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    Home » Breakfast

    10+ Protein Powder Breakfast Recipes

    May 23, 2022 by cookingwithelo Leave a Comment This post may contain affiliate links.

    Finding breakfasts that taste good, are easy to make and will keep you full until your next meal are difficult to find. That's why I came up with these 10 insanely good breakfast recipes made with (vegan) protein powder. They are great if you have long waiting times between meals or if you're trying to increase your protein intake.

    Breakfast is known as the most important meal of the day for a good reason. A nutritious breakfast that includes carbs, fiber, protein and healthy fats will provide energy for the entire morning.

    While we can cover our dietary needs with whole foods, protein powder sometimes comes in handy. These recipes are perfect if you're bored of protein shakes and want to switch things up by incorporating it into your breakfast.

    Jump to:
    • Vegan protein vs whey
    • Protein needs and when to use protein powder
    • Elo's favorite protein powders
    • Why you'll love these recipes
    • Breakfast recipes with protein powder
    • Frequently asked questions

    Vegan protein vs whey

    Whey protein is derived from cow's milk and is a by-product of the cheese-making process.

    Vegan protein is derived from plants, such as pea, rice and soy. A powder can be made of a single or a combination of plant proteins. They don't contain dairy or lactose.

    If you want to learn more about the differences between whey and plant-based protein, and their effectiveness for muscle growth and weight loss, I highly recommend this article that is based on scientific articles.

    Incomplete protein myth

    Plants are often considered an incomplete protein source because it’s believed that they do not contain all 9 essential amino acids (those that our body cannot produce). But that’s a myth! Just like animal-based food, plants contain all 9 essential amino acids.

    However, not all plant contains high amounts of all 9 amino acids. That’s why a varied plant-based diet is important (read more here).

    Protein needs and when to use protein powder

    According to this medically-reviewed article, a healthy female needs 46–75 grams of protein per day and a healthy male 56-91 grams per day.

    Always try to satisfy your protein needs with whole food foods first. High-protein plant-based foods include quinoa, oats, buckwheat, lentils, chickpeas, nuts, peanuts butter, almond butters, as well as flax seeds, hemp seeds and seed butters.

    Note that most people will naturally meet their needs by eating a varied diet and don't need to track their protein intake.

    People with increased protein needs

    • Athletes and people that are very physically active
    • Pregnant women
    • Older adults
    • People recovering from injuries (source)

    When to supplement with protein powder

    1. If you have increased daily protein needs and find it difficult to meet them with a regular diet.
    2. If you're trying to lose weight or have long waiting times between your meals. High-protein meals can help you feel full for longer.
    3. For muscle recovery (read more here).

    Elo's favorite protein powders

    Clean ingredients are my top priority when it comes to powders (and food in general). I have two brands that I rotate and absolutely love for different reasons.

    What I look for: no artificial or natural flavorings, no artificial sweeteners, no gums, and no filler ingredients.

    • Best flavor: This vegan plant protein mix has the best taste and texture (and ingredients) I tried so far. It's my favorite to add to smoothies and drinks.
    • Gut health: This vegan digestive support protein powder is the best if you have a sensitive gut and experienced bloating with other powders in the past. I love it for baking and adding it to overnight oats. I don't use it for shakes as it has a slightly grainy texture when dissolved in liquids. The flavor is good but a little earthy (hence why I use it in recipes that have other ingredients).

    Why you'll love these recipes

    • You just got a new tub of protein powder and are not sure what to do with it.
    • You have an old tub that you really need to empty.
    • You're bored of regular protein shakes and want to switch things up.

    Breakfast recipes with protein powder

    Protein powder is very easy to incorporate into your breakfast. You can add it to your oats, coffee, smoothies and more. All these recipes are made with simple ingredients you most probably already have at home.

    Let's start with overnight oats: an easy breakfast based on rolled oats and chia seeds that you can make ahead of time. Try this first version with vanilla protein powder or the second with chocolate.

    Overnight Oats With Protein Powder
    Protein overnight oats with almond butter and blueberries.
    With more than 20 grams of protein per serving, these vegan vanilla overnight oats with protein powder are a real protein bomb.
    Get the recipe
    Chocolate Peanut Butter Overnight Oats
    These healthy, yet decadent chocolate peanut butter overnight oats are high in protein, fibre and flavour! Gluten-free, vegan and dairy-free.
    Get the recipe

    If you're looking for more special and indulgent recipes that you can make on the weekend, these pancakes, waffles and french toasts are just perfect. Simply add (chocolate) protein powder to the batter for a high-protein breakfast.

