The inevitable question that every vegan is asked. Whether you’re a full time vegan or doing Veganuary for the first time this year I can guarantee that you’ll be asked this question on more than one occasion.

There are plenty of plant-based sources of protein – lentils, beans, quinoa and soy to name but a few. However, smoothies are an easy and delicious way to get some extra protein in your diet. You can opt to use a protein powder or add natural high protein ingredients such as chia seeds, nuts or hemp hearts to your smoothie for a great start to the day. Here are eight vegan high protein smoothie recipes: Superfood chocolate almond avocado smoothie Recipe by Running on Real Food. Piña colada shake (Picture: Neat Nutrition) 1 cup frozen pineapple 1 scoop vanilla Neat Nutrition protein powder (whey or vegan) 400ml coconut milk 1 handful of ice Simply blitz all your ingredients together in a blender until smooth and serve – it’s as simple as that. Recipe by Neat Nutrition. Vegan protein shake By Simple Vegan Blog. Blueberry, avocado, almond milk and chia seed smoothie (Picture: BerryWorld) A punnet of blueberries 1 avocado A banana Chia seeds Almond milk Ice cubes Put a small punnet of blueberries into a blender or smoothie maker, then add half an avocado, half a banana, 1 tsp chia seeds and top up with chilled almond milk and a couple of ice cubes. Whizz until smooth. Add a little more almond milk if it’s too thick. Recipe by Berry World. Hot chocolate smoothie 400ml almond milk (or milk of your choice) 2 tbsp cocoa powder 2 tbsp oats (can use gluten free) 1 tbsp almond butter (or dairy free nut butter) 2 tbsp Hemp Protein + Flaxseed, Chia Seed, Cocoa and Beetroot Powder Combine the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Transfer to a pot and gently warm until the desired temperature, then transfer to a glass. Recipe by Plant Based Pixie for Linwoods. Green smoothie with hemp hearts Recipe by Sneaky Veg. Peanut butter cup protein shake By Running on Real Food. Warm apple and cinnamon smoothie (Picture: Jon Payne) 1 large apple (150g) 150ml almond milk (or milk of your choice) 2 tbsp oats (can use gluten free) 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon 1/2 tsp vanilla extract 2 tbsp Hemp Protein+ Flaxseed, Bio Cultures, Vitamin D & Co-Enzyme Q10 1 tsp maple syrup (optional) 150ml hot water Combine the ingredients (minus water) in a blender and blend until smooth. Transfer to a pot and add the hot water. Gently warm until the desired temperature and transfer to a glass. Recipe by Plant Based Pixie for Linwoods.