By Aaron Owens Mayhew MS, RDN, CD

Updated May 16, 2022

This post may contain affiliate links.

This delicious protein shake backpacking recipe makes for a perfect meal replacement! Yes, you read that right – protein shakes can be meals, too! You might think a shake could never fill you up on the trail. Actually, a well-balanced protein shake can be very satisfying and filling. Don’t believe it?

Here’s why you should consider Backcountry Foodie’s Peanut Butter Protein Shake for your next backcountry breakfast, lunch, or even dinner:

✔️ It’s fine to drink your meals as long as your drink counts as a complete meal.

• That is, it contains sufficient calories and is a good source of protein, carbs, and fat.
• With 33 g protein, 27 g fat, and 71 g carbs for a total of 625 calories, this one checks every box and rivels the nutrition profile of commercial freeze-dried hiker meals.

✔️ It’s faster and easier for many hikers to drink their calories.

• This is especially true if you hustle to cover the distance before sunset.
• This protein shake recipe is ready in exactly 2 steps: add water and shake.
• If you are one of the many hikers who struggle with a low appetite, a meal replacement drink is a great solution. Intense exercise, heat, and altitude can all blunt your appetite for heavy, solid foods. This shake makes consuming hundreds of calories a breeze.

Still don’t think you’d want to sip a whole meal? Bring it as a snack instead! Long-distance hikers should be snacking every 60-90 minutes to avoid hitting the wall. Your muscles will thank you.

Not a fan of chia seeds? Consider giving our Chocolate Peanut Butter Shake recipe a try instead.

Peanut Butter Protein Shake

Backcountry Foodie Recipe

If you're a fan of our Peanut Butter Mocha Smoothie, you're going to love this decaffeniated version. This meal replacement was used time and time again during my Colorado Trail thru-hike.

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4.89 from 9 votes

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NUTRITION (per serving)

cal/oz 123

cal/gram 4.4

Calories 625 kcal

PROTEIN 33 g

CARBS 71 g

Fiber 13 g

Added Sugar 13 g

Fat 27 g

Sodium 474 mg

Home Prep Time 2 minutes mins

Field Prep Time 15 minutes mins

WT/SERVING 5.1 oz (142 g)

MEAL PREPDehydrator Not Required, No-Cook

Diet TYPESBariatric, Gluten-Free, Low-Sugar, Vegan, Vegetarian

Servings1

INGREDIENTS

 

0.5x1x2x3x

• ¼ cup (20 g) oats, old fashioned rolled
• ½ cup (64 g) milk powder, whole
• ¼ cup (24 g) peanut powder
• 1 Tbsp (5 g) cocoa powder, unsweetened
• 1 Tbsp (14 g) brown sugar
• 1 Tbsp (15 g) chia seeds
• 8 oz (240 mL) water

OPTIONAL

• ¼ cup (20 g) oats, gluten-free old fashioned rolled oats (substitution), gluten-free option
• 20 g oat flour (substitution), to reduce grittiness created by ground oats
• ½ cup (35 g) milk powder, non-fat (substitution), reduced-calorie option
• almond milk powder (substitution), vegan option
• soy milk powder (substitution), vegan option
• brown sugar substitute (substitution), no-added-sugar option

INSTRUCTIONS (per serving)

HOME

• Put oats in a coffee/spice grinder and blend until a fine powder forms.
• Put oat powder and remaining ingredients in a bag or container to be used in the backcountry.

FIELD

• Add 8 oz (240 mL) cold water to the bag or container.
• Stir or shake vigorously to mix well and enjoy! See meal prep tip below.
• For a thicker shake, let stand 5-10 minutes allowing the chia seeds to absorb water.

NOTES

MEAL PREP TIP

• Meal replacement drinks often mix better when prepared in a hard-sided container.

 

NUTRITION

• Total sugar (per serving): 40 g, including 13 g of added sugar
• For a no-added-sugar recipe, replace brown sugar with a brown sugar substitute.
• To reduce calories by 160, replace whole milk powder with non-fat milk powder.
• This recipe may be used as a meal replacement when consumed entirely.
   

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Aaron Owens Mayhew, MS, RDN, CD, is a registered dietitian and ultralight long-distance backpacker with over 20 years of nutrition and backpacking experience. She’s also the founder and owner of Backcountry Foodie, an online ultralight recipes and meal planning platform for backpackers. She also enjoys teaching hikers about backpacking nutrition via virtual masterclasses, YouTube videos, and podcast episodes. You can follow Aaron’s adventures in the kitchen and the backcountry via Instagram and Facebook.