    Protein Pancakes Without Banana
    Fork stuck in a stack of protein pancakes decorated with yogurt and strawberries.
    These protein pancakes without banana and without eggs make a delicious high protein breakfast. Three pancakes have 24 grams of protein!
    Get the recipe
    Protein French Toast
    Two slices of Two slices of protein french toast on a ceramic plate with strawberries and blueberries.
    With 23 grams of protein per serving, protein Frech toast taste just as good as regular ones. They are soft on the inside and perfectly caramelized on the outside with a delicate vanilla flavor.
    Get the recipe
    Vegan Chocolate Waffles
    Vegan Chocolate Waffles that make the whole world around you stop once you bite into their sweet and fluffy inside. The easiest waffle recipe for beginners!

    Recipe by Tajda from My Vegan Minimalist.
    Get the recipe

    Are your mornings really busy and you don't have time to prep anything? Then these grab-and-go cookies and protein balls are ideal for you. Whether you eat them for breakfast or as a snack in between meals, they are a great alternative to protein bars (and taste a lot better).

    Vegan Protein Cookies
    Hand holding a vegan protein cookie.
    These vegan protein cookies are soft and gooey on the inside and crispy on the edges. One cookies has incredible 10 grams of protein.
    Get the recipe
    Vegan Banana Peanut Butter Oatmeal Protein Cookies
    Vegan Banana Peanut Butter Oatmeal Protein Cookies
    Chewy banana peanut butter oatmeal vegan protein cookies that contains 10g of protein per serving! Only a 7 ingredients required & ready in 30 mins.

    Recipe by Meesha from Plantiful Cooking.
    Get the recipe
    Vegan Chocolate Coconut Protein Balls
    Vegan Chocolate Coconut Protein Balls
    These vegan chocolate coconut protein balls are indulgent, yet are super easy to fix and ready 15 mins! High in protein and low sugar.

    Recipe by Meesha from Plantiful Cooking.
    Get the recipe

    Last but not least, I wanted to include several drinks that taste so much better than a regular protein shake. Did you know that you could add protein to your morning matcha or coffee? These shakes will change the way you see protein. Plus, they have one scoop of protein powder each.

    Best Matcha Green Tea Vanilla Protein Shake (Vegan)
    The best matcha protein shake with a hint of vanilla. Served iced, this recipe is refreshing, vegan, keto, gluten-free and super easy to make. Great protein-rich smoothie alternative, full of plant-based goodness.

    Recipe by Tajda from My Vegan Minimalist.
    Get the recipe
    Healthy Salted Mocha Protein Smoothie (Vegan/Paleo Friendly)
    Healthy Salted Mocha Protein Smoothie (Vegan/Paleo Friendly)
    This salted mocha smoothie is a creamy, salty, and chocolatey version of your favorite drive-through coffee drink. Plenty protein, less sugar, equal energy boost!

    Recipe by Kelli from Hungry Hobby.
    Get the recipe
    No Banana Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Shake
    No Banana Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Shake
    This Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Shake is made with no banana and high in protein, nutrients and healthy fats.

    Recipe by by Katie from Wholefood Soulfood Kitchen.
    Get the recipe

    If you're a smoothie bowls lover, these recipes are for you! Adding your favorite protein powder to your smoothie provides extra creaminess. Top them with fresh fruit and nut butter for additional protein.

    Chocolate Protein Smoothie Bowl
    This Chocolate Protein Smoothie Bowl is thick, healthy, and packed with protein. It has a rich chocolatey flavor and creamy consistency. It is perfect for a quick breakfast.

    Recipe by Petra from Plantiful Bakery.
    Get the recipe
    Healthy Strawberry Banana & Chocolate Protein Smoothies
    This simple strawberry banana & chocolate protein smoothies recipe calls for just 5 ingredients & takes 10 minutes or less to whip up. Vegan and gluten-free!

    Recipe by Stacey from Garlic Salt And Lime.
    Get the recipe

    Frequently asked questions

    Can vegan protein powder upset your stomach?

    It's not unusual for people to experience bloating, gas, stomach cramps or diarrhea from protein powders. That's why I recommend powders with minimal ingredients such Nuzest Digestive support protein. This brand has really clean ingredients and added probiotics. Thousands of reviews report no upset stomachs with this specific powder and I can confirm that.

    Do I need protein powder?

    Not necessarily, as most people have an adequate protein intake from a varied diet. In several cases (e.g., high levels of physical activity, recovery, weight loss), supplementing with protein powder can be handy. We discuss this in more detail above.

    More Gluten and Dairy Free Breakfast Recipes

    • Bright purple berry smoothie in a ribbed glass with an orange slice on the rim of the glass.
      Berry Breakfast Smoothie With Oats
    • Small glass with overnight oats with raspberries as the bottom and as a garnish.
      Overnight Oats Without Chia Seeds
    • Spoon showing the inside of a gingerbread mug cake.
      Gingerbread In A Mug (Vegan, Gluten-Free)
    • Two slices of Two slices of protein french toast on a ceramic plate with strawberries and blueberries.
      Best Protein French Toast

    This site contains affiliate links which means that I may receive a commission if you purchase through that link, at no extra cost to you. However, please know that I only provide links to products that I actually use and wholeheartedly recommend! Please read out full disclosure here.

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