7 Creative Ways to Use Protein Powder

When it comes to building muscle, protein powder is always the go-to supplement. Even when it comes to weight loss, having a good protein powder will make You don't have to drink the same ole' protein shake every day (unless you really want to), in fact doing so can lead to protein powder fatigue and that half-used jar will end up collecting dust in your pantry! So, if you're tired of simply mixing your favorite protein powder with milk or water, then spice things up. Fortunately, there are so many ways to use protein powder!

Using your protein powder in these unique and creative ways will help prevent you from wasting it, increase your overall protein intake (to improve your recovery and gains), and also just make healthy eating so much better! Even if you want to achieve a weight loss goal, using your protein powder can help keep you aligned with your goals!

So, ready to spice up your usual eating plan?

Below our 7 creative and unique ways you can incorporate protein powder into your daily life!

Use it to spice up your breakfasts

Eggs are probably the best breakfast food their is due to their nutrient density, but eating them every day is tiring. On the days you can't stand to look at eggs, get creative and use your protein powder to change up your usual breakfast!

What can you use protein powder to create?

• Overnight oats or warm oatmeal: Oats are an extremely healthy whole grain that is gluten-free and filled with important vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants... Oh and 1/2 cup contains 7 grams of protein! Adding a scoop or a scoop and a half of your protein powder of choice can make your breakfast a total of 25-30 grams of protein! This is the perfect way to bust through egg boredom and still get a great amount of protein and other nutrients in. You can either prep overnight oats if you have a busy morning, or make warm oatmeal in the morning, the choice is yours! Need a recipe idea? We suggest mixing 1/3 cup of steel cut oats with one cup of almond milk (you can also use water), a scoop or half a scoop of 373 Lab's Chocolate Cheesecake Whey Protein Powder, and 1/2 tablespoon of flaxseed (rich in omega-3 and adds a nutty taste). You can either use it for warm or overnight oats, and once it's ready top it with some sliced bananas!
• Protein pancakes: Craving a classic breakfast favorite? Try protein pancakes instead for a healthier twist! There are various protein pancake mixes available at your local grocery store, but you cane easily make them at home (and without all the additives)! Don't choose a flavored protein powder, opt for one that is unflavored. As for a recipe, you can follow the popular and simple recipe of mixing 1 scoop of protein powder with one egg and 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda. Or you can also look for fun recipes online, do what works best for you! Once you've made your pancakes, add in some healthy toppings like fresh fruit, use peanut butter (or your favorite nut butter) instead of syrup, maple syrup, chocolate chips, cinnamon, etc.
• Protein waffles: Waffles are another great breakfast option because you can make a few batches and store them in a freezer for later! You can use the same recipe as the protein pancakes, or find a fun one online if you really want to get creative.

Blend it in with your coffee

Spice up your breakfast and your morning coffee by adding a dash of protein powder! You won't need an entire scoop, but even adding 1-2 tablespoons can give your protein intake a boost, and make your coffee so much tastier!

Here's how to make the perfect cup of coffee with protein powder:

1. Make your coffee as you normally would and leave some room at the top.
2. Now it's time to choose the flavor. We suggest our Cold Brew Latte Protein Powder to add a boost of coffee flavor and a dash of sweetness and creaminess! You can also use an unflavored protein powder, if you prefer to keep things simple. Once you've decided what flavor, add it to your coffee and use a mini frother to mix it well. You can also use a whisk!
3. Feel free to add a dash of dairy-free creamer or milk, and some cinnamon or stevia. Or just enjoy it after mixing the protein with your coffee!

Add it in chia pudding

Need a quick, easy to prep high protein snack?

Prep chia seed puddings for the week! Chia seeds are a super food for good reason, they're a complete protein and contain 4 grams of protein per two tablespoons! Plus it's rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and other important trace minerals. Chia seed pudding is a fun way to create a tasty high-protein snack that satisfies your sweet tooth! The best part is, there are so many ways to make it so you can customize it to your liking.

