Stuck in a protein shake rut? It’s time to rethink your protein powder game. While we love smoothies—and they’re the most common way to use protein powder—they’re simply the tip of the iceberg. Delicious, protein-packed possibilities go far beyond the blender. From savory dips and breakfast bowls, to baked treats and homemade ice cream, protein powder is as versatile as it is convenient. Plus, it’s the easiest hack to add nutrition and satiation to your meals and snacks. To expand your creativity, we’re exploring innovative (but low-lift) ways to add this pantry staple to your diet. From breakfast to dessert, these protein powder recipes will revolutionize your approach to healthy eating.

Edie Horstman

Edie is the founder of nutrition coaching business, Wellness with Edie. With her background and expertise, she specializes in women’s health, including fertility, hormone balance, and postpartum wellness.

Is protein powder healthy?

Like many trends in the wellness world, protein powder isn’t without controversy. Yes—protein powder (like protein bars) can be a smart and healthful addition. But its healthiness depends on a slew of factors: quality of ingredients, absence of refined sugar, how it fits into your overall diet, etc. Let’s dig into both sides of the debate.

Why Protein Powder is Considered Healthy

• Convenient source of essential nutrients: Protein powders provide a concentrated dose of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair, hormone production, and overall health.
• Supports fitness goals: Whether you’re an athlete or love to be active, protein powder can aid in muscle recovery and growth—when used in conjunction with exercise.
• Weight management: Protein increases feelings of fullness, potentially aiding in weight loss or maintenance efforts.
• Nutrient gaps: From dietary restrictions to increased protein needs, protein powder can help you meet your daily requirements.
• Versatility: Protein powder is easily incorporated into various recipes (the ultimate protein-boosting meal hack).

Why Protein Powder Isn’t Considered Healthy

• Processed nature: Protein powders are highly processed. This ensures they’re a concentrated source of protein, but this also means they’re lower in overall nutrients (compared to whole-food protein sources).
• Additives and contaminants: Certain protein powders contain artificial sweeteners or other risky additives. There are also concerns about contaminants, i.e., heavy metals. Always check labels and the quality of ingredients!
• Potential for overconsumption: It’s easier to consume large amounts of protein via powder than through whole foods. Although rare, it could lead to excessive protein intake.
• Digestive issues: Some people experience bloating, gas, or other digestive discomfort from certain types of protein powder.
• Reliance on supplements: Critics say protein powder can overshadow a balanced, whole-food diet.
• Regulation concerns: The supplement industry is less regulated than the food industry. In turn, this can lead to concerns about quality control and label accuracy.
• Potential interactions: Protein powders can interfere with medications or impact nutrient absorption.

Is protein powder necessary?

So long as you’re fueling up on a variety of minimally processed foods, protein powder isn’t required. In fact, whole food proteins should be the mainstay of your nutrition. Think lean meats, fish, eggs, beans, nuts, and seeds. These offer a wider range of nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and fiber (that most protein powders lack). But if you have increased protein needs (or need convenient nutrition), protein powder is a game changer. To summarize: yes, protein powder is a useful supplement! But it should complement—rather than replace—a well-rounded diet.

Who should consume protein powder?

Whether you’re looking to build muscle, support weight management, or fill nutritional gaps, protein powder does the trick. But who benefits most from adding this supplement to their daily routine?

