This Sweet Potato Protein Smoothie is thick, creamy and tastes like sweet potato pie!
It’s great before or after a workout, when you want some extra protein and carbs.
But it’s also great as a snack or on-the-go breakfast. It will keep you full and energized for a long time.
Plus it’s naturally dairy-free, vegan and Paleo.
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Sweet Potato Protein Smoothie
Sweet potatoes are not only one of my favorite foods, they’re also incredibly good for you.
And this healthy Sweet Potato Smoothie is one of my favorite ways to have them.
But they are high in carbs, and drinking a lot of carbs can spike your blood sugar which can then make you crash later.
So I also add a scoop of protein powder to help slow the digestion of the carbs and to…well, add protein, obviously.
And since sweet potatoes are somewhat sweet already, we don’t need to add a lot of extra sweetener.
Plus adding spices and vanilla make this taste like a sweet potato pie!
What you need for this Sweet Potato Protein Smoothie
Ingredients:
- 1 small sweet potato, cooked, peeled
- 1 cup unsweetened original almond milk (or your milk of choice)
- 1 scoop of your favorite unflavored or vanilla protein powder (I use this one)
- a handful of ice cubes
- 1 tablespoon 100% pure maple syrup, honey (not vegan) or date syrup (3-4 peeled and chopped dates)
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (if you’re using vanilla protein powder, you can omit this)
- a pinch of nutmeg
- a pinch of sea salt
Equipment:
How to make this Sweet Potato Protein Smoothie
You can cook your sweet potato one of the four following ways:
- poke a few times with a fork, wrap in aluminum foil, and roast directly on the grate in an oven at 425ºF for 40-50 minutes
- poke a few times all over with a fork, place on a plate and microwave for about 8-10 minutes, flipping the potato once halfway through, until a fork or knife easily slides all the way through
- scrub under running water then place in a slow cooker insert without drying it, and cook on low for 7-8 hours
- fill an Instant Pot insert with 1 cup water, place a rack in the insert and place the sweet potato on the rack, cook for 12-14 minutes
No matter which method you choose, the sweet potato should be fully cooled before you use it in the smoothie. It’s even better if you have a chance to chill it in the fridge.
Add the milk to the blender (I just use the markings on the side of the blender jar to measure 1 cup).
Peel the sweet potato and add the flesh to your blender.
Add all of the other ingredients to the blender and blend until smooth. Taste and see if it’s the right consistency and sweetness. If you want it thinner, blend in some water.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
You can use whatever milk you prefer. I’ve made this smoothie using 1/2 cup full-fat unsweetened canned coconut milk combined with 3/4 cup water and it was great.
You can use whatever unflavored or vanilla protein powder you like. I use this unflavored whey protein from Whole Foods.
This is a sweet potato smoothie without banana. However, if you don’t want to use any of the sweeteners in the recipe, you can swap out the ice for a frozen, peeled, chopped banana
You can add even more nutrition by adding any of the following ingredients:
– 1/4 teaspoon turmeric and a few grinds of fresh pepper (always use pepper with turmeric to help absorb all the nutrients)
– 3/4 teaspoon grated fresh ginger instead of the ground ginger
– chia seeds
– hemp seeds
– cacao nibs
– cacao powder
– 1-2 tablespoons of your favorite nut butter
This smoothie can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days. It lose its thickness as it sits due to the ice melted.
You can also freeze this smoothie in an air-tight container or baggie for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Other recipes you might like:
- Sweet Potato Smoothie Bowl
- Pumpkin Pie Smoothie
- Strawberry Banana Smoothie
- Chocolate Tahini Smoothie
- Morning Glory Smoothie
Sweet Potato Smoothie
Ingredients
- 1 small sweet potato, cooked, cooled and peeled (see notes)
- 1 cup unsweetened original almond milk (or any milk you like)
- handful of ice
- 1 scoop unflavored or vanilla protein powder
- 1 tablespoon 100% pure maple syrup, honey (not vegan) or date syrup (or 3-4 pitted, chopped dates)
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract (omit if using vanilla protein powder)
- pinch of nutmeg
- pinch of sea salt
Instructions
- Add the milk to the blender (I just use the markings on the side of the blender jar to measure 1 cup). Add all of the other ingredients to the blender and blend until smooth. Taste and see if it's the right consistency and sweetness. If you want it thinner, blend in some water.
Notes
- poke a few times with a fork, wrap in aluminum foil, and roast directly on the grate in an oven at 425ºF for 40-50 minutes
- poke a few times all over with a fork, place on a plate and microwave for about 8-10 minutes, flipping the potato once halfway through, until a fork or knife easily slides all the way through
- scrub under running water then place in a slow cooker insert without drying it, and cook on low for 7-8 hours
- fill an Instant Pot insert with 1 cup water, place a rack in the insert and place the sweet potato on the rack, cook for 12-14 minutes
- You can use whatever milk you prefer. I’ve made this smoothie using 1/2 cup full-fat unsweetened canned coconut milk combined with 3/4 cup water and it was great.
- You can use whatever unflavored or vanilla protein powder you like. I use this unflavored whey protein from Whole Foods.
- This is a sweet potato smoothie without banana. However, if you don’t want to use any of the sweeteners in the recipe, you can swap out the ice for a frozen, peeled, chopped banana
- You can add even more nutrition by adding any of the following ingredients:
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric and a few grinds of fresh pepper (always use pepper with turmeric to help absorb all the nutrients)
- 3/4 teaspoon grated fresh ginger instead of the ground ginger
- chia seeds
- hemp seeds
- cacao nibs
- cacao powder
- 1-2 tablespoons of your favorite nut butter
Erin says
I’ve never had a sweet potato smoothie before! What a great idea and I love the ingredients.
Paleo Gluten Free Guy says
You have to try it!
Megan Stevens says
SO delicious! I love this recipe and the idea of using sweet potatoes this way. I need to try it with the cocoa/chocolate option now! Thanks, very fun recipe!
Stacey Crawford says
Sweet Potato Pie is my favorite. Such a yummy idea to make it into a healthy smoothie!
Jean Choi says
Yes please! I’m a huge fan of sweet potato pie, so this smoothie totally hit the spot. I love that it’s full of clean ingredients, too!
Paleo Gluten Free Guy says
Thanks! 🙂