The Protein Powder I Actually Use Every Day (and How My Whole Family Uses It)

This post was sponsored by Naked Nutrition. I only share products I genuinely use, and I've been buying this one for myself long before this partnership.

Here's a funny confession.

When Naked Nutrition sent me a tub of their Vanilla Protein Shake to try, I didn't even realize it came from them.

I thought I'd ordered it myself.

That's because I already had. I use Naked products regularly, and this vanilla shake is one I go through every single day. So when the company reached out about writing this post, it was an easy yes. I'm not trying something new for you here. I'm telling you what's already in my kitchen.

Why I care about protein in midlife

As a health journalist, I've interviewed a lot of experts about aging well, and protein comes up again and again.

As we get older, we naturally lose muscle. Muscle matters for strength, for balance, for metabolism and for staying independent as we age. Getting enough protein, along with strength training, is one of the most practical things we can do about it.

The challenge is that most of us don't get as much as we think, especially at breakfast or when the day gets busy.

That's where a good protein powder helps. It isn't magic, and it doesn't replace real food. It just makes it easier to fill the gap.

What's in it (and what isn't)

I'm a label reader. Here's what stood out to me about the Naked Vanilla Protein Shake:

• 20 grams of protein per serving, from pea protein grown on farms in the US and Canada

• Only 3 grams of sugar, sweetened with organic coconut sugar and Reb-M (from fermented cane sugar)

• No artificial sweeteners, flavors or colors

• MCT oil for a creamier texture and a little healthy fat

• Plant-based, so it works for dairy-free and vegan households

• NSF-certified contents and independent third-party testing for heavy metals

That last point matters more than most people realize. Protein powders aren't regulated the way medications are, so third-party testing is one of the best signals you have that what's on the label is what's in the tub.

The ingredient list is short: pea protein, organic coconut sugar, natural plant-based flavors, MCT powder, potassium salt, sea salt and Reb-M. That's it.

How I actually use it

This is the part I love most, because vanilla turns out to be the most versatile flavor in the pantry.

1. A simple shake with milk

Most days, I just mix it with milk. It's fast, it tastes good on its own, and I don't have to think about it.

2. Protein "ice cream" in my Ninja Creami

If you have a Ninja Creami, try this. I mix the vanilla shake with milk, freeze it, then spin it into something that tastes like dessert but works like a snack.

Vanilla Protein "Ice Cream" (makes 1 pint)

• 1½ cups milk (any kind)

• 2 scoops Naked Vanilla Shake

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

• Pinch of salt

• 1 tablespoon maple syrup (optional, if you like it sweeter)

• Blend or shake everything together until smooth, then pour it into your Creami pint up to the fill line.

• Freeze on a level surface for 24 hours.

• Spin on Lite Ice Cream.

• If it looks crumbly or powdery, add 1–2 tablespoons of milk and hit Re-spin. This is normal, and it usually takes one re-spin to get creamy.

Mix-in ideas: mini dark chocolate chips, crushed graham crackers or a handful of berries, added with the Mix-in button. For a peanut butter version, swirl in a spoonful of peanut butter before the mix-in spin.

3. Muffins and cookies

I bake with it too. Adding protein powder to muffins and cookies is an easy way to make a treat a little more filling, and the vanilla flavor fits right in.

One tip before you start: protein powder doesn't behave exactly like flour. If you swap in too much, baked goods turn dry and dense. Keep it to about a quarter to a third of your dry ingredients and you'll be fine.

Vanilla Protein Banana Muffins (makes 12)

• 2 ripe bananas, mashed

• 2 eggs

• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt

• ¼ cup maple syrup

• 2 tablespoons melted butter or coconut oil

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 cup all-purpose flour (or oat flour)

• 2 scoops Naked Vanilla Shake

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• ½ teaspoon baking soda

• ½ teaspoon cinnamon

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• ½ cup blueberries or dark chocolate chips

• Heat the oven to 350°F and line a 12-cup muffin tin.

• In a large bowl, whisk the bananas, eggs, yogurt, maple syrup, butter and vanilla.

• In a second bowl, stir together the flour, protein powder, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon and salt.

• Fold the dry ingredients into the wet until just combined, then fold in the blueberries or chocolate chips.

• Fill the cups about ¾ full and bake 18–22 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.

Peanut Butter Protein Cookies (makes about 12)

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter

• ⅓ cup coconut sugar or brown sugar

• 1 egg

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 2 scoops Naked Vanilla Shake

• ½ teaspoon baking soda

• Pinch of salt

• ⅓ cup dark chocolate chips

• Heat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment.

• Stir together the peanut butter, sugar, egg and vanilla until smooth.

• Add the protein powder, baking soda and salt, then fold in the chocolate chips. The dough will be thick.

• Roll into 12 balls, set them on the sheet and press each one down lightly with a fork.

• Bake 9–11 minutes. They'll look soft when they come out, but they firm up as they cool, so let them sit on the pan for 10 minutes.

Baking at altitude like I do in Colorado? Check the muffins a few minutes early, and if they dome and sink, cut the baking powder to ¾ teaspoon.

4. My teenage son's peanut butter banana shake

This one is a family favorite. My son's go-to:

• Milk

• 2 scoops Naked Vanilla Shake

• A spoonful of peanut butter

• 1 banana

Blend and go. It's a quick breakfast or after-practice shake, and I feel good knowing what's in it.

Who it's for

If you're looking for an easy way to get more protein, want something without artificial sweeteners, or need a plant-based option the whole family will actually drink, this is a great place to start.

If you're new to protein powder, start with one serving a day and see how it fits your routine.

The bottom line

There's no magic powder. Protein supports a healthy body, but it works best alongside real food, movement, sleep and managing stress.

What I appreciate about this one is that it's simple, it's tested, it tastes good, and it fits into real life. Mine and my family's.

You can find the Naked Vanilla Protein Shake here. And for more of the products I trust and use, visit my Trusted Resources page.

Do you use protein powder? Tell me your favorite way to use it. I read every comment.

Natalie Tysdal is a health journalist, not a licensed medical professional. This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Talk with your doctor before adding a supplement, especially if you have a health condition or take medication.