6 Protein Sources You Didn't Know You Could Add to Smoothies

Peanut butter and protein powder are common smoothie boosters, but they don't work for everyone. Whether you're dealing with food allergy, worried about additives or just tired of the same recipes, you'll have periods where you want to experiment. These ingredients are a little unconventional, but they're surprisingly compatible with fruit, vegetables and seeds--and they're affordable, too.

1. Chickpeas

Chickpeas in a smoothie might sound strange, but if you've ever tried hummus, you know that blended chickpeas aren't a new concept. This variation is just sweet instead of savory. It's surprisingly popular, too: search for "chickpea smoothie," and you'll find dozens of smoothie, shake and smoothie bowl recipes, including this one for a vegan banana bread and chickpea smoothie.

One cup of chickpeas contains 14 grams of protein, 12 grams of fiber, 80 milligrams of calcium and 78 milligrams of magnesium. They're also a good thickening agent if your smoothies are too runny. The taste is fairly bland, so if you throw them in the blender with fruits and veggies, you probably won't notice a difference.

2. Cottage Cheese

Gouda, cheddar, Parmesan and other famous cheeses are famously hard, salty and tangy. Fortunately, cottage cheese is the exact opposite. The creamy, mild flavors blend perfectly with milk, fruit and honey, offering a tasty alternative to Greek yogurt. One serving of cottage cheese contains 11 grams of protein, so grab your blender and give it a whirl.

3. Tofu

When you need an energy boost, one half-cup of firm tofu contains an impressive 21.8 grams of protein. You'll also get healthy fats, calcium, iron, manganese and vitamin A. Still, throwing blocks of jiggly tofu in the blender might seem like committing a cardinal sin of cooking. Aren't you supposed to slice it up and toss it in a stew or stir-fry?

Fortunately, tofu's mild flavor and fluffy texture makes it a surprisingly good candidate for a nutrient-packed smoothie. Fruit, seeds, maple syrup and nut butters dominate the recipe, with the tofu simply adding a subtle creaminess.

4. Oats

Oats might be crunchy and chewy in a bowl, but in a vegan smoothie, they become a hearty thickener that adds a satisfying 26 grams of protein. You'll also get 276 milligrams of magnesium, 669 milligrams of potassium and 16 grams of fiber per cup.

However, before you toss a handful of oats in your blender, take time to grind the dry oats until they become a powder. This makes them easier to blend, and it's not that different from adding protein powder to your drink. The oats provide warmth and earthiness without added sugars.

5. White Beans

White beans might sound more like a soup base than a smoothie ingredient, but their mild taste and rich, creamy texture make them suitable for sweet recipes. Fruit, yogurt, honey and maple syrup blend effortlessly into the mix, giving you a nourishing treat.

This ingredient takes a little more effort because you'll have to cook the beans first. However, you'll get 17 grams of protein, 11 grams of fiber, 202 milligrams of phosphorus and 161 milligrams of calcium per cup. If you have a bag of white beans sitting in the pantry, here's your chance to try something new.

6. Tempeh

It's a little out there, but tempeh smoothie recipes exist. Tempeh's nutty taste pairs well with earthy ingredients, such as cacao, spinach and peanut butter. One cup of tempeh offers 30 grams of protein, 184 milligrams of calcium, 4 milligrams of iron and 683 milligrams of potassium, so you'll get plenty of nutrients in a single glass.

Have you added any of these ingredients to a smoothie? If not, are you open to trying them? Let me know what you think in the comments.