I’m going to teach you how to make the BEST Protein Fluff! This low calorie, high volume frozen treat is a staple for many dieters and it’s no wonder as to why! It’s sweet and creamy – which is perfect to curve your sweet tooth – and packs lots of protein while keeping carbs and fats low. Meaning there is plenty of room left for fun and tasty toppings as well! 😉
WHAT IS PROTEIN FLUFF?
I’m glad you asked! Simply put, it is a homemade frozen treat made from protein powder. You may see some people call it protein fluff, some people call it protein ice cream. I prefer the term fluff because it isn’t quite the same creamy, dense consistency of ice cream, it’s more fluffy in texture!
Don’t get me wrong, it is still hella yummy! But I just want to make it known that ice cream consistency is not the goal here. 😂 If you are looking for ice cream consistency with a boost of protein, check out my Mint Oreo Protein Ice Cream and Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Protein Ice Cream. Those ice cream recipes are out of this world and would fool anyone to thinking they were the real deal (with better macros than Halo Top!!)
This protein fluff is meant to be lighter and lower in calories with a LOT of volume. So on it’s own, it tastes pretty good, but the real wonders of this delicious protein fluff treat is that it is so low calorie, you can top it with any yummy toppings that sound good!!
SO WHAT IS ALL THE HYPE ABOUT?
Like I mentioned above, protein fluff is made from protein powder. The other main ingredients are ice and milk – in most cases a nondairy milk, like almond – so again, it is very low calorie. Not just low calorie, but particularly low in carbs and fat while remaining high in protein. It’s no wonder it is so popular amongst dieters! It a great treat to end the day with because you are going to bed on a full belly. No one wants to go to bed hungry! I mean that’s just the worst 😂
Another awesome thing about it? It packs so much volume! I have a 7-cup food processor that I use to make mine, and by the time I am done blending, my blender is almost filled to the brim. I am not lying when I say it takes me a good 30 to 45 minutes to finish it. Which is the absolute best! Perfect for Netflix or movie night. No one wants dessert to end in 5 minutes either.
INGREDIENTS FOR THE BEST PROTEIN FLUFF
- Protein powder – I use PEScience protein powder. This is always the protein powder I recommend for taste and quality of ingredients. There is no grainy or protein texture and no matter what I am using it for, it always blends so well. If you do use a different kind just make sure you know it is one that blends well and one that you like the taste of (since the protein powder is the main ingredient! For all Pescience products, you can use code “LaurenFitFoodie” to save 10%.
- Jello pudding mix – any flavor will do! Definitely switch it up! Butterscotch, vanilla, white chocolate! For a vegan-friendly option, use Simply Delish instant pudding mix.
- Ice – can’t stress enough… make sure it is FRESH! Ice that is months old will not break up as good and the result will be a more icy-like consistency.
- Almond milk – or other milk of choice,
- Butter extract – I use McCormick‘s. I cannot tell you the difference this addition makes! Butter-flavored explosion. My secret weapon right here! Get creative with other extracts here. Almond, vanilla, hazelnut are all amazing!
- Xanthan gum – just a tiny tiny bit is used to help with thickness. I use Bob’s Red Mill.
- Liquid stevia – I use NOW Better Stevia that I buy off Amazon. I use it multiple times daily to sweeten my coffee, yogurt, everything! Definitely worth the cost because it lasts forever and it doesn’t have any weird after taste.
HOW TO MAKE THE BEST PROTEIN FLUFF
- Add ice cubes to food processor or high-power blender.
- Pulse on the highest power for about 3 seconds 10 to 15 times. You will want all ice cubes to be crushed and in a snow-like consistency.
- Add in the protein powder, pudding mix, almond milk, sweetener, and butter extract.
- Blend on the lowest speed for 3-4 minutes. In this time you will see the fluff double and then triple in size.
- Stop the processor. Using a small spatula or spoon, scrape the remaining ice and ingredients from the sides into the rest of the fluff. Add in the xanthan gum at this time, if desired. Pulse again for 2-3 seconds for about 10 times or until mixture is smooth and everything is mixed in.
