Healthy Protein Pumpkin Smoothie
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This protein pumpkin smoothie tastes like pumpkin pie in a glass! It’s naturally sweetened, made without protein powder, and packs 28 grams of protein per serving. Perfect for grab-and-go breakfasts, post-workout meals, or anytime you’re craving a cozy fall treat. Dairy-free, Paleo, and Whole-30 approved!
Riddle me this: what do you do when you have a half-eaten can of pumpkin sitting in the fridge? You make this pumpkin protein smoothie!
Practically every Sunday, we make these pumpkin waffles. Which means we always have leftover pumpkin in the fridge. If you’re on team pumpkin spice, maybe you can relate. You whip up the pumpkin bread, pumpkin muffins, or (insert pumpkin goodie), and never use the whole can.
Well, not anymore! Because now you can use those extras to make this delicious pumpkin protein smoothie. It’s made with simple ingredients and is naturally sweetened, but tastes like you’re sipping a slice of pumpkin pie. And each serving packs 28 grams of protein. 🙌
If you haven’t noticed, protein is a hot topic right now. It seems like nearly everyone’s trying to increase their protein intake. And protein smoothies are an easy way to squeeze more protein into your day.
The only snag? Most protein smoothies rely on protein powder to meet the mark. While protein powder is convenient, it can add a weird flavor and chalky texture to smoothies.
Not this one! This pumpkin protein smoothie gets its protein from a mix of collagen, hemp seeds, and almond butter, with no protein powder in sight. So you can hit your protein goals while still enjoying that decadent pumpkin pie taste.
Why You’ll Love This Protein Pumpkin Smoothie
- Pumpkin spice flavor – this smoothie tastes like the liquid form of pumpkin pie. One sip and you’ll be hooked!
- High protein – each serving is packed with 28 grams of protein, with no protein powder.
- Quick & easy – this pumpkin smoothie is easily thrown together in minutes and is perfect for busy mornings.
- Portable – sip this smoothie at school drop-off, your work commute, or morning meetings for a delicious, on-the-go breakfast.
- Filling – this smoothie won’t leave your tummy growling an hour later. It’s super satiating and will keep you feeling satisfied all morning long.
- Nutrient-dense – pumpkin is rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber, and low in calories. And this smoothie boasts ½ cup of pumpkin in each serving.
- Dietary friendly – it’s dairy-free, paleo, and Whole30 – with vegan and nut-free options, too.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Almond milk – I used plain unsweetened, but this recipe would also be delicious with vanilla. But use whatever milk you like!
- Pumpkin puree – the star ingredient! Look for canned pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which is packed with sugar.
- Frozen banana – adds natural sweetness and gives this smoothie a silky consistency.
- Collagen – adds protein without messing with that scrumptious pumpkin pie flavor. Plus, it delivers skin benefits to boot. Win-win! Here’s my favorite collagen brand.
- Almond butter – adds a rich flavor along with extra protein. Feel free to swap it with peanut butter or sunbutter.
- Hemp hearts – adds omega-3 fatty acids and an extra punch of protein.
- Pumpkin pie spice – a mix of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice. If you can’t track down pumpkin pie spice, see my recipe tips for a DIY option.
- Vanilla – adds extra flavor.
How to Make This Protein Pumpkin Smoothie
This pumpkin smoothie couldn’t be easier to make. Simply toss the ingredients in a high-speed blender and blend until smooth. Easy as pie (pumpkin pie 😉).
Serve immediately, or if you feel like being fancy, garnish with a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice or a dollop of coconut cream.
Want More Protein? Optional Add-ons
This pumpkin smoothie recipe delivers 28 grams of protein in each serving. Quite a bit! But if you’re looking to bump up the protein a notch, here are a few options:
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt – 6 grams
- ¼ cup cottage cheese – 6 grams
- 1 tbsp chia seeds – 3 grams
- An extra tbsp of hemp seeds: 5 grams
Recipe Tips & Variations
Healthy Protein Pumpkin Smoothie
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (or whatever milk you like!)
- 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1 banana frozen
- 4 tbsp collagen peptides
- 1 tbsp hemp seeds
- 1 tbsp almond butter (peanut butter or sunbutter work too)
- 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients into a high-speed blender
- Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Serve immediately! Or garnish with a spinkle of cinnamon, a few pumpkin seeds, or a dollop of coconut cream before serving.
Storage
This pumpkin protein smoothie is best served right after blending. But if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container for up to 24 hours. Mason jars are perfect for this!
Feel free to double this recipe and freeze an extra serving for later. Just be sure to leave about an inch of space in the jar, since liquids expand when frozen. When you’re ready to enjoy, defrost in the fridge overnight for a delicious on-the-go breakfast.
If you try this recipe, I’d love to know what you think! Drop me a comment below.
