I never thought I'd become a plant-based protein powder convert, but I've been making and ordering vegan smoothies since early in the year and I love 'em. My dietitian had me switch because plant-based protein powders are easier to digest, and since we were "detoxing" so to speak, it is dairy free. 

There are a few brands I've been buying regularly, and one of them is Nutrition53's Vegan1 smoothie mix. It gives you 20 grams of plant-based protein from peas, potatoes, and chlorella, but it's more than just a protein powder, as it has 10 fruits and vegetables such as broccoli, spinach, carrots, and apricots, as well as 22 vitamins and minerals, 7 grams of dietary fiber, probiotics, and enzymes. It does have 6 grams of sugar from organic cane sugar and it's not gritty or "pea soupy" at all.

Nutrition53 sent me a sampler package with all the Vegan1 flavors, which was great because until now I've only tried the vanilla. In addition to vanilla, there's chocolate, banana and chai.

It's one of the few protein powders that can make a decent smoothie with just water, but I pretty much never do that. 

Here's a smoothie that I've been enjoying the past few mornings. I had gotten some Aiya Matcha to Go green tea packets that are great for adding to smoothies, and the combination of matcha and chai is so perfectly Zen for the morning. You can use whatever milk substitute floats your boat -- I used unsweetened coconut milk, which made the smoothie extra creamy.

Green Tea Chai Smoothie

• 1 cup unsweetened coconut milk (or your favorite "alt milk")
• 1 packet Nutrition53 Vegan1 Chai protein shake mix (or 2 scoops if you buy it in the big container)
• 1 packet Aiya Matcha to Go (or 4 grams of matcha green tea powder)
• 1 tablespoon ground flax seed
• 1/2 frozen banana
• 1/2 cup crushed ice

Blend and enjoy!

Nutrition53 sent me a variety of smoothie mixes. No other compensation was given. All opinions are my own and delicious.