The BEST Ninja Creami Protein Ice Cream Recipes (2024)

The BEST Ninja Creami Protein Ice Cream Recipes (1)

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Check out 20+ High Protein Ninja Creami Recipes! If you’re new to the Ninja Creami ice cream maker, or craving something new, I’ve got you covered! Whether you are looking for a Ninja Creami recipe that uses a protein shake or protein powder, I’ve got just the recipe for you! I’ve perfected basic recipes like vanilla and chocolate protein ice cream but have also created more complex recipes like mint chocolate chip protein ice cream, caramel banana chocolate chip protein ice cream, and even cottage cheese protein ice cream.

Many try to make Ninja Creami protein ice cream with just a protein shake. While it works, it doesn’t taste great and it usually doesn’t have that creamy texture that everybody wants. To make a great tasting and creamy textured protein ice cream recipe, other ingredients need to be added.

The BEST Ninja Creami Protein Ice Cream Recipes (2)

Why add protein to ice cream?

With the rise in popularity of using protein shakes and powders in Ninja Creami recipes, many think that it is necessary to achieve the creamy texture of the ice cream. It is not. Adding protein to Ninja Creami ice cream is not necessary unless you are specifically trying to increase your daily protein intake due to diet and fitness goals. Many have found that adding protein to ice cream is a good way to meet their diet and fitness goals while providing endless flavor options. Eating a bowl of ice cream instead of drinking a protein shake has proven to be a delicious way to get more protein in your diet.

How to use the Ninja Creami to make protein ice cream

  • Start off by preparing your base recipe and pouring it into a Ninja Creami pint container. Be sure not to fill past the max fill line. If I’m making a base recipe that has several ingredients, I like to blend all ingredients together in a small blender before pouring them into the Ninja Creami containers. The base recipe for high-protein ice cream will be mostly liquid, either a pre-made protein shake or a combination of protein powder and dairy/non-dairy. Depending on the recipe, it will likely also have flavor extracts, stabilizer, or additional sweetener.
  • Make sure the top of the mixture is level and then freeze on a level surface for 24 hours. The freezer temperature should be between -7 and 9 degrees Fahrenheit. Based on the temperature of your freezer and the ingredients used, you may be able to freeze for a shorter period of time. Some like to freeze the container without the lid to help reduce the likelihood that a frozen bump will form on the top of the frozen treat.
  • Remove from the freezer and place into the Ninja Creami ice cream machine. Select the LITE ICE CREAM cycle if you are using a pre-made protein shake or protein powder mixed with low-fat milk or non-dairy milk. If you are using protein powder mixed with high fat dairy like whole milk or heavy cream, then use the ICE CREAM cycle.
  • Once the process has finished, remove the container from the machine. If the ice cream is dry and crumbly (like sand), pour 1-2 tablespoons of liquid into the ice cream and then process on the re-spin cycle. You might need to complete this process more than once. You can use leftover protein shake, fruit juice, milk or cream, or even water as the additional liquid that might be needed for the respin. ***If you are going to be adding mix-ins, it’s not recommended to re-spin multiple times or add much liquid before the mix-ins process as the mix-ins process will continue to spin the ice cream and it might become too soft.
  • If you would like to add mix-ins to your Ninja Creami protein ice cream, dig a hole down the center of the ice cream, if there is not already one there, and pour in your favorite mix-ins. Put the ice cream back into the machine and process on mix-ins.

If you are looking for information on how to use the Ninja Creami, answers to the most commonly asked questions, be sure to check out my full post on Ninja Creami FAQs here!

mix-in ideas for making protein ice cream

  • Fruit- You can add fruit like strawberries, peaches, blueberries, or raspberries during the mix-ins process. Be sure to cut the fruit into small pieces. I prefer to use fresh fruit as a mix-in, but you can use small pieces of frozen fruit or freeze dried fruit as a mix-in.
  • Your favorite granola- Using granola is a great way to add texture to ice cream. If you want even more protein, they even sell protein granola!
  • Cookies and candy- Adding small pieces of cookies and candy to a ice cream can add texture and additional flavor to any ice cream.

The flavor combinations are endless when you start adding mix-ins to protein ice cream.

How Much Protein Do Different Milks Have?

A good way to add even more protein to your Ninja Creami protein ice cream recipes is to switch up the dairy products that you add to the protein shake and protein powder. Fairlife milk is one of the highest in protein and coconut milk is one of the lowest in protein.

The BEST Ninja Creami Protein Ice Cream Recipes (3)

Ninja Creami Protein Recipes

For my Ninja Creami protein ice cream recipes, I use unflavored GNC Whey protein powder and pre-made Premier Protein shakes. You can use your favorite protein powder or protein shake. The taste and texture of the end product will vary based on what brand you choose.

