Red velvet protein shake with frozen beet, banana, berries and cacao naturally sweetened with Fruit Bliss Organic Deglet Nour Dates.
I’ve been working toward a new fitness goal this year: practicing inversions. My training plan is short and focused—two-week cycles I repeat to build the shoulder strength and confidence needed to stand on my hands. Those practices mean a lot of planks, push-ups, down dogs, assisted kick-ups and wall work. By the time I step off the mat, my shoulders shake and my stomach is ready for something nourishing and fast.
This Red Velvet Protein Shake has become my go-to post-practice fuel. It blends bright, earthy beets with banana, berries, cacao and a touch of natural sweetness from dates to create a silky, chocolatey “red velvet” experience that’s vegan, refined-sugar-free, and perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert.
What You Need to Make a Red Velvet Protein Shake
Gather simple, wholesome ingredients:
- 8 oz unsweetened almond milk
- 1 scoop vanilla or chocolate protein powder
- 1 tbsp raw cacao powder
- ½ frozen banana
- ½ cup frozen strawberries
- 1 small frozen beet (pre-peeled, steamed, and frozen)
- 2–3 Fruit Bliss Organic Deglet Nour Dates (for natural sweetness)
For serving: cacao powder and cacao nibs, or any toppings you enjoy.
What’s Inside
This shake delivers antioxidants, plant-based protein, and satisfying natural sweetness without refined sugar. Beets contribute a mild, earthy sweetness and a vibrant red hue that gives the shake its signature “red velvet” look. Raw cacao adds deep chocolate notes and an antioxidant boost. Frozen banana and berries create a creamy texture and fruity balance, while dates add a caramel-like sweetness and blend smoothly without any graininess.
Because the recipe uses whole foods, it provides fiber and micronutrients alongside protein—making it a thoughtful choice after strength-focused or inversion training when your body needs replenishment and recovery support.
The Berry Best
Red berries are essential for that red velvet vibe. I tested strawberries, raspberries and cherries; while all work, strawberries provided the most neutral, crowd-pleasing flavor that lets beet and cacao shine through. Use whatever red fruit you prefer or have on hand—fresh or frozen—though frozen keeps the shake cold and creamy without adding ice.
How to Make a Red Velvet Protein Shake
This recipe takes less than five minutes in a high-speed blender—perfect when you’re hungry right after a workout.
- Add almond milk, protein powder, cacao, frozen banana, frozen strawberries, frozen beet, and 2–3 dates to a high-speed blender.
- Blend until completely smooth and creamy, pausing to scrape the sides if needed.
- Taste and add an extra date if you prefer a sweeter result.
- Pour into a glass and top with cacao powder and cacao nibs if desired. Serve immediately.
Date-Sweetened Shakes
Dates are a fantastic natural sweetener for smoothies and shakes. The Deglet Nour variety used here is moist and blends easily, giving a refined-sugar-free sweetness without an overpowering flavor. If your dates are dry, soak them briefly in warm water to soften before blending.
Adjust the Sweetness
Taste before serving. Fruit Bliss Organic Deglet Nour Dates are smaller than some other varieties, so 2–3 dates usually provide the right level of sweetness for most people. Add an extra date if you want a richer, sweeter shake.
How to Serve Your Red Velvet Protein Shake
Enjoy this shake as a post-workout recovery drink, a quick breakfast, or a satisfying snack. To turn it into a smoothie bowl, reduce the almond milk slightly and add extra frozen fruit, then top with granola, seeds, nut butter, fresh fruit, or cacao nibs and eat with a spoon.
If you have chocolate protein powder on hand, use it to deepen the cocoa flavor. Vanilla works beautifully too and allows the beet and berry notes to come forward.
More Vegan Protein Shakes
- Tahini Date Shake
- Peaches ‘N’ Cream Protein Shake
- Blood Orange Beet Blueberry Shake
- Spiced Green Pear Protein Shake
- Cinnamon Butternut Protein Shake (Banana-Free)
- Spiced Orange Almond Protein Shake
- Pumpkin Pie Shake (Banana-Free)
- Blueberry Zucchini Almond Butter Shake
- Green Tahini Date Shake
- Minty Mango Chip Protein Shakes
- PBJ&B Shakes
- Fruit-Free “Fake Out” Shakes
- Green Grape Protein Shake
I Want to Hear From You
If you make this Red Velvet Protein Shake, please leave a comment and rating so I know what you loved or would change. Tag your photos on social media with #floraandvino to share your creations. Your feedback helps me create more nourishing recipes you’ll enjoy.
XO Lauren
Red Velvet Protein Shake
Total Time: 5 minutes | Yield: 1 serving | Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- 8 oz unsweetened almond milk
- 1 scoop vanilla or chocolate protein powder
- 1 TBSP raw cacao powder
- ½ frozen banana
- ½ cup frozen strawberries
- 1 small frozen beet (pre-peeled, steamed, frozen)
- 2–3 Fruit Bliss Organic Deglet Nour Dates
For serving: cacao powder and cacao nibs
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a high-speed blender and process until smooth and creamy.
- Taste and add another date if you prefer a sweeter shake.
- Serve in a glass topped with cacao powder and cacao nibs.
- Enjoy immediately.
Notes
This recipe is adapted from a simple red velvet smoothie concept and tailored here as a protein-rich, vegan shake. For a thicker texture, reduce the almond milk or add more frozen fruit to make a smoothie bowl.
Disclosure: This post is brought to you by Fruit Bliss; all words and recipe testing are my own. Thanks for supporting the sponsors that keep me inspired and well fed!