When I first heard of the Ninja Creami - Ninja's new at home frozen treat machine - I instantly thought of what kind of protein ice cream I could make. I saw coupons for Fairlife ice cream on Ibotta but could never find it in stores, so figured why not try to make my own?
In this post, I'll share with you how I make my protein ice cream and some tips and tricks I've learned with the Ninja Creami.
Table of Contents
- Before Making Ice Cream
- How to Make Protein Ice Cream
- Best Protein Shakes to Use
- Ninja Creami Tips and Tricks
- Mix in Ideas
- How to Store Leftovers
- Protein Ice Cream Nutritional Information
- Final Thoughts
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Comments
Before Making Ice Cream
Before I get into how to make the ice cream, I want to note that even though this method works for me, it might take some tweaking around for you. I affectionately refer to my Ninja Creami as the Godilocks machine - everything has to be just right for it to come out well.
Depending on where you store the ice cream pints in the freezer, the temperature of the freezer, and even how level you store the pints will impact how the ice cream comes out. So while this method I share works for me, you might find you need to do a few more respins to get the texture how you want it. Heck - I even find I sometimes need to change it up myself, depending on the pint.
Related Post: Ninja Creami Review
How to Make Protein Ice Cream
So now that that's out of the way, let's get into the fun part of making ice cream! To make ice cream, you'll need a bottle of Fairlife protein shake. I've found the 11.5oz bottles (the kind that come in the case at Costco) is the best size for this - they end up slightly under the max fill line.
Fill the pint with the protein shake, put the lid back on and store in the freezer for 24 hours.
After the pint has been frozen, let the pint sit on the counter for 10 minutes.
After 10 minutes, run the pint in the Creami under Sorbet option. Once done, run it again on respin and then check the texture.
Mine came out a little flakey still so I did 1 more respin and then a Lite Ice Cream mode.
This time it came out a little closer to the texture I wanted! I decided to do 1 more respin and it came out perfect! Just like creamy ice cream!
Best Protein Shakes to Use
My favorite protein shake to use are chocolate Fairlife, but really any protein shake should work! The trick is making sure it has a little fat content in it so I'd recommend to look for a protein shake that has a little. The Fairlife shakes have 2.5g and that seems to work.
If you want to use a protein powder, make sure the base you mix it with is something other than water. There's a ton of warnings in the instruction manual about not using ice or fruit that's in water because the ice can be too hard on the motor. Try to use a milk or non dairy milk, and look for one that has a little fat in it.
Premier Protein is another popular protein shake that would work great in this recipe!
Ninja Creami Tips and Tricks
Here are a few tips and tricks I've learned while making ice cream
Don't overfill the container - I've found the best ice cream I make is when I fill the Ninja Creami container a little under the max fill line. When the Creami runs it does expand the ice cream so the pint will fill up!
Make a Few Pints at Once - I like to keep a few frozen pints in my freezer so I don't have to wait the 24 hours freeze time when I want ice cream. I ordered a few extra pints off Amazon so I'd always have some available.
Dont Be Afraid to Expirement - There really doesn't seem to be one right way to make ice cream since there are so many factors at play, including your freezer temperature. Try making the ice cream on different modes or doing a few respins until you get the ice cream to be the perfect texture.
Mix in Ideas
My favorite thing to do once I've made my ice cream is to add in some mix-ins! Once you get the ice cream to the perfect texture, you can dig a little hole in the middle of the pint and fill with your favorite mix-ins.
Lately, my favorites to use have been Oreos (I smush them a little before putting into the pint) or Reese's Pieces. I've found a little goes a long way! I use 3 regular size Oreos and it's been the perfect amount. Once you use the mix-in feature on the Creami it'll mix the add-in evenly throughout the pint.
How to Store Leftovers
If you have some ice cream leftover, you can put the lid back on and store it back in the freezer. I've had my leftover ice cream last for 4 days but I'm sure it would be good longer.
When you're ready to eat, I've found the best way to eat is to fill a bowl with cold water and let the frozen pint sit in it for about 10-15 minutes. This will melt the bottom of the ice cream a little and make it easier to eat.
I tried to just let the ice cream sit out but found it was still too hard to eat, even after 20 minutes. The water method has been my go-to!
Protein Ice Cream Nutritional Information
The cool thing about the Ninja Creami is that since you're not adding in any extra ingredients (unless you do some mix-ins), the nutritional information for the protein ice cream will be the same as the shake alone.
