How To Make A High Protein Root Beer Float Recipe

The nostalgic flavors of a classic root beer float are hard to beat. There’s just something about creamy vanilla ice cream swirling into bold, earthy-sweet root beer that brings you right back. But what if you could enjoy that same classic treat with a boost of protein, and even fiber, while still keeping it fun?

This protein root beer float has all the flavor you love, with extra nutrition to keep you satisfied. Each sip delivers that frothy, creamy goodness while helping you hit your protein goals. And if you’re in the mood for a grown-up twist, I’ll also share how to turn this into an adult root beer float for the perfect summer night treat.

Three reasons why I Love This Recipe

1. High in Protein, Still Feels Like a Treat
   This float takes a nostalgic classic and gives it a nutritious upgrade. It’s creamy, satisfying, and delivers a solid protein boost—without sacrificing that indulgent soda-fountain feel.

2. Perfect for Post-Workout or Sweet Snack Cravings
   It’s a fun way to rehydrate and refuel after a workout, or to enjoy a sweet treat that actually supports your goals. Light, refreshing, and balanced.

3. Totally Customizable
   You can switch things up with different ice cream flavors or soda varieties. Try chocolate ice cream with cola, or add toppings like cinnamon, whipped cream, or a drizzle of protein sauce.

Tools Needed

• Ninja Creami

• Creami-compatible pint container

• Milk frother (for blending ice cream base)

• Tall glass

• Spoon or straw (optional for stirring)

Ingredients For This Root Beer Float

For the Protein Ice Cream (Makes 1 Pint)

• 1 cup Fairlife Vanilla Protein Milk (26g protein)

• 1 tablespoon instant vanilla pudding mix

• 2 tablespoons half-and-half (added after freezing)

• Optional: For more vanilla flavor add 1/2 tsp vanilla bean paste for vanilla bean ice cream.

For the Float (Single Serving)

• 1 cup root beer (Olipop or your favorite brand of root beer)

• 1 scoop protein ice cream

• Optional toppings: whipped cream, cinnamon, protein drizzle

Instructions

Make the Protein Ice Cream

1. Blend the Base
   In a Creami pint container, combine Fairlife milk and vanilla pudding mix. Use a milk frother to blend until smooth and well combined.

2. Freeze
   Freeze the container for at least 24 hours until solid.

3. Spin the Ice Cream
   Remove from freezer and let sit for a few minutes if too hard. Place in the Ninja Creami and use the Lite Ice Cream function.

4. Add Half-and-Half
   After the first spin, add 2 tablespoons of half-and-half to the pint and re-spin. Repeat once if needed for a creamier texture.

Assemble the Root Beer Float

1. Prep the Glass
   Slowly pour 1 cup of root beer into a tall glass, leaving room for the ice cream. Go slow to prevent overflow.

2. Add the Ice Cream
   Add 2-3 scoops of vanilla ice cream from your freshly spun protein ice cream to the bottom of the glass. Then pour 1 cup of root beer. Let it foam naturally.

3. Serve & Enjoy
   Enjoy as-is for a classic float feel, or give it a gentle stir if you prefer it blended. To the top of the glass add whipped cream, a single maraschino cherry, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce if desired.

Make It an Adult Root Beer Float

Want to turn your float into a fun, grown-up treat? You’ve got two great options:

Add a splash of vanilla vodka for a spiked soda-shop feel. It’s simple, smooth, and keeps the root beer vibe going strong.

Or swap the soda for stout beer, my personal favorite is Guinness. Back when I was waitressing, my shift drink was always a Guinness float. There’s something about the way that rich, malty beer blends with creamy vanilla ice cream that’s just unbeatable. It’s basically dessert and happy hour in one glass.

Either way, the protein ice cream still holds its own, giving you a treat that feels indulgent and satisfying. Perfect for backyard BBQs, warm summer nights, or anytime you want something nostalgic with a grown-up twist.

