This delightfully refreshing Keto Protein Shake packs serious flavor and serious nutrition. With 20g of protein, 5g net carbs, and vital electrolytes, it’s an ideal breakfast or snack. And it tastes out of this world!
I will be the first to admit that I am a fair weather smoothie drinker. My husband loves them and will happily drink them in the middle of a snowstorm. But I need it to be hot and sunny out before I crave an icy drink of any kind.
But this raspberry lemon keto protein shake might just change my mind. I cannot get over how refreshing and tangy-sweet it is. I slurped my first one down in a matter of minutes. And then I made them again the very next day!
If you love a cold drink on a hot summer day, you also need to try my Coffee Protein Shake recipe and the fabulous Sugar Free Brazilian Lemonade!
Why you must try this recipe
If you want more low carb high protein recipes, then these smoothies are for you. They have ideal macros for a healthy keto breakfast or snack. And they actually fill you up without weighing you down.
Many keto smoothies and shakes suffer from being too thin, but these are surprisingly thick. So thick that when I accidentally spilled one while taking photos, it didn’t even run off the table. I was able to scoop most of it back into the glass with a spoon!
The flavor makes it over-the-top good. I wouldn’t be all dreamy-eyed about a keto protein shake if it tasted like many of the store-bought ones do. They’re either too sweet or have an artificial aftertaste. But this smoothie is bright and fresh, and perfectly balanced.
Did I mention that it takes only about 3 minutes to make?
Ingredients you need
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- Frozen berries: Raspberries are my choice, but you could use frozen blueberries or strawberries, or even blackberries! Be sure they are fully frozen as that helps the consistency of the shake.
- Protein powder: Obviously since this is a protein shake, you need protein powder of some kind. I used unflavored whey protein isolate, but check out the other options below.
- Lemon flavor: To keep the carbs lower and to boost nutrition, I skipped the lemon juice and used Ultima electrolyte powder. But you could use a bit of lemon extract or some a packet of True Lemon. Whatever you choose, make sure it has 0 carbs per serving.
- Yogurt: A little Greek yogurt helps give keto protein shakes a thicker consistency and boosts the protein content. If you can find it, I recommend Two Good yogurt as it has fewer carbs.
- Whipping cream: Heavy cream makes it feel more like a rich milkshake!
- Low carb milk: You will need a little bit of additional liquid to help thin it out enough to be pourable. You can use a non-dairy milk, as I did. Or you can mix cream and water.
- Sweetener: Use your favorite powdered or liquid sweetener to sweeten to taste.
Tips for making a Keto Protein Shake
You don’t need me to tell you how to blend smoothies and shakes up in a blender. But I do have some tips for you to get it super smooth and creamy. And also to make it exactly to your tastes!
1. Put the frozen fruit in first. This way, the blades catch it first and really blend it up. I find that if I put in the liquids or yogurt first, I tend to get a few berry chunks.
2. Blend once, stir, then blend again. I have a really good blender, but I still recommend stopping the blender and getting in there with a rubber spatula. Push any chunky pieces down toward the blades.
3. Use crushed ice, not ice cubes. A little ice gives the protein shake added volume but also keeps it colder for longer. But bigger pieces of ice don’t break up nearly as easily.
Make it your own!
You don’t have to make this keto protein shake exactly as I did, although I do highly recommend the raspberry lemonade combo. You can opt for other frozen berries, although that may change the carb count a little.
You can also do other additional flavors besides lemon. Use another flavor of electrolyte powder or use True Lime. Or just use some vanilla extract, because raspberry and vanilla are delicious together. Really, the flavor variations are endless.
Protein Options
I recommend unflavored protein powder, as the flavored varieties can overpower the delicate taste of the raspberries. Many of them also contain added sugars and carbs. You can use whey protein, egg white protein, pea protein or collagen protein for this recipe.
Sweetener Options
The smoothie does not rely on the sweetener for consistency, so you can use what you like best. I recommend a powdered or liquid sweetener to avoid any grittiness.
Because the electrolyte powder has some sweetener in it, make sure you taste the smoothie before you add more.
Dairy Free Option
Yes, you can make this dairy-free too! Use some thick coconut cream and coconut milk in place of the yogurt and heavy cream. Just be aware that the nutritional counts will change and it may be slightly lower in protein.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not all protein shakes and mixes are keto friendly, so it’s advisable to read the labels carefully. Look for shakes that are under 7 or 8 grams of total carbs. Better yet, make your own keto friendly protein shakes at home. It’s easy and you can control the ingredients. They taste far better too!
You can use many forms of protein powder on the keto diet, such as whey, egg white, pea, or collagen. Just make sure the powder you use does not contain a lot added sugar or fillers. I like using unflavored whey isolate or egg white protein in many of my recipes, as they typically have zero carbs.
The carbs in protein shakes differ significantly depending on the ingredients. This Raspberry protein shake recipe has 7.9g of carbs and 3g of fiber per serving, so it has only 4.9g net carbs.
