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This High-Protein Orange Julius Smoothie is a delicious copycat that tastes just like the original, maybe even better. Who doesn’t love the classic Orange Julius from DQ? It’s creamy, citrusy, and so refreshing. I grew up sipping on the original Orange Julius, and this copycat version brings all that nostalgia with a healthy, protein-packed twist.
Whether you’re looking for a bright start to your day, a post-workout boost, or a wholesome treat, this healthy Orange Julius recipe delivers all the classic flavors with a nourishing upgrade. It’s easy to make, perfectly balanced, and sure to become your new go-to orange drink because sometimes, the best things get even better.
For other delicious high-protein drinks, try our green protein smoothie, protein coffee recipe, and high-protein hot chocolate!
Table of Contents
- Why You Will Love This Healthy Orange Julius Smoothie
- What Is An Orange Julius Smoothie?
- Ingredients Needed
- Substitutions & Variations
- How To Make A High-Protein Orange Julius Smoothie
- Expert Tips
- Storage Instructions
- Frequently Asked Questions
- More High-Protein Recipes To Try!
- HIGH-PROTEIN ORANGE JULIUS SMOOTHIE Recipe
Why You Will Love This Healthy Orange Julius Smoothie
- High-Protein: This Orange Julius smoothie is packed with protein from the vanilla protein powder.
- Easy: Just blend all the ingredients and enjoy! This smoothie is ready in minutes!
- Simple Ingredients: You only need five simple ingredients to make this recipe!
- Healthy: It’s a healthier option that’s sweetened with orange juice and vanilla protein powder. Plus, there’s no dairy or unnecessary additives.
- Vegan: We used almond milk and vegan protein powder to make this recipe dairy-free and vegan!
- Viral: We have put our spin on the viral TikTok recipe and made it better.
What Is An Orange Julius Smoothie?
An Orange Julius is a creamy and frothy orange-vanilla smoothie made famous by Dairy Queen. Our version is lightened up while keeping all the classic flavors you love! It’s a healthy alternative that’s vegan and high-protein!
Ingredients Needed
- Orange Juice: Provides the classic, citrusy flavor.
- Almond Milk: The creamy base of the smoothie. We used almond milk, but you can use any milk you prefer.
- Vanilla Protein Powder: Adds protein and sweetness.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla extract for flavor.
- Ice Cubes: The ice cubes help create a cold, frothy, and refreshing texture.
Find the full measurements in the recipe card below.
Substitutions & Variations
- Vegan Option: To ensure your smoothie is vegan, use almond milk or your dairy-free milk of choice. Also, use a vegan vanilla protein powder.
- Milk Options: We love the flavor that unsweetened vanilla almond milk adds to this smoothie. However, any milk will work for this recipe. Some other options are oat milk, cashew milk, 2% milk, 1% milk, and non-fat milk.
- Orange Juice To Use: For the freshest flavor, use freshly squeezed orange juice. However, to save time, store-bought orange juice also works.
- Protein Powder Options: Use your favorite vanilla protein powder that you like the flavor of. You will need one scoop of protein powder, which is about 2 tablespoons.
- Banana Orange Julius: Add half a frozen banana for extra creaminess and a hint of banana flavor. It also makes the smoothie naturally sweeter!
- Pineapple Orange Julius: Blend in 1/4 to 1/2 cup of frozen pineapple chunks for a burst of tropical flavor. It pairs perfectly with the orange and vanilla flavors in the smoothie.
- Coconut Orange Julius: Swap the almond milk for light coconut milk for a creamy, tropical flavor that pairs well with the orange and vanilla.
- Make Popsicles: You can pour the smoothie mixture into popsicle molds and freeze for 4-6 hours or overnight to make creamy and refreshing Orange Julius popsicles! Or, try our fruit popsicles recipe and mango popsicles recipe!
- Ninja Creami: You can turn this smoothie into Ninja Creami protein ice cream! Freeze the mixture in a Ninja Creami pint container and use the Ninja Creami machine to turn it into protein ice cream. Or, try our strawberry Ninja Creami protein ice cream recipe, Cherry Garcia protein ice cream, or chocolate peanut butter protein ice cream.
How To Make A High-Protein Orange Julius Smoothie
Step 1: Add the ice cubes, orange juice, almond milk, vanilla protein powder, and vanilla extract to a blender.
Step 2: Thoroughly blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Pour the smoothie into a glass and enjoy!
Expert Tips
- Add Ice Cubes: Ice cubes are essential for achieving the classic frothy texture and for making the smoothie refreshingly cold, just like a true Orange Julius should be.
- Freeze The Orange Juice: Don’t want to use ice? Freeze the 6 ounces of orange juice in an ice cube tray overnight! Then, add the frozen orange juice cubes to the blender, no need to add ice.
- Thoroughly Blend: Make sure to blend the ingredients in a high-powered blender until smooth and creamy.
- Adjust Sweetness: Depending on your orange juice and protein powder, you may want to add a touch of maple syrup or your sweetener of choice.
Storage Instructions
This high-protein Orange Julius smoothie is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to one day. Stir or shake before drinking it, as separation may occur.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Orange Julius Smoothies Healthy?
Classic Orange Julius smoothies are typically high in added sugar. Our copycat version is a healthier alternative that’s made with simple ingredients and packed with protein from the vanilla protein powder.
Is This Orange Julius Smoothie Gluten-Free?
Yes, this homemade copycat Orange Julius smoothie recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use a gluten-free vanilla protein powder.
More High-Protein Recipes To Try!
- High-Protein Strawberry Mousse
- Protein Cheesecake
- High-Protein Hot Chocolate
- Protein Coffee Recipe
- Viral Cottage Cheese Ice Cream
Also, don’t miss our collection of drink recipes here on Healthy Foodie Girl!
If you try this recipe please be sure to leave us a comment and star rating ★★★★★ letting us know how it turns out for you.
HIGH-PROTEIN ORANGE JULIUS SMOOTHIE
Ingredients
- 1 cup ice cubes
- 6 ounces orange juice
- 1/2 cup almond milk or milk of choice
- 1 scoop of vanilla protein powder, (about 2 tablespoons)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Add the ice cubes, orange juice, almond milk, vanilla protein powder, and vanilla extract to a blender.
- Thoroughly blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Pour the Orange Julius smoothie into a glass and enjoy!
Video
Notes
- Milk Options: We love the flavor that unsweetened vanilla almond milk adds to this smoothie. However, any milk will work for this recipe. Some other options are oat milk, cashew milk, 2% milk, 1% milk, and non-fat milk.
- Vegan Option: To ensure your smoothie is vegan, use almond milk or your dairy-free milk of choice. Also, use a vegan vanilla protein powder.
- Orange Juice To Use: For the freshest flavor, use freshly squeezed orange juice. However, to save time, store-bought orange juice also works.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This high-protein orange Julius Smoothie is a healthy twist on the viral TikTok favorite and the classic DQ drink! Creamy, citrusy, and packed with protein. It’s everything you love, with feel-good ingredients.