The Tasty Travelers

menu icon
search icon
NINJA CREAMI RECIPE BOOKS! 📖 →

The BEST Ninja Creami Protein Recipes

5 from 2 votes
Lauren Picture for Posts
Updated: by · This post may contain affiliate links · 1 Comment
Print Recipe
Google See more recipes from The Tasty Travelers on Google!
Add as a Preferred Source

Sharing is caring...share this recipe and save it for later!

Check out 20+ High Protein Ninja Creami Recipes! If you’re new to the Ninja Creami ice cream maker, or craving something new, I’ve got you covered! Whether you are looking for a Ninja Creami recipe that uses a protein shake or protein powder, I’ve got just the recipe for you! I’ve perfected basic recipes like vanilla and chocolate protein ice cream but have also created more complex recipes like mint chocolate chip protein ice cream, caramel banana chocolate chip protein ice cream, and even cottage cheese protein ice cream.

Many try to make Ninja Creami protein ice cream with just a protein shake. While it works, it doesn’t taste great and it usually doesn’t have that creamy texture that everybody wants. To make a great tasting and creamy textured protein ice cream recipe, other ingredients need to be added.

Delicious Ninja Creami high-protein recipes for healthy desserts and snacks. Perfect for fitness ent.

Why add protein to ice cream?

With the rise in popularity of using protein shakes and powders in Ninja Creami recipes, many think that it is necessary to achieve the creamy texture of the ice cream. It is not. Adding protein to Ninja Creami ice cream is not necessary unless you are specifically trying to increase your daily protein intake due to diet and fitness goals. Many have found that adding protein to ice cream is a good way to meet their diet and fitness goals while providing endless flavor options. Eating a bowl of ice cream instead of drinking a protein shake has proven to be a delicious way to get more protein in your diet.

How to use the Ninja Creami to make protein ice cream

  1. Start off by preparing your base recipe and pouring it into a Ninja Creami pint container. Be sure not to fill past the max fill line. If I’m making a base recipe that has several ingredients, I like to blend all ingredients together in a small blender before pouring them into the Ninja Creami containers. The base recipe for high-protein ice cream will be mostly liquid, either a pre-made protein shake or a combination of protein powder and dairy/non-dairy. Depending on the recipe, it will likely also have flavor extracts, stabilizer, or additional sweetener.
  2. Make sure the top of the mixture is level and then freeze on a level surface for 24 hours. The freezer temperature should be between -7 and 9 degrees Fahrenheit. Based on the temperature of your freezer and the ingredients used, you may be able to freeze for a shorter period of time. Some like to freeze the container without the lid to help reduce the likelihood that a frozen bump will form on the top of the frozen treat.
  3. Remove from the freezer and place into the Ninja Creami ice cream machine. Select the LITE ICE CREAM cycle if you are using a pre-made protein shake or protein powder mixed with low-fat milk or non-dairy milk. If you are using protein powder mixed with high fat dairy like whole milk or heavy cream, then use the ICE CREAM cycle.
  4. Once the process has finished, remove the container from the machine. If the ice cream is dry and crumbly (like sand), pour 1-2 tablespoons of liquid into the ice cream and then process on the re-spin cycle. You might need to complete this process more than once. You can use leftover protein shake, fruit juice, milk or cream, or even water as the additional liquid that might be needed for the respin. ***If you are going to be adding mix-ins, it’s not recommended to re-spin multiple times or add much liquid before the mix-ins process as the mix-ins process will continue to spin the ice cream and it might become too soft.
  5. If you would like to add mix-ins to your Ninja Creami protein ice cream, dig a hole down the center of the ice cream, if there is not already one there, and pour in your favorite mix-ins. Put the ice cream back into the machine and process on mix-ins.

If you are looking for information on how to use the Ninja Creami, answers to the most commonly asked questions, be sure to check out my full post on Ninja Creami FAQs here!

mix-in ideas for making protein ice cream

Fruit– You can add fruit like strawberries, peaches, blueberries, or raspberries during the mix-ins process. Be sure to cut the fruit into small pieces. I prefer to use fresh fruit as a mix-in, but you can use small pieces of frozen fruit or freeze dried fruit as a mix-in.