More Variations and Customizations

This float is easy to make your own. Try using different root beer brands for subtle flavor shifts, or swap in a flavored soda like orange or cherry for something totally new. Fiber Coke is a great alternative if you’re looking to add a little extra fiber and support gut health. You can also change up the ice cream, vanilla, caramel, or chocolate protein ice cream all bring their own unique spin and pair deliciously with fizzy soda.

When to Enjoy This Recipe

This protein root beer float is perfect on a hot summer day when you want something cold, creamy, and refreshing. It’s a fun twist on a classic drink that’s great for summer parties, serve it in tall glasses and let everyone customize their own with toppings or different sodas.

Want to take it up a notch? Turn it into a hard root beer float by swapping the soda for a chilled stout or hard root beer. It makes for a rich, grown-up version that’s great for backyard hangouts or casual get-togethers.

Best Tips for the Best Protein Root Beer Float

Want to make your float even better? Try these hacks.

• Pour the soda slowly at an angle to keep it from foaming over.

• For extra bubbles, add the ice cream first and pour the soda on top.

• Use a chilled glass to keep everything cold and refreshing.

• A straw and spoon combo makes it easier (and more fun) to enjoy. I love scooping up chunks of ice cream along with that fizzy root beer float.

• Important: If your protein ice cream is crumbly after the first spin, don’t worry! Just add a splash of liquid (half and Half, cream, or whole milk) and run a re-spin, sometimes twice, for a smooth, creamy texture.

More High Protein Beverages

How To Make an Oreo Milkshake without Ice Cream in Minutes

Healthy 5 Ingredient Peach Cobbler Protein Shake Recipe

Healthy High-Protein Mocha Madness Recipe (Better Than the Original!)

Protein Root Beer Float

A creamy, high-protein twist on a classic root beer float, made with homemade protein ice cream and Olipop for a refreshing, feel-good treat.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Freeze Time and Spin Time 1 hour hr 6 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 11 minutes mins

Course Dessert, Drinks

Cuisine American

Servings 2 servings

Equipment

• Ninja Creami
• Creami compatible pint container
• milk frother
• ice cream spoon

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

Protein Ice Cream

• 1 bottle Fairlife Vanilla Protein Milk 11.5 oz
• 1 tbsp instant vanilla pudding mix
• 2 tbsp half-and-half (added after first spin)
• Optional: ½ tsp vanilla bean paste for extra flavor

Root Beer Float

• 16 oz root beer (Olipop or your favorite)
• 4 scoops protein ice cream
• Optional: Whipped cream, cherry, cinnamon, drizzle

Instructions

 

Protein Ice Cream Base Instructions

• Blend Base: Add protein milk + pudding mix to a Creami pint. Froth until smooth.

  Freeze: Freeze flat for 24 hrs.

  Spin: Use Lite Ice Cream setting.

  Add Cream: Pour in half-and-half, re-spin. Repeat if needed for creaminess.

Root Beer Float Instructions

• Pour root beer into a tall glass.

  Add 2-3 scoops of ice cream. Let it foam naturally.

  Add optional toppings and enjoy!

Notes

Make It Adult

• Add a splash of vanilla vodka
  or
• Swap soda for stout beer (like Guinness)

-

Yield: 1 pint (4 scoops)

Servings: 2 root beer floats

Nutrition (per serving with 2 scoops of protein ice cream + 1 cup Olipop Root Beer):

• Calories: 160
• Protein: 14g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 2g
• Added Sugar: 2g
• Fat: 4.5g

Nutrition may vary slightly depending on your root beer brand and portion size. Calculated using Fairlife Vanilla Protein Milk, instant vanilla pudding mix, half-and-half, and Olipop Root Beer.

Keyword 5-ingredient, easy

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Sarah Harper MS, RD, LDN

Registered Dietitian at Addy Bean LLC | Website |  + postsBio

Hi, I’m Sarah Harper, a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist passionate about cooking, eating, and sharing all things food! At The Addy Bean, you’ll find a variety of flexitarian recipes designed to inspire and empower you to explore the delicious world of plant-based eating. My mission is to make plant-forward meals approachable, enjoyable, and part of your everyday life!

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