WHAT TO TOP WITH
Because it is so low calorie for the amount of volume it packs, there is plenty of room for fun top toppings too! This is where you can get creative depending on your nutrition goals or how extravagant you want to be. The possibilities are truly endless! Some of my favorite go-to toppings are:
- Nut butter – a no brainer!
- Cereal – that crunch topping brings a whole new level to it! I ALWAYS add some form of cereal. I’ll list some of my favorites below.
- Peanut butter powder – if you are trying to keep things lower in fat. I use PBfit. No need to mix with water (although you totally could), but even just the powder sprinkled on top is so good.
- Black cocoa powder – probably the best, most underrated topping. I know it sounds weird. But black cocoa is the cocoa they use to make Oreo’s. So by mixing in some black cocoa powder, you are adding MAJOR cookies and cream vibes through this protein fluff. Another topping I ALWAYS add!
- Sprinkles – rainbow, chocolate, you could do vegan sprinkles if you needed to!
- Fruit – fresh or frozen
- Marshmallow fluff
- Cookies – You must try topping with my Healthy Chocolate Chip Cookies at least once!!
- No Bake desserts – some of my favorite no-bake desserts to chop up and put on top are the Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Squares, No Bake Oreo Protein Balls or one of my edible protein cookie doughs!
- Protein bar chunks – if you needed even more protein to end the day.
FAVORITE CEREALS TO TOP PROTEIN FLUFF WITH
Cereal is one of my favorite things to top the Protein Fluff with because it brings the most awesome crunch texture to the fluff. I don’t know about you guys, but when I eat something, I love for it to have different flavors and textures going on than for it to have the same texture and flavor all throughout! Adding cereal actually accomplishes both of these 🙌🏼 Here are some of my favorite cereal toppers:
- Fruity Pebbles – fruity crunchy delicious is too good on this fluff!! I love pairing it with chocolate syrup and sprinkles like in these photos 😋
- Cocoa Pebbles – same as above but CHOCOLATE!! Nuff said.
- Cinnamon Toast Crunch or Golden Grahams – the crunch of these hold up well and bring a delicious cinnamon flavor.
- Oreo O’s – if you live Cookies and Cream, this topping is IT. One of my all time FAVS!
- Lucky Charms – those marshmallow bites are everything
- Rice Krispies – so fun to hear them snap crackle pop while you’re eating the fluff!
- Puffed Rice – especially if in a calorie deficit (AKA currently dieting)
FAVORITE NO BAKE DESSERTS TO TOP PROTEIN FLUFF WITH
- The BEST Healthy Chocolate Covered Cookie Dough Squares! – chop these delicious cookie dough squares up and mix them in your protein fluff. The pairing is out of this world!
- No Bake Oreo Protein Balls – my first discovery that no bake desserts were delicious on the fluff was when I added a few of my No Bake Oreo Protein Balls on top. TOTAL OREO VIBES.
- Oreo Cookie Dough Bites (Gluten Free) – this is a combination between the first two! Cookie dough AND Oreo bites all throughout!!
- NO BAKE SKINNY OREO FREEZE CUPS – Chop these up and put in your fluff and get delicious Oreo + marshmallow flavors in each bite.
- Or any of my protein cookie doughs! Cookie Dough and Protein Fluff (or any ice cream for that matter) were MADE for each other!
TIPS FOR PERFECTING CONSISTENCY
Protein fluff still very icy? Let me tell you, this isn’t how it should be! Here are some helpful tips that have helped me evolve my protein fluff from the sad icy fluff the first couple of times I experimented making to the delicious, creamy consistency now.
- Make sure you have a good, high powered blender or food processor. This is probably the most important tip of them all. When I first tried to make, I was using an old blender and no matter what I did, I could not get all the ice to crush. Invest in a good quality blender (or food processor like I did) if you don’t have one already. Trust me, it will be worth it and you will use it more than you think!
- Make sure you are using freshly made ice. Sounds weird, but if you use ice that is super frosty and has been in your ice cube tray for a while, it won’t crush as well.
- Make sure you use a high quality, whey+casein blend protein powder. Regardless of your ice and blender, if you you don’t have use a protein powder that has quality ingredients and blends well, the fluff just won’t turn out. I mean, it is the main ingredient after all!
