14 Holiday-Inspired Protein Shake Recipes for a Festive and Healthy Season

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Seasonal Protein Shakes and Protein Powders to Try

The holiday season brings an abundance of limited-edition protein shakes and powders that capture the magic of festive flavors. These seasonal options are high protein, making them perfect for those looking to enhance their nutritional intake. Whether you’re managing gestational diabetes (GD) or simply looking for tasty, protein-packed treats, these options can add holiday cheer to your nutrition plan. Here’s a roundup of holiday-inspired protein shakes and powders, complete with their protein and carb content where available:

  1. 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

  2. Premier Protein Shake, Limited Edition Root Beer Float

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

    • Protein: 30g

    • Carbs: 4g

  3. Quest Nutrition Protein Shake Peppermint Mocha Latte

    A rich blend of coffee, chocolate, and peppermint to wake up your holidays. Keep in mind that each shake provides 200mg of caffeine—right at the daily limit for pregnant women.

    • Protein: 30g

    • Carbs: 4g

  4. 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)

  5. Truvani Mint Chocolate Protein Powder

    Clean ingredients and a refreshing minty chocolate taste.

    • Protein: 20g (per serving)

    • Carbs: 7g (per serving)

  6. Just Ingredients Protein Powders (Vanilla Peppermint, Chocolate Peppermint, Eggnog, 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)

  7. Clean Simple Eats Protein Powders (Eggnog, Cotton Candy)

    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

Low-carb 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

High protein cinnamon roll 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

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

Gingerbread cookie protein 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

Chocolate almond protein 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

Cranberry protein 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

Mint chocolate chip protein 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

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

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

Low-carb mint chocolate chip shake

Ingredients:

  • ½ cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk

  • ½ avocado (for creaminess and healthy fats)

  • 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder

  • ½ tsp peppermint extract

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

  • 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

Berry gingerbread protein 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

Cinnamon almond protein 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

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

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! 🎄✨