With the fall season in full swing, it’s hard to resist the temptation of scrumptious seasonal sippings. You know what I mean, you’ve seen them, you’ve bought them: pumpkin spice lattes. The menus of our favorite coffee shops currently abound with whipped, spicy, pumpkin-themed drinks that, unfortunately, are loaded with sugar and not actual pumpkin. So how can you enjoy a favorite fall beverage without compromising your health? Simple – by making your own whipped, spicy, pumpkin drink, or more specifically, this Pumpkin Spice Protein Smoothie Recipe.
A Healthy Fall Treat: Pumpkin Seed Smoothie Recipe
Now, I know this isn’t the drink that warms your hands through your mittens on a cool fall night, but just think, using this healthy smoothie to kill most of your pumpkin drink cravings will allow you to indulge in a pumpkin drink off the menu without all the guilt! Besides, it’s delicious and healthy and can be had for breakfast, a snack, or an evening indulgence!
Pure Plant Protein Powder
The twist to this pumpkin spice protein smoothie that will rev your health-conscious appetite is, instead of using whey protein or Greek yogurt as a protein source, this recipe uses Sprout Living Pumpkin Seed powder! While this pure plant protein doesn’t carry the taste of pumpkin like we would hope (the recipe gets that elsewhere), it does carry all the nutrients of pumpkin. As has come to light recently, pumpkin, and especially pumpkins seeds, are exceptionally nutritious and have joined the rank of super-foods.
Health Benefits of Pumpkin Seed Protein Powder
Finely ground pumpkin seed protein powder is derived from, as the name suggests, pumpkin seeds, the real source of pumpkin’s benefits. Just one ounce of seeds, (about 140) contains an abundance of magnesium, potassium, and zinc and are suggested to help reduce cholesterol, blocked prostrate glands, and risk of bladder stones and depression. So all of that, plus 19 grams of protein per serving, lie in the contents of this beautiful, weirdly gray powder. As if it couldn’t get any better, this seed protein is soy-free, raw, nut-free, GMO-free, gluten-free, vegan, dairy-free, preservative-free, hypo-allergenic, as well as organic. You can’t really beat that and you will love this pumpkin seed smoothie!
Making a pumpkin seed protein powder smoothie has several benefits:
1. Rich in Protein -Pumpkin seed protein powder is a plant-based protein source, making it ideal for those on vegan or vegetarian diets. It supports muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
2. Nutrient-Dense– Pumpkin seeds are packed with nutrients like magnesium, zinc, iron, and potassium. These minerals support heart health, immune function, and energy levels.
3. Good Source of Healthy Fats– Pumpkin seeds contain healthy fats, including omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which promote heart and brain health.
4. Supports Digestive Health– Pumpkin seeds are rich in fiber, which aids in digestion and can help regulate blood sugar levels.
5. Promotes Hormonal Balance– The zinc and magnesium found in pumpkin seeds are beneficial for hormonal health, especially for regulating insulin and supporting reproductive health.
6. Antioxidant Properties– Pumpkin seeds are loaded with antioxidants like vitamin E, which helps protect cells from oxidative stress and inflammation.
7. Customizable Flavor-The mild flavor of pumpkin seed protein powder blends well with various fruits, greens, or other smoothie ingredients, making it a versatile base for a nutritious drink.
Sprout Living Pumpkin Seed Protein
For this recipe I used Sprout Living Pumpkin Seed Protein. You can use any brand or make your own pumpkin spice protein powder. However, I love this brand and here is my affiliate link which will give you a $20 coupon to join Sprout Living! It can be used in so many pumpkin seed protein powder recipes as a quick way to add a scoop of good stuff.
Health Benefits of Pumpkin
This delicious smoothie recipe is full of pumpkin, calling for canned pumpkin puree, pumpkin spice, and protein powder. According to a spotlight article on pumpkin, health.com declares that in just one cup of canned pumpkin there are seven grams of fiber, three grams of protein, one gram of fat, and only 80 calories. Additionally, this squash is loaded with vitamins, specifically vitamin A and K, which help fight the risk of some types of cancer. If you’re curious to know more about the benefits of pumpkin, check out huffingtonpost.com, where there’s a nicely put together, well-researched list.
So now to the recipe!
Makes Roughly 1 serving (8oz)
Pumpkin Spice Protein Smoothie Recipe Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup pumpkin (canned or freshly cooked)
- 1/2 frozen banana
- 3/4 cup almond milk
- 2 tablespoons Sprout Living Pumpkin Seed Protein Powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- Pinch of ground ginger
- Original Stevia to taste
- A handful of ice cubes
- A spot of whipped cream and chocolate covered coffee bean for garnish – Optional
You may substitute a different protein powder (1 servings size) or 1/2 cup Greek yogurt for the Sprout Living pumpkin seed protein.
Other sweeteners can be used, like pure maple syrup or honey. I used liquid Stevia because it’s powerfully sweet in just a few drops and calorie-free, another plant-based phenomenon. Crazy what can come from plants, huh?
Dump all these ingredients into a blender and mix it up. At the end, you’ll have a delicious pumpkin smoothie packed with health. It will have you dreaming of your family’s Thanksgiving Day pumpkin pie! And, after a few of these smoothies you could indulge shamelessly!
Printable Pumpkin Seed Protein Smoothie Recipe Card
Pumpkin Spice Protein Smoothie
Notes
If you don't have Sprout Living pumpkin seed protein, you may substitute a different protein powder or 1/2 cup Greek yogurt.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup pumpkin (canned or freshly cooked)
- 1/2 frozen banana
- 3/4 cup almond milk
- 2 tablespoons Pumpkin Seed Protein Powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- Pinch of ground ginger
- Original Stevia to taste
- A handful of ice cubes
- 1 chocolate covered coffee bean for garnish – Optional
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in the blender.
- Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Pour into serving glass.
- Garnish with a chocolate covered coffee bean (optional).
- Serve and enjoy.
Nutrition Facts
Pumpkin Spice Protein Smoothie
Serves: 1
| Amount Per Serving: | ||
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 282.44 kcal | |
| % Daily Value* | ||
| Total Fat 4.85 g | 6.2% | |
| Saturated Fat 1.29 g | 5% | |
| Trans Fat 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol 0.0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium 456.77 mg | 19% | |
| Total Carbohydrate 36.14 g | 12% | |
| Dietary Fiber 7.33 g | 28% | |
| Sugars 18.66 g | ||
| Protein 27.33 g | ||
| Vitamin A 27.7 % | Vitamin C 11.72 % | |
| Calcium 48.43 % | Iron 39.23 % | |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Family Focus Blog
This vegan pumpkin protein shake recipe is sweet, creamy, and pumpkin-y! In fact, before I knew it, I was wishing for a Michigan fall while down here in a tropical climate. I think you will be so glad you tried the Sprout Living simple pumpkin seed protein powder. It is such an easy way to add healthy plant-based protein to your diet.
Adding pumpkin seed protein powder to smoothies can boost your intake of essential nutrients, especially if you’re looking for plant-based sources of protein. I hope you enjoy this pumpkin spice protein smoothie as much as I do! What’s your favorite pumpkin recipe?
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