We'll give you the basics, that way you can customize it any way you want! To create the perfect chia pudding recipe, whisk together a scoop (or less) of your protein powder of choice, milk or dairy-free milk (we suggest coconut milk for a sweeter taste), and chia seeds. Cover it and allow it to sit in the fridge for a few hours, but if you're short on time you can leave it for 30 minutes. You want the chia mixture to be thick, think pudding texture! Once it's ready add your favorite healthy toppings like nuts, maple syrup, fruit, to make it even better.

Make your own protein bars

For those who have the time and want to go the extra mile and avoid processed protein bars (beware: some contain just as much sugar as a candy bar), make your own protein bars using that extra protein powder sitting in your pantry! You can create homemade protein bars easily, in fact, you probably have most of the ingredients at home. There are various protein bar recipes you can try, and most include a lot of household ingredients like rolled oats, chocolate chips, protein powder (obviously), vanilla extract, maple syrup), just to name a few.

Bake with it

If you have a massive sweet tooth and need a good brownie or chocolate chip cookie replacement then consider investing in an unflavored protein powder instead of a flavored one so you can bake with it! Aside from pancakes, waffles, and protein bars, you can use unflavored protein powder to create your own favorite baked goods with a healthy twist! Whenever you need a quick and easy dessert after dinner you can sub protein powder for flour and make a personal mug cake! You can also prep chocolate chip cookies by leaving ready-to-go cookie dough in the freezer, make protein cakes, muffins, and so much more.

Want an easy mug cake recipe idea?

You can use 373 Lab's Chocolate Cheesecake Protein Powder for a chocolate mug cake, or if you don't have ours, try it with any other chocolate protein powder!

1. Mix one cup of protein powder, a pinch of cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of baking powder, and two tablespoons of coconut flour. Make sure to mix and sift it well.
2. Add 1/4 cup of coconut milk, or use a milk of your choice, 1 tablespoon of peanut butter (or nut butter of choice), and stir with a fork until its creamy and smooth.
3. Spray a coffee mug with non-stick spray, or use coconut oil, and pour the mixture in.
4. Place it in the microwave for 1:30 seconds and check it once its done. It should be the consistency of cake, if it is, enjoy! 

Make a greens smoothie

Turn your usual protein shake into a green protein smoothie! This is a great way to get more protein and greens in your diet! We suggest using either an unflavored protein powder or vanilla so it goes well with your veggies and fruits of choice. If you want a refreshing greens smoothies blend 2 cups of kale, one cup of baby spinach, 50-100g of frozen pineapple, one orange, a cup of coconut water, and a scoop of collagen protein or unflavored protein powder. You can also add a scoop of greens powders to boost the nutrient intake! Simply pair your favorite veggies, fruits, and other healthy add ins to create the perfect greens smoothie for you!

Make a high-protein milkshake

Change up your usual post-workout shake by making a sweet, creamy high-protein milkshake! You can use your favorite protein powder flavor, preferred sweeteners, and other add ins, but we have a recipe we think you'll enjoy... Yes, you will be needing our protein powder again!

1. Freeze a couple almond milk ice cubes, or use your preferred milk of choice - we just find almond or coconut milk works best!
2. Once frozen, blend a few of those with a scoop of Chocolate Cheesecake Protein Powder, one tablespoon of ground flaxseed, one cup of almond or milk of choice, and one tablespoon of peanut butter. Add a banana to include some carbs for better muscle recovery!
3. Blend until you get the desired consistency and enjoy!

As you can see, protein powder can be used in so many ways! We hope you try one (or some) of these out, or at least get new ideas on how to use protein powder so you can stop letting yours collect dust. And for those who aren't sure about what type to get, we have 3 Simple Tips to Help You Find The Best Protein Powder!

​Who are we?

We're 373 Lab Supplements! Founded by Iulia Danilova (Fit With Iulia), and with a team filled with fitness enthusiasts, we've worked hard to bring a trustworthy supplement to the market! Supplements that are designed to help you achieve your fitness goals by giving you only the nutrients you need – no unnecessary fillers or additives!

Find what your pantry is missing at 373 Lab Supplements.