I was thinking about how I added nutritional yeast to my Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup recipe and I thought hey, why not try it in a vegan peanut butter cup protein shake?! Well, guess what, deliciousness ensued! I’m completely obsessed with this sweet and slightly salty protein shake that tastes just like a chocolate peanut butter cup! Two secret superfood ingredients amp up the nutrition and frozen banana, peanut butter and chocolate protein powder bring it all together. Meet your new favourite smoothie.
Getting B12 In A Plant-Based Diet
I think it’s essential to either take some form of B12 supplement or make sure you’re eating plenty of B12 fortified foods. Vitamin B12 can be harder to get if you eat plant-based but it’s no problem if you’re conscious of including it in your diet. I supplement with B12 and try to eat lots of B12 fortified foods. Nutritional yeast and store-bought nut milks are two of those foods and this recipe has both of them!
Nutritional Yeast In A Protein Shake?
You might think it’s a little odd to add nutritional yeast to a smoothie but trust me on this one. Nutritional yeast is the key to peanut butter cup protein shake success! Not only does it add the perfect nutty, salty flavour to this smoothie, it adds extra protein and B12. Nutritional yeast is a staple in my kitchen. I add it to a ton of recipes as well as sprinkle it on popcorn, top salads with it and use it to make dressings and sauces.
MY LATEST VIDEOSNutritional yeast is also known to support a healthy immune system, promote healthy skin, hair and nails, improve digestion and is a complete source of protein.
The Second Superfood: Turmeric
Now you might really think I’ve lost it. Turmeric in a peanut butter cup smoothie? Yes, yes it’s true! Turmeric is high antioxidants, has anti-inflammatory properties, has been linked to brain health, reduces the risk of heart disease along with a number other health benefits.
I use it in this recipe to add some colour as well as for it’s nutritional properties. You can’t taste it once it’s blended into the smoothie and while it’s an optional ingredient, I’d definitely recommend sneaking it in there!
Vegan Peanut Butter Cup Protein Shake
There are two ways to eat this amazing peanut butter cup shake.
1. Add about 1/2 a cup of almond milk so it’s thick and creamy like peanut butter cup ice cream. Eat it with a spoon. Die happy.
2. Add about 3/4 to 1 cup of almond milk so it’s creamy and decadent. Drink it with a straw. Also die happy.
I usually make it a bit thinner so there’s more of it, then still eat it with a spoon. I love making my protein shakes into smoothie bowls and digging into them with a spoon. Smoothie bowls are also the perfect vessel for peanut butter cup toppings! Ahem, chopped up vegan chocolate peanut cups. However, If I’m taking it on the road, I’ll add a bit more liquid so it’s drinkable. Both ways are crazy delicious.
Always Be Freezing…Bananas
Frozen bananas are the key to the creamiest, thickest, most amazing smoothies. I always make sure to have a container of frozen bananas on standby. Buy a extra bananas each week and if you don’t get to them, toss the extras in the freezer. Just make sure you peel them first! Don’t skip the frozen banana in this recipe for best results. (You can use a regular banana if you want but it’s just not the same!)
I’m in love with this smoothie! The flavour is seriously so amazing, just like a Reese Peanut Butter Cup! You only need a few simple ingredients to make it. Toss ’em all in a blender, blend until ultra-smooth and creamy. Drink it all up. You won’t regret it. In fact, you’ll be drinking this one on repeat. That’s a promise.
PrintPeanut Butter Cup Protein Smoothie
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Total Time: 5 mins
- Yield: 1
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup + 1-2 tbsp unsweetened almond milk (start with 3/4 cup, slowly add a little more to reach desired consistency)
- 1 serving (42 g) Vega Performance Protein in Vanilla or Chocolate
- 2 tbsp (14 g) nutritional yeast
- 2 tbsp (30 g) natural peanut butter
- 1 medium (125 g) frozen banana
- optional: 1/2 tsp turmeric
- optional: a few ice cubes
- optional: pinch of sea salt
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in a blender and mix until smooth.
