Vega protein powder is a popular plant-based protein supplement made from pea, hemp, and brown rice proteins. It’s dairy-free, soy-free, gluten-free, and non-GMO. Vega protein is a versatile supplement that can be mixed with various ingredients to create delicious and nutritious shakes, smoothies, oatmeal, baked goods, and more. Choosing the right ingredients to mix with Vega protein is important to maximize the nutritional value, taste, and consistency of your recipes. This article will provide tips on the best things to mix with Vega protein powder.
Water
The simplest way to mix Vega protein powder is with water. Using a shaker bottle or blender, mix 1-2 scoops of Vega protein powder with 8-12 ounces of water. Make sure to use cold water and shake or blend thoroughly so the powder fully incorporates into the water. Water provides a neutral base to allow the natural flavors of the protein powder to shine through. Add ice to make a cooling protein shake. Water is a fast, easy, and portable way to get your protein in.
Non-Dairy Milk
Non-dairy milk is one of the most popular Vega protein mix-ins. Any unsweetened nut milk like almond, cashew, coconut, or oat milk can be used. The milk provides creaminess, flavor, and additional nutrients like vitamin D, calcium, and healthy fats. Shake or blend 1-2 scoops of Vega powder with 6-12 ounces of chilled non-dairy milk. Non-dairy milk allows you to create a latte-style protein drink. Coconut milk offers a subtle tropical flair while nut milks provide richness.
Fruit
Adding fruit to Vega protein shakes amps up the flavor and nutritional value. Berries, bananas, mangos, pineapples, apples, oranges, cherries, and pomegranate all work well. Use fresh or frozen fruit. Fruit provides fiber, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and natural sweetness. For a smooth texture, use soft fruits like bananas and mangos or blend firmer fruits like apples and pears. Here are some tasty fruit shake ideas:
- Berries – blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries
- Banana protein shake
- Mango peach smoothie
- Pineapple coconut shake
- Mixed berry acai smoothie bowl
- Cherry pomegranate juice blend
Aim for 1⁄2 to 1 cup of fruit per shake. Too much fruit can overpower the protein flavor.
Vegetables
Adding veggies to your Vega protein shake boosts the nutrient content even more. Spinach, kale, carrots, beets, and sweet potatoes work well. Leafy greens add vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants without impacting flavor too much. For sweeter shakes, add carrots or sweet potatoes. Vegetable shakes are ideal as meal replacements or post-workout recovery drinks. Blend your veggies with Vega protein, non-dairy milk, and fruits like banana or berries to mask any veggie taste.
Some tasty veggie shake ideas include:
- Spinach banana power shake
- Carrot apple turmeric shake
- Green monster shake with kale, mango, pineapple
- Beet avocado smoothie bowl
- Sweet potato vanilla smoothie
Use around 1⁄2 to 1 cup chopped veggies in your blended shakes. Make sure veggies are cooked or softened before adding to your blender.
Nut Butters
Nut butters like almond, peanut, cashew, and sunflower seed butter add creaminess, plant-based protein, healthy fats, andflavor to Vega shakes. They make your shake more decadent and satisfying. Use 1-2 tablespoons of nut butter in your blender for a touch ofnutty richness. Nut butters pair especially well with banana or chocolate Vega flavors.
Some nut butter Vega shake ideas:
- Almond butter banana shake
- Sunflower seed butter berry smoothie
- Cashew butter chocolate shake
- Peanut butter banana oat shake
Look for unsweetened and unsalted nut butters to control sugar and sodium content.
Seeds
Seeds like chia, hemp, and flax add healthy fats, fiber, vitamins, and minerals to Vega protein shakes. Due to their gelling properties when mixed with liquid, chia and flax seeds help thicken up the consistency of shakes. Add 1-2 teaspoons of seeds to your blender. Hemp seeds offer a nutty flavor while chia seeds are neutral tasting.
Some energizing seed shake ideas include:
- Chia berry power shake
- Flax pineapple coconut smoothie
- Hemp seed blueberry avocado smoothie
- Chocolate chia banana shake
Grind the seeds first for better digestibility and to avoid a chunky texture. Or use seed butter instead.
Oats
Adding oats to your Vega protein shake takes it to a hearty, meal-like level. Use old fashioned whole oats, not instant oats. Start with 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 cup oats and blend on high speed to break them down fully. For protein oatmeal, stir the blended oats in a bowl and microwave. Top with fruit and nuts. Oats provide soluble fiber for digestive health.
Some oat-based Vega shake ideas include:
- Blueberry coconut oats shake
- Banananut oat smoothie bowl
- Apple cinnamon oatmeal shake
- Overnight chia seed oats shake
Soak oats overnight or boil for creamier shakes. Add non-dairy milk to get the desired consistency.
Yogurt
Non-dairy yogurt adds protein, probiotics, and creaminess when blended with Vega powder. Coconut or almond milk yogurts work best. Spoon in 2-4 ounces of yogurt before blending your shake. Yogurt pairs well with fruit flavors.
Some yogurt smoothie ideas:
- Blueberry coconut yogurt smoothie
- Peach mango coconut yogurt shake
- Banana almond milk yogurt smoothie bowl
- Mixed berry cashew yogurt shake
Avoid yogurt with added sugars. Plain, unsweetened varieties are best for balancing sweetness.
Coffee
For a morning protein coffee boost, blend together Vega protein powder with cold brew coffee or espresso. Start with 6-8 ounces coffee and add non-dairy milk or your other favorite mix-ins like cinnamon or cocoa powder. The mocha and vanilla bean Vega flavors work especially well as a creamer replacement.