Your favorite granola– Using granola is a great way to add texture to ice cream. If you want even more protein, they even sell protein granola!

Cookies and candy– Adding small pieces of cookies and candy to a ice cream can add texture and additional flavor to any ice cream.

The flavor combinations are endless when you start adding mix-ins to protein ice cream.

How Much Protein Do Different Milks Have?

A good way to add even more protein to your Ninja Creami protein ice cream recipes is to switch up the dairy products that you add to the protein shake and protein powder. Fairlife milk is one of the highest in protein and coconut milk is one of the lowest in protein.

Creami Protein Recipes - Tasty & Healthy Smoothies.

Ninja Creami Protein Recipes

For my Ninja Creami protein ice cream recipes, I use unflavored GNC Whey protein powder and pre-made Premier Protein shakes. You can use your favorite protein powder or protein shake. The taste and texture of the end product will vary based on what brand you choose.

Ninja Creami Protein

Save for Later on Pinterest!

34 Ninja Creami High Protein Recipes

Recipe

Ninja Creami Protein Recipes (3)

Ninja Creami Protein Recipes

5 from 2 votes
Rate this Recipe
Servings: 1 Pint
Calories: 407kcal
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Freeze Time: 1 day
Total Time: 1 day 5 minutes
Pin Recipe Print Recipe
Join the Tasty Travelers community on Raptive
Printed Protein Ninja Creami cookbooks

Equipment

Add Food Grade Vegetable Glycerin To Make Leftover Ice Cream Scoopable Right Out of the Freezer

Per 16 ounce pint: *Add 1 Teaspoon to full fat/full sugar bases *Add 1.5 teaspoon to high protein bases *Add 2 teaspoons to low sugar/low fat lite bases. Freeze and process per the recipe. Take the leftovers out of the freezer and scoop without having to reprocess. ***This is a guideline and adjustments may be needed based on your recipe.

(Click here) This is the food grade vegetable glycerin that I experimented with.

Original, Breeze, Swirl, and Deluxe Ingredient Measurements

Use the multiplier below to adjust quantities based on the machine that you own. ***If you have the Original, Breeze, or Swirl machine, which use 16 ounce containers, choose the 1X option. ***If you have the Deluxe or XL machine, which use 24 ounce containers, choose the 1.5X option.

Ingredients
 

Using a premade protein shake:

  • 11.5 Ounces (326 g) Premade Protein Shake (Any Flavor)
  • ½ Cup (118 2/7 ml) Dairy (Dairy or Non-Dairy Milk/Cream/Half and Half/ Heavy Cream)
  • Sweetener (Sugar or Sugar Substitute- 1 Tablespoon-½ Cup- Add Sweetener to Taste)
  • Stabilizer (2 Tablespoons Instant Pudding Mix (with or without sugar) OR ¼ Teaspoon Guar Gum)
  • Flavor (¼ Teaspoon-1 Tablespoon Flavor Extract or Oil)

Using protein powder:

  • 1 Scoop (1 Scoop) Unflavored Protein Powder (33.6 Grams)
  • 12 Ounces (340 ⅕ g) Dairy (Dairy or Non-Dairy Milk/Cream/Half and Half/ Heavy Cream)
  • Sweetener (Sugar or Sugar Substitute- 1 Tablespoon-½ Cup- Add Sweetener to Taste)
  • Stabilizer (2 Tablespoons Instant Pudding Mix (with or without sugar) OR ¼ Teaspoon Guar Gum)
  • Flavor (¼ Teaspoon-1 Tablespoon Flavor Extract or Oil)

Instructions

Prepare the Ice Cream Mixture

  • Pour all ice cream base ingredients into a small blender and blend until all ingredients are fully combined. Pour the mixture into a Ninja Creami pint container.
  • Freeze on a level surface for 24 hours. Your freezer should be between 9 and -7 degrees Fahrenheit. To avoid getting a bump on the top of the frozen mixture, freeze with the lid off of the container.

