When you have a busy household, it can be easy to reach the middle of the day and realise you have not eaten yet. I don’t think a protein shake has to be complicated or only be for people who are seriously into the gym. Sometimes it is simply an easy way to make a breakfast, smoothie, or snack feel a little more substantial.
I have been using Chocolate Whey Protein from Naked Protein and I use their vanilla flavor too. I think there is room for both in the cupboard, and it’s great to have some variety. The chocolate one is perfect for those days when I want something that feels more like a treat, while vanilla protein powder is the one I reach for when I want to mix it with fresh fruit or use it in baking.
Both are whey protein isolate products, made with grass-fed whey protein isolate and without artificial sweeteners, flavors, or colors. Each serving provides 30 grams of protein, which makes it easy to add a decent amount of protein without having to make a huge meal.
Chocolate or vanilla? It depends what you are making
If you are deciding between the two, I would not overthink it. Chocolate is great when you want rich, cozy flavors, while vanilla is more of an all-rounder that works with almost anything.
| If you want to make… | I would choose… |
|---|---|
| A chocolate protein shake | Chocolate |
| A berry smoothie | Vanilla |
| A peanut butter milkshake-style drink | Chocolate |
| Pancakes, muffins, or baked oats | Vanilla |
| A banana smoothie | Either one |
| Protein smoothies with lots of fresh fruit | Vanilla |
| A quick chocolatey breakfast | Chocolate |
Chocolate is ideal when you want that cocoa powder flavor without adding lots of extra ingredients. Vanilla is more subtle, so it works especially well with berries, cinnamon, nut butters, and fruit.
How I use chocolate protein powder
Chocolate protein powder is my pick when I want a drink that feels a little like a milkshake but is still quick and easy to make. It is especially good on busy mornings, after a workout, or when I need something more filling than coffee alone.
Chocolate peanut butter banana shake
This is probably the easiest combination of all.
Add to a blender:
- 1 serving chocolate whey protein isolate
- 1 banana
- 1 tablespoon peanut butter
- A handful of ice
- Almond milk, soy milk, or cold water, depending on how creamy you want it
Blend until smooth. If you want it thicker, use frozen banana or add a little bit of Greek yogurt.
Chocolate berry smoothie
Chocolate and berries might not be the first combination you think of, but it works really well. Use chocolate protein powder with frozen cherries or raspberries, a banana, and almond milk for a rich smoothie that does not need much else.
A simple chocolate protein shake
For the quickest option, just add chocolate protein powder and cold liquids to a shaker cup (or I prefer my ninja blender for the quickest and best results) Cold water works well enough, but milk or a milk alternative gives it more of that milkshake feel and I prefer it that way. Shake it well, then drink straight away.
How I use vanilla protein powder
Vanilla protein powder is the more flexible option in my opinion. The vanilla flavor is light enough to use in lots of different recipes without taking over, so it is a good choice if you like changing things up.
Naked Nutrition’s vanilla whey protein isolate has four ingredients: whey protein isolate, natural vanilla extract, fermented Reb-M from stevia leaves, and sunflower lecithin to help it mix. It also has 30 grams of protein per serving and 6.5 grams of BCAAs, which are essential amino acids involved in muscle repair and recovery.
Vanilla berry smoothie
This is an easy one for breakfast.
Add to a blender:
- 1 serving vanilla protein powder
- A handful of strawberries, blueberries, or mixed berries. I like using frozen berries, as it serves the purpose of chilling your smoothie too.
- Half a banana
- A splash of soy milk or almond milk
- Ice, if you like it extra cold – or if you’re using the frozen berries you can skip this.
You can also add chia seeds, oats, or a spoonful of nut butters if you want it to keep you going for longer.
Vanilla ice cream-style shake
For something that tastes like a vanilla ice cream milkshake, blend vanilla protein powder with a frozen banana, milk of your choice, ice, and a small spoonful of peanut butter or cashew butter. It is simple, creamy, and especially nice when you fancy something sweet.
Vanilla protein oats
Stir a scoop of vanilla whey protein isolate into overnight oats or cooked oatmeal once it has cooled slightly. Add cinnamon, sliced apple, banana, or berries. Vanilla works so well here because it blends in with the other flavors instead of turning everything into a dessert.
Easy ways to use protein powder in baking
You don’t have to use protein powder only in drinks. Both flavors can be useful in easy baking recipes too.
Vanilla is my choice for banana muffins, pancakes, baked oats, and yogurt bowls. Chocolate is great in brownies, chocolate baked oats, and energy bites made with oats, dates, peanut butter, and cocoa powder.
A few simple ideas to try:
- Add vanilla protein powder to pancake batter with mashed banana and cinnamon.
- Mix chocolate protein powder into overnight oats with banana and peanut butter.
- Stir vanilla protein powder into Greek yogurt with fresh fruit.
- Blend chocolate protein powder into a smoothie with frozen banana and almond milk.
- Use vanilla protein powder in baked oatmeal with berries.
- Add chocolate protein powder to a homemade smoothie bowl, then top with fruit and nut butters.
For baking, I tend to replace only part of the flour with protein powder rather than using too much protein powder at once. This keeps the texture softer and stops the finished bake becoming dry.
There are so many protein powders to choose from now, from unflavored protein powders to strawberry protein powder, chocolate flavors, and more. Some use whey protein concentrate, while others use whey protein isolate.
Whey protein concentrate and whey protein isolate are both dairy-based protein options, but isolate is more filtered and generally has less lactose. Naked Nutrition’s chocolate and vanilla products each contain just 0.1 grams of lactose per serving, which may be helpful for people who prefer a lower-lactose option.
I also like that the ingredients are straightforward. There are no artificial sweeteners, and the chocolate version gets its flavor from cocoa powder, while the vanilla version uses natural vanilla extract. That matters to me because I prefer high-quality protein powders that are easy to understand rather than ones with a very long ingredient list.
So when it comes to which flavour to go for, the best option really comes down to the type you enjoy more and how you plan to use it.
If I had to choose just one, vanilla protein powder would probably win for versatility. It works in so many protein smoothies, baked recipes, and breakfasts. But I would miss chocolate on the days when I want a quick shake that tastes more indulgent.
Chocolate is my go-to for peanut butter, banana, and milkshake-style combinations. Vanilla is the one I use with berries, fresh fruit, oats, and baking. Having both means I can choose based on what I actually feel like that day, which makes it much more likely that I will use them.
You can find the Vanilla Whey Protein and chocolate options from Naked Nutrition to see which flavor sounds best for you.