1. Strength training enthusiasts and bodybuilders
   • High-protein needs for muscle recovery and growth
   • Often use protein powder for pre- and post-workout nutrition
   • May benefit from fast-absorbing proteins—like whey—for quick recovery
2. Endurance athletes (runners, cyclists, triathletes)
   • Require protein for muscle repair and recovery
   • Can use protein powder to supplement their higher caloric needs
   • May prefer easily digestible options that don’t cause gastrointestinal distress
3. Breastfeeding mothers
4. Vegetarians and vegans
   • May struggle to meet protein needs through diet alone
   • Can use plant-based protein powders to supplement their intake
   • Benefit from complete protein sources like pea-rice protein blends
5. Older adults (particularly postmenopausal women)
   • Often have increased protein needs to maintain muscle mass
   • May benefit from easily digestible protein sources
   • Can use protein powder to combat age-related muscle loss (sarcopenia)
6. Those recovering from injuries or surgery
   • Have increased protein needs for tissue repair and healing (including childbirth!)
   • Can use protein powder to supplement their diet when appetite is low
   • May benefit from collagen protein for joint and connective tissue support
7. Individuals on a fat loss journey
   • Can use protein powder to feel fuller and preserve muscle mass
   • May benefit from the convenience of low-calorie, high-protein options
   • Can use protein powder to make nutrient-dense meal replacements
8. Busy professionals/students/adolescents
   • Can use protein powder for quick, nutritious meals or snacks
   • Benefit from the convenience and portability of protein supplements
   • May use protein powder to maintain energy levels throughout the day

Consult with a healthcare provider or Registered Dietitian before incorporating protein powder into your routine—especially if you have any health conditions or concerns.

The Different Types of Protein Powder

Before we jump into protein powder recipes, let’s briefly explore the most common types of protein powder.

• Whey protein. A fast-absorbing protein derived from milk. This is ideal for post-workout recovery.
• Casein protein. Also derived from milk, but it’s slower-absorbing (making it great for sustained protein release).
• Plant-based proteins. Options like pea, hemp, and non-GMO soy protein are excellent for vegans and those with dairy allergies.
• Collagen protein. Supports skin, hair, nail, and joint health.
• Egg white protein. A complete protein source that’s dairy-free and easily digestible.

Are certain types of protein powder better for specific recipes?

Yes. Different protein powders work better in various cooking methods.

Whey Protein. Whey protein is great for pancakes, waffles, muffins, and overnight oats because it creates a fluffy yet smooth texture. It’s also fabulous in fruit-forward smoothies.

Casein Protein. When it comes to puddings, mug cakes, cheesecakes, and no-bake recipes—like energy bites—casein is ideal (because of its thickening properties).

Plant Protein. Plant-based proteins are versatile in baking and no-bake recipes, but you may need to tweak the liquid ratio (by adding more liquid).

Collagen Peptides. Lastly, collagen dissolves easily, making it great for drinks and soups.

Consider the flavor and texture implications when choosing a protein powder for your recipes. Some powders have a stronger taste than others. When in doubt, choose an unflavored protein powder!

12 Delicious Ways to Use Protein Powders That Aren’t Smoothies

Ready to think outside your smoothie cup? Below are 12 creative ways to add protein powder to your favorite dishes. From energizing breakfasts to satisfying desserts, there’s a protein-packed recipe for every craving.

1. Pumpkin Protein Pancakes

We finally landed on the most delicious protein-packed pancakes that feel like a treat—without the blood sugar crash. Add a scoop of your favorite vanilla protein powder for an extra 10-20 grams of protein!

2. Grain-Free Overnight Oatmeal

Packed with nuts and seeds (hello, protein and healthy fats!), this grain-free oatmeal is so easy—and can be customized to your liking. Toss in a scoop of plant-based chocolate protein powder for a decadent yet nourishing breakfast.

3. Salted Caramel Cheesecake Brownies

Who said you can’t have a protein-rich dessert? Satisfy your sweet tooth with these salty and sweet brownies. To up the protein count, remove 1/4 cup all-purpose flour and replace it with 1/4 cup chocolate protein powder of choice.

4. One Bowl Morning Glory Muffins

In a rush in the morning? Crumble one of these morning glory muffins over a bowl of Greek yogurt with a drizzle of almond butter and you’re good to go. Toss three tablespoons of unflavored collagen peptides into the batter, then bake.

5. Greek Yogurt Bowl

One of our favorite ways to give our breakfast a protein boost? By adding a scoop of protein powder (vanilla, strawberry, chocolate, etc.) to plain Greek yogurt. This adds flavor, texture, and substantial satiation! Be sure to mix well—and if necessary, pour in a splash or two of milk. Top with nuts, seeds, and fruit.