Process the Ice Cream

  • After 24 hours, remove the pint container from the freezer.
  • Place the pint container into the outer bowl of the Ninja Creami and then process on "LITE ICE CREAM" if you are using a premade protein shake or protein powder with low-fat or non-dairy milk. If you use protein powder with high fat milk or heavy cream, process on "ICE CREAM."
  • If the ice cream is dry or crumbly looking (like sand), pour in a tablespoon or two of leftover protein shake, milk, cream, juice, or water, and then re-spin. You may have to repeat this process a couple of times. If the ice cream looks like little balls of ice cream and is not overly dry, re-spin without adding additional liquid. If you plan on adding mix-ins, it's not recommended to re-spin more than once or twice as the ice cream will continue to be spun during the mix-ins process. Overspinning the ice cream or adding too much liquid during a re-spin can create a softer and less scoopable ice cream.
  • If you want to add mix-ins, dig a well down the center of the ice cream and pour in the mix-ins. Process on mix-ins.
  • Remove the pint from the machine and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 407kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 39g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 135mg | Sodium: 236mg | Potassium: 883mg | Sugar: 23g | Vitamin A: 749IU | Calcium: 699mg

Nutrition information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. Optional ingredients are not included in the nutrition information.

Recipes that use allulose:

Allulose is a low calorie sweetener that your body doesn't fully digest, so it provides only 0.4 calories per gram instead of 4. That's why the calorie total doesn't match what you'd expect from the carb count. Calories from allulose are calculated based on metabolized carbohydrates. Allulose contributes fewer calories than standard carbohydrates.

Have you tried this recipe? Let us know how it turned out in a comment below!

Leave a comment and rate this recipe!

Keep scrolling to see my newest recipes!

  • Ninja Creami Low Calorie Birthday Cake Ice Cream

    If you love birthday cake-flavored anything, this Ninja Creami low-calorie birthday cake ice cream is about to become your new favorite treat. It gets that classic birthday cake flavor from Lorann’s cake batter flavor oil, no actual cake or cake mix needed. It’s thick, creamy, and tastes like a slice of birthday cake in ice cream form. This recipe comes in at 292 calories, 12 grams of protein, 17 grams of sugar, 11 grams of fat, 81 carbs, 33 net carbs (total carbs-allulose carbs) for the ENTIRE pint. See the recipe card at the bottom of the post for all […]

  • Ninja Creami Recipes Using Canned Fruit

    I always keep canned peaches, pineapple, and mango stocked in my pantry because they make really good Ninja Creami bases without any prep work at all. There is no peeling, pitting, or waiting for anything to ripen, just fruit that is ready to blend the moment I want to make ice cream. These recipes are proof that canned fruit belongs in the freezer just as much as it belongs in the pantry. Jump to: Why Use Canned Fruit in the Ninja Creami? How I Turn Canned Fruit Into a Ninja Creami Base Mix-In Ideas for Canned Fruit Ninja Creami Recipes […]

  • Ninja Creami Low Calorie Vanilla Pudding Ice Cream

    Ummmm…this Ninja Creami low calorie vanilla pudding ice cream has the BEST texture and great flavor! It’s smooth, creamy, sweet, and just 4 simple ingredients. If you love vanilla pudding, you HAVE to try this one. This recipe comes in at 168 calories, 8 grams of protein, 12 grams of sugar, 4 grams of fat, 51 carbs, and 13 net carbs (total carbs minus allulose carbs) for the ENTIRE pint. Jump to: Tips for making Ninja Creami Low Calorie Vanilla Pudding Ice Cream Looking for more Ninja Creami Low Calorie Recipes? Ingredient tips and substitutions Directions for Making the Ice […]

  • Ninja Creami Low Calorie Pear Cherry Sorbet

    Pears are one of those fruits that don’t get nearly enough attention, but this Ninja Creami low calorie pear cherry sorbet is going to change that. It’s smooth, has a delicate pear flavor with a pop of fresh cherry, and it’s made with just 3 simple ingredients. This recipe comes in at 197 calories, 1 gram of protein, 34 grams of sugar, 0 grams of fat, 78 carbs, and 34 net carbs (total carbs minus allulose carbs) for the ENTIRE pint. Jump to: Tips for making Ninja Creami Low Calorie Pear Cherry Sorbet Looking for more Ninja Creami Low Calorie […]

