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13 Weight Gain Smoothies With Protein Powder (High-Calorie)

Last updated on September 28, 2023
Collage of weight gain smoothies made with protein powder.


Unfortunately for people trying to gain weight, high-calorie smoothies made with non-flavored protein powder can turn out to have a displeasing taste if the protein powder in them, derived from plants or milk, is blended with the wrong ingredients.

For example, if you combine fresh pineapple with whey protein powder, you'll end up with a bitter smoothie because of the way pineapple's bromelain interacts with whey.

Hear us out, mixing protein powder with the right ingredients is a skill everyone struggling to gain weight should learn.

As proof, ACSM's guidance for bulking up says that smoothies are one of the fundamental dietary options for boosting muscle growth in the case of people involved in resistance training, like lifting weights.[1]

Source info

Title: Bulking Up: Helping Clients Gain Weight Healthfully

Type: journal article

Published in: ACSM's Health & Fitness Journal

Made at: American College of Sports Medicine

Moreover, a little study we did showed that 91% of the females who gain weight fast drink protein shakes or smoothies regularly.

As a takeaway, you want to keep smoothies in your diet and be able to make them as delicious as possible.

Fortunately, because we know what to put in smoothies to make them useful for gaining weight and have already created numerous high-calorie smoothies, we came up with 13 weight-gain smoothie recipes that are made with protein powder.

All of the smoothies we'll explore below are high in proteins and are accompanied by photos we took in our kitchen.

1. High-Calorie Green Protein Smoothie

High-Calorie Green Protein Smoothie for weight gain.

The High-Calorie Green Protein Smoothie is a refreshing smoothie composed of green fruits and vegetables that also contains whey protein powder, which brings 86% of the smoothie's total proteins.

Some of the ingredients that successfully mask protein powder's taste are half of a banana, a celery stalk, and a Granny Smith apple.

Ingredients

Adding protein powder on top of other ingredients of the High-Calorie Green Protein Smoothie.
  • 1.06 oz (30 g) baby spinach
  • 1 large (5.4 oz or 153 g) Granny Smith apple without core
  • 1.77 oz (50 g) avocado
  • 1 medium (1.41 oz or 40 g) celery stalk
  • 1/2 medium (2.08 oz or 59 g) banana
  • 1.41 oz (40 g) whey protein powder
  • 1/2 (0.74 fl oz or 22 ml) lime, juiced
  • 1 cup (8.45 fl oz or 250 ml) coconut water

Nutrition facts

Volume15.7 fl oz (644 ml)
Calories411
Proteins36 g
Carbohydrates52 g
Fats10 g
High-Calorie Green Protein Smoothie for Weight Gain
Designed to help with weight gain but also to provide an abundance of vitamins and minerals, this high-calorie green protein smoothie recipe has a refreshing taste with notes of celery and a slight apple aroma that's not too bitter or too sweet.
Check out this recipe
High-Calorie Green Protein Smoothie for weight gain.

2. High-Calorie Blueberry Almond Smoothie

High-Calorie Blueberry Almond Smoothie for weight gain.

Another weight-gain smoothie made with whey protein powder is the High-Calorie Blueberry Almond Smoothie. Besides helping you build muscle, the whey protein, together with the chia seeds, make this smoothie an excellent source of calcium.

Ingredients

Adding protein powder on top of other ingredients of the High-Calorie Blueberry Almond Smoothie.
  • 1 large (4.8 oz or 136 g) frozen banana
  • 2 tsp (0.18 oz or 5 g) goji berries
  • 1 cup (5.2 oz or 148 g) frozen blueberries
  • 1 scoop (1.06 oz or 30 g) whey protein powder
  • 4 tsp (0.5 oz or 14 g) chia seeds
  • 1 cup (8.45 oz or 250 ml) almond milk

Nutrition facts

Volume19.7 fl oz (583 ml)
Calories434
Proteins30 g
Carbohydrates68 g
Fats8 g
High-Calorie Blueberry Almond Smoothie for Weight Gain
Formulated to help you gain weight, the High-Calorie Blueberry Almond Smoothie combines the healthy properties of blueberries with the mildness of almond milk, delivering a taste dominated by the flavor of blueberries.
Check out this recipe
High-Calorie Blueberry Almond Smoothie for weight gain.

