How to Make Protein Powder More Palatable

If your protein powder experiences have involved chalky chunks of gritty powder that just won't dissolve, you've probably been conditioned to think they're nothing short of sickening. But if you get a bit creative in the kitchen, you'll find that your protein powder is much more palatable when it's mixed with something other than plain water.

1. Mix protein powder into a flavored beverage, rather than using plain water. Vanilla or chocolate protein powder can be mixed into milk -- or even coffee -- for a morning workout. Vanilla or fruit-flavored powders often taste better when mixed into fruit juice.
2. Stir protein powder into oatmeal or yogurt for an easy breakfast or post-workout snack. The food's natural texture will mask the powder's gritty texture. Adding fresh fruit -- like berries, bananas or raisins -- will further enhance the flavor.
3. Pack it into peanut butter and make no-bake snacks. Mix a scoop of vanilla or chocolate protein powder with 1/2 cup of peanut butter and 1/4 cup of honey and roll the mixture into small balls. Roll each ball in crushed almonds or ground flaxseed mixed with a sprinkle of cocoa powder. Refrigerate for a few hours and store in an airtight container. If desired, add other ingredients to the mixture before rolling into balls, such as mini dark chocolate chips or raisins.
4. Blend it with other ingredients to make a simple smoothie. Start with plain yogurt as a foundation, then add protein powder and your favorite fruits -- fresh fruit creates a creamier texture, while frozen fruit provides an icier end product. Adding almond milk, juice or coconut water keeps your smoothie from becoming too thick. A handful of spinach further enhances the smoothie's nutritional profile -- without affecting the taste or texture.

Things You Will Need

• Protein powder
• Milk
• Coffee
• Fruit juice
• Yogurt
• Oatmeal
• Fruit
• Peanut butter
• Honey
• Crushed almonds
• Ground flaxseed
• Cocoa powder
• Almond milk
• Coconut water
• Spinach
• Blender

References

• Oxygen Magazine: Peanut Butter Protein Balls
• FitDay: 4 Foods You Can Mix with Protein Powder
• CriticalBench.com: Seven Secrets To Make a Protein Shake Taste Good
• FitDay: 8 Ways to Make Your Protein Shakes Taste Good

Tips

• Try a different brand of protein powder if you just can't find a flavor fix for your current protein powder. Each brand varies by taste and texture, so try a few different varieties until you find your perfect match.