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Ninja Creami protein ice cream is the healthy dessert hack you didn’t know you needed. Using a simple bottled Fairlife shake + instant pudding mix, you can freeze and spin a single pint in your Ninja Creami machine and get a scoopable, ultra-creamy dessert that delivers 30 grams (or more) of protein while satisfying your sweet tooth. Whether you’re tracking macros, craving something indulgent after a workout, or just love ice cream. This recipe is for you!

ninja creami protein ice cream in a bowl

Recipe updated (2025):
I recently retested this recipe to help troubleshoot the most common issues readers were having and to include clearer step-by-step guidance. The method and tips have been refined so you can get that perfect creamy Ninja Creami texture every time, even if itโ€™s your first spin!

Why you need this recipe

  • Eat the whole pint and still stay aligned with your nutritional goals.
  • Delivers 30 g+ protein per batch thanks to the Fairline-based base.
  • Lets you satisfy your sweet tooth and stay on plan, no compromise.
  • A flexible base: switch flavors, mix-ins, and macros to fit your goals.
  • Uses the Ninja Creami machine to give you that real ice cream texture, no churning required.

Let’s Chit Chat!

I first shared this recipe when the Ninja Creami craze was a relatively new one and the idea of “protein ice cream” felt very niche. Since then, I’ve kept a pint in my freezer for those evenings when a regular ice cream just won’t align with my goals. I’ve even brought a batch to the gym and had a serious conversation about it, “Wait, that’s protein?!!”. The fact you’re here tells me you’re ready for a dessert that fits taste and fitness. Let’s get you there!

Ingredient Notes

Here is what you will need. Exact measurements are in the recipe card below:

  • Bottled protein shake (Fairlife chocolate or vanilla) โ€“ I prefer this for convenience, great flavor, and smooth texture.
  • Instant pudding mix โ€“ adds that rich, dessert-style body and keeps the texture creamy instead of icy.
  • Milk or milk substitute โ€“ a splash added during spin helps achieve that premium consistency.
  • Mix-ins (optional) โ€“ chocolate chips, cookie dough, nuts, whatever your heart wants.

How to Make Ninja Creami Protein Ice Cream Step-by-Step

This is how you can make this delicious chocolate ice cream. Make sure to scroll down to the recipe card for the full detailed instructions! 

  1. Prep the base: Pour the bottled shake into the Ninja Creami pint container up to the fill line; add instant pudding mix and stir until smooth.
  2. Freeze: Cover and freeze for 24 hours on a level surface (not just 12 hrs!).
  3. First spin: Place the pint into the outer bowl of your Ninja Creami machine, lock the lid, and run the Lite Ice Cream setting.
  4. Re-spin for creaminess: If the texture is crumbly, add 2โ€“3 tbsp milk (or extra protein shake) and run the Re-Spin setting.
  5. Add mix-ins: Create a small well in the center, add your mix-ins, and run the Mix-Ins setting to incorporate.
  6. Serve & enjoy: Scoop immediately or refreeze the pint for later.

Each pint makes ~300-150 calories, 30-36 g protein, ~6-8 g sugar (before mix-ins), ~10-12 g fat, ~25-30 g carbs.

Pro tips for best textures & results

  • Freeze for a full 24 hours; a shorter freeze can lead to icy bits.
  • Don’t skip the Re-spin step if your first spin comes out crumbly.
  • Use a bottled shake base for ease, flavor, and smoother consistency.
  • Stick to the fill line of your pint container; overfilling causes messes.
  • Get creative with mix-ins, try swirl-in peanut butter, chopped Oreos, or fresh berries.

Why does this base turn into a real ice-cream texture? The bottled shake gives a creamy dairy base, the instant pudding mix acts as a stabilizer so you donโ€™t get icy bits, and using the lite-spin + re-spin settings on the machine forces that โ€˜soft scoopโ€™ consistency. Over-filled pints or short freezing times = crumbly or icy texture.

Troubleshooting:

  • Machine mess or splatter? Fill at line, lock lid properly, scrape sides between spins.
  • Ice crystals forming? Freeze full 24 hrs, use light-pan, donโ€™t overfill.
  • Too soft or melt-fast? Freeze full 24 hrs, use lite-spin then re-spin.