  • Ninja Creami Double Dark Chocolate Chip Protein Ice Cream
  • Ninja Creami Peanut Butter Protein Ice Cream
  • Ninja Creami Peppermint Protein Ice Cream
  • Ninja Creami SCOOPABLE Chocolate Oreo Protein Ice Cream
  • Ninja Creami SCOOPABLE Nutter Butter Protein Ice Cream
  • Ninja Creami Pumpkin Pie Protein Ice Cream
  • Ninja Creami Chunky Monkey Protein Ice Cream
  • Ninja Creami Chocolate Chip Protein Frozen Yogurt
  • Ninja Creami Vanilla Bean Protein Ice Cream
  • Ninja Creami Mint Chocolate Chip Protein Ice Cream
  • Ninja Creami Strawberry Cheesecake Cottage Cheese Protein Ice Cream
  • Ninja Creami Chocolate Protein Ice Cream
  • Ninja Creami Caramel White Chocolate Mocha Protein Ice Cream
  • Ninja Creami Caramel Banana Chocolate Chip Protein Ice Cream
  • Ninja Creami Strawberry Banana Protein Ice Cream
  • Ninja Creami Mocha Espresso Protein Ice Cream
  • Ninja Creami Strawberry Cheesecake Protein Ice Cream
  • Ninja Creami Salted Caramel Butterscotch Chip Protein Ice Cream
  • Ninja Creami Banana Cream Pie Protein Ice Cream
  • Ninja Creami Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Protein Ice Cream

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I’ve created a post with 71+ Ninja Creami recipes all in one place! Here’s the link to the BEST Ninja Creami Recipes!

The BEST Ninja Creami Protein Ice Cream Recipes (24)

I’ve also pulled together100 of the BEST Ninja Foodi recipes!You’ll find Ninja Foodi recipes to make appetizers, side dishes, main courses, and even desserts!Here’s the link to 100 recipes!

The BEST Ninja Creami Protein Ice Cream Recipes (25)

Check out some of my newest recipes!

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Pin Ninja Creami Protein Recipes on Pinterest!

The BEST Ninja Creami Protein Ice Cream Recipes (32)

Ninja Creami Protein Recipes

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Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Freeze Time: 1 day day

Total Time: 1 day day 5 minutes minutes

Servings: 1 Pint

Calories: 407kcal

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Add Food Grade Vegetable Glycerin To Make Leftover Ice Cream Scoopable Right Out of the Freezer

Per 16 ounce pint: *Add 1 Teaspoon to full fat/full sugar bases *Add 1.5 teaspoon to high protein bases *Add 2 teaspoons to low sugar/low fat lite bases. Freeze and process per the recipe. Take the leftovers out of the freezer and scoop without having to reprocess.

Original and Deluxe Ingredient Measurements

Use the multiplier below to adjust quantities based on the machine that you own. 1X=Original 16 ounce 1.5X=Deluxe 24 ounces

Ingredients

Using a premade protein shake:

  • 11.5 Ounces (326 g) Premade Protein Shake (Any Flavor)
  • ½ Cup (118 2/7 ml) Dairy (Dairy or Non-Dairy Milk/Cream/Half and Half/ Heavy Cream)
  • Sweetener (Sugar or Sugar Substitute- 1 Tablespoon-½ Cup- Add Sweetener to Taste)
  • Stabilizer (2 Tablespoons Instant Pudding Mix (with or without sugar) OR ¼ Teaspoon Guar Gum)
  • Flavor (¼ Teaspoon-1 Tablespoon Flavor Extract or Oil)

Using protein powder:

  • 1 Scoop (1 Scoop) Unflavored Protein Powder (33.6 Grams)
  • 12 Ounces (340 ⅕ g) Dairy (Dairy or Non-Dairy Milk/Cream/Half and Half/ Heavy Cream)
  • Sweetener (Sugar or Sugar Substitute- 1 Tablespoon-½ Cup- Add Sweetener to Taste)
  • Stabilizer (2 Tablespoons Instant Pudding Mix (with or without sugar) OR ¼ Teaspoon Guar Gum)
  • Flavor (¼ Teaspoon-1 Tablespoon Flavor Extract or Oil)

Instructions

Prepare the Ice Cream Mixture

  • Pour all ice cream base ingredients into a small blender and blend until all ingredients are fully combined. Pour the mixture into a Ninja Creami pint container.

  • Freeze on a level surface for 24 hours. Your freezer should be between 9 and -7 degrees Fahrenheit. To avoid getting a bump on the top of the frozen mixture, freeze with the lid off of the container.

Process the Ice Cream

  • After 24 hours, remove the pint container from the freezer.

  • Place the pint container into the outer bowl of the Ninja Creami and then process on "LITE ICE CREAM" if you are using a premade protein shake or protein powder with low-fat or non-dairy milk. If you use protein powder with high fat milk or heavy cream, process on "ICE CREAM."

  • If the ice cream is dry or crumbly looking (like sand), pour in a tablespoon or two of leftover protein shake, milk, cream, juice, or water, and then re-spin. You may have to repeat this process a couple of times. If the ice cream looks like little balls of ice cream and is not overly dry, re-spin without adding additional liquid. If you plan on adding mix-ins, it's not recommended to re-spin more than once or twice as the ice cream will continue to be spun during the mix-ins process. Overspinning the ice cream or adding too much liquid during a re-spin can create a softer and less scoopable ice cream.

  • If you want to add mix-ins, dig a well down the center of the ice cream and pour in the mix-ins. Process on mix-ins.

