Sunflower Seed Maca Protein Smoothie

Last Updated on March 28, 2025 by Christin Gillespie

This Sunflower Seed Maca Protein Smoothie is packed with plant protein & energizing superfoods to have you fully nourishing post workout. At first sip, this creamy blend will be included in your weekly smoothie rotation!

Have you added organic sunflower seeds to your protein smoothies?! If not, be sure to put this blend on your smoothies to make list (if you don’t have one, make one)!

You see, sunflower seeds mimic that beloved nutty flavor, but in a allergy friendly form & besides the seeds, the maca powder is truly what completes this protein drink. It provides this blend with a caramel like, malt flavor to it, while being packed with incredible health benefits.

Since this protein smoothie is full of energizing ingredients, it’s practically guaranteed that you will have an extraordinary day1

Why You’ll Love This Maca Protein Smoothie Recipe

• Loaded with Superfoods: For added nutrition, without compromising the taste!
• Perfect Protein Smoothie: This Sunflower Seed Maca Protein Smoothie will have you fully satisfied, as it’s packed with over 30 grams of the plant protein.
• Fully Customizable: Feel free to change it up, or in this case, blend things up. Add your favorite nutrients to this smoothie to make it your own – I’ve listed some options further down in the post.

Maca Powder Health Benefits & Nutrition 

One of the main ingredients to make this sunflower seed protein smoothie recipe different from the rest is the organic gelatinized maca powder! If you’re new to the superfood, let me fill you in!

Maca is a Peruvian root vegetable that has a malty caramel flavor, while also having so many health benefits. It’s rich in essential minerals such as copper, iron, magnesium, potassium, & iron. Maca has also been known to boost libido, treat menopause systems, & promote hormonal balance for both men & women. 

When looking for maca powder, there are two kinds: raw and gelatinized. Raw maca has not been heated and its enzymes + nutrients are at peak levels. Raw maca powder is prone to microbial contamination and it’s harder to digest. Therefore, I suggest purchasing organic gelatinized maca powder. Gelatinized maca is heated to separate the root’s start. Even though that process alters some nutrients, it makes the powder easier to digest and assimilate.

Maca is the perfect addition to this recipe, for both flavor & health benefits. Note to self though, when adding organic gelatinized maca to your smoothies, a little goes a long way.

Ingredients

• Organic Unsweetened Non-Dairy Milk: Any non-dairy milk works, just be sure to use homemade or trusted brands – I like MALK Organics, Three Trees, or Native Forest.
• Organic Sunflower Seeds: It wouldn’t be a sunflower seed smoothie recipe without them! Be sure that they’re organic & unsalted.
• Organic Ground Flax Seeds: Organic ground flax seeds adds a great little boost of fiber & minerals.
• Organic Gelatinized Maca Powder: Truly the star of this healthy chocolate protein smoothie recipe! A tablespoon of maca powder adds a subtle caramel like flavor. Plus, it has also been known to boost libido, treat menopause systems, & promote hormonal balance for both men & women.  
• Organic Vanilla Plant Protein: Adding a scoop of protein powder helps to keep you full & satisfied longer. When selecting a protein powder brand, it’s crucial to look at the protein content & most importantly, the ingredients. Check out this Cleanest Plant-Based & Vegan Protein Powders post to learn what to look for, the best brands, as well the recommended daily protein intake.
• Organic Ceylon Cinnamon: Organic ceylon cinnamon adds the perfect touch of cozy vibes.
• Sea Salt: A healthy pinch of sea salt is rich in a ton of minerals & beautifully enhances the flavor.
• Organic Frozen Banana: It’s best to use frozen bananas to create that super thick & creamy texture. 

How To Make 

• Blend the Liquids & Powders. First, add the non-dairy milk, seeds, plant protein, maca, & spices, to a high-speed blender. Blend these ingredients until smooth.
• Blend the Frozen Ingredients. Next, add in the frozen banana. Blend until smooth & creamy. If needed, you can pause the blender, remove the lid, & scrape down the sides so that everything is fully incorporated. You may need to add a little more liquid depending on how thick/thin you like your smoothies.
• Serve. Pour into a chilled glass & enjoy!