- Also, oddly enough, I have found chocolate protein powder to not blend as well as other flavors. Not sure the reasoning behind this, but something to consider!
- Make sure the amount of each ingredient used is precise! As with any recipe, there needs to be accuracy in the amounts of each ingredients used to ensure desired consistency. This is especially true for this recipe in regards to the amount of milk and ice.
KITCHEN TOOLS USED TO MAKE PROTEIN FLUFF
- Food Processor – whether you use a food processor or a high-power blender it doesn’t matter! You will just need a device powerful enough to break all the ice up and blend into a creamy consistency. I used to have a crappy one and I could never figure out why my fluff was so icy. Spoiler alert: it was the blender! Whether you use a food processor or blender, it just needs to be large enough to hold the fluff. I am using a 7-cup food processor here.
- Mini spatulas – I use these for so much with all my baking and nightly fluff! They work great to get out all of the fluff so that you aren’t wasting a single drop 😉
CAN I MAKE THIS PROTEIN FLUFF VEGAN?
You bet. This Protein Fluff can be made vegan easily! There are just two main ingredients you need to make sure you used a plant-based version of. Those two ingredients are the protein powder and the jello pudding mix.
Like I was saying before, the protein powder is the main ingredient of this recipe. So make sure you like the smell and taste of the protein powder you use (vegan or not) for this recipe, or otherwise you’re not gonna dig the blended taste either. I don’t have much experience with plant-based protein powder’s except PEScience’s vegan line, so if you’re vegan and try this, let us know in the comments what protein powder you used!
To swap out the instant pudding mix, I recommend Simply Delish. An awesome vegan friendly pudding mix that tastes just like the real deal.🙌🏼
MORE DELICIOUS FROZEN PROTEIN DESSERTS YOU’LL LOVE
- CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE DOUGH PROTEIN ICE CREAM
- MINT OREO PROTEIN ICE CREAM
- COOKIES AND CREAM PROTEIN MILKSHAKE
- BIRTHDAY CAKE PROTEIN MILKSHAKE
- SKINNY PEPPERMINT PROTEIN MILKSHAKE (COPYCAT CHIK-FIL-A)
- CIRCUS ANIMAL COOKIES PROTEIN MILKSHAKE
WANT TO MAKE THIS RECIPE?
If you try this protein fluff and love it, please rate this recipe!
You can also tag me on Instagram, @LaurenFitFoodie. It makes my day seeing your yummy recreations!
How to make the best protein fluff
This low calorie, high volume frozen treat is a staple for many dieters and it's no wonder as to why! It's sweet and creamy - which is perfect to curve your sweet tooth - and packs lots of protein while keeping carbs and fats low. Meaning there is plenty of room left for fun and tasty toppings as well! 😉
Ingredients
- 1 scoop protein powder (30g) - see notes above regarding what kinds/flavor to use. For this recipe I used PEScience snickerdoodle
- 10g sugar free jello pudding mix - I used butterscotch
- 19 to 20 ice cubes (300g)
- 1 tsp butter extract
- 1/4 to 1/2 tsp liquid sweetener to taste
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (120 mL)
- 1/4 tsp Xanthan gum – anything more than 1/2 tsp and things will start to get weird
Instructions
- Add ice cubes to food processor or high-power blender.
- Pulse on the highest power for about 3 seconds 10 to 15 times. You will want all ice cubes to be crushed and in a snow-like consistency.
- Add in the protein powder, pudding mix, almond milk, sweetener, and butter extract.
- Blend on the lowest speed for 3-4 minutes. In this time you will see the fluff double and then triple in size.
- Stop the processor. Using a small spatula or spoon, scrape the remaining ice and ingredients from the sides into the rest of the fluff. Add in the xanthan gum at this time, if desired. Pulse again for 2-3 seconds for about 10 times or until mixture is smooth and everything is mixed in.
Notes
MFP ENTRY
Lauren Fit Foodie Protein Fluff
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
1Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 154Total Fat: 3gCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 24g
This is great, thank you! How do you save your other 3 servings? Freezer? Wasnt sure in the consistency the next day.