3. High-Calorie Chocolate Banana Cucumber Smoothie

High-Calorie Chocolate Banana Cucumber Smoothie for weight gain in a glass.

Behind its bittersweet flavor, the High-Calorie Chocolate Banana Cucumber hides two types of powders, whey protein powder and spirulina powder. Did you know that spirulina is one of the vegetables with the most calories?

Whey, however, brings 50% of the smoothie's proteins. Hemp seeds and whole milk bring the other half.

Now, for the icing on the cake, this weight-gain smoothie has a refreshing twist owing to the combo of frozen cucumber and fresh mint.

Ingredients

Adding protein powder on top of other ingredients of the High-Calorie Chocolate Banana Cucumber Smoothie.
  • 1 large (4.8 oz or 136 g) frozen banana
  • 1 medium (7.1 oz or 201 g) frozen cucumber
  • 2 tbsp (0.71 oz or 20 g) whey protein powder
  • 2 tbsp (0.71 oz or 20 g) hemp seeds
  • 2 1/2 tsp (0.2 oz or 6.25 g) raw cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp (0.1 oz or 3 g) spirulina powder
  • 1 sprig (0.1 oz or 3 g) fresh mint leaves
  • 1/2 cup (4.23 fl oz or 125 ml) whole milk

Nutrition facts

Volume17.2 fl oz (511 ml)
Calories435
Proteins30 g
Carbohydrates47 g
Fats16 g
High-Calorie Chocolate Banana Cucumber Smoothie
Created to help with weight gain, this bittersweet high-calorie chocolate banana cucumber smoothie recipe combines the chocolate banana taste with the refreshing notes of cucumber and mint.
Check out this recipe
High-Calorie Chocolate Banana Cucumber Smoothie for weight gain.

4. High-Calorie Vanilla Ice Cream Smoothie

High-Calorie Vanilla Ice Cream Smoothie for weight gain.

If you're on the lookout for a quick and satisfying weight-gain smoothie, search no more. The High-Calorie Vanilla Ice Cream smoothie is made with half a scoop of whey protein powder, ice cream, and just two other ingredients.

This smoothie is perfect in the middle of a torrid summer day.

Ingredients

Adding protein powder on top of other ingredients of the High-Calorie Vanilla Ice Cream Smoothie.
  • 4 scoops (5.75 fl oz or 170 ml) vanilla ice cream
  • 1 large (4.8 oz or 136 g) banana
  • 1/2 scoop (0.53 oz or 15 g) whey protein powder
  • 6.76 fl oz (200 ml) orange juice

Nutrition facts

Volume17.6 fl oz (521 ml)
Calories476
Proteins18 g
Carbohydrates76 g
Fats12 g
High-Calorie Vanilla Ice Cream Smoothie for Weight Gain
The High-Calorie Vanilla Ice Cream Smoothie combines vanilla ice cream with protein ingredients and healthy carbohydrates to help you gain weight while enjoying the famous vanilla flavor.
Check out this recipe
High-Calorie Vanilla Ice Cream Smoothie for weight gain.

5. Djokovic's High-Calorie Strawberry Banana Smoothie

Djokovic's High-Calorie Strawberry Banana Smoothie for Weight Gain.

To create the High-Calorie Strawberry Banana Smoothie, we added whey protein powder to one of the smoothie recipes shared by the famous tennis player Novak Djokovic in his book "Serve to Win".

Now, you can gain weight with a smoothie rooted in the diet of one of the best athletes in the world.

