Smoothie King Gladiator Strawberry Recipe

Want to whip up the Smoothie King Gladiator Strawberry at home? This homemade copycat recipe uses easy ingredients you can pick up anywhere and still packs the same 45 g of protein with almost no sugar or carbs. It’s simple, creamy, and saves you cash every single blend.

How I Figured Out This Recipe

The first time I tried to copy this smoothie, it tasted fine but felt thin—more like strawberry milk than a shake. I knew the real Gladiator lets you start with its strawberry protein and then choose two extras, so nailing the thick texture without adding sugar was my mission.

My light-bulb moment came when I swapped plain water for a splash of unsweetened almond milk and added a pinch of xanthan gum. The almond milk keeps carbs low, and the gum traps air to make the smoothie spoon-thick. One sip later—boom!—it felt just like Smoothie King handed it to me.

Gladiator Strawberry Ingredients

2 scoops strawberry protein powder (about 45 g protein): this is the heart of the Gladiator blend.
1 cup unsweetened almond milk: keeps it creamy and low-carb.
½ cup frozen strawberries: boosts the fresh berry flavor.
¼ cup frozen pineapple chunks: adds natural sweetness without sugar.
½ cup ice: chills and thickens the drink.
Optional pinch xanthan gum: my secret for milkshake thickness.

How to Make Smoothie King Gladiator Strawberry (Copycat)

1. Pour the base: Add almond milk to your blender first.
2. Load the flavor: Toss in strawberries, pineapple, and the two scoops of strawberry protein.
3. Chill it down: Add the ice and sprinkle the xanthan gum on top.
4. Blend until velvety: Start low, ramp to high, and let it spin 30-40 seconds until perfectly smooth.
5. Taste and fix: Too thick? Splash in more almond milk. Want it sweeter? Drop in three extra berries.

Why This Tastes Like the Smoothie King Version

• Strawberry Gladiator protein delivers the same sweet berry punch with 45 g of muscle-feeding protein.
• Almond milk and xanthan gum copy the creamy, spoon-thick texture without piling on carbs.
• Real frozen fruit mirrors the “choose two” bar at the shop, so the flavor stays bright and fresh.
• Zero added sugar keeps the macros in check, just like the store blend.

Easy Tips and Swaps

• Vegan switch: Use a plant-based strawberry protein.
• Lower carb: Swap pineapple for frozen cauliflower rice—you won’t taste it.
• More fiber: Blend in a tablespoon of chia seeds.
• Extra protein: Add a third scoop for about 65 g total.

How to Store Your Smoothie

• In the Fridge: Pour leftovers into a sealed jar and chill up to 24 hours. Shake hard before drinking—protein can settle.
• In the Freezer: Freeze the smoothie in an ice-cube tray. When ready, toss the cubes in your blender with ¼ cup almond milk for an instant thick treat.

Nutrition Info (Per Serving – about 20 oz)

• Calories: 220
• Protein: 45 g
• Carbs: 3 g (1 g sugar)
• Fat: 3 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Added Sugar: 0 g

FAQs

• Is the Gladiator Strawberry smoothie keto-friendly?
• Yes. At roughly 3 g net carbs and zero added sugar, it fits most keto macros.
• Can I use water instead of almond milk?
• You can, but the smoothie will taste lighter and the texture won’t be as creamy. If you must, start with ¾ cup water and adjust.
• Does Smoothie King really let you pick two extras?
• Yep! The original Gladiator starts with flavored protein and lets you add two fruits, veggies, or nuts.
• Can I buy the exact Gladiator Strawberry protein powder?
• Smoothie King occasionally sells their Gladiator tubs in-store. If you can’t find it, a quality strawberry whey isolate works fine.

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