Berry Protein Smoothie (Jamba Juice Copycat)

 
One weekend while visiting my parents, my throat started to feel a little scratchy. When I mentioned it to my mom, she quickly offered, “Why don’t I go get you something from Jamba Juice? I’m about to run errands anyway, so just text me what you want!” Best mom ever. (Although I already told you that…)  

So while she stopped by the mall to return a few things, I browsed the Jamba Juice website and scrolled through all of their different smoothie flavors. Because I tend to avoid dairy and a few specific fruits when I feel under the weather, it was nearly impossible to find anything I could drink anywhere on their menu, but…
 

 
Finally, on the very last page of the website, I stumbled across a flavor that might work: “Protein Berry Workout Smoothie.” With only strawberries, bananas, and soy-based protein, it sounded like the perfect fit for me!

I texted my mom the details, and within a few minutes, I heard her car in the driveway. When she sweetly walked into my bedroom and handed me the smoothie, I took a sip and… Aaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. Pure bliss — for both my tummy and my throat!
 

 
Yet I didn’t stop there. I went back two days later for another smoothie when the temperature hit 103°F, and I snuck over again the very next weekend for the same scorching-hot-weather reason. Those smoothies are good! But because each small one sets my wallet back nearly $6 (holy cow! since when do smoothies cost that much??), I created a copycat version, this healthy berry protein smoothie, for just a fraction of the price!

And don’t let the original smoothie’s “Protein Berry Workout Smoothie” name fool you… This strawberry banana protein smoothie tastes amazing any time of day — not just after a workout!
 

HOW TO MAKE A HEALTHY BERRY PROTEIN SMOOTHIE

This healthy protein smoothie is incredibly easy to make. You just need 4 ingredients! Frozen strawberries, a frozen banana, milk, and protein powder.

Frozen unsweetened strawberries are typically easy to find, but because grocery stores rarely sell frozen bananas, you’ll probably need to do that yourself. Simply slice a ripe banana into 1”-long chunks, set them on a small baking sheet, and stick that in the freezer for at least 1 hour or until frozen. Remember to transfer any leftover frozen banana to a labeled zip-topped bag so you can make another smoothie whenever the craving hits!

Any kind of milk will work. I generally keep unsweetened cashew milk in my fridge, so that’s what I used for my copycat Jamba Juice smoothie. My second choices would be unsweetened almond milk or light soy milk (like the original!), but just use whatever you have on hand. No need for a special trip to the grocery store!
 

 
As for the protein powder, I’ve made this smoothie with two different plant-based vegan options: PlantFusion vanilla bean protein powder and Bob’s Red Mill soy protein powder. Both work exceptionally well!

Hint: The PlantFusion option adds extra notes of sweet vanilla but also a slight aftertaste, whereas the Bob’s Red Mill powder is basically flavorless, so I’d recommend Bob’s Red Mill for anyone trying a protein powder smoothie for the first time. But just like with the milk, feel free to use whatever protein powder you already stash in your pantry!

The last thing you’ll need? A blender! I love my Ninja blender and regularly use both the regular blender pitcher and the individual single-serving blender cups. I’ve owned my Ninja for years now, and it still works like a charm!
 

 
Then blend blend blend, pour, slip in a straw, sip, and… Aaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. I foresee countless more of these healthy strawberry banana protein smoothies in my future this summer! 😉

And when you make your own, remember to snap a picture and share it on Instagram using #amyshealthybaking and tagging @amyshealthybaking IN the photo itself! (That guarantees I’ll see your picture! 🙂 ) I’d love to see your healthy copycat Jamba Juice smoothie!

Berry Protein Smoothie (Jamba Juice Copycat)

© Amy's Healthy Baking

Yields: 1 smoothie

This protein smoothie tastes really refreshing and summery — and exactly like Jamba Juice's! The recipe is easily doubled or tripled to serve more.

5 from 1 vote

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Ingredients 

• 1 cup (140g) frozen unsweetened strawberries
• ½ (35g) of one small banana, frozen
• 1 scoop vegan protein powder* (see Notes!)
• 1 cup (240mL) unsweetened cashew milk

Instructions

• Add all of the ingredients to a blender in the order listed. Blend until smooth. Pour into a glass and drink immediately.

Notes

IMPORTANT PROTEIN POWDER NOTES – READ BEFORE BEGINNING: PlantFusion vanilla bean protein powder and Bob’s Red Mill soy protein powder are my two favorite vegan protein powders. The former adds a sweet vanilla note but also a slight aftertaste, whereas the latter is basically flavorless. For anyone trying a protein powder smoothie for the first time, I’d recommend using Bob’s Red Mill soy protein powder to start. (It's also the one I use more often!)

 

If using PlantFusion vanilla bean protein powder, add 1 scoop (30g). If using Bob’s Red Mill soy protein powder, add ¼ cup (19g).

 

Most protein powders will work, so you're welcome to try using whatever you already have on hand!

 

For more information about substituting different protein powders, see my Protein Powder FAQ Page.

 

IMPORTANT FLAVOR NOTE – READ BEFORE BEGINNING: The fruit provides all of the sweetness, so make sure your banana is really ripe before freezing it!

 

Depending on your tastes or protein powder, or if your fruit isn't very ripe, additional sweetener may be needed. Any sweetener may be used (ie liquid stevia, granulated sucralose, erythritol, pure maple syrup, agave, honey, etc). Adjust the amount to suit your tastes. If using traditional liquid sweeteners (such as pure maple syrup, agave, or honey), I recommend reducing the milk by an equal amount to ensure the smoothie stays thick and creamy. (For example, if you add 1 tablespoon of pure maple syrup, reduce the milk by 1 tablespoon.)

 

BANANA NOTE: To freeze bananas, cut each banana into 1”-long chunks. Set the pieces onto a small baking sheet, and place in the freezer for at least 1 hour or until frozen. Transfer the chunks to a labeled freezer-safe zip-topped bag, and squeeze out all of the air.

 

MILK ALTERNATIVES: Any milk may be substituted for the unsweetened cashew milk.

 

{gluten-free, vegan, dairy-free, egg-free, clean eating, low fat, high protein}

DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?I'd love to hear what you think of it in a comment below! If you take a picture, tag @amys.healthy.baking on Instagram or use the hashtag #amyshealthybaking.

View Nutrition Information + Weight Watchers Points
 
 
You may also like Amy’s other recipes…
♡  Blueberry Banana Protein Smoothie
♡  Cran-Raspberry Lemonade Protein Smoothie
♡  Apple Pie Smoothie
♡  Pumpkin Pie Smoothie
♡  Chocolate Protein Milkshake
♡  Cookies ‘n Cream Protein Milkshake
♡  …and the rest of Amy’s healthy smoothie and drink recipes!