good
    red berry protein smoothies served in 2 glasses with glass straws with fresh raspberries and coconut in the background

    Happy Drinking.

    xx

    Recipe

    red berry smoothie in a tall glass placed on a chopping board and surrounded by berries and spinach

    Red Berry Protein Smoothie

    This smoothie is so simple and delicious, with the addition of white beans making it super creamy and chock full of protein. Don't worry, you won't even know the beans are in there. Vegan, vegetarian, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free, this is one easy smoothie that will fast make it into your regular routine.
    4.72 from 7 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Recipe Saved Recipes!
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Total Time 5 minutes mins
    Course Smoothie
    Cuisine Anytime
    Servings 2 serves
    Calories 189 kcal

    Equipment

    • High speed blender

    Clicking any equipment link above will earn me a small commission at no extra cost to you.

    Ingredients
      

    • 1.5 cups frozen strawberries
    • 1.5 cups frozen raspberries
    • 2 cups plant based milk of choice
    • ¼ cup canned white beans no salt added, drained and rinsed
    • 2 tablespoon chopped fresh mint
    • 1 tablespoon hemp seeds
    • 2 tablespoon maple syrup or honey (optional)
    • fresh berries and coconut to garnish
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    Instructions
     

    • Place all of the ingredients into the jug of a high speed blender and blend until the ingredients are smooth.
    • Divide between 2 glasses and serve.

    Notes

    This smoothie contains twice as much protein as smoothies sold in grocery stores, mostly made of juice. Thanks to white beans, which provide a creamy texture while going unnoticed.
    If you like your smoothie to be sweeter, you can add maple syrup or honey.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 189kcalCarbohydrates: 26gProtein: 8gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 330mgPotassium: 431mgFiber: 10gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 294IUVitamin C: 89mgCalcium: 379mgIron: 3mg
    Tried this recipe?Leave a comment HERE and let us know how it was!

    The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Genevieve says

      February 04, 2022 at 9:47 am

      I love a good smoothie and I love that this one has berries and protein! Looks delicious!

      Reply
    2. Freya says

      February 03, 2022 at 7:45 am

      I dislike protein powders unless vegan, but they’re so expensive! The canned beans is such an inexpensive way to get protein!

      Reply
    3. Katie says

      February 02, 2022 at 8:07 pm

      Using beans is a genius idea for adding extra protein! I’d have never thought of that! You really can’t tell they’re in there and I was full up till my lunch, that never happens!!

      Katie xoxo

      Reply
    4. The Sudden Cook says

      February 02, 2022 at 6:14 pm

      Mmmmmm this sure looks like a great smoothie for any time of the day! Thanks for sharing.

      Reply
    5. Marcellina says

      February 02, 2022 at 5:49 pm

      It's genius to add the white beans to up the protein and it is true - you don't notice them. This has so much more flavor and is creamier than the store bought smoothies!

      Reply
    4.72 from 7 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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    Hello and welcome, I'm Donna!

    I am so glad you are here!

    Since I have a part-time job, 3 little kids, and a love of good food (as do you I assume), I have learned how to get the most out of the kitchen in the smallest amount of time.

    Forget about hunting down weird ingredients and making trips to specialty shops.

    We are going to make the most of what is available at the store and farmer's markets all whilst enjoying some delicious meals the whole family (hopefully...if you have fussy eaters I guarantee nothing) will enjoy.

    Pop on that apron and let's get creative in the kitchen!

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