Top 23 Protein Shake Recipes for Busy, Fit Dads
- benbarkerfitness

- Jul 24
- 4 min read
As a busy and active dad, finding the time and energy to fuel your workouts and recovery is crucial for maintaining your status as the fittest dad on the block.
Protein shakes are one of the most convenient ways to boost your protein intake and support muscle growth. Below are my top 20 protein shake recipes. These are tailored specifically for busy, fit dads who want to pack on muscle mass and get jacked.
As a disclaimer... Whole foods like chicken, lean beef, fruits, and vegetables come first. Supplements are exactly that... a powerful supplement/ aid to a well-rounded diet.
I am now working with 1st Phorm. I would appreciate it if you grabbed some protein through my link here. Thanks in advance!
Ingredients:
12oz Milk
Phormula 1 Protein
Ignition (Carbs)
Instructions: Combine milk, whey protein, creatine, and ignition in a shaker bottle. Shake well and enjoy for a quick protein boost on busy days.
2. Simple Fruit Smoothie
Ingredients:
8-12oz Milk
Vanilla protein powder
5 frozen strawberries
1 tbsp pumpkin seeds
1 tbsp peanut butter
Instructions: Combine all ingredients in blender and... blend.
3. Green Powerhouse Smoothie
Ingredients:
8-12 oz Milk
Vanilla protein powder
1 Scoop optigreens 50
1 cubed, frozen kiwi
1 tbsp hemp hearts
ice to tast
Instructions: Combine all ingredients in blender and... blend.
4. In a Hurry Shake
Ingredients:
Water
Whey protein powder
Creatine powder
Powdered Gatorade
Instructions: Combine water, whey protein, creatine, and powdered Gatorade in a shaker bottle. Shake well and enjoy for a quick protein boost on busy days.
5. The Classic
Ingredients:
Milk
Whey protein powder
Instructions: Blend or shake milk and whey protein powder until smooth for a classic and nutritious protein shake.
6. Orange Dreamsicle
Ingredients:
Orange juice
Vanilla whey protein powder
Instructions: Blend orange juice and vanilla whey protein for a refreshing and citrusy protein shake reminiscent of a dreamsicle.
7. My Go-To High-Cal Shake
Ingredients:
1 cup oatmeal
1 cup milk
1 frozen banana
Whey protein powder
Creatine powder
Instructions: Blend oatmeal, milk, frozen banana, whey protein, and creatine for a high-calorie shake perfect for fueling intense workouts.
I got the Ninja Pro Kitchen System last year for making protein shakes, smoothie bowls, and general kitchen use. It's been a game changer. Check it out here. I do receive commissions, so thank you!
8. Chunky Monkey
Ingredients:
1 cup milk
1 frozen banana
Chocolate whey protein powder
Big scoop of peanut butter
Instructions: Blend milk, frozen banana, chocolate whey protein, and peanut butter for a delicious and filling shake.
9. Strawberry and Cream
Ingredients:
1 cup frozen strawberries
1 cup milk
Vanilla whey protein powder
Instructions: Blend frozen strawberries, milk, and vanilla whey protein for a sweet and creamy protein shake.
10. Vanilla Coffee
Ingredients:
1/2 cup cold brew coffee
1/2 cup milk
Vanilla whey protein powder
Ice cubes
Instructions: Blend cold brew coffee, milk, vanilla whey protein, and ice cubes for a caffeinated protein boost.
11. Pina Colada
Ingredients:
1 frozen banana
1/2 cup fresh pineapple
1 cup coconut milk
Vanilla protein powder
1 tablespoon shredded unsweetened coconut
Instructions: Blend frozen banana, fresh pineapple, coconut milk, vanilla protein powder, and shredded coconut for a tropical protein shake.