More healthy raspberry recipes
Sugar Free Sorbet
This sugar free keto sorbet is so creamy and delicious, and bursting with fresh raspberries. It’s a delightful way to cool off on a hot summer’s day.
Keto Thumbprint Cookies
Keto thumbprint cookies are tender almond flour shortbread cookies with a center of sugar-free keto raspberry jam. They are the perfect addition to your keto Christmas cookie platter, and a delicious keto dessert for any occasion.
Keto Italian Cream Soda
This sugar-free Italian cream soda is sweet and fizzy, and so refreshing. Make your own sugar free simple syrup and enjoy this easy keto beverage any time the mood strikes!
Keto Protein Shake Recipe
Ingredients
- ¾ cup frozen raspberries
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (Try Two Good yogurt if you can find it!)
- ¼ cup heavy whipping cream
- ⅓ cup whey protein isolate
- 1 packet lemon electrolyte mix (or True Lemon)
- ½ cup hemp or almond milk (more as needed)
- ½ cup crushed ice
- Sweetener to taste
Instructions
- In a blender, combine all ingredients and blend until smooth. Taste and adjust sweetener as needed.
- Divide between 2 glasses.
lee says
I’m not much of a smoothie fan, but I was on the go yesterday- and needed something FAST! So I whipped this up in my blender for my lunch, and I must say– very, very tasty and it kept my energy going right up until dinner♥
Carolyn says
Yay!
Susan says
Made this for breakfast today, and we really enjoyed it. It is definitely a keeper recipe. It was a little chilly in our house this morning, and I get cold very easily, so I made the smoothie even better by following it with a cup of hot cocoa using your keto cocoa mix…
Diane Madsen says
So Good! I don’t miss the carbs!
Carolyn says
Glad you liked it!
K says
This was tart delicious and refreshing on a hot summer day! My kids described it as a glass of yum! Thanks for all you do!
Clare says
Am I going mad or have you changed this recipe? I swear the last time I made it it had cream cheese & yoghurt instead of coconut milk/cream/collegan! This version sounds good too though.
Carolyn says
I changed it. A little healthier and a little lower in carbs.
Jessica says
I know this recipe has been posted for awhile but I made it today and omg it’s so good!! I am so glad I decided to make it! I’ve been eating low carb for close to a year now and this was one of the best refreshing things I’ve had.
Wendy Schultz says
This sounds like it would also make a wonderful popsicle!
Carolyn says
Sure, why not?
Janice Polk says
I am so sorry about your dad. Cherish all the moments that you can. Where did you go to in Canada?
Carolyn says
Thank you. We were in Muskoka, a cottaging area on Ontario.
Ruth says
How would this be without the cream cheese? I don’t need the extra calories.
Carolyn says
It was more for thickness than anything else. Yours would be thinner but that is all.
Ruth says
Thanks
Scarlette says
A great sub for cream cheese is cottage cheese – you will never taste it, but it makes my smoothies creamy and much like ice cream (especially with a bit of xantham him added). It also adds protein. Note: To be fair, i should say that I have been using smoothie/protein shake recipes from DashingDish.com for years.
Sabrina Modelle says
Wow, these pics are so beautiful! I love that your kids were ready for healthy eating after your holiday. So great. I always feel the same way.
I also love raspberries in my smoothie- and anything with lemon is a win for me too! Can’t wait to give this one a whirl (see what I did there?)
Liz @ The Lemon Bowl says
What a smart idea to add cream cheese for creaminess!!
TidyMom says
I love that your kids were ready to get back to healthy eating after indulging with grandparents! This smoothie is calling my name!
Cecelia says
Thank you for you for your story. My husband does the same thing I have to remind him that Lucia is a Diabetic and has Celiac. So donuts are out and hugs and kisses are better.
You are in my prayers
Dorothy at Shockingly Delicious says
You are wise about the grandfather/grandchildren interaction. Take advantage of whatever time you have left with him. You will not regret it.
Your smoothie looks absolutely wonderful!
Nicole says
You are right, Grandpa should definitely be able to spoil the kiddos with cookies. There is always time for those smoothies later. And these smoothies do look good 🙂
Tracy says
I know how you feel, Carolyn. My stepfather passed away April 1 of this year due to complications of diabetes including a lung issue similar to your father’s. I tried to enjoy as much time with him as I could in the last month’s never knowing when the time would come. Your father sounds like a wonderful man.
This recipe looks delish and my husband will love it. He LOVES raspberries and lemonade. A match made in heaven.
Jackie says
Carolyn, hugs to you and your dad. Enjoy every precious moment.
Thanks for this recipe! I’m making this tonight when I get home. Can’t wait! I’m salivating!
Sarah G says
Prayers for your dad!! So sorry. My dad has been having a real rough year too and it’s scary and sad. 🙁
We just started making lots of smoothies recently. That one looks so good. Thanks for the idea.
Matt says
My kids are obsessed with smoothies and would love these!
pdxgirl says
I’m sorry about your Dad.