Some energizing coffee shake ideas:
- Iced vanilla latte protein shake
- Caramel coconut milk coffee smoothie
- Chocolate peanut butter coffee shake
- Mocha banana shake
Keep coffee shakes under 300 mg caffeine if having later in the day. Dilute with more non-dairy milk as needed.
Tea
For an afternoon pick-me-up or unwinding nightcap, blend up Vega protein with herbal tea. Chamomile, rooibos, mint, and chai tea work nicely. Start with cooled tea and mix in your favorite flavors like berries, pineapple, or matcha. The banana and vanilla bean Vega powders complement tea especially well.
Some soothing tea shake ideas:
- Chamomile lavender protein shake
- Matcha cashew smoothie
- Vanilla rooibos protein shake
- Chai banana smoothie bowl
Aim for 6-10 ounces brewed, cooled tea per shake. Add honey or stevia to taste if needed.
Greens Powders
For an extra nutrient boost, add 1-2 scoops of greens powder like wheatgrass, spirulina, or moringa. These superfood greens provide antioxidants, chlorophyll, vitamins, and minerals. Mix the greens powder with water or non-dairy milk first before adding Vega protein. Start with a small amount as too much can lead to grassy or bitter taste.
Some greens-based shake ideas:
- Spirulina pineapple coconut shake
- Chocolate moringa smoothie bowl
- Wheatgrass orange mango smoothie
- Matcha lemon ginger shake
Look for organic greens powders with no added sugars or artificial ingredients.
Healthy Fats
Adding a bit of healthy fats makes your shake richer, creamier, and more satisfying. Use nut butters, avocado, coconut butter, or MCT oil. Fats help absorb the fat-soluble vitamins in the Vega powder. For avocado, mash up 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 avocado before adding to your blender. Start with 1 teaspoon MCT or coconut oil and adjust to taste.
Some high healthy fat shake ideas:
- Chocolate peanut butter avocado shake
- Coconut butter berry smoothie
- Lemon coconut oil protein shake
- MCT oil coffee smoothie
Too much oil can lead to an unpleasant greasy mouthfeel. Add just enough to enrich the flavor and texture.
Spices
Spices like cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, nutmeg, vanilla, and cocoa powder can help flavor and enhance the shakes. Mix in 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 teaspoon spice powders like ginger, cinnamon or turmeric. For vanilla or cocoa, use 1 teaspoon or to taste. Sweet spices like cinnamon and ginger complement fruit flavors.
Some spiced shake ideas:
- Pumpkin pie smoothie with cinnamon, nutmeg
- Carrot cake smoothie with cinnamon, ginger
- Chai shake with cinnamon, ginger, cardamom
- Mexican hot chocolate shake with cocoa, cinnamon, cayenne
Experiment with spice blends in savory shakes too. Start with a small amount and increase to taste preferences.
Protein Powders
Mixing different types of protein powders can provide a more complete amino acid profile. Combine the Vega plant-based protein with a whey or collagen peptides protein powder. Use a 1:1 ratio with 1 scoop Vega to 1 scoop whey or collagen.
Some protein boosting shake ideas:
- Vega + whey post-workout shake
- Vega + collagen peach mango smoothie
- Vega + rice protein blueberry smoothie bowl
- Vega + hemp protein banana coconut shake
Check the total protein per serving when mixing powders to meet your needs.
Meal Replacement Shake Ideas
To turn your Vega protein shake into a complete meal replacement, include a combination of ingredients like:
- Vega protein + oats + peanut butter + banana + cinnamon
- Vega protein + spinach + avocado + cocoa powder + stevia
- Vega protein + almond milk + chia seeds + mixed berries
- Vega protein + coconut yogurt + mango + granola/toppings
Aim for at least 15-20g protein, 5g fiber, and 20% DV for vitamins and minerals. Add toppings like granola, seeds, or nuts too.
Baking and Cooking with Vega Protein Powder
You can use Vega protein powder in recipes beyond shakes and smoothies too. Here are some ideas:
- Pancakes or waffles: Add 2-4 tablespoons Vega powder to batter.
- Protein oats: Stir 1-2 scoops Vega into cooked oatmeal with toppings.
- Overnight oats: Mix Vega powder into overnight oats before chilling.
- Protein muffins: Fold 2-4 tablespoons powder into muffin batter.
- Energy bites: Add 2-3 tablespoons powder when mixing ingredients.
- Protein bars: Fold into homemade protein bar dough.
- Smoothie popsicles: Freeze blended shakes into popsicle molds.
Start with adding 2-4 tablespoons per serving and adjust as needed. The mild flavor blends well without overpowering.
Buying and Storing Tips
– Look for Vega protein powders that are non-GMO, soy-free, gluten-free, and certified vegan.
– Avoid added sugars; look for stevia-sweetened or unsweetened varieties.
– Store Vega protein powder sealed in a cool, dry place like the pantry.
– Refrigerating after opening can help prolong freshness 2-3 months.
– Use a dry spoon when scooping powder to prevent clumping.
– Shake, stir, or blend well each time before using for even mixing.
Bottom Line
Vega protein powder can be mixed with a wide range of healthy ingredients to create delicious, nutritious shakes and recipes. Combining fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, spices, coffee/tea, oats, seeds, milk alternatives and more allows you to tailor the flavor, texture, and nutrition to your needs. Get creative with mixing and matching ingredients based on your tastebuds and fitness goals. Vega protein powder provides a neutral, plant-based canvas to build a healthy blend personalized for you.