  • Dairy-Free Ninja Creami Recipes for Sorbet, Gelato, and More

    You do not need regular milk or heavy cream to make a good Ninja Creami pint. These dairy-free Ninja Creami recipes include simple fruit sorbets, chocolate and coffee options, Italian ice, Dole Whip, a smoothie bowl, and vegan peanut butter gelato. Jump to: What counts as dairy-free? Why sorbet works so well in the Ninja Creami Check mix-ins and toppings Top Tips Ninja Creami Peach Sorbet Ninja Creami Pina Colada Sorbet (Dairy Free) Ninja Creami Blueberry Sorbet Ninja Creami Low Calorie Tropical Triple Layered Sorbet Ninja Creami Honeydew Sorbet-Low Calorie Ninja Creami Watermelon Sorbet (Low Calorie) Ninja Creami Chocolate Sorbet-Low […]

  • Ninja Creami Low Calorie Strawberry Ice Cream

    This Ninja Creami low calorie strawberry ice cream is one of those recipes that you’ll want to make on repeat. It’s got a seriously creamy texture, tons of real strawberry flavor from fresh strawberries, and it’s low calorie all at the same time. This is the kind of strawberry ice cream you’ll want to eat straight out of the container. This recipe comes in at 280 calories, 10 grams of protein, 23 grams of sugar, 12 grams of fat, 90 carbs, and 26 net carbs (total carbs minus allulose carbs) for the ENTIRE pint. Jump to: Tips for making Ninja […]

  • Easy Ninja Creami Apple Recipes for Ice Cream, Sorbet, and More

    If you love apple desserts, there is a lot more you can make in the Ninja Creami than basic apple ice cream. I have an apple cobbler ice cream with plenty of texture, a lighter caramel apple sorbet, and two protein ice creams that taste completely different from each other. Jump to: Why applesauce works in Ninja Creami recipes Canned filling or fresh apples? How to add fresh apple mix-ins Top Tips Ninja Creami Apple Cobbler Ice Cream Ninja Creami Caramel Apple Sorbet-Low Calorie Ninja Creami Cinnamon Green Apple Protein Ice Cream Ninja Creami Taffy Apple Protein Ice Cream Comments […]

  • Ninja Creami Low Calorie Mango Cheesecake Ice Cream

    This Ninja Creami low calorie mango cheesecake ice cream is one of those recipes that sounds simple but tastes amazing. It’s made with just 4 ingredients, has a smooth and creamy texture, and tastes just like mango cheesecake in ice cream form. You would never know this one is low calorie. This recipe comes in at 274 calories, 25 grams of protein, 25 grams of sugar, 4 grams of fat, and 32 carbs for the ENTIRE pint. Jump to: Tips for making Ninja Creami Low Calorie Mango Cheesecake Ice Cream Looking for more Ninja Creami Low Calorie Recipes? Ingredient tips […]

  • Fall Ninja Creami Recipes with Pumpkin, Apple, Maple, and More

    Fall flavors work really well in the Ninja Creami! Pumpkin, apple, cinnamon, caramel, maple, cranberry, and pecans all show up here in different ways, with everything from rich ice cream and gelato to protein ice creams, lower-calorie options, and fruit sorbets. There are plenty of familiar fall flavors, along with a few combinations that are a little more unexpected. Jump to: What makes these fall Ninja Creami recipes different? How to process a Ninja Creami base Fall mix-in ideas for these flavors Top Tips Ninja Creami Pumpkin Pie Gelato Ninja Creami Apple Cobbler Ice Cream Ninja Creami Caramel Apple Sorbet-Low […]

  • Ninja Creami Low Calorie Cherry Almond Ice Cream

    Cherry and almond go really well together. You see the combination a lot in things like biscotti, cherry almond bark, and tarts because the nutty flavor of almond pairs so nicely with the sweet-tart cherry. This Ninja Creami ice cream brings that same flavor combo together in a low calorie frozen treat. This recipe comes in at 271 calories, 8 grams of protein, 12 grams of sugar, 14 grams of fat, 70 carbs, and 22 net carbs (total carbs minus allulose carbs) for the ENTIRE pint. Jump to: Tips for making Ninja Creami Low Calorie Cherry Almond Ice Cream Looking […]