6. Grain-Free Granola

Speaking of breakfast, did you know you can add protein powder to granola? A few tips: use a protein powder that complements the flavors of your granola, i.e., vanilla or chocolate. Whey, casein, pea, or hemp protein are all good options. Combine the protein powder with other dry ingredients, like oats, nuts, seeds, and spices. Keep in mind it can make the granola mixture slightly drier, so you may need to increase the amount of wet ingredients (like honey, maple syrup, coconut oil, or nut butter) by about 1-2 tablespoons.

7. Homemade Ice Cream

Take your favorite homemade ice cream flavor (we’re loving this golden milk latte right now), and mix all of your wet ingredients, along with your protein powder of choice. Follow the rest of the instructions as is!

8. Adaptogenic Hot Chocolate

Protein hot chocolate, anyone? All you need to do is add a scoop of chocolate collagen peptides to this superfood hot chocolate. Et voilà, you have a nutritious and satisfying afternoon pick-me-up.

9. Curry Butternut Squash Soup

Warm, cozy, and full of fall flavors, give this curry butternut squash soup a protein upgrade by adding a scoop or two of unflavored plant-based protein to the pot. Once blended, you won’t know it’s in there!

10. Sausage Burrata Pizza

Replace 1/4 cup flour in your pizza dough recipe with 1/4 cup pea protein powder. This adds protein without sacrificing the deliciousness of a homemade pizza crust!

11. Vanilla Chia Pudding

Another fool-proof way to add protein powder to your diet? Chia pudding. For the best consistency, blend your protein powder of choice with chia seeds, milk, and a bit of maple syrup. Refrigerate overnight for a thick, creamy, and protein-rich pudding.

12. Protein Coffee

Calling all coffee lovers. If you haven’t tried protein coffee, prepare to fall in love. Hot or iced, coffee is a perfect vehicle for protein powder! Add a scoop of unflavored collagen peptides, chocolate whey (for a mocha experience!), or vanilla plant-based protein power to your hot coffee. Use a hand-frother to mix. Otherwise, pour cold brew, ice, milk of choice, and vanilla or chocolate protein powder to a blender and blend for an icy, caffeinated boost.

Tips for Cooking and Baking With Protein Powder

Unsure about adding protein powder to your cooking and baking? Don’t fret. Use these tips for incorporating this versatile ingredient into your favorite recipes:

• Start by substituting 1/4 of the flour in a recipe with protein powder.
• Increase liquid slightly to compensate for the protein powder’s absorbency (1-2 tablespoons at a time).
• Use a whisk or sifter to prevent clumping.
• For baked goods, reduce cooking time and temperature by 3-5 minutes to prevent drying out.
• Experiment with flavors: vanilla protein powder can enhance sweet recipes, while unflavored works well in savory dishes.

Don’t be afraid to experiment! Take your cooking and baking to the next level with your own protein-packed masterpieces.

Although you can get an apple any time of year, fall is when they’re truly in season and they shine in all their apple glory. So what do you do when you have an abundance of apples? Make an apple dessert, of course!

We’ve rounded up 23 deliciously scrumptious apple desserts ranging from traditional to unique to please any palette.

Next time you want to whip up something sweet this fall, try one of these delicious apple dessert recipes!

via Better Living

Nothing says fall is here like a steaming glass of hot mulled apple cider. Warm and spicy, this recipe doesn’t add any extra sugar so you can leave room for some other fall treats. This one can be cooked on the stovetop but there are slow cooker directions too.

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via Sugar and Soul

Any time of year is a cheesecake time of year. But for a recipe that combines the flavors of autumn and with a less intimidating, but oh so scrumptious way to make a cheesecake based dessert, be sure to give this recipe a try from Sugar and Soul. A shortbread crust is topped with a creamy cheesecake layer, homemade apple filling, and finished with brown sugar oatmeal topping.

