Feel like a kid again with this peanut butter and jelly protein smoothie! Packed with healthy fruit, creamy peanut butter, almond milk, and plant-based protein, you’ll love this PB&J smoothie for breakfast or a healthy snack (and no worries about cutting the crust off your sandwich *wink*.)
Healthy smoothies are the best! Be sure to try my orange creamsicle green smoothie and this chocolate cherry smoothie next. For more drink recipes, check out these ginger turmeric shots and this list of detox drink recipes. Want a smoothie bowl instead? Pour this shake into a bowl and top it with my protein-packed smoothie bowl croutons.
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Why this recipe works
Who doesn’t love peanut butter and jelly, the ultimate power couple?
I know if it was up to my son, he would eat PB&J all day, every day. Which is why he’s constantly asking me to pretty please make him a peanut butter and jelly protein shake on the daily. I’m not even kidding– it’s like the only smoothie I can get him to drink without fuss.
Because that’s how amazing this protein smoothie is: you’re getting all the flavors of classic PB&J, minus the bread (and without having to cut the crusts off, if that’s your jam). Don’t get me wrong, I love old-school sandwiches, but blending up fresh fruit and a heaping spoonful of peanut butter just feels good.
It’s also a great way to sneak in plant-based protein powder, so you can ensure that you (and/or your little one) are getting the daily recommendation.
What kind of protein do you use?
There are so many high-quality plant-based (or vegan) proteins out there now, that sometimes it can be hard to choose!
However, my all-time favorite protein powder has to be Naked Pea, because it’s unflavored and literally JUST PEA PROTEIN. No soy, no fillers, no added sugars, no beans, and no crazy taste! Pea protein is also easy to digest. I find that it blends perfectly into this peanut butter and jelly protein smoothie, without affecting the taste.
And trust me, my son would absolutely turn down this smoothie if he thought it tasted “funny”.
Second up on my go-to list of protein powders would have to be Vega, because they have a wide variety of quality vegan proteins. Stirring in a spoonful of vanilla or chocolate would work nicely in this smoothie.
Lastly, for a “cheaper” protein powder that still packs a punch, try Olly. I’ll grab this when the budget is tight, but I still want my protein powder.
Want to bulk this recipe up even more with protein? Pour it into a bowl to make a peanut butter and jelly smoothie bowl and top it with these healthy smoothie bowl croutons!
Recipe ingredients
Here’s what you need to make this bomb peanut butter and jelly protein smoothie, plus substitutions if needed.
- Banana. I prefer to use banana as my base for this smoothie because it helps as a thickener, plus adds more flavor and nutrients. If you really don’t want banana, try swapping it out for a scoop of full-fat coconut milk (this will help keep it creamy). You can also leave it out, but your smoothie will not be as thick.
- Frozen strawberries. This is the “jelly” part of your smoothie, and I LOVE me some strawberry jelly! As another option, you can always swap the strawberries for another berry of choice, like raspberries or blueberries.
- Peanut butter. I prefer creamy, no stir peanut butter, with no added sugars. If you use natural peanut butter, your smoothie could become too oily, so just be sure it is stirred very well if that’s your only option. You can also use a couple scoops of powdered peanut butter, but keep in mind that this usually has added sugars.
- Almond milk. This is my go-to plant-based milk for smoothies, because the flavor is not overpowering. I use unsweetened, but regular will do. Or, you can always swap this out for another plant milk of choice, such as cashew, soy, or coconut.
- Protein powder. As listed above, my favorite protein powder for this PB&J smoothie is Naked Pea, but you can also use Vega or another brand of your choice. Just keep in mind that different protein powders can change the flavor.
How to make it
In a single serving size blender cup (or blender), add banana, frozen strawberries, scoop of peanut butter, almond milk, and one scoop of protein powder.
Blend on high for 30-60 seconds, until smooth. Transfer to a drinking glass or split with a friend!
Frequently Asked Questions
I prefer using creamy, no stir peanut butter (with no added sugars) for the best consistency. You can also use powdered peanut butter, but keep in mind that usually has added sugars.
Peanut butter not only tastes delicious, but it adds extra protein and is a good source of healthy fats, omega 6, and antioxidants (like manganese, vitamin E, and B vitamins).
More healthy drink recipes
Peanut Butter and Jelly Protein Smoothie
Enjoy the flavors of classic kid cuisine with this peanut butter and jelly protein smoothie! Packed with healthy fruit, creamy peanut butter, almond milk, and plant-based protein, you’ll love this PB&J smoothie for breakfast or a healthy snack.
Notes
- I prefer to use banana as my base for this smoothie because it helps as a thickener, plus adds more flavor and nutrients. If you really don’t want banana, try swapping it out for a scoop of full-fat coconut milk (this will help keep it creamy). You can also leave it out, but your smoothie will not be as thick.
- As another option, you can always swap the strawberries for another berry of choice, like raspberries or blueberries.
- I prefer creamy, no stir peanut butter, with no added sugars. If you use natural peanut butter, your smoothie could become too oily, so just be sure it is stirred very well if that’s your only option. You can also use a couple scoops of powdered peanut butter, but keep in mind that this usually has added sugars.
- Almond milk is my go-to plant-based milk for smoothies, because the flavor is not overpowering. I use unsweetened, but regular will do. Or, you can always swap this out for another plant milk of choice, such as cashew, soy, or coconut.
- As listed above, my favorite protein powder for this PB&J smoothie is Naked Pea, but you can also use Vega or another brand of your choice. Just keep in mind that different protein powders can change the flavor.
- There are 36 grams of protein in this peanut butter and jelly protein shake! According to the USDA, adults should consume between 10% and 35% of their total calories from protein.
Nutrition Information
Calories: 471kcal | Carbohydrates: 43g | Protein: 36g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 50mg | Sodium: 519mg | Potassium: 830mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 23g | Vitamin A: 164IU | Vitamin C: 53mg | Calcium: 429mg | Iron: 3mg
Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.
Psalm 34:8 NIV
