Root Beer Float Protein Shake

Today’s recipe is a quick one - it’s actually one of the super quick protein powder “hacks” that inspired us to start this blog!

I have a lot of fun playing around with basic vanilla protein powder, and seeing what all it can become - with just simple additions.

In this case, the addition of one ingredient took that basic vanilla protein shake, and made it taste like a root beer float!

... without the added carbs of using actual root beer, or the more problematic fake sweeteners that tend to be used in diet root beers.

I started out making this as a simple protein shake, in a shaker bottle. Later on, I started blending it with ice - giving it more of a frothy texture.

This simple addition took it from just TASTING like a root beer float, to having a texture that was a bit closer to the real thing.

Either way, it’s a quick and easy way to dress up a protein shake, bringing a bit more fun into it!

Ingredients

This is a really simple recipe, but I still have a few ingredient notes for you!

Vanilla Flavoured Protein Powder

This root beer float protein shake recipe uses Vanilla Flavored Whey Protein Powder.

Personally, I keep a big canister of Revolution Nutrition's High Whey in Vanilla Cake on hand at all times, and use it in a TON of my recipe - baked goods, beverages, etc.

Use whatever vanilla protein powder that you like to drink, is the best protein powder for your macros.

As a note: I recently gave plant based protein powder a try. One of the brands I used was significantly less sweet than the protein powder I usually use.

If this is the case with your protein powder, be ready to add a little sweetener of your choice. I recommend going with something with a neutral flavour - I use Monkfruit drops.

Unsweetened Almond Milk

Unsweetened Almond Milk has been my milk of choice for years now. It was a great dairy-free option when I could no longer handle cow’s milk, and it’s a fantastic, low carb option in general.

When it comes down to it, though... depending on your macros, you can use pretty much any kind of milk in this root beer float protein shake recipe.

As far as non dairy milk goes, Oat milk, Cashew Milk, Flax Milk, Macadamia Milk and Coconut Milk are all good options.

Almond is the most neutral tasting option, though - so just know that the other plant based milks may change the overall flavour of the shake a bit.

Anyway, beyond the non-dairy milk options, regular milk works, too - just a bit higher carb.

You can use whatever you like, but I’d recommend at least 2% fat, for texture reasons. Whole milk is great... I find 1% / skim milk to be too watery, IMHO.

Lorann Flavor Oil

I use Lorann Root Beer Flavor Oil to give this protein shake the requisite root beer flavour.

It’s a fun product - a super concentrated flavour extract, basically. I use Lorann Flavor Oils for things like Moon Mist Ice Cream, Homemade Candy Apples, Sugar Free Gummy Candies.

You can generally find it on Amazon and at larger cake decorating supply stores.

The big thing to note here is that - where it IS “super strength”... If you’re using something other than Lorann, you MAY need to increase the amount used.

I know Watkins makes a root beer extract - I haven’t used it. In general, though, I’d recommend starting at the same amount, just knowing you may want to increase it.

Ice Cubes

I use ½ cup of SMALL ice cubes per shake. Small is key here - not only does it break up easier, it’s what the measurement was based on.

If you’re using larger ice cubes, you may want to use more like ¾-1 cup worth.

Garnishes - Optional

I don’t garnish my protein shakes every day, but it can be fun sometimes.

A little bit of whipped cream and a maraschino cherry can be the.. Well, cherry on top! Add a straw for the full “root beer float” experience.

How to Make Root Beer Float Protein Shakes

Measure everything into a blender, blitz until smooth.

Note: I’ll usually blitz everything except the ice, first:

Note: You want the ice REALLY broken down, so let the blender run until the smoothie looks like a fine slush.

Pour into a glass, garnish if desired, and serve immediately.

More High Protein Drinks!

Looking for more high protein shakes, smoothies, and coffee drinks? I've developed a whole series of protein powder drink recipes:

Chai Latte (Low Carb, High Protein)
Chocolate Malt Protein Shake
Gingerbread Latte (Low Carb, High Protein)
Malted Milk Protein Shake
Mango Daiquiri Protein Smoothie
Matcha Latte (Low Carb, High Protein)
Mocha Latte (Low Carb, High Protein)
Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate (Low Carb, High Protein)
Peppermint Mocha (Low Carb, High Protein)
Protein Cappuccino (Low Carb, High Protein)
Protein Hot Chocolate (Low Carb, High Protein)
Pumpkin Chai Latte (Low Carb, High Protein)
Pumpkin Pie Protein Shake
Strawberry Daiquiri Protein Smoothie
Sugar Cookie Protein Shake