8 Nutritious Protein Powder Recipes (2024)

Did you know that Life Extension® offers a variety of protein powders, including whey protein and plant-based protein made from peas and brown rice? Here’s an overview of the different formulas we offer:

We asked nutrition and wellness experts on Instagram to share their favorite ways to use our whey protein powder or plant protein powder in a recipe. Check out these recipes below for some creative ways that are a step up from the more traditional protein shake!

At the end of this article, we will explore some protein powder FAQs. If you have additional questions about our protein formulas, or need help choosing one, contact our team of Wellness Specialists at 1-800-226-2370.

VEGAN CHOCOLATE PROTEIN SMOOTHIE:

by Elena Yan | IG: @elena.y.yoga

Ingredients:

• 1.5 Cups Unflavored Almond Milk
• 1 Scoop Life Extension Wellness Code® Plant Protein Complete & Amino Acid Complex (Vanilla)
• 1/2 Frozen Banana
• 2 TBSP Organic Cacao Powder
• 1 TSP Maca Powder
• 1/2-1 TBSP Cacao Nibs
• Pinch of Salt
• 3 Ice Cubes

Instructions:

1. Process all ingredients except ice and cacao nibs in a blender for 30 sec, or until smooth.
2. Add ice and cacao nibs and process for another 5 sec.
3. Pour into a glass and sprinkle with more cacao nibs (you can slightly crush them in a coffee grinder for 3 sec).
4. Enjoy!

About: Elena is a nutrition therapist, health advisor, certified yoga teacher and big fan of plant-based kitchens since her early age. After 12 years in Australia and many travels around South Asia and Europe, she currently lives in Arizona together with her partner and their rescued from Thailand dog, Byron. Elena is following a very active lifestyle and teaches people healthy living through yoga, nutrition and plant-based recipes. Her other big passion is raw vegan desserts. www.WholisticYoga.com

GRAIN-FREE CEREAL GRANOLA “CEREOLA”

by Ella Davar, RD, CDN | IG: @nutritionistella

Who doesn’t love breakfast cereal and granola? I know I can’t resist it!

But I am not willing to sacrifice my health and wellness to a sugar loaded bowl of conventional cereal; that’s why I created a grain-free Cereola.

Ingredients:

Dry:

• 1 TBSP Almond Flour
• 1 Scoop Life Extension Wellness Code® Whey Protein Concentrate (Vanilla)
• 1 TSP of Cacao Powder

Wet:

• 1 TSP of Almond Butter or Sunflower Seed Butter
• 1 oz of Melted Dark Chocolate

Instructions:

1. Mix dry ingredients, then combine with wet ingredients.
2. Mix the dough together and roll it into a log.
3. Cut it into small pieces and bake for 10-15 min at 375° F.
4. Serve with plain probiotic rich yogurt or nut-based milk.

About: Ella Davar, R.D., CDN, CHC is a Registered Dietitian, Integrative Nutritionist and Holistic Health Coach. In her practice she treats clients with food sensitivities, intolerances and sensibilities, who are looking to optimize their health through diet, weight loss, functional nutrition and fitness.

PUMPKIN SPICE CHIA SEED PUDDING

By Cassandra Golden MS, RD | IG: @nutrition_nibbles_dietitian

Ingredients:

• 1.5 Cups Vanilla Soy Milk
• 1/2 Cup Pumpkin Puree
• 1/4 Cup Chia Seeds
• 1 Scoop Life Extension Wellness Code® Whey Protein Isolate (Vanilla)
• 2 TBSP Vanilla Almond Butter
• 1 TBSP Raw Honey
• 1 TSP Vanilla Extract
• 1 TSP Cinnamon
• 1/4 TSP Nutmeg
• 1/8 TSP Ground Ginger
• Pinch of Salt

Optional: Crushed pecans or granola for topping

Instructions:

1. Blend all ingredients, except chia seeds, until smooth.
2. Place the blended mixture into a resealable large jar (or 2 smaller jars) then add chia seeds. Seal jar and shake.
3. Place in refrigerator overnight or for at least 3 hours.
4. Add your toppings and DIG IN!