Smoothie Add-Ins

Feel free to truly make this blend your own! Here are a few suggestions to amp-up this Sunflower Seed Maca Protein Smoothie recipe:

• Organic Hemp Seeds: To increase the amount of healthy fats, protein, omegas & minerals, add a tablespoon of organic hemp seeds.
• Organic Coconut Yogurt: Enhance the creaminess with a scoop of organic plain coconut yogurt. 
• Organic Greens: You can get your greens in too in this chocolate coconut smoothie. They blend easily & you can’t taste them that much. Plus, greens are packed with so many minerals, vitamins, & antioxidants. Spinach, kale, swiss chard, mustard greens, collard greens, or mixed greens all work. 

Tips for Making the Perfect Smoothie

Interested in how to make the absolute perfect maca protein smoothie? As someone who makes smoothies daily, here are my TOP tips:

1. Use Frozen Fruit: Adding a frozen to this smoothie is the only way to go! The ice from the frozen fruits adds thickness to the smoothie.
2. Adjust Liquid Amount: If you find that your smoothie is too thick to blend, not to worry! Just add a bit more liquid, blend, open the cover, scrape down the sides if needed, & blend again. When possible, always use a larger high-speed blender instead, as it will blend the ingredients much better.
3. How To Make: Add your liquid first & blend your powders first, before adding your frozen ingredients. This is my personal favorite way of preparing my smoothies. By blending the liquid & powders first, it ensures that your powders blend completely.
4. Smoothie Blending Tip: Start your blender on low to medium speed. If you blend the smoothie too quickly from the beginning, it’s really hard for the blender to properly blend the frozen ingredients – so start lower & then gradually increase the speed.
5. Chill Your Glass: There’s nothing better than a cold smoothie or in this case, a maca milkshake! Put your serving glass in the fridge or freezer while you’re making your blend to ensure a chilled smoothie at every sip.

Smoothie FAQ’s

Do I have to use a frozen banana?

The frozen banana provides a thick & creamy consistency. If using a fresh banana, be sure to add a handful of ice cubes to achieve a cold smoothie. However, if you’re looking to remove the banana altogether, because you’re allergic or simply don’t like them, you can replace it with ½ cup of frozen organic zucchini, ½ cup of frozen organic cauliflower, ½ cup of frozen organic coconut meat, or ½ cup of frozen organic avocado chunks. If you elect to make this a banana-free smoothie, I recommend adding 1 organic pitted medjool date or 2 teaspoons of manuka honey, to maintain its sweetness.

Is it healthy to have a smoothie?

Duh! I wouldn’t post something that was unhealthy. Having a smoothie full of protein, healthy fats, & superfoods, for a post workout breakfast is great, because you’ll be getting essential vitamins, nutrients, & protein, first thing. However, some smoothies on the market or on the web can be loaded with tons of fruit, added sugar, & nonsense, making them a less healthy option. 

What is the best protein powder to use?

I used an organic vanilla plant protein powder for this sunflower seed smoothie recipe. When selecting a protein powder brand, it’s crucial to look at the protein content & most importantly, the ingredients. Check out this Cleanest Plant-Based & Vegan Protein Powders post to learn what to look for, the best brands, as well the recommended daily protein intake.

How can I add protein without using protein powder?

If you don’t have vanilla protein powder on hand, no worries! To amp-up the protein content, you can add a tablespoon extra of organic hemp seeds, without changing the taste too much.

Can I make this protein smoothie recipe in advance?

Yes! Feel free to make this Sunflower Seed Maca Protein Smoothie recipe as is or double it for later. Check out this How to Prepare Smoothies in Advance post to achieve the best results.

More Protein Smoothie Recipes You’ll Love

• Vanilla Superfood Protein Smoothie
• Chocolate Sunflower Seed Butter Yogurt Smoothie
• Chocolate Maca Protein Smoothie
• Chocolate Sunflower Seed Butter Smoothie
• Chocolate Superfood Protein Smoothie

Sharing Is Caring!

If you make this Sunflower Seed Maca Protein Smoothie recipe please leave a review & rating below. I love hearing from you & it helps others learn more about the blog as well. Be sure to follow along on Pinterest, Instagram, & TikTok for even more healthy content!

Xoxo.

CMG.

Print