5 protein snack recipes for the whole family — A Mom Explores | Family Travel Tips, Destination Guides with Kids, Family Vacation Ideas, and more! (2024)

It's no secret that I love my protein shakes! I replace one or two of my meals with a high-protein meal replacement shake every single day. This is absolutely the best one on the market. Sometimes, however, I like to have a high-protein snack in between meals to eat along with a piece of fruit, or I want something warm to eat instead of a cold shake. In these situations, I like to make protein snacks with my shake powder for my kids, my husband, and me.

Related: Why You Should Be Drinking Meal Replacement Shakes

Another reason I love making protein snacks is that I can involve my kids in the process. I think it's so important to get kids helping in the kitchen to teach them about nutrition and how food is made. The kids love licking the spoon and sneaking chocolate chips when I'm not looking! This has been such a fun way to talk to my kids about why protein is so important for our bodies.

The best 5 snacks we have been enjoying lately with our protein powder are protein waffles, protein donuts, smoothies, mug cakes, and energy balls. I'll share the recipes I've been using below!

Protein Waffles

These chocolate waffles are healthy lifestyle approved! (And super filling!) Bonus: the kids loved them too!

1/3-1/2 cup oat flour
1 or 2 scoops of chocolate protein powder or meal replacement shake powder
About 1/3 cup almond milk
Whisk, and pour into greased waffle maker - we use this one
Top with blueberries, strawberries, mini chocolate chips, melted nut butter, or maple syrup!

Protein Donuts

Y’all know I love me some store-bought sugary donuts, but when you have the best protein in the world on your shelves, you might as well make yourself a healthier version of your favorite treat! You'll need a donut pan. I used:

🍩2/3 cup chocolate protein or meal replacement shake powder (you could use any flavor!)
🍩2/3 cup oat flour
🍩4 TBSP unsweetened applesauce
🍩1/2 tsp sea salt
🍩2 eggs
🍩2 TBSP flaxseed
🍩6 TBSP water
🍩handful mini chocolate chips and/or splash or maple syrup

After mixing, fill donut trays not *quite* to the top. (makes between 8-12 donuts, depending on how full you fill the pans)

Bake at 325 for 15-17 minutes.

After cooling, I frosted with a mixture of vanilla Greek yogurt, vanilla protein powder, water, and a bit of powdered sugar until I had the consistency and taste I wanted. They were very sticky but very delicious.

Green Smoothie

We LOVE green smoothies for an afternoon snack. They're totally customizable, packed with fruit and vegetables, and super filling with protein. Here is one of the recipes the kids and I use:

16 ounces of water
2-3 handfuls of spinach
~blend before adding frozen fruit~
1 cup frozen strawberries
1 cup frozen tropical fruit (mango, pineapple, etc)
1 frozen banana
1 scoop vanilla protein powder
(optional) 2 scoops Juicy Orange Hydrate
Blend & enjoy with your kids!

Related: Tropical Green Smoothie

Protein Mug Cakes

2 scoops chocolate protein meal replacement shake powder
3 tbsp almond milk
4 tbsp water

Mix in a mug
Microwave for 2.5 minutes
Sprinkle a few chocolate chips, a square of dark chocolate, or a green tea infused chocolate on top while it cools.
Top with whipped cream and enjoy!

Related: Work From Home Job for Moms Who Love Fitness

Protein Energy Balls

3/4 cup cashew butter (any nut butter will do)
1/2 cup oats
1/2 cup protein powder (I used vanilla) or meal replacement shake powder
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
1/2 cup flaxseed
2 tbsp maple syrup

Combine all ingredients, put in the freezer for about 20 minutes, then roll into balls. This makes about a dozen, so I often double the recipe to prepare for the week.

Related: Easy Meal Prep for Busy Families

It's so fun to start experimenting with other ways to use protein powder. What are your favorite ways to use protein in the kitchen?