Super high in protein, vitamin A and healthy omega-3 fats! Happy pumpkin spice season!

About: Cassandra Golden Sampson MS, RD, LDN, MIEP is a Registered Dietitian, Licensed Nutritionist and a Mindful & Instinctive Eating Practitioner. After recovering from a personal battle with binge eating disorder, Cassandra has dedicated her career to teaching the art of mindful and instinctive eating. Cassandra owns Nutrition Nibbles Consulting, LLC—a telehealth-based private practice offering one-on-one nutrition counseling, group classes, online courses and corporate wellness programs.

VEGAN PROTEIN-PACKED “PB & JAM” SMOOTHIE BOWL

By Christina | IG: @latchontohealth

Ingredients:

• 6 oz Latch onto Health Oat Mylk
• 1/2 Cup Organic Frozen Blueberries
• 1 Scoop Life Extension Wellness Code® Plant Protein Complete & Amino Acid Complex (Vanilla)
• 1 TBSP Organic Natural Peanut Butter

Instructions:

Blend the ingredients until smooth and enjoy!

Optional: Top with oats, hemp, chia and flax seeds or fresh fruit

About: Christina is the founder and owner of Latch onto Health, LLC. She uses her expertise in nutrition, lactation, pregnancy and fitness to help people achieve their health goals and improve their overall wellbeing. She takes a holistic approach to inform and empower individuals and families. When Christina isn’t coaching or leading a workshop, you can find her enjoying the outdoors or cooking something delicious! Blog: https://latchontohealth.com/protein-packed-pb-jam-smoothie/

SKIN-SUPPORTING BERRY PROTEIN SMOOTHIE

By Laura | IG: @celebratewoman

Ingredients:

• 3/4 Cup Frozen Berries of Your Choice
• 3 TBSP Plain Greek Yogurt
• 1 Cup Water
• 1 Scoop Life Extension Wellness Code® Plant Protein Complete & Amino Acid Complex (Vanilla)

Instructions:

Combine all ingredients in the mixer and enjoy your truly flavorful drink.

About: My content celebrates women through a range of health topics that ultimately empower them through shared experiences. I showcase lifestyle choices that are afforded by the quality of the products and knowledge base to support any woman’s daily life. Blog: https://celebratewomantoday.com/skin-in-menopause/

FRUITY PROTEIN OATMEAL BARS

By: Tiffany Faublas | IG: @trinitiffy

Ingredients:

• 1½ Cups Rolled Oats
• 2 Scoops Life Extension Wellness Code® Plant Protein Complete & Amino Acid Complex (Vanilla)
• ¼ Cup Cane Sugar
• 1 TSP Baking Powder
• 1 TSP Ground Ginger
• 1 TSP Cinnamon
• 2 TBSP Molasses
• 1½ Cups Coconut Milk
• 1 TSP Vanilla Extract
• ¼ Cup Raisins
• ¼ Cup Chopped Dates>
• ¼ Cup Chopped Dried Apricots

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375° F.
2. In a bowl combine wet ingredients and cane sugar.
3. In another bowl mix remaining dry ingredients.
4. Add the wet mixture into dry mixture and stir.
5. Add in fruits and continue to combine all ingredients.
6. Line an 8x8 inch pan with parchment paper.
7. Pour batter into pan and bake for about 30- 35 minutes or until a toothpick pulls clean from the center.
8. Remove from oven and cut inside desired sizes. Enjoy!

About: Tiffany Faublas is a marketing director in West Palm Beach overseeing the development and execution of all marketing activities for the downtown district. She has a personal interest in food, culture and fitness.

