Holiday Protein Shakes for Gestational Diabetes: 14 Festive, Low-Carb Recipes (2025)

The holiday season doesn’t have to mean missing out on festive treats—even with gestational diabetes. If you’ve ever eyed those limited-edition protein shakes or wished for a cozy, blood sugar-friendly drink at a holiday party, you’re in the right place. Below you’ll find our favorite holiday-inspired protein shakes and powders (yes, even peppermint mocha and eggnog!), plus creative recipes you can make at home—7 with protein powder and 7 without.

If you’re looking for even more meal ideas, real-life snack swaps, or just a little support from other moms who get it, the HIgedi app is packed with community tips and inspiration, updated every season.

Seasonal Protein Shakes and Powders

Premier Protein Shake, Limited Edition Winter Mint Chocolate

A creamy blend of chocolate and mint, perfect for a refreshing festive sip.

• Protein: 30g

• Carbs: 4g

Premier Protein Shake, Limited Edition Root Beer Float

A nostalgic twist that brings summer vibes to the winter months.

• Protein: 30g

• Carbs: 4g

Orgain Organic Vegan Protein Powder, Peppermint Hot Cocoa Holiday Flavor

Vegan-friendly with a decadent chocolate and peppermint combination.

• Protein: 21g (per serving)

• Carbs: 15g (per serving)

Truvani Mint Chocolate Protein Powder

Clean ingredients and a refreshing minty chocolate taste.

• Protein: 20g (per serving)

• Carbs: 7g (per serving)

Jocko Mölk Gingerbread Cookie Whey Protein Powder

A cozy, spiced gingerbread flavor made with high-quality protein sources and naturally sweetened.

• Protein: 22g (per serving)

• Carbs: 3g (per serving)

Just Ingredients Protein Powders (Vanilla Peppermint, Chocolate Peppermint, Chocolate Orange)

A wide variety of holiday flavors crafted with natural, high-quality ingredients.

• Protein: 22-24g (per serving = 1 scoop)

• Carbs: 3-8g (depending on flavor)

Clean Simple Eats Protein Powders (Eggnog, Cotton Candy)

1. Whimsical and indulgent, perfect for seasonal treats.

   • Protein: 20g (per serving = 1 scoop)

   • Carbs: 5-6g (depending on flavor)

7 Protein-Packed Holiday Shake Recipes With Protein Powder

Now that we’ve explored the season’s best protein shake options, let’s dive into creative recipes that blend holiday flavors with nutrition. These recipes can be a great option for a festive snack during the holiday season.

1. Peppermint Hot Cocoa Shake

Ingredients:

• 1 scoop chocolate protein powder (or peppermint chocolate flavor)

• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk

• ½ tsp peppermint extract

• 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder

Optional: whipped cream for topping

Instructions:

1. Blend all ingredients until smooth and creamy.

2. Garnish with whipped cream, a sprinkle of cocoa powder, or crushed sugar-free peppermint candy.

2. Cinnamon Roll Bliss Shake

Ingredients:

• 1 scoop vanilla protein powder

• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk

• 1 cup frozen cauliflower florets

• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 tbsp sugar-free maple syrup (for example, Maple Grove Farms Sugar Free Syrup) or sugar-free vanilla syrup

Instructions:

1. Blend until frothy and creamy.

2. Top with a dash of cinnamon for garnish.

3. Eggnog Protein Shake

Ingredients:

• 1 scoop eggnog protein powder

• 1 cup unsweetened oat milk **substitute with 1 cup of unsweetened almond milk + 1-2 tbsp heavy cream

• ½ tsp ground nutmeg

• ¼ tsp vanilla extract

• Ice cubes

Instructions:

1. Blend all ingredients and serve chilled.

2. Add a pinch of nutmeg on top for extra holiday cheer.

4. Gingerbread Cookie Shake

Ingredients:

• 1 scoop vanilla protein powder

• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk

• ½ tsp ground ginger

• ½ tsp cinnamon

• 1 tbsp almond butter

• Ice cubes

Instructions:

1. Blend all ingredients until smooth.

2. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon for a gingerbread-inspired treat.

5. Chocolate Almond Delight Shake

Ingredients:

• 1 scoop chocolate protein powder

• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk

• 1 tbsp almond butter

• Ice cubes

Optional: 1 tsp sugar-free chocolate syrup, whipped cream for topping

Instructions:

1. Blend until creamy and enjoy!

2. Top with a whipped cream dollop, cocoa powder sprinkle, and crushed almonds.

6. Cranberry Vanilla Shake

Ingredients:

• 1 scoop vanilla protein powder

• 1 cup unsweetened coconut milk

• 1-2 tbsp heavy cream

• 1/4 cup cranberries (frozen or fresh)

• Ice cubes

Instructions:

1. Blend until smooth and serve chilled.

2. Garnish with fresh cranberries or a sprig of rosemary.

7. Mint Chocolate Chip Shake

Ingredients:

• 1 scoop peppermint chocolate protein powder, for example Truvani Mint Chocolate Protein Powder

• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk

• A splash of heavy cream

• 1-2 tsp sugar-free chocolate chips

• Ice cubes

Instructions:

1. Blend until creamy and frothy.

2. Garnish with a dollop of whipped cream and a few sugar-free chocolate chips for an extra festive touch.

7 Protein-Packed Holiday Shake Recipes Without Protein Powder

You don’t need protein powder to enjoy a festive, protein-packed shake! These recipes can also be enjoyed as protein smoothies. These recipes use whole, nutrient-dense ingredients to create holiday-inspired drinks that are naturally rich in protein and perfect for the season.

