No. I don't like the taste of protein powder. Mind you, years and years ago, I used to buy smoothies from a health food store. This was LONG before the smoothie rage (we're talking 35 years ago). They made it with orange juice concentrate, a banana, strawberries, pineapple, a raw egg and a scoop of protein powder. Best smoothies ever. When I finally kept track of what they put in a smoothie, I started making them at home for a whole lot less money. lol I learned raw eggs are bad for you, so I stopped putting them in, and couldn't afford the protein powder.

Today you can buy pasteurized eggs both in a carton and in the shell if you want to try the raw egg thing again.

Yes, because I need the extra protein without having to digest some meat when I’m running distances and need the fuel. I cannot stand most powders because manufacturers seem to think they need to be flavored with something. My favorite is Sunwarrior classics Plus. It’s organic, plant-based, 20 grams of protein in a scoop, no sugar. To keep it from being chalky, I sometimes let it dissolve for a couple of minutes in whatever liquid I’m using in my smoothie. That helps some. It isn’t as chalky as some I have used and seems to dissolve well.

Thanks for the replies so far. One of my sons told me I should be adding protein powder to my smoothies. At the time, I was just drinking the smoothies for breakfast because I like them and they're healthy. (Spinach, banana, flax seed, scoop of yogurt, blueberries, and unsweetened Almond milk.) Now, I'm working on losing weight.

I purchased Muscle Milk last night and added not quite the full scoop. I don't like the vanilla crème taste, and the drink is now thicker and chalkier. But even more, I'm concerned that the full scoop is 100 calories. Is this what I'm supposed to be doing? Adding MORE calories?

I don't drink smoothies, but I use quest protein powders to make waffles and pancakes. They have lots of great flavors, and just 2 carbs per serving. They are sweet enough they don't need syrup. I usually mix up a batch and freeze them, then pop in the toaster. They also have an unflavored powder, which I bought but haven't used. Could make savory things with it, like wraps or bread for sandwiches.

Cara, we posted at the same time. I think the point of adding the protein to the smoothie is to make the smoothie more of a meal replacement, with carbs and protein. So that you stay full longer. I know a lot of people like muscle milk liquid, but I don't like any protein ready to drink beverages. I think they all taste gross.

I’ll second quest powder. My protein makes a good quality whey powder but not sweet

If you don’t need the full 20 grams of protein, just use a half scoop which would cut the calories. 100 calories isn’t much to start with, equivalent to most snacks when dieting, so yes, you have to look at the total makeup of your smoothie. I don’t use milk or yogurt in mine, only water or a little coconut water for hydration.

does the muscle milk have a lot of sugar? if so, then its a detriment to losing weight! Read labels and cut out sugar as much as u can.

that being said, i use Now brand whey protein isolate, unflavored. i order thru amazon

A smoothie that is all carbs needs some protein in it for sure and some healthy fats. Also, whey protein (dairy based) can cause an insulin rise more than other proteins in women so maybe try a plain, unsweetened, plant based protein instead. If you go to GNC or health food store, they can direct you to an unsweetened plant based protein. They typically are 100 calories per serving but keep you fuller longer. I also recommend using unsweetened coconut or almond milk as the smoothie base. At only 40 calories a cup, it adds some nice calcium and taste for less calories.

If you really want to drop some weight, I would highly recommend either of these books: The blood sugar solution or 10 day detox by Hyman. Real unprocessed food, lots of vegetables and great recipes my whole family loves. The weight literally falls off and you won’t be hungry. It’s not magic or gimmick based but teaches you how to eat without the garbage. Good luck.

Rice protein powder. Want to eliminate as much soy as possible, and didn't want whey.

We use "Skoop". It's plant based protein. 160 calories for two scoops. I personally can't stand the taste of protein powders.......but......oh well. We buy the plain, then add cocoa powder, Stevia, fruit or flavorings.

I don't do smoothies any more but when I was doing them, I was adding whey protein powder with no sweeteners.

Looking back at the ingredients you currently are using, I would ditch the yogurt and add some frozen fruit (I like peaches, or a berry mixture) and hold back on the almond milk. It doesn’t have as much calcium as you think. Add water to the fill line after you have put all the other stuff in. I also use fresh pineapple and kale leaves in mine in addition to a bit of spinach. Keep the flax and whatever fruits you really like as those will be the flavors that matter.

You have to experiment a little to get it right. I find about half greens and half fruit seems to work out about right.

If any of you are allergic to artificial sweeteners, please read the ingredients on the protein powders you are using. My aunt, DD and myself get a racing heart from the artificial sweeteners, so learned to watch. Most of them have it. DD has found that she tolerates the one with stevia in them. I have not tried. She make a protein cookie that my niece came up with for my grandson during baseball season.