For my Fairlife Shake (without any mix-ins) the nutritional information is:
Serving Size: 1 pint
150 calories - 2.5g Fat - 5g Carbs - 30g Protein
Ninja Creami Protein Ice Cream
Yield: 1 pint
Prep Time: 1 day
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 day 10 minutes
The Ninja Creami is a revolutionary way to make protein ice cream! The machine allows you to control what goes into your ice cream while also being easy to use. It's the perfect kitchen gadget for anyone who loves making their own ice cream, but doesn't have time for all that churning and freezing!
Ingredients
- 1 (11.5 oz) bottle Fairlife Protein Shake, Any flavor
- Optional mixins ie M&Ms, oreos, etc
Instructions
- Pour the Fairlife shake into a pint and freeze for 24 hours.
- After 24 hours, remove from the freezer and allow the pint to sit for 10 minutes.
- Put the pint into the Creami and process on Sorbet. Run again on Respin.
- Check the texture and see if it's how you like it. If not, do a respin or Lite Ice Cream mode.
- Check texture again. If it's still not to you're liking, try another respin until it's to the texture you'd like.
Notes
Any flavor Fairlife shake would work for this recipe!
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 1 pintServing Size: 1
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 150Total Fat: 2.5gSaturated Fat: 1.5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 230mgCarbohydrates: 4gFiber: 1gSugar: 2gProtein: 30g
Final Thoughts
Once I got the hang of it (and heck - I'm still doing that) I really love using my Ninja Creami to make protein ice cream. It's nice to be able to control what goes into my ice cream, as well as it's a fun kitchen gadget! I do wish it was a little easier to use and know exactly which mode to use, but I'm sure as I continue to use it I'll figure it out. I'll continue to update this post as I get more experience with the Creami!
Have you tried making Protein Ice Cream? What was your method?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Protein Powder?
Yes, you can use protein powder as long as the base you mix into it isn't water - this will cause the frozen mixture to potentially break the machine. I haven't tried it, but the warnings in the guide scared me enough to not even try anything frozen with water. Milk or a non dairy milk mixed with the protein powder would be a good bet.
Do I Need to Do All Those Respins?
I'm really not sure. I've just found that that process works for me to get it to my perfect texture. It's possible that I could do fewer respins and more ice cream modes - I still need to play around with it more!
FAQs
How do you add protein powder to ice cream? ›
Simply mix ½ scoop of protein powder per ½ cup of ice cream. To best incorporate the whey protein, let the ice cream get soft on the counter for 5 – 10 minutes. Add the whey slowly, consistently stirring.
Should I put protein powder in my ice cream? ›Yes, you can absolutely put protein powder in ice cream. This is an easy and delicious way to add protein to your diet. That said, if you are looking for a high protein, low sugar dessert, making your own ice cream with protein powder is the way to go.
Why is my Ninja Creami ice cream crumbly? ›Usually, if your ice cream comes out dry or crumbly it's due to one of the following reasons: *Your freezer is too cold. Try to adjust your freezer to be a little warmer or let your ice cream sit on the counter for 5-10 minutes before processing it. *Your recipe does not have enough fat in it.
Do you have to wait 24 hours for Ninja Creami? ›My frozen treat is liquid, not solid, after processing. If a base is soft after processing, put the CREAMi™ Pint back in the freezer for several hours or until the desired consistency is reached. For best results, freeze base for at least 24 hours and process immediately after removing from the freezer.
Can you put protein shake in an ice cream maker? ›You can absolutely make a healthier, lower-calorie, high-protein ice cream in your ice cream maker. I'm going to share a simple recipe that has only four ingredients: protein powder, filtered milk, sugar substitute, and salt.
How do you thicken protein ice cream? ›How to Make Protein Icecream at Home - YouTube
Is high-protein ice cream healthy? ›Fans of protein ice cream say it's healthy due to the reduced fat and sugar within the average serving size, along with the added protein. One protein ice cream brand has an average of 2 grams of fat and 6 grams of sugar, while competitors have 16-17 grams of fat and 20 grams of sugar.
Can you stir protein into ice cream? ›For vanilla ice cream you're gonna add in 1 1/2 cups to 2 cups of ice, 1 1/2 scoops of a vanilla protein powder, 1-2 ounces of a milk or milk substitute, 3 tablespoons of liquid egg whites, and a little optional ground cinnamon. Blend those until smooth.
What is high-protein ice cream? ›On the other hand, high-protein ice cream contains added protein, most of the time plant-based or whey protein powder, and also low-fat or non-dairy milk. Sometimes frozen fruit like avocados, mangoes, or bananas is blended into the base to provide creaminess.