Ingredients

Adding protein powder on top of other ingredients of Djokovic's High-Calorie Strawberry Banana Smoothie.
  • 1 large (4.8 oz or 136 g) banana
  • 2 cups (10.6 oz or 300 g) frozen strawberries
  • 1 tbsp (0.63 oz or 18 g) almond butter
  • 1 scoop (1.06 oz or 30 g) whey protein powder
  • 1 cup (1.06 oz or 30 g) fresh spinach
  • 2 cups (15.9 fl oz or 470 ml) almond milk

Nutrition facts

Volume33.3 fl oz (984 ml)
Calories478
Proteins32 g
Carbohydrates71 g
Fats16 g
Djokovic's High-Calorie Strawberry Banana Smoothie
This recipe is the result of tailoring Novak Djokovic's Strawberry Banana Smoothie, whose ingredients he shared in his book "Serve to Win", to people who want to gain weight. The smoothie features a strong banana taste combined with notes of strawberries and almonds.
Check out this recipe
Pouring Djokovic's High-Calorie Strawberry Banana Smoothie in a glass.

6. Djokovic's High-Calorie Breakfast Smoothie

Novak Djokovic and his high-calorie breakfast smoothie.

World-class tennis player Novak Djokovic also includes protein powders in his smoothies. After getting out of bed, Djokovic used a plant-based protein powder to make his High-Calorie Breakfast Smoothie while forging his way to winning the 2015 US Open.

As you would expect from a sportsman of his level, Novak's smoothie is full of health benefits.

Ingredients

Adding protein powder on top of other ingredients of Djokovic's High-Calorie Breakfast Smoothie.
  • 2 medium (236 g or 8.32 oz) ripe or slightly ripe bananas
  • 4 tsp (0.5 oz or 14 g) chia seeds
  • 1 tbsp (0.4 oz or 10 g) flax seeds
  • 6.8 fl oz (200 ml) coconut milk
  • 1 scoop (1.1 oz or 32 g) rice protein powder
  • 2 1/2 tsp (0.2 oz or 6.25 g) raw cocoa powder
  • 1/2 tsp (0.05 oz or 1.3 g) cinnamon 
  • 8.5 fl oz (250 ml) water

Nutrition facts

Volume25.4 fl oz (750 ml)
Calories525
Proteins34 g
Carbohydrates76 g
Fats15 g
Djokovic's High-Calorie Breakfast Smoothie
This high-calorie recipe shows you how to make Novak Djokovic's special breakfast smoothie, whose ingredients he shared without including quantities before winning the 2015 US Open. The smoothie is based on bananas but tastes bittersweet while featuring a pleasant cinnamon aroma.
Check out this recipe
Novak Djokovic's high-calorie breakfast smoothie in a glass.

7. High-Calorie Peach Smoothie

High-Calorie Peach Smoothie for weight gain.

If deliciousness is the main characteristic you're looking for in a weight gain smoothie that's made with protein powder, you can't go wrong with the High-Calorie Peach Smoothie.

Boosted by cashews, one of the high-calorie nuts, this smoothie has over 500 calories and an impressive amount of 40 g of proteins, among which 66% come from whey protein powder.

Ingredients

Adding protein powder on top of other ingredients of the High-Calorie Peach Smoothie.
  • 2 medium (10.6 oz or 300 g) peaches
  • 0.5 oz (14 g) cashews
  • 1/2 tsp (0.08 fl oz or 2 ml) vanilla extract
  • 1 scoop (1.13 oz or 32 g) whey protein powder
  • 1/2 cup (4.06 fl oz or 120 ml) peach juice
  • 1 cup (8.12 fl oz or 240 ml) whole milk

Nutrition facts

Volume24 fl oz (708 ml)
Calories537
Proteins38 g
Carbohydrates64 g
Fats16 g
High-Calorie Peach Smoothie for Weight Gain
The High-Calorie Peach Smoothie helps you gain weight and lets you enjoy the savory taste of peaches at the same time.
Check out this recipe
High-Calorie Peach Smoothie for weight gain.

8. High-Calorie Pineapple Smoothie

High Calorie Pineapple Smoothie for weight gain.

If you recall, at the beginning of this article we warned you that mixing fresh pineapple with whey protein powder is going to trigger a reaction that makes the smoothie taste bitter. That's why we used rice protein powder to make the High-Calorie Pineapple Smoothie.

