Looking for an alternative to Protein Powder? You’re in the right place! Keep reading for my favourite simple Protein Powder substitutes.
Best Protein Powder Substitutes
1. Eggs
It’s hard to go past eggs because they’re the best quality source of protein. In nutrition eggs are the gold standard for protein which other foods are compared to. If you’re worried about using raw egg see my bonus tip below.
2. Cooked Chicken / Meat / Fish
Animal protein sources are an excellent substitute from a nutritional perspective but they do lack the convenience of opening a can of protein powder.
I usually cook extra when I’m poaching chicken or making a batch of meatballs or roasting some salmon and keep them in the fridge ready for delicious satisfying snack or quick healthy meals.
Picking up a rotisserie chicken from the super market is another even easy way to have protein at the ready.
3. Cottage Cheese.
While not as high protein as eggs and meat, cottage cheese is an easy substitute. It will add a grainy texture to your smoothie but I quite like the chunky bits!
What makes eggs a great protein powder substitute?
Eggs are even better than protein powder for 2 reasons:
1. They taste so much better! I’d take a boiled egg over a scoop of bland powder any day of the week.
2. They’re packed with other bonus nutrients like Iron, Vitamin D, Choline (important for brain health) and Lutein (for eye health) and many more.
BONUS tips for using eggs as a protein powder substitute
If you don’t want to add raw eggs to your smoothies, I pasteurize them in batches by cooking over a medium heat in a saucepan stirring until they reach 63C (145F) which kills salmonella without scrambling them.
Store in the fridge ready to pour into your smoothie mix.
See my easy-to-peel reliable boiled egg recipe.
Are eggs healthy?
For more on the health benefits of egg see ‘Are Eggs Healthy‘ on Total Shape.
More Ingredient Substitutes
- The Ultimate Guide to Vegetable Substitutes
- Broccoli
- Chilli Bean Sauce
- Kale
- Collard Greens
- Miso Paste
- Oyster Sauce
- Pesto
- Tahini
Also see see the Simple Ingredients Substitutes Index.
Have fun in the kitchen!
With love,
Jules x