Orange Julius Protein Shake

I came up with this Orange Julius protein shake recipe about 10 years ago, back when I first started making protein shakes. One day after my morning workout, I was out of frozen berries to add to my protein shake, but I did have some orange juice and a banana on hand. I decided to just go with it and after the first sip, it immediately reminded me of… an Orange Julius!

Vegan Orange Julius Protein Shake (Gluten-Free)
Vegan Orange Julius Protein Shake (Gluten-Free)

Do you remember all the oranges piled up in those acrylic containers? My mom used to buy my brother and I Orange Julius shakes at the mall. I loved the sweet orange/vanilla combination and was so happy to have re-created this childhood favorite. I’ve enjoyed many Orange Julius protein shakes ever since!

Orange Julius Protein Shake (Vegan, Gluten-Free)

At the time, I used soy protein, but I recently learned about the dangers of soy protein isolate and decided to investigate other options. I read that pea protein was really healthy, but had a really funky taste. Then I found Phyto Protein’s vanilla flavored pea protein and I’ve been using it ever since. It’s full of protein and extremely low in carbohydrates. Three heaped teaspoons contain:

  • 20.5 grams of protein
  • 0.2 grams of carbohydrates
  • 0.325 grams of fat (0.125 grams of saturated fat)
  • 90 calories

It has a great taste and best of all, it blends very well and doesn’t taste “chalky” like a lot of the other protein powders that I’ve tried. I love it!

Vegangela
Vegangela
Orange Julius Protein Shake (Vegan, Gluten-Free)

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Vegan Orange Julius Protein Shake

This vegan orange and vanilla protein shake is like an Orange Julius… only healthier! Gluten-Free and Low-Carb.

  • Author: Angela @ Vegangela.com
  • Prep Time: 5 mins
  • Total Time: 5 mins
  • Yield: 1 1x
  • Category: Shake, Smoothie, Breakfast, Snack
  • Cuisine: Vegan

Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Blend everything in a blender or with a stick (immersion) blender and enjoy immediately.

Keywords: banana, comfort food, DIY, easy, favorite, food processor, gluten-free, kid-friendly, no-cook, nut-free, one-pot, orange, original, smoothie, under 30 minutes, vegan

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Vegan Orange Julius Protein Shake (Gluten-Free)

18 thoughts on “Orange Julius Protein Shake”

  1. Can it be stored? The Salvation Army preschool said I myself would have to substitute for the protein (meat) they wont be serving my son. I would love to prepare his stuff at bulk. Example: I meal prep on Sundays. My I make it Sunday and save it in the fridge? Or at least the juice then mix the protein in the morning?

    Reply
  2. I used to get an Orange Julius at the mall as a kid. I make a raw juice that has oranges, pineapple, jewel yam, and carrots that tastes like one. I will have to try your version. It sounds delicious with banana in it!

    Reply
  3. We discovered this 3 days ago and between 3 of us have already made it 4 times. My daughters and I love it! Tastes just like an Orange Julius!

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  4. Thanks, this was delicious. I’m currently 22 weeks pregnant with my second and finding it hard to eat and to find a smoothie easy on my time and tummy. This was perfect. So perfect I just had to pin it to share with my friends.

    Reply
  5. This protein shake brings back memories of when I was kid. My mom worked at a pretzel place in the mall and there was an Orange Julius right across from there. Whenever I would go see her at work I would walk right across the way to get one of those drinks. I can’t wait to try this shake and it will help me get out of the rut I have been in lately with my protein shakes!

    Reply
    • Hi Nicole – Let me know what you think of it. I totally know what you mean, I get bored with my berry-flavored protein shakes now and then and this is just what I need. I never thought vanilla protein powder would be good with orange juice, but I really like it 🙂

      Reply
  6. I just made this! Delicious! I had half of a frozen banana that I added and used brown rice protein powder (vanilla) – because that’s what I had on hand and sadly not fresh o.j. BUT IT IS FABULOUS! Thank you!

    Reply
  7. I’ve had such problems with finding non-disgusting protein powders here in Australia that I’m really grateful for your recommendation here, even though – alas! – this smoothie isn’t one I’m likely to make. (Darn oranges, or as I like to call them, “the devil’s fruit” 😛 ) I shall definitely check out your link once my Sunwarrior is finished!

    P.S. Congratulations on the MoFo link! That cheezecake is definitely worthy of endless accolades 🙂

    Reply
    • Thanks Hannah – I was a pretty ecstatic to have made the roundup 3 times this year! You’re not a fan of oranges, then? Well I’m pretty sure that you could try pineapple juice and banana. I’m pretty sure Orange Julius offered that combo and it was delicious. I just looked up the Sunwarrior stuff. Are you using their raw protein? It sounds pretty amazing – what are your thoughts on it?

      Reply
      • Oh, you deserved all the mentions indeed! Yes, I currently have the Vanilla raw Sunwarrior. I like it! I haven’t had many experiences with protein powder, but brought back several sample packets of vegan protein from the States and they were all revolting 😛 The only vegan one I’ve seen in Canberra is the Nature’s Path one, and I couldn’t find any positive reviews on the internet, so ending up ordering Sunwarrior online.

        Reply
        • Until I found the pea protein, I was using LadyBird’s soy protein and it had this rotten smell that I had to mask with a lot of banana and berries. I’m so happy to have found this one but now you’ve got me thinking about the SunWarrior one – will try and check it out!

          Reply
          • *stares in horror at the screen* Rotten?! Oh, Angela! I feel like I need to give you a hug for that experience. Though, come to think of it, one of the American ones I had tasted like vomit. Wheeee! 😛

  8. Okay okay…really though? This drink was a MUST HAVE whenever I went to the mall as a kid. I *loved* myself an Orange Julius! So now it only seems fitting that I MUST try this! xo

    Reply

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