This smoothie helps you gain weight, build muscle, and get energized while featuring an exotic flavor.

Ingredients

Adding protein powder on top of other ingredients of the High-Calorie Pineapple Smoothie.
  • 10.6 oz (300 g) pineapple
  • 1 oz (28 g) cashews
  • 1 scoop (1.13 oz or 32 g) rice protein powder
  • 6.76 fl oz (200 ml) pineapple juice

Nutrition facts

Volume18.9 fl oz (560 ml)
Calories568
Proteins32 g
Carbohydrates81 g
Fats15 g
High-Calorie Pineapple Smoothie for Weight Gain
The High-Calorie Pineapple Smoothie helps people who want to gain weight integrate pineapple into their diets in a delicious manner.
Check out this recipe
High Calorie Pineapple Smoothie for weight gain.

9. High-Calorie Apple Smoothie

High-calorie apple smoothie for weight gain - featured.

Another weight-gain smoothie with a delightful taste that's made with protein powder is the High-Calorie Apple Smoothie.

Featuring whey protein powder, this smoothie counts among the high-calorie low-fat foods and has a light texture. Also, you'll be happy to find out that it contains a little peanut butter.

Ingredients

Adding protein powder on top of other ingredients of the High-Calorie Apple Smoothie.
  • 2 medium (12.8 oz or 364 g) apples
  • 1/2 cup (4 oz or 115 g) 2% Greek yogurt 
  • 1 tbsp (0.6 oz or 16 g) smooth peanut butter 
  • 1 scoop (1.1 oz or 32 g) whey protein powder 
  • 1 cup (8.5 fl oz or 250 ml) apple juice

Nutrition facts

Volume26.3 fl oz (777 ml)
Calories594
Proteins40 g
Carbohydrates88 g
Fats12 g
High-Calorie Apple Smoothie for Weight Gain (Yummy)
This recipe shows you how to make a high-calorie apple smoothie tailored for weight gain. The smoothie has a fine texture that combines a pleasant apple flavor with notes of peanut butter.
Check out this recipe
High-calorie apple smoothie for weight gain - featured.

10. Chris Hemsworth's Secret High-Calorie Thor Smoothie

Chris Hemsworth and his secret high-calorie smoothie consumed during training for "Thor: Love and Thunder" movie.

Famous actor Chris Hemsworth added pea protein powder to the secret smoothie he used to bulk up for his role in the movie "Thor: Love and Thunder".

The smoothie is, or better said was, secret because Chris only divulged the smoothie's ingredient list without the quantities. Fortunately, we used our knowledge to find a good ratio of ingredients so we could create Chris Hemsworth's High-Calorie Thor Smoothie.

It's worth noting this smoothie is made with four low-volume high-calorie foods: almond butter, coconut, hemp seeds, and chia seeds.

Ingredients

Adding protein powder on top of other ingredients of Chris Hemsworth's Secret High-Calorie Thor Smoothie.
  • 1/2 cup (4.4 oz or 125 g) strawberries
  • 1/2 cup (4.4 oz or 125 g) raspberries
  • 1 large (4.8 oz or 136 g) banana
  • 1/2 cup (0.3 oz or 8 g) kale leaves
  • 1 tbsp (0.16 oz or 4.5 g) shredded coconut
  • 1 scoop (1.06 oz or 32 g) pea protein powder
  • 2 tsp (0.35 oz or 10 g) maca powder
  • 1/2 tsp magnesium
  • 1 tbsp (0.56 oz or 16 g) almond butter
  • 2 tbsp (0.71 oz or 20 g) hemp seeds
  • 4 tsp (0.5 oz or 14 g) chia seeds
  • 13.5 fl oz (400 ml) water

Nutrition facts

Volume30.1 fl oz (890 ml)
Calories663
Proteins41 g
Carbohydrates77 g
Fats26 g
Chris Hemsworth's Secret High-Calorie Smoothie for Thor Body
This is a recipe for one of the smoothies Chris Hemsworth consumed to get fit enough to play Thor in the movie "Thor: Love and Thunder." While the actor shared only the ingredients of the smoothie, this recipe goes a step further and provides the ingredient quantities as well.
Check out this recipe
Chris Hemsworth's Secret High-Calorie Smoothie for weight gain in a glass.