Hey Bonnie! Of course! It actually makes 1 serving, I am not sure how that 4 got there, but I fixed it haha definitely best eaten right out of the blender! 🙂
Hi!
The directions say to blend at the lowest speed? I just wanna make sure that’s right because most people say to blend on the highest. I’m sorry, just wanna make sure
Hey Kyla! Yes the lowest speed! I have found this to make the biggest difference in consistency! When you do it on high, the blender/food processor gets overheated, which carries over to the fluff. Keeping it on slow (for a longer period of time) keeps it nice and frozen 🙂
I made this today with the same ingredients exactly as instructed and it came out SO FREAKING GOOD!! It’s fluffy and sweet and just really hits the spot. Thank you so much. I’ll be checking out more of your recipes.
Oh I just love hearing that Stella!!! You will have to keep me updated on what else you try 😊
Hi Lauren this was great. Can I ask where you get your butter extract from? Do you order it online and have a preferred brand?
Yes I get it online! I can’t always find it at the store so it just makes it easier (and less stressful). I love both McCormick and Watkins brand and I get off amazon. If you scroll up and look under “Ingredients used,” you will see them there. If you click on the names, it takes you right to the page the ones I order. 🙂
Hi! This looks great. Question! Do you still use the butter extract if you use a different type of pudding mix, say pistachio? Or did you just use the butter extract because you used butterscotch pudding mix?
Good question! You most definitely don’t need to add the butter extract! I do love it with the snickerdoodle protein and butterscotch pudding mix, but yes – if I was doing it with pistachio I likely would not add it!
Is there a way to use less protein and still come out the same? Or should I add more of a specific ingredient?
I do adjust the amount of ingredients when I need more or less protein! I will add more of the sugar free pudding mix and less protein powder. The amount of each depends on how much protein you do want to use, but I would substitute gram for gram.
Can you make this without the extract and Xanthum Gum or will it turn out totally different?
Even without both of those it will still turn out yummy! You can always use vanilla instead of butter extract too.
Can I ask what kind of food processor you use? In the market for a better one!
Hey Nikki! I’m not sure if you saw, but I linked the one I used in the post above! I would definitely recommend getting at least a 7-cup – it makes a lot!
Thank you for sharing this recipe. What can I use instead of Xanthum Gum?
Hey Heba! There isn’t really an equal replacement for Xanthum gum as it used to thicken the recipe. Corn starch or potato starch may be able to make it more thicker. But it will still be good even if you omit all together!
Substitutes for the sugar free pudding mix? We don’t have that in Canada
I know you would be limited on flavors, but sugar free hot cocoa mix is a good sub.
You can order that on low carb websites 🙂 Like Low Carb Canada or Low Carb Grocery. I have, lots of times!
Thank you for letting us all know that Jen!
I have a nutri bullet. It’s not 7 cups tho so I’m worried about how much to make.
Maybe cut everything in half? This recipe usually leaves about an inch of room of my 7-cup processor once its done.
Can vegan protein powder be used?
I haven’t tried it personally with vegan protein but I don’t see why not!
Hello, I make this all the time but am curious why you recommend the xanthum gum at the end? Does it change the consistency? Also have you experimented with more or less liquid/ice? Thanks!
Hey Dave – in my opinion, it just tastes better when I add at the end! I find it to have more of an authentic taste (less “gummy”) that way because the xanthum gum didn’t get blended in as much.
And I have some. Sometimes I will add a bit more almond milk. But mostly I have been adding some frozen riced cauliflower in as well to make it creamier! For that I will do 250g of ice and 50g frozen riced cauliflower instead.
Hey there! For those who cannot haven’t whey, have you tried a vegan protein powder?
I use MRE Lite which is non-whey and it works well for me.
Just curious, why the pudding mix? What does that add to it?
It adds flavor, but it’s main purpose is that it helps greatly with the texture. Makes it less icy and more creamy!
Hello!
Instead of protein powder could I use yogurt or applesauce or something?
Thank you!!
Yogurt or applesauce wouldn’t really make for a great sub as there isn’t much similar between them and protein powder. For most of my baked goods, you can sub the protein for flour, but for this recipe, you kind of need the protein powder.
