12 Nutritious Protein Shakes to Support Healthy Weight Gain

12 Healthy Protein Shakes for Weight Gain

Gaining weight isn’t about quick fixes—it's about enjoying calorie-rich, nutrient-dense foods that work with your busy lifestyle. Have you ever wondered how you can pack a punch of protein and calories in one drink? Protein shakes and smoothies can be your secret weapon. By blending ingredients like bananas, eggs, yogurt, avocado, and tofu, these delicious beverages help you boost your calorie intake without that uncomfortable, bloated feeling.

When your goal is to gain weight, consistency in eating more calories than you burn is key. Liquid calories are easier to digest, so why not take advantage of shakes that are not only tasty but also power-packed with proteins, carbohydrates, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals? Let’s dive into 12 protein shake recipes that are perfect for achieving your weight gain goals.

1. Chocolate Peanut Butter Shake with Greek Yogurt

Combining the classic duo of chocolate and peanut butter, this shake uses full-fat Greek yogurt as its protein base along with banana, milk, honey, and cocoa powder. It’s ideal for a calorie boost without feeling overly stuffed.

Ingredients include banana, whole milk, unsweetened cocoa powder, full-fat plain Greek yogurt, honey, and peanut butter.
Blend until smooth, adding cocoa gradually to prevent clumping.

2. Triple Berry Smoothie with Egg Whites

This vibrant smoothie mixes antioxidant-rich berries with pasteurized egg whites and avocado to deliver a protein punch while keeping the flavor fresh. It’s a smart option for those who need extra calories without sacrificing taste.

Key ingredients: pasteurized egg whites, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, avocado, and a splash of orange juice.
Blend until smooth for a creamy consistency.

3. Green Smoothie with Greek Yogurt

Packed with healthy greens and fruits, this protein smoothie features full-fat Greek yogurt along with banana, pineapple, spinach, and fruit juice. It’s a great way to enjoy both flavor and nutrition.

Mix banana, pineapple, spinach, Greek yogurt, and your choice of fruit juice.
Blend until completely smooth.

4. Coffee Protein Smoothie with Whey Protein

For coffee lovers looking for a pre-workout boost, this smoothie combines cold brewed coffee, banana, cocoa, almond butter, whey protein, and chia seeds. It’s a tasty way to awaken your senses and power up your day.

Start with cold coffee and add frozen banana, cocoa powder, almond butter, chocolate whey protein, and chia seeds.
Blend on high speed until silky smooth, adjusting coffee as needed for consistency.

5. Apple Cinnamon Hemp Heart Protein Smoothie

With a scrumptiously warming blend of apple and cinnamon, this shake is enhanced with rolled oats, almond butter, hemp hearts, chia seeds, and a date for natural sweetness. It’s perfect for anyone seeking both comfort and nutrition.

Use whole milk, sliced apples (peeling optional), oats, almond butter, hemp hearts, chia seeds, a medjool date, vanilla extract, and ice.
Blend on high until you get a smooth, thick shake—split into servings if needed.

6. Strawberry Banana Smoothie with Kefir

This refreshing smoothie uses full-fat kefir, which is loaded with beneficial bacteria and protein. Combined with strawberries, banana, oats, and optional ice, it’s a light yet calorie-dense option.

Ingredients include strawberries, banana, whole milk kefir, oats, and ice if you like it colder.
Blend until you achieve a smooth puree.

7. Chocolate Avocado Smoothie with Flaxseed

At first glance, chocolate and avocado might seem unusual together—but trust us, they work perfectly to create a creamy, indulgent shake. Adding ground flaxseed supplies omega-3 fatty acids for heart and joint health.

Blend whole milk, ripe avocado, dates, unsweetened cocoa, banana, chocolate whey protein, ground flaxseed, and a touch of vanilla.
Adjust sweetness with more dates if needed.

8. Blueberry Smoothie with Silken Tofu

Think tofu is only for savory dishes? This smoothie highlights silken tofu’s creamy texture as a brilliant source of plant protein, paired with blueberries and soy milk for a refreshingly healthy drink.

Drain the tofu, then blend with unsweetened soy milk, banana, ice, blueberries, and a drizzle of honey.
Enjoy a perfectly balanced blend of taste and nutrition.

9. 1,000-Calorie Smoothie with Whey Protein

For those days when you need a calorie burst, this smoothie crams in 1,000 calories with common ingredients found in your kitchen. It’s budget-friendly and ideal for a hefty calorie boost.

Combine frozen strawberries, peanut butter, banana, honey, oats, whey protein, and whole milk.
Blend until completely smooth for a filling treat.

10. Bedtime Casein Protein Smoothie

Going to bed on an empty stomach can be counterproductive when you're trying to gain weight. This smoothie uses casein protein, a slow-digesting milk protein, to keep you nourished through the night.

Mix a frozen banana, casein protein powder (chocolate or peanut butter flavored), cocoa powder, peanut butter, whole milk, and ice.
Blend everything until smooth and enjoy a relaxing night-time drink.

11. Green Smoothie with Pea Protein

If you’re looking for a vegan-friendly option, this green shake, featuring pea protein, is a fantastic choice. It’s simple, refreshing, and full of natural goodness.

Ingredients include unsweetened coconut milk, a frozen banana, peanut butter, fresh spinach, and a scoop of vanilla pea protein.
Blend with a few ice cubes until smooth for a nutrient-rich start to your day.

12. Pumpkin Pie Shake with Egg White Protein

Embrace the cozy flavors of fall any time of year with this pumpkin pie-inspired shake. It’s made with pumpkin puree, egg white protein, and warming spices—perfect for a comforting snack or post-workout recovery.

Blend whole milk, a frozen banana, pumpkin puree, vanilla egg white protein, almond butter, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and ice.
Top with graham cracker crumbs if you crave an extra crunch.

Best Weight Gain Shake Ingredients

When crafting your perfect weight gain shake, choose ingredients that pack both flavor and a calorie boost. Consider these nutrient-dense essentials:

Proteins: Whey, casein, pea protein, egg whites, Greek yogurt, kefir, hemp protein, and silken tofu.
Carbohydrates: Fruit juices, whole fruits, oats, honey, and dates.
Fats: Flaxseed, avocado, nut butters, coconut oil, and full-fat dairy products.

The Bottom Line

To successfully gain weight, it’s essential to consume more calories than you burn. Protein shakes and smoothies offer a smart and delicious way to incorporate liquid calories into your daily routine. Don't be afraid to mix and match your favorite ingredients to create a shake that suits your taste buds and nutritional needs.

Just a tip to remember: include healthy fats like nut butters, avocados, and flaxseed in your shake. Fats contain 9 calories per gram compared to 4 calories per gram for proteins and carbohydrates, so a little goes a long way. Ready to experiment with your own creative blends?