11. High-Calorie Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie

High-Calorie Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie.

The High-Calorie Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie is a classic weight-gain smoothie made with whey protein powder.

Featuring 40 g of proteins, this smoothie is very efficient at helping you build muscle. Also, you'll be happy to hear that it's also made with affordable ingredients.

Peanut butter, bananas, and whole milk count among the cheapest high-calorie foods.

Ingredients

Adding protein powder on top of other ingredients of the High-Calorie Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie.
  • 2 medium (8.4 oz or 236 g) bananas
  • 1.1 oz (32 g) peanut butter
  • 1 scoop (1.1 oz or 30 g) whey protein powder
  • 0.5 oz (14 g) honey
  • 6.8 fl oz (200 ml) whole milk
  • 8.5 fl oz (250 ml) water

Nutrition facts

Volume25.8 fl oz (762 ml)
Calories683
Proteins40 g
Carbohydrates84 g
Fats23 g
High-Calorie Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie
A recipe for a high-calorie peanut butter banana smoothie that can help you gain weight and bring numerous other health benefits. The smoothie has a silky texture with a flavor that flawlessly blends the aroma of peanut butter and bananas while having just the right amount of sweetness.
Check out this recipe
High-Calorie Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie.

12. High-Calorie Avocado Banana Smoothie

High Calorie Avocado Banana Smoothie for weight gain.

Besides being filled with healthy fats, the High-Calorie Avocado Banana Smoothie has plenty of proteins, most of which are coming from whey protein powder. The rest of the proteins in the smoothie (30%) come from cashews and avocados, two high-calorie low-carb foods.

What's best is that this smoothie has over 750 calories. This is not a surprise since its main ingredients, avocados and bananas, count among the high-calorie fruits.

The smoothie is sweet but is toned down by avocado's more neutral flavor and coconut milk, which is one of the drinks with the most calories.

Ingredients

Adding protein powder on top of other ingredients of the High-Calorie Avocado Banana Smoothie.
  • 1 large (4.8 oz or 136 g) banana
  • 1 (5.3 oz or 150 g) avocado
  • 1 oz (28 g) cashews
  • 1 scoop (1.06 oz or 30 g) whey protein powder
  • 13.5 fl oz (400 ml) coconut milk

Nutrition facts

Volume25.2 fl oz (744 ml)
Calories754
Proteins33 g
Carbohydrates67 g
Fats44 g
High-Calorie Avocado Banana Smoothie for Weight Gain
The High-Calorie Avocado Banana Smoothie helps people gain weight and brings many other health benefits by combining bananas with avocados and other nutritious ingredients.
Check out this recipe
High Calorie Avocado Banana Smoothie for weight gain.

13. High-Calorie Tropical Smoothie

High-calorie tropical smoothie for weight gain - featured.

Finally, if you're missing an oceanside vacation, try the High-Calorie Tropical Smoothie. This weight-gain smoothie is made with whey protein powder and four types of exotic fruits, which will enchant your taste buds.

Ingredients

Adding protein powder on top of other ingredients of the High-Calorie Tropical Smoothie.
  • 1 medium (4.2 oz or 118 g) banana
  • 1/2 cup (2.6 oz or 75 g) avocado cubes
  • 1.4 oz (40 g) dried mango
  • 0.4 oz (10 g) shredded desiccated coconut meat
  • 0.5 oz (14 g) cashews
  • 1 scoop (1.1 oz or 32 g) whey protein powder
  • 10.1 fl oz (300 ml) pineapple juice
  • 6.8 fl oz (200 ml) water

Nutrition facts

Volume26.7 fl oz (789 ml)
Calories773
Proteins33 g
Carbohydrates113 g
Fats26 g
High-Calorie Tropical Smoothie for Weight Gain
This recipe shows you how to make a high-calorie tropical smoothie designed for weight gain. The smoothie has a combo of exotic flavors, including mango, pineapple, banana, and more.
Check out this recipe
High-calorie tropical smoothie for weight gain - featured.

