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)
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
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!
103º!?! That is so hot, I have never experienced weather like that! This smoothie looks a-maz-ing; I love it how you used cashew milk, it must make it so creamy, especially with the banana as well.
Thanks Eve! It’s regularly 100°+ here during the summer. I’m just grateful that I didn’t grow up in Arizona like my mom — their summer temperatures were closer to 115-120°!
Hi Amy I had a doubt! This smoothie looks amazing but I was wondering if protein powders are drank exclusively after a workout or if they can be drank anytime during the day (as they are very high in calories)? Thank you!
Thanks Isabella! Protein powders can be consumed at any time of day. The two I recommend for this recipe are much lower in calories than other brands but still very high in protein, which is why I love them so much. I hope you enjoy the smoothie if you try it!
I love Jamba Juice smoothies! I love the one with peach and mango in it. So tasty! Now I will have to remake my own favorites too!
Yum, I love that one too Shelby!
Yummers! I love jamba, but it is crazy how much it costs!! I got a fancy new blender for my birthday (Ninja!! :)) so I can’t wait to start spinning it once we’re into our kitchen!!
YES!!! I love my Ninja! And seriously, how did Jamba get to be so expensive?? It wasn’t like that when we walked there before late days in middle school!
Five words: Arizona – It’s a DRY heat. Repeat mantra….endlessly. Your smoothie looks delicious! Heading out to get bananas to freeze…
I’m pretty sure I’d rather have dry heat than humidity! Thank goodness Arizona has DQ… And those sprinklers on the awnings in Phoenix! 🙂
This is delicious! My daughter and I both love Jamba’s Protein Berry Workout smoothie, but wanted to be able to make it at home for breakfast. We made it this morning and it was great! Thanks for the recipe.
I’m so glad you both enjoyed this smoothie Marianne! 🙂
Hey, I was just wondering if you’ve noticed a certain taste (chalkiness) with the protein powder used in the JJ smoothie? I actually kinda like it! Wondering if either of the aforementioned powders are similar to the JJ powder in terms of taste?
Thanks,
Mary
I really appreciate your interest in my recipe, Mary! I haven’t noticed a chalkiness with the soy protein powder that I recommend, but it’s been so long since I’ve made this with the PlantFusion protein powder that I can’t remember about that one! Since Jamba Juice’s non-whey option is soy protein powder, my guess is that the soy protein powder that I used will be closest in taste. I haven’t tried Jamba Juice’s whey protein powder version, so I can’t vouch for that. 🙂 I can’t wait to hear what you think of this smoothie if you try it!
I just have to say that when I Googled the recipe, this blog popped up first!! And girl your recipe was spot on! ?
You’re so sweet Kathleen!!! I’m so glad you loved this copycat Jamba Juice recipe!! I had no idea it was first in Google… That’s so neat!! Thanks for letting me know! 🙂 Hope you’re doing well! (I always love seeing your adorable dog on IG!)
Yep 🙂 First in google. I had one of these on my first day in South Korea when I felt jetlagged and ill, and it was amazing. We don’t even have Jamba Juice in the UK so i’ve been waiting for a similar recipe!
That’s so neat! Thanks for taking the time to let me know Cat! 🙂 I really hope you enjoy this homemade version as much as the one you had in South Korea!