PB&J Vegan Protein Shake (Peanut Butter & Strawberry)

A delicious, high protein shake to start your mornings right or to refuel after a workout. With over 40 grams of protein per serving, this vegan protein shake is creamy, high in fiber, and deliciously reminiscent of a classic PB&J (Peanut Butter & Jelly) sandwich.

This is one of my absolute favorite go-to protein shakes! Since this recipe makes a large serving, you can either enjoy it as a full meal or split it into two smaller servings to enjoy as a pre-workout snack.

Why You’ll Love This Vegan Protein Shake

This vegan protein shake is quick & easy to make and made with just a few simple and wholesome ingredients. Here are just a few reasons why I think you’ll love it!

• It’s entirely plant-based: I used plant milk and a plant-based protein powder (this one by Livwell Nutrition is my favorite) which means that this protein shake is completely dairy-free.
• It’s high in protein and fiber: thanks to the combination of protein rich ingredients and fresh fruits, this shake is both high in plant protein and fiber. It’s also gluten-free and refined sugar-free!
• It’s as filling as an entire meal: if you’re short on time, but still want a nourishing shake you can enjoy on the go, this one is a great option! Looking for a snack instead? You can either use only half the ingredients listed or split the shake into two smaller servings and either share with a friend or store the second one in an airtight jar or bottle in the fridge for later!
• It tastes amazing! If you love traditional PB&J (Peanut Butter & Jelly) sandwiches, you’ll love this flavor combo as well!
• It’s customizable: be sure to read the ingredient notes below to find out how best to adapt this recipe in case of allergies or other dietary restrictions.

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

• Plant-Based Milk: I used unsweetened soy milk because it’s naturally high in protein. You could, however, use any kind of plant milk you’d like (such as cashew milk, almond milk, pea milk (which is also high in protein), oat milk, or even homemade walnut milk.)
• Vegan Protein Powder: The easiest way to add protein to your smoothies and shakes is to use a plant-based protein powder. For this shake, I used Livwell Nutrition’s vegan vanilla plant protein powder (if you’d like to try it, you can use my code “BOV10” at checkout to get 15% OFF.)

• Fresh Fruit: I used a banana and frozen strawberries in this recipe. Here are some other options for you to try if you’re looking for alternatives:
  • Frozen banana & fresh strawberries: for the best consistency, I always recommend using at least one frozen element in a smoothie or shake. So, rather than using a banana paired with frozen strawberries, you can, of course, also do the opposite.
  • Other types of berries: frozen raspberries, cherries, or even blueberries would all work great in this recipe. Alternatively, you can also use mixed berries!
  • Omit the banana: I like using bananas for a little extra sweetness and creaminess, but if you’d like, you can simply omit it. If you’d like to replace it with something, you could use dairy-free Greek yogurt or fresh coconut meat.
  • Omit the protein powder: to make a version of this shake without protein powder, simply omit it (just keep in mind that this will cut the amount of protein significantly.) To replace it with other ingredients, you could use hemp seeds or more peanut butter. While those are not as high in protein as protein powder, they do add a little plant protein!

• Peanut butter: unsalted peanut butter made from 100% peanuts (no added sugars, salts, or oils) is best. You can use either smooth or chunky peanut butter. If you’re allergic to peanuts, either use a different kind of nut butter (such as cashew butter) or seed butter (such as tahini or sunflower seed butter.)
• Additional add-ons: I added a little Maca powder to my vegan protein shake, but that is totally optional. Maca is a Peruvian plant that is linked to several health benefits. It does add a slightly earthy taste to recipes, but has an otherwise neutral flavor profile. Other add-on options include ground flax seeds and/or hemp seeds.

How Much Protein Do You Need?

The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for protein is 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight (or 0.36 grams per pound of body weight.) According to The Vegan RD, however, vegans may need a little extra (you can read more on this here.) Those trying to build muscle may also need more than the RDA for protein. Exercise physiologist and nutritionist scientist Dr Stacy Sims suggests that for women who do resistance training, the recommended daily protein intake could be significantly higher.

The best way to up your protein intake while on a plant-based diet is to consume a variety of protein rich ingredients such as legumes (beans, lentils, tofu, tempeh, etc.). If you’re looking for some savory recipes that are both vegan and high in protein, you can find plenty of delicious ones right here on the blog.

How to Make This Vegan Protein Shake (Step by Step)

The following is a step by step guide on how to make this vegan protein shake. For a recap including the exact measurements, be sure to check out the recipe card below.

Step one: add the ingredients to your blender

Start by adding all the ingredients to your blender (a high speed blender such as the Nama C2 Blender or a Vitamix works best.)

Step two: blend!

Turn on your blender and blend until you get a smooth consistency (this will take anywhere from 20 to 60 seconds.) For a thicker consistency, either use less plant milk or add more frozen fruit.

Step three: serve & enjoy!

Lastly, pour your vegan protein shake into a glass jar or bottle and enjoy right away!

You can also save it for later in an airtight jar or bottle in the fridge (since it includes frozen fruit, however, I’d recommend enjoying it the same day!). If you’re on the go, a thermos is the perfect way to transport it while keeping it cold and fresh (I use my Klean Kanteen insulated coffee tumbler.)

Vegan Protein Shake – Recipe Tips & Frequently Asked Questions

Got any additional questions? Leave a comment below and I’ll get back to you asap!

Vegan Protein Shake – Recipe Card

Use this recipe card to save and/or print this vegan protein shake recipe. For additional tips, ingredient notes, and step by step photo instructions, be sure to read the full blog post above.

More Vegan Recipes You Might Like

If you enjoyed this vegan protein shake, you might also like the following vegan and high protein recipes.

• 15-Minute Vegan Tempeh & Kimchi Bowl (High Protein Tempeh Dish)
• Vegan Ceviche Style Chickpeas
• High Protein Vegan “Chicken” Wrap (Ready in 20 Minutes!)
• 10-Minute Chickpea Salad Wraps (Easy To Make + High Protein)
• 5-Minute “Eggy” Chickpea Salad
• Spicy Buffalo Tofu Tacos (Vegan & High Protein)
• Easy 30-Minute Creamy Vegan Chicken Skillet (with Mushrooms)