  • Ninja Creami Peanut Butter Ice Cream Recipes

    Peanut butter is one of the flavors I return to most for the Ninja Creami, and this list rounds up every version I have made so far. A few keep it simple with banana or protein powder added in, others layer on chocolate, and one swaps in a dairy free base entirely. Jump to: Why Peanut Butter Works So Well in the Ninja Creami How I Keep the Peanut Butter Flavor Consistent Throughout Mix-In Ideas Beyond What’s Already in This List Top Tips Ninja Creami Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Ice Cream Ninja Creami Vegan Peanut Butter Gelato Ninja Creami Chocolate […]

  • Ninja Creami Low Calorie Marshmallow Ice Cream

    This Ninja Creami low calorie marshmallow ice cream tastes just like a big fluffy marshmallow in ice cream form. It’s rich, creamy, and has little pieces of marshmallow fluff throughout every bite. And the best part… it’s low calorie and low sugar so you can pretty much eat as much as you want! This recipe comes in at 270 calories, 9 grams of protein, 13 grams of sugar, 17 grams of fat, 64 carbs, and 16 net carbs (total carbs minus allulose carbs) for the ENTIRE pint. Jump to: Tips for making Ninja Creami Low Calorie Marshmallow Ice Cream Looking […]

  • Ninja Creami COFFEE Recipes

    Coffee works really well in the Ninja Creami, but there are a few different ways to add the coffee flavor depending on the recipe. Most of my coffee ice cream recipes use instant espresso powder because it adds a lot of coffee flavor without adding extra liquid, but the Coffee Smoothie Bowl actually uses brewed coffee. This roundup has everything from coffee and mocha protein ice creams to a low-calorie espresso sorbet and a thick coffee smoothie bowl. Jump to: What Kind of Coffee Works Best for Ninja Creami Recipes? How to Make a Coffee Base for the Ninja Creami […]

  • Ninja Creami Low Calorie Chocolate Hazelnut Ice Cream (Tastes like Nutella!)

    Nutella has SO much flavor, but it’s not exactly something you can eat a big bowl of without thinking twice. This Ninja Creami chocolate hazelnut ice cream gives you that same chocolate hazelnut flavor, and it’s low calorie and easy to make. I promise you won’t be missing the real jar of Nutella one bit. This recipe comes in at 263 calories, 12 grams of protein, 18 grams of sugar, 7 grams of fat, 83 carbs, and 35 net carbs (total carbs minus allulose) for the ENTIRE pint. Jump to: Tips for making Ninja Creami Low Calorie Chocolate Hazelnut Ice […]

  • Ninja Creami Cherry Chocolate Chip Sorbet

    Cherry chocolate chip is a classic combination and this Ninja Creami low calorie cherry chocolate chip sorbet nails it. It’s packed with a TON of real cherry flavor, has mini chocolate chips mixed throughout, and it’s low in calories. It’s sweet, refreshing, and so easy to make. This recipe comes in at 264 calories, 2 grams of protein, 25 grams of sugar, 8 grams of fat, 91 carbs, and 43 net carbs (total carbs minus allulose carbs) for the ENTIRE pint. Jump to: Tips for making Ninja Creami Low Calorie Cherry Chocolate Chip Sorbet Looking for more Ninja Creami Low […]

  • Ninja Creami Coconut Recipes

    If you love coconut, there are a lot of different ways to use it in the Ninja Creami! Some of these recipes use coconut milk or coconut cream to make the base creamy, while others use coconut extract or shredded coconut to add more coconut flavor. There are everything from Almond Joy ice cream and coconut cream pie frozen yogurt to several versions of piña colada, Dole Whip, protein ice creams, and a few recipes where coconut is paired with fruit, chocolate, or peanut butter. Jump to: Top Tips Ninja Creami Almond Joy Ice Cream Ninja Creami Almond Joy Protein […]

  • Ninja Creami Low Calorie Frosted Lemonade (Chick-fil-A Copycat)