Can I put frozen fruit in the Ninja CREAMi? ›Can I use fresh or frozen fruit instead of canned fruit? You can use fresh or frozen fruit for Ninja Creami recipes.
Why is my CREAMi ice cream grainy? ›
If your ice cream comes out grainy or gritty, it is usually because you have let it melt and then tried to refreeze it, or you didn't completely dissolve the sugar crystals during that particular step.
How long can you keep Ninja CREAMi ice cream in the freezer? ›Ice Cream Maker, Ninja™ CREAMi™ | How to Properly Freeze Bases
How is the Ninja CREAMi different than a blender? ›Similar to Ninja's most popular appliances, the Creami works a bit like a blender, except the mixing blade comes down from the top and moves vertically through your ingredients.
How long does it take a Ninja CREAMi to make ice cream? ›With that being said, because the ingredients are already frozen, the CREAMi takes mere minutes to work its magic. It's ready in about five minutes, whereas most ice cream machines need about 15 or 20 minutes of churn time.
Is the Ninja CREAMi like a Pacojet? ›Unlike a traditional ice cream maker, which requires you to freeze a canister and chill the base before churning, the CREAMi is more similar to a Pacojet, a multi-thousand-dollar machine used in restaurant kitchens.
How much protein do I need in a day? ›The recommended dietary allowance to prevent deficiency for an average sedentary adult is 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight. For example, a person who weighs 165 pounds, or 75 kilograms, should consume 60 grams of protein per day.
How do you use whey powder in ice cream? ›- Take out your blender. ...
- Make sure your blender is plugged in and the top is removed, then pour in 8 ounces of unsweetened almond milk. ...
- Scoop in 3 tablespoons of sugar-free instant pudding powder. ...
- Add two scoops of your favorite whey protein powder. ...
- Scoop in two cups of ice cubes.
Overall: A good machine that will reliably make delicious ice cream, gelato and sorbets. Decent pickup for anyone interested in making homemade ice cream, but some quirks and limitations hold it back. 4/5.
Why is my ice cream custard not thickening? ›If your mixture is not a soft-serve texture but still liquid and doesn't appear to be thickening up after 30-45 minutes, you may have a problem. Your mixture may not be have been cold enough, or the bowl not chilled fully. If you are using a machine that needs ice and salt, you may need to add more ice and/or salt.
How can I thicken my protein shake without adding calories? ›Xanthan gum!
Xanthan gum will add almost no calories to your recipe and 1/2 teaspoon or less to a shake or smoothie will instantly turn your consistency thick. Seriously, that's all you need. It's like a food genie in a bag. Xanthan gum can be purchased at most grocery stores nowadays for a couple bucks.
How can I thicken my whey protein? ›
- Xanthan Gum.
- 0% Greek Yoghurt.
- Fruit.
- Oats.
- Ice.
- Double Cream.
- Coconut Cream.
- Soft Cheese.
- Fish.
- Seafood.
- Skinless, white-meat poultry.
- Lean beef (including tenderloin, sirloin, eye of round) ADVERTISEMENT.
- Skim or low-fat milk.
- Skim or low-fat yogurt.
- Fat-free or low-fat cheese.
- Eggs.
Overall erythritol is ideal for the formulation of ice cream with reduced sugar and calorie content as it reduces calories while still providing texture and a pleasant sugar-like taste.
Is Avocado a protein? ›Source Of. A whole medium avocado contains about 240 calories, 13 grams carbohydrate, 3 grams protein, 22 grams fat (15 grams monounsaturated, 4 grams polyunsaturated, 3 grams saturated), 10 grams fiber, and 11 milligrams sodium. Along with their low sodium levels, avocados contain no cholesterol.
Can you mix protein powder with ice? ›Simply adding a few ice cubes can make your protein shake more shake-like to drink. Adding fruits, peanut butter and other foods will change the flavor as well as the nutrient profile.
Can you blend protein shake with ice? ›To make a protein shake in a blender, add your base liquid, like milk, soy milk, or coconut milk. If you want to make a thicker shake, add in a few ice cubes.
What do you mix whey protein with? ›Therefore, it's best to mix whey with a low-calorie, sugar-free liquid base such as water, black coffee, unsweetened coconut water, or unsweetened non-dairy milk. Whey protein is a great option for those looking to lose weight, in part because a diet high in protein is key to satisfying hunger (4).