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via The Super Mom Life

If you live for fair and festival food, then these apple fries should be on your ‘Need to Make Now!’ list.

Heather from The Super Mom Life came up with this awesome recipe after she was inspired by a batch of apple fries she tasted tried at Legoland Florida. After lots of disappointing recipes and trial and error, she found that funnel cake batter was the trick to keeping the apple fries crispy on the outside while keeping that delicious hot apple flavor concentrated in the middle. Genius!

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via Southern Bite

Flipping through old cookbooks is an awesome way to rediscover some forgotten gems. That’s how Stacy from Southern Bite found this wonderfully easy and delicious recipe for an apple-flavored scrunch cake. Similar to a “dump” cake, but with a way more adorable name, this apple dessert recipe has only 4 ingredients and is 100% guaranteed to please.

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via Get Inspired Everyday

You can have your apple dessert and be Paleo too! And if you love the chewy texture of a brownie but want something a little something different, the apple blondies are the way to go. Made with almond and coconut flour cookie base, these blondies are topped with roasted cinnamon apples and drizzled with caramel.

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via Taras Multicultural Table

Everything about these Caramel Apple Empanadas has me super excited. This recipe from Tara’s Multicultural Table takes diced Granny Smith Apples simmered in a cinnamon, clove, and vanilla spiced caramel sauce and then wraps them in a flaky, buttery empanada dough. Once they’re then baked in the oven, Tara recommends serving them with cinnamon ice-cream, whipped cream, and a drizzle of more caramel. Yum!

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via Better Living

Even when you’re eating clean, sometimes you just need something sweet. These apple nachos are packed with protein and low in sugar, yet incredibly satisfying. Super easy to put together and you definitely won’t miss all the extra sugar with this healthy apple dessert.

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via Fresh Market

Crispy on the outside, doughy and ever so sweet on the inside. What’s not to love? While you can put just about anything in a fritter, this recipe is stuffed with fresh diced apples and spices to highlight the season’s apple bounty. This easy recipe includes an apple cider glaze, but they’re delicious with only a simple sprinkle of powdered sugar.

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via Phenomenal Phoods

For a twist on your next afternoon coffee, try this fall in a glass inspired apple cider latte from Phenomenal Phoods. Made with frothed milk, a shot of espresso, and hot apple cider, one sip you’ll wonder where these have been all your life.

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via Krazy Kitchen Mom

Almost cookie-like, these Mini Apple Cheddar pies by Krazy Kitchen Mom are absolutely darling! If you’re not in love with the thought of making your own pie crust, not to worry! These little pies are made with a store-bought refrigerated pie crust to speed things along.

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via 2 Teaspoons

Just imagine yourself waking up to these buttery and moist freshly baked apple cinnamon muffins, topped with pecan streusel and drizzled with rich salted caramel sauce muffins hot out of the oven on a beautiful cool fall weekend morning. Made with fresh apples, applesauce, and apple cider, these muffins are truly a delicious celebration of this amazing fruit.

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via Jo Cooks

There’s something so addicting about pulling off piece by piece of ooey-gooey Monkey bread. This pull-apart bread looks difficult to make but is actually quite easy with the help of store-bought prepared biscuit dough. Baked with cinnamon and brown sugar spiced apples and drizzled with chocolate after baking, this recipe is sure to become a family fav.

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via Little Dairy On The Prairie

French Toast is one of those dishes that can make even the most mundane mornings feel like a special occasion. For an even more decadent take on French toast combined with the flavors of baked apples, try this baked French toast recipe with a streusel topping from Little Dairy on the Prairie. Whether you enjoy it for a dessert or special breakfast, it’s French Toast on a whole other level.

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via Little Dairy On The Prairie

Brown butter adds a layer of delicious nutty toasted flavor that enhances anything its added to. And it pairs perfectly with the nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger, apples and pecans in these sandwich cookies. Toasty, spicy, and fruity apple flavors are sandwiched together with a cream cheese frosting. What more could you ask for in a fall time cookie?