When to drink protein powder smoothies

After picking your favorite protein powder smoothie designed for weight gain, you should schedule when to consume it. The good news is that you can drink protein smoothies any time of the day.

Consume smoothies before your workouts to fuel your body or after your workouts to replenish lost energy and help your muscles recover and grow. Also, since they won't satisfy your appetite for too long, you can serve smoothies between meals to boost your caloric intake.

Lastly, according to a Korean study on pre-sleep casein protein ingestion, drinking a smoothie with at least 40 g of casein protein powder 30 minutes before bedtime promotes muscle recovery.[2]

Source info

Title: Pre-sleep casein protein ingestion: new paradigm in post-exercise recovery nutrition

Type: journal article

Published in: Physical Activity and Nutrition

Made at: The Korean Society for Exercise Nutrition

Nevertheless, if you want to use smoothies as pre-workout fuel, you should follow some guidelines to not feel bloated during training.

According to evidence related to the best timing of pre-workout meals, you should drink your smoothie between 30 minutes and 2 hours before your workout to optimize your body's protein levels for building muscle.

Make sure you choose a smoothie with at least 20 g of protein. That shouldn't be a problem since most of the smoothies we've listed check this requirement.

Also, depending on the number of carbs in your preferred weight-gain smoothie, you should drink it as follows:

  • 40-50 g of carbs: 30 minutes before working out
  • 80-100 g of carbs: 1 hour before working out
  • 160-200 g of carbs: 2 hours before working out

Protein powders for weight gain smoothies

Protein powders are very useful for preparing high-calorie smoothies that help people gain weight because they bring a solid amount of proteins (amino acids) without increasing carbs and fats.

Here are a few types of protein powders you can use:

  • Whey protein;
  • Casein protein;
  • Pea protein;
  • Rice protein;
  • Egg white protein.

Nonetheless, according to the American College of Sports Medicine's weight gain guidance, it's needless to add protein powders to your diet because you can get the same amount of protein from whole foods, given you have the time to eat them.[1]

Source info

Title: Bulking Up: Helping Clients Gain Weight Healthfully

Type: journal article

Published in: ACSM's Health & Fitness Journal

Made at: American College of Sports Medicine

Here are some weight gain smoothies without protein powder:

No matter whether you choose to add protein powder to your high-calorie smoothies or not, you will find out that they will all help you eat more calories than you consume, which is what you need to do every day to gain weight.

FAQ

Are protein smoothies good for weight gain?

Protein smoothies are an excellent way to make weight gain easier especially if they are also high in calories because they bring your body amino acids that promote muscle growth.

What is the best protein shake to gain weight?

The ideal protein shake for gaining weight is high in calories and proteins, and doesn't have too many added sugars or saturated fats. Note there are differences between smoothies and shakes.

Can a skinny person gain weight with protein powder?

Skinny people can benefit from adding protein powder to their diets because it helps them build muscle and provides additional calories. However, the diet of underweight persons should focus on high-calorie foods and snacks.

Conclusion

Besides learning the best times to drink smoothies, now you can follow 13 smoothie recipes that include different types of protein powder, and that will make you build muscle and gain weight more easily.

And if you happen to want to take a pause from smoothies, find shakes made with protein powder in our list of high-calorie shakes for weight gain.

External sources

Unfold Today has rigorous sourcing principles adhering to the top journalistic standards, so our writers always look for official, experienced, and first-hand sources. Read more about how we keep our content trustworthy and updated by reading our editorial process.

Written by
Claudiu Pop from Unfold Today, face portrait.
Claudiu Pop is a nutritionist, medical writer, journalist, and the founder of Unfold Today. He specialized in fitness and nutrition, especially in weight gain, by helping people increase their body mass since 2019 with over 20 articles published in the field.
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