1. Spiced Cranberry Protein Shake

Ingredients:

• ½ cup plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt

• ½ cup unsweetened almond milk

• ¼ cup fresh or frozen cranberries

• 1 tsp sugar-free maple syrup (for example, Maple Grove Farms Sugar Free Syrup)

• ¼ tsp ground cinnamon

• ⅛ tsp ground nutmeg

• ⅛ tsp ground ginger

• Ice cubes

Optional: sweetener

Instructions:

1. Blend all ingredients until smooth and creamy.

2. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or whole cranberries for a festive touch.

2. Eggnog Cottage Cheese Shake

Ingredients:

• ½ cup cottage cheese

• ½ cup unsweetened almond milk

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg

• ¼ tsp ground cinnamon

• 1 tsp sugar-free maple syrup (for example, Maple Grove Farms Sugar Free Syrup)

• 1 cup frozen cauliflower florets

• 1-2 tbsp heavy cream

Optional: whipped cream for topping

Instructions:

1. Blend all ingredients until smooth.

2. Top with a dollop of whipped cream and a dash of nutmeg for an eggnog-inspired treat.

3. Mint Chocolate Chip Shake

Ingredients:

• ½ cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk

• ½ cup Greek yogurt

• ½ avocado (for creaminess and healthy fats)

• 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder

• ¼–½ tsp peppermint extract

• 1 tbsp chia seeds (soaked in water or almond milk for 10 minutes)

• 1-2 tsp sugar-free chocolate chips

• Ice cubes

Optional: sweetener, whipped cream for topping

Instructions:

1. Blend all ingredients until creamy.

2. Add a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of sugar-free chocolate chips for garnish.

4. Berry Gingerbread Shake

Ingredients:

• ½ cup plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt

• ½ cup unsweetened almond milk

• ½ cup mixed berries (frozen or fresh)

• ½ tsp ground ginger

• ½ tsp ground cinnamon

• 1 tbsp almond butter

• Ice cubes

Optional: sweetener, whipped cream for topping

Instructions:

1. Blend all ingredients until smooth.

2. Garnish with a dash of cinnamon or a small piece of ginger.

5. Cinnamon Almond Shake

Ingredients:

• ½ cup ricotta cheese

• ½ cup unsweetened almond milk

• 1 tbsp almond butter

• ½ tsp ground cinnamon

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• Frozen cauliflower florets or ice

Optional: sweetener, whipped cream for topping

Instructions:

1. Blend all ingredients until silky smooth.

2. Top with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of crushed almonds for texture.

6. Apple Pie Protein Shake

Ingredients:

• ½ cup plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt

• ½ cup unsweetened almond milk

• ½ small apple, peeled and diced

• ½ tsp ground cinnamon

• 1 tbsp ground flaxseed

• Ice cubes

Optional: sweetener

Instructions:

1. Blend all ingredients until smooth.

2. Add a dash of cinnamon on top for that apple pie vibe.

7. Mocha Cottage Cheese Shake

Ingredients:

• ½ cup cottage cheese

• ½ cup brewed coffee (cooled)

• ½ cup unsweetened almond milk

• 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1-2 tbsp heavy cream

• Ice cubes

Optional: sweetener, whipped cream for topping

Instructions:

1. Blend all ingredients until smooth and creamy.

2. Garnish with a sprinkle of cocoa powder or a dollop of unsweetened whipped cream.

No matter how you choose to enjoy your holiday-inspired protein shakes—whether with the convenience of store-bought seasonal flavors, creative recipes using protein powders, or wholesome shakes without added powders—there’s a way to make this festive season both nutritious and delicious. Cheers to a healthy, protein-packed holiday season! ✨

As always, remember that everyone’s body is different—so check your blood sugar after trying new shakes, and don’t be discouraged if you need to tweak a recipe to find what works best for you.

FAQ: Protein Shakes & Gestational Diabetes

1. Can I have protein shakes with gestational diabetes?

Generally yes, but always check the label for total carbs and protein content—some shakes are high in protein but can also be high in carbs, so be mindful of both. Also, watch for added sweeteners, since not every type suits everyone. Test your blood sugar after trying a new shake to see how your body responds.

2. What’s the best time to drink a protein shake?

Many moms find shakes work best as a snack between meals or as part of a quick breakfast. Depending on the nutrition, try pairing your shake with a small serving of nuts, seeds, or a little complex carb for longer-lasting energy.

3. Are protein powders safe during pregnancy?

Most protein powders are generally safe in moderation, but always check the ingredient list and talk to your healthcare provider if you have any concerns—especially about sweeteners or herbal additives.

4. How do I choose a protein powder for gestational diabetes?

Look for powders with simple ingredients, at least 15–20g protein per serving, and minimal added sugars. Plant-based or whey options can both work—just avoid those with lots of fillers or artificial sweeteners.

5. Can I make shakes without protein powder?

Yes! Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, nut butters, and even tofu can boost protein in shakes without any powder needed.

6. Are there dairy-free or vegan options?

Absolutely. Use plant-based protein powders, almond milk, coconut milk or soy milk, and dairy-free yogurts for delicious vegan or lactose-free shakes.

7. How can I make my shakes more filling?

Add healthy fats (nut butter, avocado) or fiber (flaxseed, chia seeds, berries) to keep you full and satisfied longer.

8. Do I need to count carbs in protein shakes?

Yes, especially with gestational diabetes. Always check the nutrition label or recipe for total carbs and factor it into your meal or snack plan.