Mixing Protein Powder Without Lumps
Trying to Mix Protein Powder Without Lumps may seem impossible at first. Protein shakes are meant to be quick nutrition replacements. However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t enjoy them! So it can be extremely frustrating when we spend several minutes mixing our protein powder in our shakers only to have a clumpy mess rise to the top.
Do not fret gym junkies, Protein Hacks has you covered with our 7 tips on How To Mix Protein Powder Without lumps!
These tips work great for shakeology, 1up Nutrition, Optimum Nutrition, or any other protein powder from clumping, whether you have the equipment or not.
Topics we will be covering
- Why does protein powder clump?
- 6 Tips for making a perfectly creamy protein shake
Why Does Protein Powder lump?
Before we decide how to de-clump our shakes, we must first discuss why protein powder gets clumpy to begin with.
Many protein powders contain fat molecules as well as proteins that attract water. This means as soon as the water touches the molecules they join together causing lumps in the mixture.
Keeping your powder stored properly, and avoiding any moisture inside the packaging is key to quality protein shakes. These molecules are hydrophilic and clinging to moisture is what they do best!
You may find organic and natural based protein is more prone to clumping because they don’t contain any anti-clumping additives like lecithin and silicon dioxide.
This moisture can make for an unsatisfying protein shake, however, drinking a protein shake with clumps doesn’t change how the body absorbs it. However, if you want a deliciously creamy protein shake that you will actually look forward to, keep reading for our tips on how to mix protein powder without clumps.
6 Tips to Mix Protein Powder Without Lumps
1. Use the Right Tool for The Job
A high-speed blender is your best bet, but a shaker bottle is another great option. If you’re using a blender, simply add all of your ingredients (protein powder on top of the liquid!) and blend until smooth. If you’re using a shaker bottle, add half your liquid, protein powder on top, then shake. Once the powder is smooth, add the rest of your liquid and shake a little more.
Both Shaker Bottles as well as smoothie blenders have grooves in the bottom and adding your powder on top of the liquid will prevent them from leaving a clumpy mess at the bottom of your cup!
2. Mixing Protein Powder with only Cup and Spoon(Perfect for Work or Traveling)
We recommend either of the above options over adding your powder to a cup and stirring with a spoon. However, if you are limited on tools, the best way to get the clumps out is to add about ¼ liquid to your cup, add the powder and stir vigorously until the clumps are gone. Smash any remaining clumps with your spoon. Then, add the rest of your liquid and stir.
I use this method whenever I am on vacation and don’t want to bring my shaker or mixer with me on the trip. It’s easy for me to bring some powder in a storage cup, add it to a cup and mix it into a small amount of coffee, water, or milk. This makes for a great post-workout snack after a hard vacation workout, or any other away from home opportunity.
For example, asking for an extra cup and spoon when ordering coffee at Starbucks or Mcdonalds will allow you to use this technique to make a delicious high protein coffee no matter where you are!
3. Shake, Sift, or Separate the Lumps Beforehand
Most protein and pre-workout powders are susceptible to some clumping, especially if you store them for long periods of time. It doesn’t mean they’re bad or that you need to throw them out. Instead, shake your container or break up large lumps with a fork. You can also sift the powder before you add to your shake.
Doing this will separate the protein powder and make it easier to dissolve into fluids. It is a technique often used in baking when creating creams and frostings, and works great for protein as well!
4. Keep Your Powder Properly Stored
This is something we read on most dry food containers, however, not something we always pay attention to. Heat and moisture will totally change the consistency of your protein powder. If you live in a really humid area, you may also want to consider keeping a food-safe humidity control packet at the bottom of your protein powder container.
Another tip to keep in mind, is making sure your protein powder scoop stays dry. If you need to wash your protein powder scoop for any reason, allow the scoop to fully dry before inserting it back into your container. Any moisture in your container will lead to clumps and may also cause food born illness.
5. Add Your Protein Powder on Top of Your Liquid
I’ve discussed this in a few of the other tips, however, I feel like this is a big mistake that can be easily avoided especially for new supplement users. This is subtle yet effective for almost every protein powder on the market. It won’t ensure a completely clump-free drink, but it certainly helps.
This is especially effective when using a smoothie blender to ensure you make full use of your protein powder. If you ever discover lumps of troublesome protein at the bottom of your mixing cup, it’s probably for this reason. To avoid the difficulties of cleaning protein out of the bottom of your cups simply add the liquid and then add the powder on top!
6. Add Some Ice to Your Shaker Bottle
Adding Ice to your shaker bottle can create more force to mix your powder along with the typical ball that most shakers include. It’s an effective way to help keep those pesky clumps away and give your protein shake that refreshing ice-cold flavor to boot.
Bonus Tip: Mix with a fork instead
This may seem weird to some, however, if you think about it forks are built better for mixing. Think of mixing an egg with a fork. I personally tried every one of these recommendations, and there is a time and a place for each.
I mixed an entire scoop of Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey Protein Powder into a small foam 6 oz cup of almond milk using a fork and it virtually was clump-free. Naturally, I followed the liquid before powder rule and my protein shake was lump free.
In Conclusion..
More importantly, each protein powder has a different consistency. Getting delicious high-quality powder that fits our diet plans is the key to success. You may not get every lump out of your protein powder mix, but getting the nutrients you need and enjoying your protein shake is what matters most.
Keep trying these techniques and you’ll be a protein shake Mixing Master in no time at all.