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!
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!
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!
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More breakfast ideas
- Almost Raw Coconut + Apricot Oat Balls
- Healthy Breakfast Cookies
- Vegan Egg McMuffins
- See all my vegan breakfast recipes
Vegan Orange Julius Protein Shake
This vegan orange and vanilla protein shake is like an Orange Julius… only healthier! Gluten-Free and Low-Carb.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Total Time: 5 mins
- Yield: 1 1x
- Category: Shake, Smoothie, Breakfast, Snack
- Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients
- 1 cup orange juice (fresh is best)
- 1 cup ice
- 1/2 banana
- 3 tbsp high-quality vegan vanilla protein powder
Instructions
- 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
I made this today after the gym and it was delicious. I’ll definitely be making it again and again. Thank you!
★★★★★
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?
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!
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!
★★★★★
Hey that’s awesome! It’s so much healthier, too. Hope you don’t mind, I’m sharing your comments on my Facebook page.. 🙂
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.
★★★★★
That’s fantastic! I’m so happy the recipe has been of service to you – thanks for letting me know 🙂
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!
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 🙂
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!
★★★★★
Hi Sarah, I’m so glad that you liked it and thanks for taking the time to leave a comment 🙂
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 🙂
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?
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.
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!
*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! 😛
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
Totally, I used to love Orange Julius! Try this and let me know what you think. A couple strawberries would be great in there too 🙂