Last 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 Mom stopped by the mall to return a few things, I browsed the Jamba Juice website, scrolling through all of the different smoothie flavors. Because I tend to avoid dairy and certain fruits (like apples) when I feel under the weather, it was nearly impossible to find anything I could drink in both their classic and “make it light” versions.
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 name, 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 when the temperature hit 103°, and I snuck over again this past 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 of that Protein Berry Workout Smoothie at home for just a fraction of the price!
This healthy smoothie is incredibly easy to make. You just need 4 ingredients! Frozen strawberries, a frozen banana, milk, and protein powder. Since grocery stores rarely sell frozen bananas, you’ll have 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 smoothie. My second choices would be light soy or almond milk, 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 vegan brands: PlantFusion vanilla bean and Bob’s Red Mill soy protein. Both work great! The former adds an extra sweet vanilla note but also a slight aftertaste, whereas the latter 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!
Then blend blend blend, pour, slip in a straw, sip, and… Aaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. I foresee countless more of these healthy 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 Jamba Juice copycat smoothie!
| Protein Berry Workout Smoothie (Jamba Juice Copycat) | | Print |
- 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
- Add all of the ingredients to a blender in the order listed. Blend until smooth. Pour into a glass and drink immediately.
If using PlantFusion vanilla bean protein powder, add 1 scoop (30g). If using Bob’s Red Mill soy protein powder, add ¼ cup (26g).
To freeze bananas, slice 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.
Depending on your tastes or protein powder, additional sweetener may be needed.
For more information about substituting different protein powders, see my Protein Powder FAQ Page.
{gluten free, dairy free, egg free, vegan, clean eating, low fat, high protein}
View Nutrition Information + Weight Watchers Points
Hello. Can the protein shakes be considered as a meal replacement meal?
I really appreciate your interest in my recipe, Tina! I’m not a trained healthcare professional, so I don’t feel comfortable providing that kind of advice about protein shakes as meal replacements. However, the full nutrition information is available directly underneath this recipe, which may be helpful if you’d like to check with your doctor, dietitian, or nutritionist! 🙂 If you decide to try making this smoothie, I’d love to hear what you think of it!