      This Ninja Creami low-calorie frosted lemonade is a copycat version of the famous Chick-fil-A frosted lemonade, but made at home with a fraction of the calories. It’s sweet, tart, and has that perfect frosty, drinkable texture that you would expect. You would never know it’s low-calorie. This recipe comes in at 263 calories, 12 grams of protein, 21 grams of sugar, 7 grams of fat, 81 carbs, and 33 net carbs (total carbs minus allulose carbs) for the ENTIRE pint. Jump to: Tips for making Ninja Creami Low Calorie Frosted Lemonade Looking for more Ninja Creami Low Calorie Recipes? […]

  • Ninja Creami Banana Recipes

    Ninja Creami Low Calorie Tropical Triple Layered Sorbet This one is a little different because the banana, mango, and dragon fruit stay in separate layers instead of being blended together before freezing. It’s only three ingredients, and when you scoop it you get all three tropical fruit flavors together. GO TO RECIPE Photo credit: The Tasty Travelers Ninja Creami Dole Whip This Dole Whip combines pineapple, banana, coconut milk, lime juice, and a little powdered sugar. The banana helps make it thick and creamy, and you can definitely taste some banana along with the pineapple and coconut flavors. GO TO […]

  • Ninja Creami Low Calorie Tropical Triple Layered Sorbet

    This Ninja Creami low-calorie tropical triple-layered sorbet is one of the most fun recipes I’ve made in the Ninja Creami. It has THREE different tropical fruit layers (banana, mango, and dragon fruit) that come together to look just like a sunrise or sunset. It’s beautiful, easy, and only 3 ingredients. This recipe comes in at 261 calories, 3 grams of protein, 47 grams of sugar, 1 gram of fat, and 64 carbs for the ENTIRE pint. Jump to: Tips for making Ninja Creami Low Calorie Tropical Triple Layered Sorbet Looking for more Ninja Creami Low Calorie Recipes? Ingredient tips and […]

  • Ninja Creami Blueberry Recipes

    Blueberries work really well in the Ninja Creami because there are so many different ways to use them. Some of these recipes use fresh blueberries, some cook them down first for a stronger blueberry flavor, and others use them as a mix-in. I’ve got everything from regular blueberry ice cream and frozen yogurt to protein ice cream, sorbet, and a few more unique flavor combinations. Jump to: Top Tips Ninja Creami Blueberries and Sweet Cream Ice Cream Ninja Creami Blueberry and Vanilla Bean Frozen Yogurt Ninja Creami Blueberry Coconut Frozen Yogurt Ninja Creami Blueberry Ice Cream Ninja Creami Blueberry Pie […]

  • How to Clean the Ninja Creami Spindle

    Cleaning the spindle on your Ninja Creami is simpler than most people expect. Most of it takes care of itself. You only need to clean the inch that sticks out at the bottom. Here’s what you actually need to clean and how to do it. Does the Ninja Creami spindle need to be cleaned? Only the very tip does. Most of the spindle is self-cleaning, and you do not need to touch it. The only part that needs to be cleaned after each use is the small metal tip at the bottom, the inch that sticks out and makes contact […]

Lauren Cardona-Tasty Traveler #1

Hi, I'm Lauren but you can call me Tasty Traveler #1!  
I have always had a passion for food, cocktails, and travel.  It has become more pronounced over the last several years since I have had the opportunity to do so many of the things that I love. 
Read more…

Smiling travel blogger with beard in turquoise shirt, about to explore new destinations.

Luis Cardona-Tasty Traveler #2

Hi, I'm Lauren but you can call me Tasty Traveler #1!  
Hi, I'm Luis! (I like to think of myself as Tasty Traveler #1 but Lauren says I'm Tasty Traveler #2!)
I too have a love for food, travel, and all things in between! Over the past several years I have found…
Read more…

More Ninja Creami Recipes

Comments

    5 from 2 votes (1 rating without comment)

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




  1. Sonja says

    5 stars
    Made this with Half and half, Vital Proteins Collagen (protein powder), vanilla pudding mix, vanilla bean paste and used Monk fruit for sweetener. Tasted like real vanilla ice cream from the store but packed with protein! Amazing! Will try whole milk next time for fewer calories.

    Reply