Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This shake delivers the best of both worlds: the cozy flavor of chai latte spices and the health benefits of a high-protein smoothie. It’s dairy-free, vegan, and naturally sweetened with banana. Plus, it’s quick to make, portable, and packed with over 27 grams of protein to keep you full and fueled.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- oat milk (or soy milk for more protein)
- chai concentrate
- frozen banana
- cinnamon
- vanilla protein powder
- almond butter
- ice
Directions
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Add all the ingredients to a blender.
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Blend until smooth and creamy.
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Pour into a cup and enjoy immediately.
Servings and timing
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Yield: 1 serving
Variations
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Extra protein: Use soy milk instead of oat milk for a higher protein content.
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Nut-free: Swap almond butter for sunflower seed butter.
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Sweeter: Add a date or a teaspoon of maple syrup for extra sweetness.
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Spicier: Sprinkle in extra cinnamon, nutmeg, or ground ginger.
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Iced latte style: Skip the frozen banana and add more ice for a lighter drink.
Storage/Reheating
This shake is best enjoyed fresh, but you can refrigerate it for up to 24 hours in a sealed jar. Shake or stir before drinking. Do not heat, as it’s meant to be enjoyed cold.
FAQs
1. Can I make this without protein powder?
Yes—just skip the protein powder and add more almond butter for some natural protein.
2. Can I make my own chai concentrate?
Absolutely—brew strong chai tea and sweeten to taste for a homemade version.
3. Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, when made with plant-based milk and vegan protein powder.
4. Can I use fresh banana instead of frozen?
Yes, but you may need to add extra ice to make it cold and thick.
5. What type of protein powder works best?
A vanilla plant-based protein powder pairs perfectly with the chai spices.
6. How much protein is in this shake?
Using soy milk and plant-based vanilla protein powder, it has around 27–30 grams of protein.
7. Can I make a bigger batch?
Yes, just multiply the ingredients and blend, then store extras in the fridge.
8. Does it taste like chai tea?
Yes, it’s a creamy, lightly spiced version of a chai latte with extra richness from banana and almond butter.
9. Can I drink this before a workout?
Yes, it’s a great pre-workout drink, giving you energy and protein.
10. Can I use cow’s milk instead of plant milk?
Yes, just note it will no longer be vegan, but it will still taste great.
Conclusion
This Vanilla Chai Protein Shake is a perfect mix of warmth, creaminess, and nutrition. In just 5 minutes, you can enjoy a cozy fall-inspired drink that fuels your body with over 27 grams of protein. Whether it’s for breakfast, post-workout recovery, or an afternoon boost, this shake delivers comfort and energy in every sip.
Print
Vanilla Chai Protein Shake
A creamy vanilla chai protein shake blending the warm spices of chai with plant-based protein for a cozy yet energizing drink, ready in just 5 minutes.
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
Ingredients
1 cup oat milk (or soy milk for more protein)
1/2 cup chai concentrate
1 frozen banana
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 scoop vanilla protein powder
1 tbsp almond butter
1/2 cup ice
Instructions
- Add oat milk, chai concentrate, frozen banana, cinnamon, vanilla protein powder, almond butter, and ice to a blender.
- Blend on high until smooth and creamy.
- Pour into a cup and enjoy immediately.
Notes
- Use soy milk for extra protein content.
- For a nut-free version, swap almond butter with sunflower seed butter.
- Add a date or maple syrup for additional sweetness.
- Skip frozen banana and add more ice for an iced latte-style shake.
- Best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours; shake before drinking.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 shake
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 0mg