  • Remove the pint from the machine and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 407kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 39g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 135mg | Sodium: 236mg | Potassium: 883mg | Sugar: 23g | Vitamin A: 749IU | Calcium: 699mg

Nutrition information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. Optional ingredients are not included in the nutrition information.

Have you tried this recipe? Let us know how it turned out in a comment below!

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The BEST Ninja Creami Protein Ice Cream Recipes (40)

Lauren Cardona

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Hi, I’m Lauren but you can call me Tasty Traveler #1!
I have always had a passion for food, cocktails, and travel. It has become more pronounced over the last several years since I have had the opportunity to do so many of the things that I love. One of my favorite co…
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The BEST Ninja Creami Protein Ice Cream Recipes (41)

Luis Cardona

Tasty Traveler #2

Hi, I’m Luis! (I like to think of myself as Tasty Traveler #1 but Lauren says I’m Tasty Traveler #2!)
I too have a love for food, travel, and all things in between! Over the past several years I have found more time to be adventurous with things that I eat, the plac…
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The BEST Ninja Creami Protein Ice Cream Recipes (2024)

FAQs

Which ice cream flavor has the most protein? ›

Enlightened packs a lot of protein.

Enlightened ice cream ranges from about 240-400 calories for each pint with about 20 grams of protein, making it one of the highest-protein options out there. Plus they have inventive flavors like movie night and marshmallow peanut butter.

Do you really need to freeze Ninja Creami for 24 hours? ›

Freezing is crucial: It's paramount that the base is completely frozen into a solid block for the Ninja Creami to work effectively. Texture is key: The 24-hour freeze time results in smaller ice crystals and enhances the dessert's creaminess. For the most creamy ice cream and smoothest sorbet, this matters!

Is the Ninja Creami discontinued? ›

While the company's first model, the Creami Breeze, has been discontinued, the company still has two ice cream makers in its assortment: the Ninja Creami and the Ninja Creami Deluxe.

Can you eat protein ice cream everyday? ›

But the perks of added-protein ice cream don't mean it should be a diet staple. “If you're going to eat ice cream, you can get a little more out of the treat by choosing one with protein,” says Zumpano. “But I wouldn't suggest relying on ice cream as a main protein source.”

Is 5 hours enough for Ninja Creami? ›

Ninja recommends freezing Creami bases for 24 hours, but we've had success with 8 to 12 hour freezing times, too.

Is 12 hours enough for Ninja Creami? ›

Do I have to freeze the Ninja Creami ice cream for 24 hours? I've found that freezing Ninja Creami ice cream for at least 8-12 hours is sufficient, and sometimes yields a creamier texture!

What is the difference between Ninja Creami and Ninja Creami Deluxe? ›

The Ninja Creami Deluxe version expands upon the original Ninja Creami, which offers seven functions (ice cream, sorbet, lite ice cream, gelato, milkshake, smoothie bowl, and mix-in) while the Deluxe offers 11 (it adds slushy, Italian ice, frozen drink, Creamiccino, and frozen yogurt to the mix).

What is the new version of Ninja Creami? ›

The newly launched Ninja Creami Deluxe is not only bigger in capacity than the standard version of this best ice cream maker but also has new technology to make your mixes creamier and more delectable.

Why is Ninja Creami so popular? ›

This machine has gone viral for its apparent ability to turn anything into creamy soft-serve like dessert. We put it to the test. All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Why is my Ninja creami always powdery? ›

My frozen treat looks crumbly or powdery after processing. When bases are frozen in very cold freezers, they may come out crumbly. After running a One-Touch Program, use the RE-SPIN Program to make your frozen treat smoother and creamier.

How to make Ninja Creami ice cream thicker? ›

The mixture in your Ninja Creami may look powdery after the first spin and this is normal. We recommend adding a splash of milk and re-spinning it. You can also re-spin without milk for a thicker consistency. After the second spin, it often looks just like ice cream and is no longer powdery.

Why is my Ninja creami protein ice cream powdery? ›

A powdery Ninja Creami is common after the first spin when making light or high protein Ninja Creami ice creams. Ninja Creami protein ice cream and light ice creams typically need 1 or 2 Re-Spin cycles. If it's really powdery, try adding a tablespoon of protein shake, milk, or cream before you Re-Spin.

Does ice cream have high protein? ›

Conventional ice cream contains 2-4g protein/serving. Some newer enriched protein ice creams can have up to 6-7g/ serving (i.e., good source). Our novel product contains 10g protein/serving (102 g). This ice cream is also an excellent source of calcium (providing 30 percent of the daily value).

Is there any ice cream that has protein? ›

Halo Top

Halo Top has recently become one of the most popular ice cream brands on supermarket shelves. Each serving of Halo Top has six grams of protein, which is pretty high for ice cream. Halo Top comes in a variety of flavors from birthday cake to sea salt caramel.

Is ice cream full of protein? ›

Milk proteins are present in ice cream as part of the MSNF, which has traditionally been supplied by cream and milk, condensed milk, and/or skimmed milk powder (Goff 2008, 2015).

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