Seasonal Flavors & Variations

  • Vanilla protein ice cream: Use a vanilla shake, vanilla pudding mix, and add vanilla bean paste.
  • PB & J protein ice cream: Use vanilla shake, 2 tbsp powdered peanut butter, swirl in real jam as mix-ins.
  • Mocha Protein Ice cream: Use chocolate shake, 1 tbsp espresso powder, and chocolate chips.
  • Fruit & yogurt version: Use a strawberry shake, blend in fresh berries, and mix in a dollop of Greek yogurt for tang.
ninja creami protein ice cream in  a bowl

Frequently asked questions about Ninja Creami Protein Ice Cream- FAQ

Yes! You can substitute ~14 oz milk + 1 scoop protein powder + 1 tbsp pudding mix. Freeze 24 hrs and spin accordingly. Or you can use this protein powder Ninja Creami recipe, or you can also try this cottage cheese Ninja Creami Ice cream recipe!

Why is my ice cream crumbly?

It’s normal on the first spin. Use the Re-Spin setting (sometimes twice) after adding 2 tbsp extra liquid.

What mix-ins work best in this Ninja Creami Protein Ice Cream?

Use whatever you enjoy, but for the best result, texture, add mix-ins after the first spin, and run the mix-ins setting. Some ideas are: smooth or crunchy peanut butter, chocolate chips, hot fudge sauce, caramel sauce, Oreo pieces, cookie dough chunks, chocolate sprinkles, mini marshmallows, toasted coconuts, or even Reese’s peanut butter cups!

How long can I store leftovers?

Keep the pint sealed in the freezer for up to 1 week. For best scoopability, let it soften 3-5 minutes before serving.

Is this really better than regular ice cream?

If your goal is protein + lowered sugar + ice-cream texture, yes! It’s feels indulgent but supports your goals ๐Ÿ™‚

spoon scooping out ninja creami protein ice cream
ninja creami protein ice cream in a bowl
5 from 8 votes

Ninja Creami Protein Ice Cream Recipe

This delicious protein ice cream is made with a protein shake that was frozen and rebounded in the Ninja Creami machine. So delicious and so good for you!
Prep: 5 minutes
Total: 1 day 5 minutes
Servings: 1 servings
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Ingredients 
 

  • 1 bottle Fairlife protein
  • favorite mix-ins
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla or chocolate instant pudding mix optional but adds creaminess

Instructions 

  • In your ninja creami pint container add the fair life protein shake. Add about 1 & 1/3 bottle in full pint and only 1 protein shake bottle for the smaller size ninja creami. Just make sure that you are following the max life.
    1 bottle Fairlife protein
  • Mix in the instant pudding with a hand held frother to combine.
    1 tablespoon vanilla or chocolate instant pudding mix
  • Close the container with a lid and freeze on a flat surface for 24 hours.
  • Once you are ready for your ice cream place the pint container in the outer bowl of the device, top with the outer bowl lid and lock in your machine.
  • Press the lite ice cream function in your machine and allow it to blend the ice cream.
  • If the ice cream appears to be crumbly you you can add 1-2 tablespoon of milk or fair life protein shake and spin it again. Feel free to respin it as necessary to reach your desired consistency. Enjoy as is or add in some mix-ins, resin and enjoy.
    favorite mix-ins

Nutrition

Calories: 305Calories | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 36g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 64mg | Sodium: 190mg | Potassium: 741mg | Sugar: 24g | Vitamin A: 799IU | Calcium: 610mg | Iron: 0.2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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If you enjoyed this high protein Ninja Creami chocolate ice cream recipe make sure to pin it for later!

About Chahinez Tabet Aoul

Chahinez Tabet Aoul is the recipe developer, photographer, and writer behind Lifestyle of a Foodie and Simple Copycat Recipes. Based in Las Vegas, Nevada, Chahinez is known for creating approachable, high-reward recipes that feel like they came straight from your favorite restaurant. Only easier, more fun, and made right a thome!

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5 from 8 votes (8 ratings without comment)

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