12. Chocolate Chip Cookie Shake
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups almond milk
Vanilla protein powder
1/4 cup dry oats
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Handful of ice cubes
1 tablespoon mini chocolate chips
Stevia (optional)
Instructions: Blend almond milk, vanilla protein powder, dry oats, vanilla extract, salt, ice cubes, mini chocolate chips, and stevia for a guilt-free cookie-inspired shake.
13. Tropical Sunrise
Ingredients:
1 cup almond milk
Vanilla protein powder
1/2 frozen banana
1/2 cup frozen pineapple
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
Instructions: Blend almond milk, vanilla protein powder, frozen banana, frozen pineapple, and Greek yogurt for a refreshing and protein-packed shake.
14. Cinnamon Roll Shake
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups milk
Vanilla protein powder
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup vanilla Greek yogurt
1/4 cup dry oats
1/2 frozen banana
Instructions: Blend milk, vanilla protein powder, ground cinnamon, Greek yogurt, dry oats, and frozen banana for a cinnamon roll-inspired treat.
15. Key Lime Pie
Ingredients:
1/2 cup vanilla Greek yogurt
1 cup milk
Vanilla protein powder
1 tablespoon lime juice
Stevia (optional)
Handful of ice cubes
Instructions: Blend Greek yogurt, milk, vanilla protein powder, lime juice, stevia, and ice cubes for a tangy and refreshing protein shake.
16. Banana Nut Shake
Ingredients:
1 cup milk
Vanilla protein powder
1 frozen banana
Scoop of almond butter
Instructions: Blend ingredients in your ninja until delicious.
17. Mocha Shake
Ingredients:
1/2 cup almond milk
1/2 cup cold brew coffee
Chocolate protein powder
1 tsp uswt cocao
liquid stevia to taste
handful of ice cubes
Instructions: Blend ingredients in your ninja until delicious.
18. Peanut Butter Cup Shake
Ingredients:
1 cup Milk
Chocolate protein powder
1 tsp uswt cocao
Scoop of Peanut Butter
handful of ice cubes
Instructions: Blend ingredients in your ninja until delicious
Purchase anything through my 1st Phorm link here, send me a screen shot (IG, email, etc) and I will give you a code for 50% off my TrainHeroic Workout plan.
19. Apple Pie Shake
Ingredients:
1 small apple (cored and chopped)
1/2 cup vanilla Greek yogurt
1/2 cup almond milk
Vanilla protein powder
1/4 tsp cinnamon
Pinch of nutmeg
Handful of ice cubes
Instructions: Blend all ingredients for a fall-flavored, protein-packed shake that tastes like dessert.
20. Blueberry Muffin Shake
Ingredients:
1/2 cup frozen blueberries
1/4 cup dry oats
1 cup milk (any kind)
Vanilla protein powder
Dash of cinnamon
Handful of ice cubes
Instructions: Blend for a satisfying shake that mimics the flavor of a blueberry muffin.
21. Chocolate Mint Shake
Ingredients:
1 cup milk
Chocolate protein powder
1/8 tsp peppermint extract (a little goes a long way!)
Handful of spinach (optional for color/nutrition)
Handful of ice cubes
Instructions: Blend until smooth for a cool, refreshing, mint-chocolate shake.
22. Caramel Macchiato Protein Shake
Ingredients:
1/2 cup cold brew coffee
1/2 cup milk
Vanilla or caramel-flavored protein powder
1 tsp sugar-free caramel syrup (like Torani or Jordan’s Skinny Syrups)
Ice cubes
Instructions: Blend for a sweet coffeehouse-style shake with a protein punch.
23. Another Green Shake
Ingredients:
1/2 frozen banana
1 cup unsweetened almond milk
Vanilla protein powder
Handful of spinach
1 tbsp chia seeds or flaxseed
Handful of ice
Instructions: Blend for a nutrient-dense green shake that doesn’t taste “too green.”
Two follow up videos:
1: My Favorite 1st Phorm Post-Workout Stack:
2: My latest YouTube on Defeating the Dad Bod:









Comments