Antioxidant Protein Smoothie: Blueberry-Almond Breakfast Powerhouse

Kick-start your day with an antioxidant protein smoothie that tastes like dessert but fuels you like a full meal. This vibrant blend sits at the crossroads of fruit smoothies and vegan smoothies, delivering the berry-rich antioxidants your cells crave and the plant protein your muscles need. Packed with blueberries, almond butter, and dairy-free protein powder, it checks every box for vegan breakfast smoothies lovers who want quick, healthy recipes without compromising flavor. Whether you’re building a library of plant-based recipes or looking for a grab-and-go energy boost, this five-minute powerhouse keeps you full, supports recovery, and satisfies sweet cravings—all in one frosty glass.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love It
- Antioxidant powerhouse – Blueberries are rich in anthocyanins; compounds linked to sharper memory and healthier arteries.1April J. Stull. (2024). The state of the science on the health benefits of blueberries: A perspective. Frontiers in Nutrition. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2024.1415737
- Heart-smart fats – Almond butter and almond milk contribute mostly monounsaturated fat plus vitamin E for cell protection.2American Heart Association. (2023). Monounsaturated Fats. https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/fats/monounsaturated-fats.
- Protein that satisfies – One scoop of Orgain Organic Vegan Protein Powder boosts each glass to 21 g of plant protein, helping curb mid-morning hunger.
- No fancy prep – Five ingredients, one blender, zero cooking.
Recipe Overview for the Antioxidant Protein Smoothie
Yield | Hands-On | Total Time | Calories* | Core Tags |
---|---|---|---|---|
2 (12-oz) servings | 5 min | 5 min | 155 kcal (basic) – 230 kcal (with protein powder) | vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free |
*Calorie range assumes unsweetened almond milk and excludes optional honey.
Ingredient List & Nutrition Notes
Ingredient | Amount | Role | Health Highlight |
---|---|---|---|
Blueberries (fresh or frozen) | 1 cup | Natural sweetness, vibrant color | Provide 3.6 g fiber & 24% DV vitamin C.3Allie Wergin. (2022). The power of blueberries. Mayo Clinic Health System. https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/the-power-of-blueberries. |
Unsweetened almond milk | 1 cup | Liquid base | Only 30 kcal yet calcium-fortified in most brands.4Jordan Schmitt. (2020). Non-Dairy Milks: How Nutritious Are They? Trinity Health. https://www.trinityhealth.org/non-dairy-milks-how-nutritious-are-they. |
Almond butter | 2 Tbsp | Creamy texture, flavor depth | Adds 7 g protein & vitamin E for skin health. |
Orgain Vegan Protein Powder (optional) | 1 scoop | Protein boost | 21 g pea-based protein; no added sugar or lactose. |
Honey or maple syrup (optional) | 1 Tbsp | Extra sweetness | Swap for 1–2 pitted dates if you prefer unrefined sweeteners. |
Ingredient tip: Using frozen blueberries eliminates the need for ice and yields a milk-shake-thick consistency.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Load the blender – Add almond milk first (helps blades catch), followed by blueberries, almond butter, protein powder, and optional honey.
- Blend 45–60 seconds – High-speed blenders like the Ninja Professional pulverize berry skins for a silkier sip.
- Adjust & serve – If it’s too thick, splash in 2 Tbsp more almond milk; too thin, add ¼ cup frozen berries. Pour into chilled glasses and enjoy immediately.
Nutrition Snapshot (per serving)
Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fiber | Total Fat | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Base recipe | 155 | 9 g | 29 g | 4 g | 10 g |
+ Protein powder | 230 | 21 g | 34 g | 5 g | 11 g |
Variations & Add-Ins
Goal | What to Add | Why |
---|---|---|
Extra greens | 1 cup baby spinach | Virtually flavorless yet supplies iron and vitamin K. |
Low-sugar | Skip honey, use vanilla stevia drops | Cuts 15 g sugar without altering taste. |
Healthy carbs | ¼ cup rolled oats | Adds β-glucan fiber shown to lower LDL cholesterol. |
Tropical twist | Swap ½ cup blueberries for pineapple | Natural sweetness + vitamin C. |
Brain boost | 1 Tbsp ground flaxseed | Plant omega-3 ALA for cognitive support. |
FAQs
Can I use dairy milk instead of almond milk?
Yes. Whole, skim, or lactose-free milk all work; note this changes calories and removes the vegan tag.
How do I meal-prep this smoothie?
Portion all dry/frozen ingredients into freezer bags. Each morning, dump into the blender with milk—no chopping required.
Is almond butter necessary?
It deepens flavor and adds healthy fat, but you can substitute peanut or cashew butter 1:1.
How long does the smoothie stay fresh?
Best within 30 minutes (maximum antioxidant retention), but refrigerated in an airtight jar it keeps 24 hours—shake before drinking.
Quick Equipment Check
Tool | Why It Helps |
---|---|
High-speed blender | Total crushing blades ensure berry skins and protein powder fully emulsify, preventing gritty texture. We recommend you go for the Ninja Professional High-Speed Blender. |
16-oz insulated tumbler | Keeps the smoothie cold for up to 4 hours—ideal for commute breakfasts. Go for the Beast 42 oz Tumbler. |
Conclusion

In just five minutes, this Blueberry-Almond Antioxidant Protein Smoothie delivers the disease-fighting power of berries, the heart-healthy fats of almonds, and—when you add a plant protein scoop—the satiety of a full breakfast. It’s proof that whole-food nutrition can be fast, flavorful, and endlessly adaptable. Blend a glass tomorrow morning and start the day with a vibrant splash of color and long-lasting energy—your body (and taste buds) will thank you.

Antioxidant Protein Smoothie (Blueberry-Almond)
Equipment
- 1 high speed blender (The Ninja Professional Blender is strongly recommended)
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Silicone or glass straw (optional) (optional)
- 2 2 chilled 12-oz glasses
Ingredients
- 1 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 2 tbsp almond butter
- 1 scoop (≈ 2 Tbsp) vegan protein powder
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional)
Instructions
- Add almond milk to the blender, then blueberries, almond butter, protein powder, and honey if using.
- Blend on high 45–60 s until completely smooth.
- Taste and adjust thickness: add 2 Tbsp almond milk to thin or ¼ cup frozen berries to thicken.
- Pour into two glasses, insert reusable straws, and enjoy immediately.
Notes
- Protein 21 g – Carbs 34 g – Fiber 5 g – Total Fat 11 g – Saturated Fat 1 g – Sodium 150 mg – Calcium 330 mg – Iron 2 mg
- For a no-added-sugar version, omit honey and use vanilla stevia drops.
- Swap almond milk for oat or dairy milk (recipe loses vegan tag if dairy is used).
- Frozen blueberries make the drink thicker—no ice required.
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