16 High-Protein Smoothies to Start the Day Strong

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Updated on July 21, 2023

Reviewed by Dietitian

Jessica Ball, M.S., RD

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Spinach, Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie — Photo: Ted & Chelsea Cavanaugh

These creamy delights are sure to keep you refreshed and focused until lunchtime. Whether you prefer fruity flavor, green veggies or a swirl of nut butter to start your day, there's a delicious smoothie for you. Recipes like our Mango-Almond Smoothie Bowl and Anti-Inflammatory Cherry-Spinach Smoothie contain at least 15 grams of protein per serving, so you will feel full and satisfied for longer.

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Spinach, Peanut Butter & Banana Smoothie

Spinach, Peanut Butter & Banana Smoothie — Ali Redmond

Peanut butter and banana is a classic combo that's even more delicious with the addition of tangy probiotic-rich kefir. Plus, this peanut butter banana smoothie helps you up your veggie servings for the day with a bit of mild-flavored spinach mixed in.

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Strawberry-Banana Green Smoothie

Strawberry-Banana Green Smoothie

This green smoothie recipe is sweetened only with fruit and gets an extra dose of healthy omega-3s from flaxseeds.

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Mango-Almond Smoothie Bowl

mango-almond smoothie bowl

For this healthy smoothie bowl recipe, be sure to use frozen fruit (not fresh) to keep the texture thick, creamy and frosty.

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Peanut Butter & Jelly Smoothie

Peanut Butter Jelly Smoothie

Skip the PB&J sandwich but get the flavors in this healthy smoothie! Greek yogurt, spinach and strawberries are blended with peanut butter in this healthy, protein-rich smoothie recipe.

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Berry-Kefir Smoothie

a recipe photo of the Berry Kefir Smoothie — Ana Cadena

Get a probiotic boost at breakfast when you add kefir in a blender to include in your smoothie. Feel free to use any berries and nut butter you have on hand in this healthy smoothie recipe.

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Blackberry Smoothie

Blackberry Smoothie — Fred Hardy

This blackberry smoothie has plenty of fresh berry flavor and sweetness from banana and honey. And with only 5 minutes from start to finish, it's the perfect breakfast for busy mornings. If fresh blackberries aren't available, feel free to use frozen in this easy and healthy smoothie.

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Anti-Inflammatory Cherry-Spinach Smoothie

anti-inflammatory cherry spinach smoothie

This healthy smoothie is not only delicious—it also boosts your daily dose of anti-inflammatory foods. It starts with a base of creamy gut-friendly kefir and includes cherries, which can lower the inflammatory marker C-reactive protein. Heart-healthy fats in avocado, almond butter and chia seeds deliver additional anti-inflammatory compounds to the body, while spinach offers a mix of antioxidants that sweep up harmful free radicals. Fresh ginger adds zing, plus a compound called gingerol, which preliminary studies suggest may improve inflammatory markers of heart disease if consumed daily.

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Acai-Blueberry Smoothie Bowl

Acai-Blueberry Smoothie Bowl

For those mornings when you're looking to up your fruit smoothie game, this healthy smoothie bowl recipe is the perfect answer. Thick enough to eat with a spoon and topped with raspberries, granola, coconut and chia seeds, this breakfast bowl is bursting with flavor.

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Spinach-Avocado Smoothie

spinach-avocado smoothie

This healthy green smoothie gets super creamy from the frozen banana and avocado. Make ahead (up to 1 day) and store it in the fridge until you need a veggie boost.

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Almond Butter & Banana Protein Smoothie

Almond Butter & Banana Protein Smoothie

Almond butter adds nutty flavor plus 7 g of protein to this healthy, protein-rich banana smoothie.

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Strawberry-Banana Protein Smoothie

strawberry-banana protein smoothie

Greek yogurt and nut butter boost protein, and ground flaxseed adds omega-3s to this fresh fruit smoothie recipe. Use ice cubes if you like a frosty smoothie or opt for water if you don't want it so cold.

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Chocolate-Banana Protein Smoothie

Chocolate-Banana Protein Smoothie

Red lentils give this smoothie a plant-based protein boost. To make this smoothie vegan, try using an unsweetened coconut beverage or almond milk in place of the dairy milk.

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Raspberry-Peach-Mango Smoothie Bowl

Easy Smoothie Bowl

This healthy smoothie recipe is a gateway to the smoothie-bowl craze. Use whatever fruit, nuts and seeds you like best to make it your own. Be sure to use frozen fruit to yield a creamy, frosty base for the toppings.

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Mixed-Berry Breakfast Smoothie

Mixed-Berry Breakfast Smoothie — Clara Gonzalez

Smoothies are popular for breakfast, but many don't have enough calories or nutrients to be considered a complete meal. This creamy berry smoothie has the perfect balance of protein, carbohydrates and fat, and will keep you satisfied until your next meal.

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Chocolate-Peanut Butter Protein Shake

This creamy high-protein shake will keep you satisfied for hours and tastes like a chocolate-peanut butter banana milkshake. You don't even need to add protein powder, thanks to the naturally occurring protein in the soymilk, Greek yogurt and peanut butter.

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Banana-Cocoa Soy Smoothie

banana-cocoa soy smoothie

With plenty of protein from both tofu and soymilk, this banana-split-inspired breakfast smoothie will keep you satisfied until lunchtime.

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