What type of protein is in ice cream? ›Whey and whey protein products have been used successfully in ice cream and other frozen dairy desserts for the past six decades. Sweet whey, whey protein concentrates (34-89% protein) and whey protein isolates ( 90% protein) are among the most commonly used whey products.
How much protein is in a bowl of ice cream? ›| Protein (g) | 2.52 |
|---|---|
| Fiber, total dietary (g) | 0.5 |
| Calcium, Ca (mg) | 92.16 |
| Iron, Fe (mg) | 0.06 |
| Magnesium, Mg (mg) | 10.08 |
- Take out your blender. ...
- Make sure your blender is plugged in and the top is removed, then pour in 8 ounces of unsweetened almond milk. ...
- Scoop in 3 tablespoons of sugar-free instant pudding powder. ...
- Add two scoops of your favorite whey protein powder. ...
- Scoop in two cups of ice cubes.
Can you stir protein into ice cream? ›
For vanilla ice cream you're gonna add in 1 1/2 cups to 2 cups of ice, 1 1/2 scoops of a vanilla protein powder, 1-2 ounces of a milk or milk substitute, 3 tablespoons of liquid egg whites, and a little optional ground cinnamon. Blend those until smooth.
Is protein ice cream healthy? ›Fans of protein ice cream say it's healthy due to the reduced fat and sugar within the average serving size, along with the added protein. One protein ice cream brand has an average of 2 grams of fat and 6 grams of sugar, while competitors have 16-17 grams of fat and 20 grams of sugar.
How much whey is in ice cream? ›In the United States, whey ingredients are limited to 25% of the milk solids nonfat (MSNF) in standard-of-identity ice creams.
What type of protein is in ice cream? ›Whey and whey protein products have been used successfully in ice cream and other frozen dairy desserts for the past six decades. Sweet whey, whey protein concentrates (34-89% protein) and whey protein isolates ( 90% protein) are among the most commonly used whey products.
How does protein affect ice cream? ›Proteins contribute to the development of structure in ice cream, including emulsification, whipping, and water-holding capacity (Schmidt, 1994; Walstra and Jonkman, 1998). Foaming is important during the manufacture of ice cream and milk proteins are well known for their ability to form foams.
What do you mix whey protein with? ›Therefore, it's best to mix whey with a low-calorie, sugar-free liquid base such as water, black coffee, unsweetened coconut water, or unsweetened non-dairy milk. Whey protein is a great option for those looking to lose weight, in part because a diet high in protein is key to satisfying hunger (4).
Can you mix protein powder with ice? ›Simply adding a few ice cubes can make your protein shake more shake-like to drink. Adding fruits, peanut butter and other foods will change the flavor as well as the nutrient profile.
Can you blend protein shake with ice? ›To make a protein shake in a blender, add your base liquid, like milk, soy milk, or coconut milk. If you want to make a thicker shake, add in a few ice cubes.
Can I freeze protein powder? ›If you have a container of protein powder that you want to keep, but do not anticipate using anytime soon, you can freeze it. The colder and darker the storage environment, the better protein powder will keep. Freezer storage is therefore ideal.
What foods is highest in protein? ›- Fish.
- Seafood.
- Skinless, white-meat poultry.
- Lean beef (including tenderloin, sirloin, eye of round) ADVERTISEMENT.
- Skim or low-fat milk.
- Skim or low-fat yogurt.
- Fat-free or low-fat cheese.
- Eggs.
How much protein do I need in a day? ›
The recommended dietary allowance to prevent deficiency for an average sedentary adult is 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight. For example, a person who weighs 165 pounds, or 75 kilograms, should consume 60 grams of protein per day.
What ice cream has the highest protein content? ›By far the highest in protein is the Grom Pistachio Gelato, available to buy from Waitrose. It contains 6.8g of protein per 100g but because of its 221 calories, it's lower in protein per 100g than Halo Top.
How much protein is in a bowl of ice cream? ›| Protein (g) | 2.52 |
|---|---|
| Fiber, total dietary (g) | 0.5 |
| Calcium, Ca (mg) | 92.16 |
| Iron, Fe (mg) | 0.06 |
| Magnesium, Mg (mg) | 10.08 |
Ice cream is not a high-protein food, although it does contain protein because it is a dairy product, however, it does not contain enough protein to be considered a high-protein food. Typical ice cream brands have around 2 or 3 grams of protein per serving.
What does protein ice cream taste like? ›2 Minute Protein Ice Cream (Tastes Amazing) - YouTube