HIGH PROTEIN CHOCOLATE BANANA PB SMOOTHIE

By: Vickie Klimantiris, RD, LD/N | IG: @nutritionbyvickie

Ingredients:

• 2 Frozen Bananas
• 1 TSP Cinnamon
• 4 Dates
• 2 Scoops Life Extension Wellness Code® Whey Protein Concentrate (Chocolate)
• 1 TBSP Peanut Butter
• 1 Cup Unsweetened Almond Milk

Instructions:

Combine all ingredients into a blender and pulse until smooth. Enjoy as a quick on-the-go breakfast or nourishing post-workout smoothie!

Optional: Top with chia seeds, helps seeds, coconut flakes, a drizzle of honey & your favorite granola!

About: Vickie is a registered dietitian working in Clinical Nutrition with a passion for teaching adults how to nourish themselves and their families in the most stress-free way! Nutrition shouldn’t have to be complicated and I love simplifying it in ways that bring back joy surrounding food.

SIMPLY DELICIOUS BERRY-BANANA BOOSTER SMOOTHIE

By Nana Meriwether | IG: @nanameriwether

Ingredients:

• 1 Frozen Banana
• ½ Cup of Blueberries
• 1 Cup of Non-Dairy Milk
• 1 Scoop Wellness Code® Whey Protein Isolate (Chocolate)
• Booster: Lions Mane Or Maca Powder

Instructions:

Blend until smooth. Enjoy!

About: Nana is a former Miss USA and professional and Olympic-level volleyball player. Nana is currently a studying herbalist and founder of Cale, a wellness company focused on alcohol alternatives. Cale’s first releases will be low and non-alcoholic wines infused with healthful and functional herbs, botanicals, mushrooms and plants.

Protein Powder FAQ’s

Whey Protein Powder Benefits

What are the benefits of whey protein? Whey protein can help build lean muscle mass, inhibit protein breakdown and promote immune system health.^1-4

Protein Powder for Older Adults and Seniors

Should seniors use protein powder? Research shows that the elderly could benefit from consuming 1.0 to 1.2 g/kg body weight of protein daily.⁵ This corresponds to 70-84 g protein for a 70 kg (154 pound) person. Life Extension protein powders offer 14-20 grams per serving, making it a great way to help meet the protein needs of the aging population.

Protein Powder with Glutamine and Creatine

Do you offer a protein powder with creatine? In addition to providing 14 g of protein, Wellness Code® Advanced Whey Protein Isolate has the added benefit of 3 g of L-glutamine and 2 g of creatine monohydrate per serving. This is a great formula for athletes because creatine can support high-intensity exercise and L-glutamine can support exercise recovery.^6-8 Plus, glutamine can also support the health of the lining of our gastrointestinal tract.⁹

Protein Powder for Immune Health

Does whey protein benefit the immune system? Whey protein contains immunoglobulins and sulfur-containing amino acids cysteine and methionine, which support a healthy immune response, antioxidant defense and optimal detoxification through intracellular conversion to glutathione.²

Concentrated VS Isolated Protein Powder

What is the difference? Whey protein isolate contains a higher concentration of protein per gram than whey protein concentrate because other ingredients, including lactose and fat, are removed. Whey protein isolate contains very little lactose (0.1 g) versus the amount of lactose in whey protein concentrate (1.0 g); however, both formulas contain much less lactose than a glass of milk (12 g/8 oz serving). So, for those looking to get the most protein per gram of powder and/or have a lactose intolerance or sensitivity, a protein isolate would be the best option.

What is your favorite way to use Life Extension protein? Tag us on Instagram @LifeExtension #LifeExtension and show us for a chance to be featured in our Instagram story.

References

1. Appl Physiol Nutr Metab. . 2016;41(3):249-54.
2. Altern Med Rev. 2004;9(2):136-56.
3. Dermatol Ther. 020:e14260.
4. J Food Sci. 2015;80 Suppl 1:A8-a15.
5. Osteoporos Int. 2013;24(5):1555-66.
6. Curr Protein Pept Sci. 2017;18(12):1273-1287.
7. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. 2012;9(1):33.
8. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2015;25(5):417-26.
9. Int J Mol Sci. 2019;20(20).