I havn’t been able to track down the butter extract in Canada. Any good substitutions for this?
Not even on amazon? You can sub with any extract! I will do vanilla sometimes, cake batter extract sometimes, i’ve even done almond! You don’t need it for this recipe but it does add some good flavor!
They have it on Amazon Canada but the cheapest was $26! The two brands linked above are $45 and $65 on Amazon Canada 😐 and I wasn’t able to find anything in store. I will try other flavours! Thanks!
If you have a bulk barn, they always carry it.
Could you use equal instead of the liquid sweetener? Also would I be able to use a nutri bullet or are they to OK powerful? They don’t have a slow speed
omg pes snickerdoodle cookie bowl #gamechanger
Will it work with high quality pure isolate protein powder too? Fluff bowl is goig to rival my frozen smoothie in a yeti cup eaten with an ice tea spoon (my faux peanut butter chocolate frosty) wowser this was a nice change of pace. I have been craving cool whip, this does it for sure!
I’m new to experimenting with xanthium gum, love my protein fluff! Have you tried pre making it and packing it somehow? Just curious if I can prep it and bring it to work, could I freeze it, how would the consistency hold up? I have a fridge and freezer at work, im so addicted I don’t want to miss out on my dessert! Lol
Haha! I know what you mean! I haven’t tried storing it and transporting it but as long as you kept it in the freezer and the trip to work wasn’t too long I think it would hold up well!
Delicious! I love this recipe and make it basically everyday with various toppings. 🙂
Delicious! I love this recipe and make it basically everyday with various toppings. 🙂
Let’s be real cravings can be a real pain… especially in a cut. Legit protein fluff is the solution. When I want desert I tend to eat with my eyes so I want volume and quantity! This provides that in the best way. Has volume but super macro friendly. You can play with favors as well with different protein powders and toppings. My recent obsession is Pescience snickerdoodle. Cheesecake pudding mix and Cinnamon Toast Crunch to top off off. This recipe needs to happen in EVERYONES LIFE… now… possibly tonight!! Bonus super easy to make.
Fluff is the best! Thank you for the recipe! This has certainly made me excited for a healthy dessert! And the volume is out of this world😍
This recipe is amazing! Such a large volume for great macros and then you can add any toppings you want! I’ve been eating it every night for a macro cap
This is the best, no fail recipe for protein fluff!!! I have made a few different variations, and this is GOAT.
So, thank you for sharing your recipes. P.s I bought your cookbook today! 💛
Literally just made the hubby order xantham gum from amazon so I can make this!! 😋😋
This fluff recipe is one of the best ones I’ve tried! It really is no-fail. I appreciate all the time and thought you put into your recipes, and even better…sharing them!
P.s I just bought your cookbook!
Woot woot! The Best!! Such a detailed recipe and tastes amazing!!!
Thank you so much for this! Made this today, but using these ingredients only:
– 1 1/2 tablespoons Gelatin bloomed in 1/2 cup Water for 5 minutes.
– 300 grams Ice Cubes
– 45 grams Canadian Protein All Natural Grass-Fed New Zealand Whey Protein Isolate (Stevia)
– 1 1/2 teaspoons Instant Coffee
– 10 shakes Cinnamon Powder
– 1/4 teaspoon Almond Extract
I followed the directions in your recipe, using my 14-cup Cuisinart Food Processor. I then placed it in the freezer for 1 hour and an amazing frozen top crust formed! Sooo delicious!!!
Lauren! This is so good! I made it and shared it with my husband and we both couldn’t finish our bowls! He asked for a key lime pie one. Any ideas ?!! Thanks so much for all your recipes!
Hey Kathryn! I am so happy to hear that! Oh yes!! I would use vanilla or cake pop protein powder, sugar free cheesecake pudding mix and maybe 3-4g of lime sugar free jello mix. I haven’t tried it and amounts may need to be adjusted but I think it could work! And then if you made some kind of heathy cheesecake (like my cheesecake bars into key lime ones) to put on top for some texture!😍
Or maybe lime juice (0 cal) replacing some of the almond milk?
