The answer is that it’s easier than you think. Whey protein is based on milk and can be treated as a basic ingredient in your stock cupboard – much like flour. It will go well in both cold and hot dishes (its healthy nutrients are not damaged by heating) – and both in savoury and sweet cooking. We’ve put together a handful of tips to help you get started.
Baked goods
Whey protein does well in most baked goods. Try adding it to your pancakes, muffins or waffles. It’s an amazingly easy way to turn your favourite sweet foods into something healthy. And why not try adding whey protein next time you bake bread. White flour is quite low in protein, and by adding whey powder, you add that extra nutritional dimension of protein and increase its nutritional value.
Keep an Eye on the Clock
Adding whey protein to your baked goods may affect the baking time. So keep an extra eye on your lovely breads and cakes when you try out a new recipe.
Shake It Up, Baby
Whey protein may sometimes leave small lumps if not mixed properly with other ingredients. Remember to always whisk it thoroughly. A good tip is to shake the whey in a shaker bottle with a little liquid before adding it to your mixture. That will leave it nice and smooth.
Don’t Forget Texture
Protein can make your food feel a bit dry or heavy. So be sure to add enough liquid to maintain a good texture. The obvious choice here is to add a splash of water or milk. But also a mashed banana or a couple of mashed, boiled potatoes will help keep your dishes moist.
Naturally moist foods
You can often get a great result when adding whey protein to foods that are naturally moist. Smoothies are a no-brainer, and the whey will usually add a lovely creaminess to the texture. But also foods like vegetable soups and omelettes can take a scoop of whey. Just remember that since whey protein is based on milk, it will make the dish look white. So for aesthetic reasons we would not recommend it in clear soups.
Neutral or With Added Flavour?
In sweet baked goods, vanilla or chocolate flavoured whey protein will often add a great dimension to the taste. But when it comes to savoury, neutral-tasting whey protein is usually the safe choice. Since not all supermarkets stock that, sometimes you may have to get creative. But you’ll be surprised at how often you can use vanilla flavoured whey with good results.
Don’t Use Too Much
It’s easy to get excited about the possibilities of increasing the nutritional quality of your cooking. But don’t overdo it. Whey protein does not act like flour, and if you add too much, your meals can end up dry and heavy.
Be Creative
Don’t be afraid to experiment. As a rule of thumb, you can use whey in lots of dishes where you can imagine adding a splash of milk.
Can You Cook With Whey Protein Powder?
Yes, you can cook with whey protein powder. Whey protein can be considered a staple pantry item – similar to flour. It’s versatile enough to be used in both hot and cold dishes. Whether you’re preparing savoury or sweet recipes, whey protein blends in seamlessly.
Can You Bake With Whey Protein Powder?
Yes, you can bake with whey protein powder by mixing it into bread recipes. Since white flour is naturally low in protein, adding whey protein powder is a great way to boost the bread’s nutritional value.
It even works great in a variety of baked goods like pancakes, waffles, and muffins, making it a simple way to boost the protein content of your favourite treats.
Can You Heat Whey Protein Powder?
Yes, you can heat whey protein powder, as heating up whey protein does not destroy its beneficial nutrients.
Can You Add Whey Protein to Soup?
Yes, you can add whey protein to soup – especially thicker soups like vegetable soups where it blends in well. Just keep in mind that because whey protein is milk-based, it can give the soup a whitish appearance. For that reason, it’s best to avoid adding it to clear soups if you’re concerned about how the dish looks.
Can You Add Whey Protein to Pancake Mix?
Yes, you can add whey protein to pancake mix. It’s a simple and effective way to boost the nutritional value of your pancakes. In fact, whey protein works well in most baked goods, making it easy to turn your favourite sweet treats into a healthier option.