- High-protein soy milk and strained yogurt pair up with high-fiber fruits for a satisfying shake.
- This 5-ingredient shake takes only 5 minutes to make.
- Bananas and Medjool dates add flavor and natural sweetness.
This No-Added-Sugar Strawberry Protein Shake gets its natural sweetness from fruit—no added sugar needed. Strained (Greek-style) yogurt and soy milk blend into a creamy, satisfying base that’s rich in protein and calcium, while bananas and strawberries add fiber, potassium and vitamin C. A couple of Medjool dates add a caramel-sweet depth and help balance out the flavor. The result is a smooth, refreshing shake that fuels your morning or keeps you energized any time of day. So grab your blender and read on below for tips and easy ways to customize it to your taste and nutrition goals.
Tips from the EatingWell Test Kitchen
These are the key tips we learned while developing and testing this recipe in our Test Kitchen to make sure it works, tastes great and is good for you too!
- The riper the bananas, the sweeter and creamier your shake will be! Look for bananas with some brown spots on the skin.
- If your dates feel hard or firm to the touch, you can soak them in hot water for 10 minutes before blending.
- It’s easy to customize the flavors. Try adding a teaspoon of cocoa powder for a chocolaty twist, a dash of cinnamon for warmth or a handful of spinach for a nutrient boost.
Nutrition Notes
- Unsweetened vanilla soy milk typically provides 7 to 9 grams of protein per 1-cup serving. Fortified soy milk is the only plant-based milk that is comparable to dairy milk when it comes to protein, vitamins and mineral content, including calcium, potassium, phosphorus and vitamin D. Make sure to choose unsweetened vanilla soy milk to avoid added sugars.
- Whole-milk strained (Greek-style) yogurt contains around 20 grams of protein per cup along with key nutrients including calcium, vitamins A and D, and potassium. The straining process helps reduce the lactose content and in turn reduces the total natural sugars in this style of yogurt. The whole milk will add some fat content that can help slow the absorption of the natural sugars from the fruit used in this shake.
- Fruits, including strawberries, bananas and Medjool dates, are naturally sweet, rich in antioxidants and provide fiber that will help promote more regular blood sugar levels and better heart health. Pairing fruit up with the protein and healthy fats found in soy milk and strained (Greek-style) yogurt will make you feel fuller and more satisfied while keeping you energized for several hours.
