Do you want to make your own protein powder instead of buying the pre-made stuff? That’s awesome, because it’s actually so easy! I won’t lie – I’m a real die-hard fan of clean, vegan protein powders. In fact, I love one brand so much that I have six month’s worth stocked up in my fridge – I’m not even kidding. As someone who’s not too fond of beans or grains, and someone that likes healthy things that are quick and easy to use and make, I find that a clean, vegan protein powder helps fill in the gaps to make me feel and look my best. However, I understand some people want a do-it-yourself option, which is why I thought I’d share a recipe with you that I made about a year ago for my own DIY protein powder.

This recipe is really a mistake that happened by chance when I had an abundance of ingredients running out of my fridge and a mental need to do something with them. (I can’t stand having perfectly healthy superfoods and vegan ingredients go to waste.) So, I took nothing more than some of my overflowing stock of mason jars and started adding ingredients in them to make my own protein mix. What I came up with isn’t only a great way to use up ingredients, but also gives you a way to customize your own flavors and protein powder bases at home.

Just keep in mind that you’ll need some BPA-free containers like mason jars or other jars to hold your powders in. If you’re not afraid of using plastic baggies, those can work, too. Get creative with these and try a new one out each day to see what you like best.

Here are some key ingredients you’ll need to get started with:

A High Protein Base

First, select one of the following, which all have a high protein content in a relatively small serving:

• 2 tablespoons chia seeds
• 1/4 cup hemp protein powder or 3 tablespoons hemp seeds
• 1/4 cup sprouted brown rice powder
• 1/4 cup pumpkin seed protein powder
• 1/3 cup pea protein powder
• 1/4 cup raw flax seeds (ground)

All of these have anywhere from 8-16 grams of protein per serving. You can always use more than one to increase that ratio even more.

Add-Ins

You can also add in any of the following to increase the protein content, since these all have extra amino acids (which are easy to get on a vegan diet):

• Spirulina (4 grams per teaspoon)
• Cacao (10 grams per ounce)
• Maca (5 grams per two tablespoons)
• Oats (5 grams per 1/3 cup rolled)
• Pumpkin seeds (7 grams per 1/4 cup)
• Almonds (7 grams per 1/4 cup)
• Quinoa flakes (5 grams per 1/4 cup)
• Coconut flour (6 grams per 1/4 cup)
• Sunflower seeds (7 grams per 1/4 cup)

Flavors

Now it’s time to add some flavor and nutrition with some especially awesome superfoods. Some of these are repeated from above, in case you didn’t use them. If you did, don’t feel the need to repeat them, however, do feel free to use more than one of these if you wish (I always do!) Here are some of my favorites:

• raw vanilla bean powder (1/2 teaspoon)
• cocoa powder or raw cacao powder ( 1 tablespoon)
• maca powder (1 teaspoon)-adds a caramel like flavor
• mesquite powder (1 teaspoon- adds a smokey, maple flavor)
• lucuma-  (1 teaspoon – adds a maple, vanilla flavor)
• acai powder (1 teaspoon- for extra nutrition and a chocolate-berry taste)
• goji (1 teaspoon -for extra nutrition and a tart taste)
• cinnamon (1/4 teaspoon)
• ginger (1/4 teaspoon)
• stevia powder (1 teaspoon)
• green superfood powder of choice (1 serving)

Just add any of more than one of these to each jar to customize your powder and come up with new flavors so you never get bored. You’ll find the perfect protein powder for you and won’t ever have to buy any again, unless you just want to.

Nutrition

Are you wondering why protein is important to begin with? Check out this body builder’s perspective and how to get enough on a vegan diet. 

Also, to find out the calorie content of your protein powder, plug the ingredients into a handy online tool known as Cronometer, or feel free to add them up according to the serving sizes on the nutrition panel of each ingredient according to what you use.

How to Use Your Protein Powder

The easiest way to use your protein powder is in a smoothie, but here are some other ideas if you’re looking for more options:

• Raw Vegan Superfood Protein Bars
• Protein pudding – Just mix your protein powder with nondairy milk, some coconut flour to thicken or even oats and some water. Add stevia to sweeten and maybe a sliced banana for good measure.
• Crunchy Raw Vegan Protein Balls- Gluten Free
• Sugar-Free Vegan Protein Bars
• Protein Balls- Raw, Vegan and Soy-Free
• Stir it into oatmeal
• Bake with it
• Find a new way to use it and share with the rest of us!

Have you ever made your own DIY protein powder? What did you use?

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Photos by Heather McClees