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via Little Dairy On The Prairie

For a crumb cake infused with the flavors of fall, this Apple Crumb is the way to go. Lots of cinnamon-spiced apples are baked in a moist, delicious coffee cake batter, topped with a cinnamon brown sugar crumb, and then drizzled with caramel. Baked with rich Greek yogurt, this crumb cake is moist and delicious.

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 via Worth Whisking

Enchiladas for dessert anyone? These amazingly delicious dessert-style enchiladas are stuffed with warm cinnamon sauteed apples and wrapped in a cinnamon-sugar dusted tortilla. Drizzled with caramel before serving, these would be the perfect end to a warm and cozy fall dinner.

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via Sugar Apron

Just when you thought tacos couldn’t really get any better, Sarah from Sugar Apron said “hold my beer.” These Apple Pie Cheesecake Tacos take the flavors from two all-time favorite desserts and make a mash-up that is irresistible. Taco Tuesday will never be the same. And that’s a good thing.

Cheesecake and an apple spice fillings are layered inside cinnamon and graham-cracker crumb coated taco-shaped tortillas.

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via Cookies and Cups

If you’re celebrating Oktoberfest at home this year like many of us are then this easy apple strudel is a must. This classic German dessert made with cinnamon-spiced apples and raisins is then rolled up in puff pastry (found in the freezer section of your grocery store) and baked. If you like straightforward apple desserts that deliver on flavor, this one is a must-try.

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via Inspired Taste

You can beer batter just about anything and you’ve got my stamp of approval. Frying sweet slices of crisp sweet and juicy apples? Simply genius.

And there’s no better time for this recipe than fall. The best part is that you can enjoy these as a sweet dessert with powdered sugar and drizzled with a little caramel or even sprinkle them with salt and enjoy them as a dinner side.

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via Domestically Blissful

Who doesn’t love an ice-cream float? Perfect for kids and adults, this unique apple-infused twist on an ice-cream shop classic is made with both sparkling and still apple ciders and 0French vanilla ice-cream. Domestically Blissful. To make it a truly adult beverage, a dash of bourbon would be a lovely addition.

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via House of Nash Eats

Caramel apples are pretty irresistible. And they’re also easy to make with this homemade recipe! To customize your apple stock up on a mix of toppings like nuts, pretzels, shredded coconut, toffee bits, crushed Oreos, mini M&Ms, and whatever else you can dream of. Wrapped up, they make a wonderful edible gift for a friend or neighbor.

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via Goldilocks Kitchen

For something different with a New Mexican twist, try this Green Chile Apple Pie. Originally invented in the teensy tiny town of Pie Town, New Mexico, this apple pie is perfect for anyone who likes a little heat with their sweet. Fresh apples are stewed with green chiles and warm apple pie spices and then poured into a pie shell sprinkles with shredded cheddar and then baked. You won’t believe how good this pie is until you try it!

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via Pies and Tacos

It’s basically impossible to resist a cupcake and these vanilla cupcakes filled with homemade apple pie filling, and then topped with cinnamon cream cheese frosting and a buttery crumble are the fall-inspired treat from Pies and Tacos we’ve all been missing, but definitely need.

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Every morning, my partner quietly crawls out of bed to attend to his first task of the day: making me a Vietnamese coffee. It started as a display of love. He doesn’t drink coffee (bizarre!), but I dream of it when I fall asleep. And now, it’s grown into a ritual. He says he loves the act of grinding the beans, filling the Bialetti, and pouring the steaming liquid into one of my favorite mugs. Plus, he enjoys tucking into our cozy coffee nook—an unexpected spot in our pantry that’s turned into a meditative reprieve.

If our coffee nook—or coffee station—is any suggestion that joy can happen anywhere in the home, it’s also a reflection of our times: We all want to slow down. And we all want to experience more mindfulness, even when doing the ordinary. So we can start in the smallest ways, like leaning into coffee station ideas and curating a morning ritual that feels cozy and purposeful.

What is a coffee station?