Katie
I’ve been more of an almond butter gal lately, but I specifically went out and bought some natural pb so I could make this smoothie along with your chocolate pb protein bars tonight. So the smoothie has been made….it’s amazing!! Love the extra bonus of adding nutritional yeast too! Never thought of that before, but I will be adding some to my green smoothies from now on. As for supplementation, unfortunately being low in iron and vitamin b12 can come along with the vegan lifestyle. I try to use nutritional yeast regularly in salads or pasta dishes. Also including super foods like chia seeds for some iron, raw maca powder (good for energy, hormone levels and post workout), and raw cacao is another source of some iron. I’m not too big on taking supplements, but for energy purposes I have been feeling like you are lately. Keep us posted if you end up getting some and what brands 🙂
Can’t wait to make your bars tonight!! 🙂
Coco Marie
I usually have a smoothie every morning so I love finding new recipes to mix it up a bit. Thanks for the post–I look forward to trying this!
Megan (The Lyons' Share)
Wow, I never would have thought to add nutritional yeast to a smoothie – great idea! I have mixed thoughts on supplementation, which I talk a lot about – I believe that the “best case scenario” is to get all your nutrients from real food, as most people do. However, I also believe that most people (even those of us who care a lot about our nutritional balance) don’t eat a “perfect” diet and have some nutritional voids. So, in general, I’m pro-supplementation to have your bases covered. Like almost anything, it depends on the individual, though!
Deryn
I agree with you about supplements, obviously getting as much as possible from whole foods. However since I don’t eat dairy or meat/fish as a personal choice, the B50 supplement is probably a good idea! I’d never thought about nooch for a smoothie either, but it turned out sooo yummy! Thanks for the comment 🙂
Jennifer Stohr
I am not vegan/vegetarian, but I am anaphylactic to dairy, chamomile, & walnuts, allergic to soy, oats, coffee, & melons, and have celiac, asthma, and adrenal fatigue. I eat a mostly whole foods, very very little grain and sugar free diet. Per my doctor after blood work, I am taking a whole food prenatal (b/c they seem to be better absorbed/utilized for me), calcium/magnesium/zinc, B complex, potassium (the albuterol & other asthma meds deplete my potassium very quickly), vitamin D, cod liver oil, dessicated liver, and iron. I’m also trying a tumeric supplement for joint pain, and so far it seems to be helping. 😀 I really love the look of this recipe, and will be trying it soon! We use nutritional yeast often in/on foods for my daughter (celiac/asthma/23 food allergies).
Deryn
Hmmm, interesting! It sounds like you have a lot to think about, but seems like you’re making it work! I’m very lucky with no allergies or intolerances whatsoever. After looking at my diet more carefully I don’t think I have low iron, unless I’m not absorbing it…but I did decide to add a B50 complex vitamin and a multi-vitamin. I’ve heard a lot of good things about turmeric and joint pain, so glad to hear it’s helping. Let me know how you like the smoothie!
Jessica
Fatigue?…Vitamin D! I was feeling very lethargic once I went from vegetarian to vegan. Started a 1500 iu vitamin d supplement. Energy went right up within a few days.
Deryn
Hmm, thanks for the tip! I ended up adding a B50 and multi vit just to be sure. I’ve also just been paying closer attention to my diet and making sure I’m getting enough variety.
Edward
I love smoothies with peanut butter! Thanks this looks awesome I have to try!
Amanda - Create N Plate
Nutritional yeast in a peanut butter smoothie… oh my gosh! I am literally going to the kitchen as soon as I type this and trying that out. I never ever even thought about putting nutritional yeast into a smoothie. So awesome!
