When it comes to preparing and consuming powdered drinks like protein shakes or matcha tea, the order in which you add the ingredients can actually make a difference in the final product. So should you add the liquid or powder first? Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of each method.
Adding Powder First
Adding your protein powder or matcha to your shaker bottle or cup first does have some benefits:
- It ensures the powder gets evenly distributed and doesn’t clump up when the liquid is added.
- Adding liquid second helps the powder incorporate fully and dissolve without lumps.
- You can see how much powder you’ve added and whether you need to adjust the amount before adding the liquid.
However, there are a few downsides to adding powder first:
- It can be messy and create powder clouds. The powder is very lightweight when dry and can easily poof up into the air.
- If you don’t add the liquid carefully and steadily, the powder can get stuck on the sides of your shaker or cup.
- It may take more shaking or stirring to fully combine if the powder adheres to the bottom or sides before mixing.
Adding Liquid First
On the other hand, starting with your liquid has some advantages too:
- No powder clouds! You avoid that poof of powder into the air.
- Minimizes mess since the powder has less distance to fall.
- Pouring the powder into liquid is smoother and less likely to spill.
- The liquid starts breaking down the powder right away for faster mixing.
There are a few potential cons to adding liquid first as well:
- It can be harder to gauge how much powder to add to reach your desired concentration.
- Powder may not incorporate as easily and small clumps can form.
- The powder may stick to the bottom rather than mixing throughout.
Best Practices for Mixing Powdered Drinks
While the order you add your ingredients does matter, there are some best practices you can follow to optimize the mixing process regardless of which method you choose:
- Use a blender bottle or cup with a tight lid and mixer ball to help incorporate powder smoothly.
- Start with one ingredient and add the other gradually while continuously mixing.
- Powder first: tilt shaker to aide powder in falling directly into liquid. Liquid first: aim pouring stream of powder directly into liquid to avoid sides.
- Mix vigorously immediately after adding second ingredient to fully incorporate.
- Let sit for 1-2 minutes and then remix to break up any clumps.
- Add any additional ingredients like fruit, nut butters, etc after initial powder and liquid are fully blended.
When to Add Powder vs Liquid First
Taking the pros and cons into account, here are some guidelines on when to add powder first vs liquid first:
| Add Powder First | Add Liquid First |
|---|---|
| Using a single-serve packet where powder amount is pre-measured | Making a full blender bottle or large batch |
| Powder is very fine like matcha or stirred easily like whey protein | Powder is dense or clump-prone like plant proteins or cocoa powder |
| Using a cup and want to avoid spillover | Using a tall narrow bottle where powder falls directly into liquid |
| Only mixing powder and water | Adding ingredients like nut butter, fruit, greens, etc |
As a general rule, start with powder if using single servings or mixing just powder and water. Start with liquid when making larger batches or adding other ingredients.
Comparing Mixability of Different Protein Powders
The solubility and mixability of protein powders can vary based on source. Here is how some common types compare:
| Protein Type | Mixability |
|---|---|
| Whey protein | Excellent, mixes smoothly with minimal effort |
| Casein protein | Good, blends easily but thicker than whey |
| Egg protein | Fair, light and fluffy but can foam and froth |
| Plant proteins (pea, soy, etc) | Poor, often clumpy and gritty, requires extra mixing |
Whey protein is very soluble and incorporates easily into liquids with just simple shaking. Casein, egg, and plant-based proteins require a bit more effort to blend smoothly. So make sure to use a shaker bottle and allow time for mixes with these types to fully dissolve.
Tips for Mixing Matcha Green Tea Powder
Matcha green tea powder also has some unique mixing considerations. Here are a few tips for the best matcha experience:
- Sift the powder first to break up any clumps for smoother mixing.
- Use hot but not boiling water around 160-180 F for best flavor and mixability.
- Add powder first to ensure it dissolves fully and doesn’t stick to sides or bottom.
- Use a whisk or electric frother to mix for a creamy frothy consistency.
- Avoid vigorous shaking which can cause bitterness and foam.
Due to its fine texture, matcha does best when added to liquid first. The heat helps dissolve it fully while gentle mixing prevents bitterness.
Conclusion
While both methods offer pros and cons, the characteristics of your specific powder and mixing vessel should dictate which order works best. For single servings, start with powder first and tilt to pour liquid in slowly. For large batches, liquid first can help everything incorporate evenly. Just be sure to always mix vigorously and check for clumps. Allowing time for the powder to fully hydrate is also key for a smooth, lump-free drink, regardless of mixing order. Follow these best practices and your powdered drinks will mix up perfectly every time.