Since most of us prepare some warm drink in the morning, be it coffee, matcha, golden milk, or even adaptogenic hot chocolate, we have at least one opportunity a day to turn a simple routine into one that’s meditative and beautiful. The following coffee station ideas have inspired our little morning spot.

Plus, once the coffee (or tea, or golden milk… ) is made, there’s another chance to feel good—i.e., when you tuck into a cozy corner to drink it.

Google coffee station ideas and the terms coffee nook, coffee bar, and coffee corner pop up. While there’s no specific definition for the term, a coffee station is a dedicated place that corrals all the essentials—mugs, beans, spoons, etc.—for making your perfect cup. That’s exactly what a coffee station is: a sacred spot to make something meaningful.

What are the perks of a coffee station?

You may wonder, I have a coffee maker, why do I need a dedicated spot for it? I think about this the same way I do any mindful practice: By creating a safe and beautiful spot for something, we infuse more meaning and intention into it. Even more, everything we put in our bodies deserves a dose of good energy. Taking the time to make our coffee or tea with care results in greater pleasure and flavor.

Essentially, it’s about being present. Camille put it best: “It’s those simple little cues that speak to my senses, reminding me to be present and acknowledge the moment as sacred,” she says of greeting the day.

By creating a safe and beautiful spot for something, we infuse more meaning and intention into it.

Where to House Your Coffee Station

Once you’ve made your cup, stay with the moment. Find a place that allows you to savor those minutes as you sip. I love interior designer Maria Wu’s advice for finding the perfect place to enjoy your cup: “I like to observe the habits of a cat which generally translates to where the warmth of the sun streams into the space the strongest in the morning,” says Wu. “The sun energizes and provides warmth—and having that quiet energy allows for one to ease into the day.”

How to Create a Coffee Nook

First, find a place that speaks to you. Pay attention to your rhythms in the morning: Is there a quiet corner or spot on the counter that you always visit? Claim an area that feels good. 

Next, place your coffee or tea maker, a favorite mug or two, a milk frother (if needed), and any accouterments, such as sugar or honey. I love to put all of this on a beautiful tray, if possible. Doing so keeps any clutter contained and marks the nook.

Coffee Station Ideas to Inspire Your Morning Routine

Think of your coffee nook as your personal café. It’s a corner that’s as stylish as it is functional, and stocked with everything you need to craft the perfect cozy cup. Display your favorite mugs, organize your beans in chic containers, and add a touch of greenery for a fresh vibe. With a well-curated coffee station, you’ll be inspired to savor every sip. Steal these coffee station ideas and inspiration as you design your space.

Serene Elegance

To recreate this aesthetic coffee station, start by embracing a minimalist approach with a focus on neutral tones and natural textures. Opt for a clean, white countertop as the base, allowing your coffee essentials to take center stage. Add warmth with wood accents, like a small tray or cutting board, to ground the space. Stack sleek, ceramic mugs in earthy shades. The key is to keep the look uncluttered, ensuring each element feels intentional and contributes to the overall sense of calm and sophistication.

Scandinavian Charm

To capture this coffee station’s cozy, contemporary charm, start by pairing light wood with marble for a clean, streamlined look. Incorporate vintage-inspired elements like a ceramic pitcher, cake stand, and a set of classic white mugs for a touch of nostalgia. Wood shelving provides the perfect spot to display your pared-down collection of ceramics. Add a pop of greenery with a small potted plant, bringing a bit of life and color to the earthy palette. To complete the look, a tray corrals the essentials—like canisters to store your beans—keeping the space both functional and effortlessly inviting.

Sleek Farmhouse

This coffee station focuses on clean lines and a monochromatic palette. A white backsplash creates an airy backdrop, while a stainless steel coffee machine and matching accessories add a striking contrast. Opt for open shelving to display a curated selection of minimalistic mugs and a few stylish canisters that keep your coffee essentials within easy reach. Incorporate a touch of natural texture with a small wooden cutting board or a vase of greenery, bringing warmth to the otherwise cool, contemporary space.