I don’t have any experience with supplementing. I used to take a multivitamin, but I stopped doing so and feel great without it as well. Everyone is different though and I feel that supplements are fine, especially when you eat as well balanced as you do! Good luck!!
simple green moms
so glad i came across your blog today! =) this sounds delicous!!! will definitely keep checking back often
Anji
Hey there I’m allergic to bananas and in most smoothies are bananas so I was wondering if you know any good replacement for it?! Could I like use avocado cause of the texture and add some marple syrup for sweetness? or what would you recommend?
thank you!
Deryn
Hmmm, I don’t know about avocado and peanut butter, maybe cashew or almond butter would be better. An avocado would certainly replace the banana okay, but I don’t know about combining it with those other flavours?! And yes, I’d recommend adding a little sweetener along with it 🙂
Jenessa
I just found this via Finding Vegan and am so glad I did! This may just be my dinner tonight. I’ve always been more about getting my vitamins and such from whole foods instead of supplements, but I also read somewhere that provided they are good supplements a little added help isn’t a bad thing. I was thrown for a loop in talking to a nutritionist about my diet (because I’m pregnant and my mother had concerns about it with my mostly vegan diet) when his concern for me was protein. Generally that garners an eye roll from me, but he’d listened to everything, taken notes, looked at my prenatal supplement (which was loaded with B12 – Rainbow Light is the brand and is vegan) and suggested I take it with citrus juice to help my body absorb the calcuim and B12 in it… and then the protein comment. He pointed it all out to me and I was shocked at how much I needed because I’m pregnant (not pregnant I consumed just enough). I did a lot of research into powders because the thought of all those nuts and beans made me ill. In my research I came across this study: http://labs.naturalnews.com/heavy-metals-chart-Proteins-Vegan.html and was floored by how much we all take for granted ingredient labels. I decided to go with a pea protein powder based on my comparison of the information provided – unfortunately most of the brands that were low in metals were not readily available to me and pea protein seemed to have the lowest results in general. Just something to keep in mind when picking out a powder.
…and with this introduction to your site, I look forward to poking around some more!
Liz
Deryn,
OMG, WHERE did you get that mason mug?? It’s beautiful!
PS You should really refrain from the guessing game and get a comprehensive blood panel done to get some definitive answers. Fatigue can be caused by SO many things, your best bet would be to get tested to see if you’re actuallu deficient in anything.
Deryn
I found a 4 pack at Winners for $10! A great find!!
CareBear
I make basically the same smoothie! I hadn’t thought to add nutritional yeast though. (Next time!) Fantastic. I’m tickled to have found your site. All the best!
Deryn
Thanks for the comment – I’m glad you found my site too!! Enjoy your smoothie 🙂
Angela
Hi Deryn,
I’m not a vegan/vegetarian but I have been trying to decrease my meat intake to include more plant-based sources in my diet. I didn’t know about the benefits of nutritional yeast and am so thankful to you for including that information in your blog. Will be trying this recipe soon.
Donna
I was really hesitant to try nutritional yeast in sweet smoothie, but this recipe is awesome! I love that it added some savoriness to an otherwise sweet shake, not to mention the additional nutrients. This is one of my new favorite smoothies. Thanks so much for this recipe Deryn! It’s perfect!
★★★★★
Deryn
Thank you, Donna! I thought it was weird at first too but I love the nutty, salty flavour it adds! Thanks again 🙂
Sara
Hello Deryn,
I just made this smoothie with 3/4 cup almond milk, and it is amazing! The nutritional yeast takes a chocolate peanut butter smoothie to a whole new level. Thank you, because I will be frequenting this recipe.
★★★★★
Deryn
Right? It’s so good!! Glad you enjoyed it.
Vegan Ty
This recipe looks incredible. You had me a peanut butter, but I absolutely love the addition of turmeric. Vega Sport Performance is a great option, too. Sounds both delicious and wonderfully healthy. Thank you for the creative smoothie recipe idea! <3
★★★★★
Deryn
It’s a really good one! Let me know if you try it!