What kind of liquid sweetener do you use?
I use liquid stevia! Like this one I order off amazon:
https://rstyle.me/cz-n/eifzkcczbff
Stevia! Like this one: https://rstyle.me/cz-n/eifzkcczbff
I have an allergy to almond milk. Could I in theory use flax protein milk or ripple pea protein milk in substitute?
Sure! Honestly, I think any milk should work. I’ve tried it with cashew, oat and normal dairy milk and they all work great.
I love love love this recipe. It’s always my go to after a hard workout, since it is super filling (at least for me) and it tastes so good! I will admit that I change a couple things, I completely leave out the extract and the sweetener, mostly because I find most protein powders already too sweet for me. I just add another 10-15 ml of almond milk to make up for the loss of liquid. And I also make only a 1/4 of the recipe at a time because I made the full recipe a couple of times and was always full before I even managed to eat half of it. I only have a high speed blender, but it still turns out super fluffy and between the texture of a ‘nice cream’ and a whipped cream which I love. I highly recommend this recipe!
I appreciate this review Doris! I agree, depending on what protein powder I use, I will sometimes leave the sweetener out. Thank you for sharing with everyone how you go about making yours! 🙂
I’m excited to try this! Although, I don’t have a food scale, so can you tell me how much sugar free pudding in terms of measurements?
I think about 1.5 tbsp!
I accidentally bought guar gum instead of xanthum gum. What is the difference?
Hey Laurie, hmmm I have never bought or used guar gum so I am not sure to be honest.
What about all the toppings shown in the picture? Do you put that on your fluff or is it for show?
I always add toppings. If you read the first part of this post, you will see where I give different topping ideas. I always switch it up depending on what I am feeling that day.
I am so pumped about this recipe ! I actually just got the sampler Pack from PEs with your promo code (thankkkk you ). I had one question …. if I cut the recipe in half do I cut the ice in half . I did a trial run with half but it was with a different type of protein and it was a bust . Definitely don’t want to waste any of the delicious PES. Thanks in advance 😉
Can’t wait to try this! Thanks for sharing!
Can’t wait too make protein fluff more!
Any ideas on how to make a S’mores version!? I’m so obsessed with s’mores and miss them so much!
Thanks!
This is so amazing. I hate casein pudding…but this is delicious. I followed the recipe to t and used cinnamon bun casein protein powder with butterscotch sugar free pudding mix. Wow!
I haven’t tried it with casein pudding before but so happy it worked for you! Cinnamon bun sounds amazing 😍
So I used Quest Choc milkshake powder with Choc Fudge SF pudding and some oreos it was sooo good and mixed perfectly. I will say i am now looking for a food processor since my blender didnt have a low speed and the fluff melted faster than I wanted, so you are spot on with that. I just got cinno toast powder/cheesecake SF pudding and cant wait to try this and my new food processor.
Hi! I am probably the millionth person to ask this so I hate to ask again…can you make this with plant based protein? I have a dairy issue and whey protein and I do not get along!
Thanks
Is the pudding mix the instant?
Ever try to make a fluff with egg white protein?
I don’t see how all those ingredients add up to only 154 calories for one serving. One package of SF pudding alone has 100 to 120 calories. The 1/2 almond milk is at least 15 calories, so those two ingredients alone total 115 to 135 calories, leaving the protein powder at only 35 to 40 calories per scoop. Please explain what I’m missing here. Thanks
You’re only using 10g of the pudding mix..
hi Lauren
Will this work with sugar free jello mixes? I picked up a whole bunch to make protein fluff, not realizing that all recipes call for pudding mixes!
Hey Humariah,
Yes, most definitely! I always use the sugar free ones 😊
Sorry just to be clear… you can use jello or pudding mix?
Sorry for the confusion. It’s always confusing when talking about Jello pudding versus Jello gelatin mix because they are both Jello (the brand) products. I haven’t tried with Jello gelatin if that is what you are referring to – just the Jello sugar free pudding mix!
Can you make ahead and freeze? Just seems like a lot of time, so I’d like to make ahead!
Can you substitute frozen fruit for the ice?