Ultimate Guide to Freezing Protein Shakes from a Powerlifter

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What do you do if you make too much protein shake? Do you need to throw it all away, or can you freeze protein shakes to drink later?

I’ve been drinking protein shakes almost every day for years. But it’s pretty annoying to have to prep, blend, and clean up after making shakes every day.

That’s why I love meal prepping protein shakes. Make a big batch and put them in the fridge. Or even better… Make a massive batch and freeze protein shakes.

I’ll share how to freeze protein shakes the right way and the best ways to thaw your shake when you’re ready to drink it.

Can You Freeze Protein Shakes?

Yes, you can free protein shakes! Freezing your protein shake makes it last longer and can help you save time by making one batch of protein shake and then splitting it into lots of portions.

You can freeze protein shakes by storing them in airtight containers and taking them out to that 24hrs in advance before you plan to drink it!

We have a list of protein shakes for building muscle if you need recommendations! If you’re on a diet, we also have a list of weight loss protein shakes.

If you don’t want to freeze protein shakes, you can make a protein shake the night before and stick it in the fridge.

3 Ways to Freeze Protein Shakes

There are a few easy ways to freeze protein shakes! The only rule is that you need an airtight container and you want to leave some space in the container because liquid expands when it freezes.

1. Mason jars

Our favorite way to freeze protein shakes is to use mason jars. Mason jars are easy to clean, dishwasher safe, and they don’t take up much space in your freezer.

Mason jars are made of glass so it’s super important to leave some space in the jar rather than filling it all of the way to the top. If you over-fill the jar, it could crack as the protein shake expands while freezing.

Another benefit of mason jars is that you can give it a good shake and drink your shake straight from the jar! No need to get another cup dirty. Mason jars are one of our favorite ways to mix protein powder without a shaker!

2. Plastic container or cup

The second best way to freeze protein shakes is to pour the shake into a plastic container with a tight-fitting lid. When using this method, it’s best to leave some space in the container to allow for expansion when frozen.

One downside of using a plastic container to freeze a protein shake is that the whole portion will need to be frozen and thawed together rather than being split into portions. This method is best when you plan to thaw and drink all of the protein shake in one go.

3. Freezer-safe bags

Our third go-to method for freezing protein shakes is to use freezer-safe bags. Simply pour your protein shake into one or more bags, then remove as much air as possible before sealing the bag and putting it in the freezer.

The advantage of using freezer-safe bags compared to jars and other containers is that there is no risk of the bag cracking and, as bags are flexible, the protein shake will take up less room in the freezer.

The only downside is that you have to then pour them into a glass whenever you are ready to drink it.

4 Tips for Freezing Protein Shakes

If you’re thinking that freezing protein shakes sounds like a good idea, be sure to follow my four top tips to freeze protein shake properly.

1. Shake before freezing – You want your protein shake to be well mixed before it freezes. To help ensure a proper mixture, I recommend giving the container a vigorous shake before putting it in the freezer.
2. Stay organized – Label your protein shake so you know what flavor it is, and write the date somewhere on the container so you know how long it has been frozen.
3. Use freezer-safe containers – Using freezer-safe containers will prevent spills due to broken containers and will keep your protein shake safe from contamination and freezer burn.
4. Split your shake into portions – Unless you’re certain that you will want to thaw your shake and drink it all in one go, I suggest splitting your protein shake into portions. This will allow you to thaw only the amount of shake you need for each serving.

Whether you make protein shakes with water or milk, both are great for freezing!

3 Ways to Thaw Frozen Protein Shakes

Once you’re ready to defrost and drink your protein shake, choose any of these three easy ways to thaw your shake.

1. In the fridge – Place the frozen protein shake in the fridge and let it thaw overnight. Protein shakes last in the fridge for 3-4 days. This takes longer, but it will make your protein shakes taste better if you can wait!

2. At room temperature – Leave the frozen protein shake at room temperature for a few hours until it has thawed completely.

3. In a bowl of warm water – Place the frozen protein shake in a tightly sealed container and submerge it in a bowl of warm water. This method can be quicker than thawing in the fridge and can help restore the consistency of the shake.

However, make sure the container is tightly sealed to prevent water from getting into the shake. Be careful that your water is not too hot if soaking a glass jar.

You should not microwave frozen protein shake in order to defrost it. The heat can affect the shake’s taste, texture, protein content, and nutritional value.

Benefits of Freezing Protein Shakes

We love freezing protein shakes because it makes our lives way easier. There are a bunch of benefits to freezing a protein shake.

1. Convenience – Freezing your protein shake allows you to have a protein boost on hand whenever you need it, without the need to make a fresh shake every time. If you have a lot of ingredients to mix with protein powder then making a big batch to freeze can help!
2. Extended shelf life – A protein shake will keep for two or three days in the fridge, but if you freeze your protein shake then it will keep for up to three months without losing its nutritional value.
3. Portion control – If you use mason jars to freeze your protein shake, then you can easily control your portions.
4. Saving time – Preparing a protein shake takes time, which you might not always have first thing in the morning or straight after a workout. Freezing your protein shake means you can simply thaw the shake ready for when you need it, without the need for any more preparation.

Common Questions About Freezing Protein Shakes

In Summary: Freezing Protein Shakes

Freezing your protein shake is a great way to avoid wasting leftovers. You can make your protein shake last longer, save time mixing, and ensure that you always have a protein boost on hand when you need one.

Our favorite way to store protein shakes are mason jars. They’re easy to store, clean, and you don’t have to make more dishes dirty!

When you’re ready to thaw your protein shake, you can defrost it overnight in the fridge, at room temperature, or soak the container in a bowl of water. If you have time, thawing your protein shake in the fridge is always best, as defrosting slowly helps to preserve the shake’s flavor and texture.