Greek Yogurt Gets A Major Protein Boost With Just One Addition

Greek yogurt is the food many people turn to when they need a simple way to increase their protein intake. Plain nonfat Greek yogurt contains about 17 grams of protein per 170 grams (roughly a little less than ¾ cup), according to the USDA. But what if you could make it even higher in protein and hit your macro goals with ease — without skimping on flavor? Adding a scoop of protein powder to your Greek yogurt imparts more of this valuable nutrient while ensuring you never have to stick to plain yogurt.

Protein powder brands vary in how much protein they offer, with most containing 15 to 30 grams in each serving. If you're looking for the maximum protein benefits, choose one that packs in more protein and less sugars and carbohydrates, and start with a high-protein yogurt brand. Nonfat Greek yogurt has a little more protein than the whole milk variety. You should also consider what type of protein is best for mixing into your yogurt. Plant-based powders like hemp and pea have a coarser texture than whey and casein and may not dissolve as smoothly.

Add enough powder until you're satisfied with the taste; you may prefer more or less tang from the yogurt. Protein powder also comes in many flavors which range from chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry to Fruity Pebbles, Cinnabon, and Oreo, so it's easy to pick your favorite. Note that more than a couple of scoops could make your yogurt too thick, as Greek yogurt is already thicker than regular due to the removal of whey. Some powders also contain thickeners like polysorbate 80 and carrageenan, so you might want to avoid these.

Upgrade this Greek yogurt hack by using it as the base for a parfait, a fruit bowl, or a low-sugar pudding. Layer it with granola, berries, and bananas for a nutritious snack you can eat any time of day or prepare the night before. Chia seeds add a soft-but-crunchy texture and are a good source of fiber. Increase the flavor without relying on sweeteners by sprinkling on warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg or topping the yogurt with a nut butter. 

If you're fine with a little more sugar content, try mixing different flavors of Greek yogurt with different protein powder flavors. A vanilla Greek yogurt can go well with protein powder flavors like coffee, chocolate, and caramel. If you already have your favorite flavor in the back of your pantry, be sure it's still good to use by learning how to tell if protein powder has gone bad.

You can also add your protein-boosted Greek yogurt to overnight oats. Whip up our peanut butter overnight oats recipe by using vanilla- or peanut butter-flavored protein powder. Whether you eat this high-protein yogurt on its own or combine it with other ingredients for a complete dish, it makes a filling and easy treat.