This Ninja Creami Pineapple Protein Ice Cream is like sunshine in a pint—bright, creamy, and bursting with tropical flavor. With just a few pantry staples and your Ninja Creami, you can create a scoopable, protein-packed dessert.

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Why you’ll love it

Tropical dessert lovers, this one’s for you. Here’s why it’s a must-try:

• Creamy and fruity – Pineapple and coconut make the perfect creamy-meets-refreshing combo.
• Protein-powered – Add a scoop of vanilla protein powder or Greek yogurt to balance the fruit with staying power.
• Dairy-free friendly – Use coconut milk and a plant-based protein powder to keep it totally dairy-free.

Is it healthy?

Definitely—and it tastes like a tropical vacation too! This pineapple protein Ninja Creami ice cream skips the heavy cream and refined sugars in favor of real fruit, nourishing fats, and a satisfying protein boost. 

The combination of pineapple and coconut milk brings natural sweetness and healthy fats, while adding protein powder or Greek yogurt gives this treat staying power.

What ingredients do you need?

Here’s what you’ll need for this creamy tropical treat:

• Canned Pineapple chunks – We recommend canned in 100% juice or extra light syrup. You could also use canned in heavy syrup, there will just be a bit higher added sugar content.
• Pineapple juice – Use the juice from the can for extra fruity flavor.
• Coconut milk – Use the thinner liquid that settles at the bottom of a can of full-fat coconut milk.
• Protein powder or Greek yogurt – Adds protein to our pint.
• Sweetener (optional) – Pineapple is sweet on its own, but feel free to add a touch of honey or maple syrup to round things out.
• Vanilla extract + pinch of salt – Boosts the flavor and enhances the natural sweetness.

Commonly asked questions about canned fruit

What should I look for on the label when buying canned pineapple and fruits?

Look for fruit packed in 100% juice or extra light syrup—both have similar sugar content and preserve the fruit’s natural flavor.

Should I buy name brand or private label canned fruits?

Private label or store brand options are just as high-quality and can help you save money. In fact, 2 years ago I had the chance to tour a tomato cannery of private label supplier called Pacific Coast Producers and saw the care and quality that goes into each can! I would also say to look for Grown in California or Product of USA if you want the best in flavor, nutrition and food safety.

Are canned fruits healthy?

Yes! Canned fruits are budget-friendly, save you prep time, and are actually just as nutritious as fresh – because they’re picked and canned within a few hours which locks in all those nutrients like vitamin C and fiber.

Learn more about the advantages of canned foods in my in-depth blog post!

How do you make pineapple Ninja Creami protein ice cream?

Follow these easy steps to whip up a scoopable, smooth pint every time.

1. Blend the base

Add all base ingredients to a blender and blend until completely smooth.

2. Freeze overnight

Pour into a Ninja Creami pint and freeze on a level surface for at least 24 hours until fully solid.

3. First spin

After 24 hours, remove the pint and spin using the “Lite Ice Cream” setting. It may look crumbly or fluffy—this is totally normal!

4. Add mix-ins and re-spin

Scrape down the sides of the pint and create a well in the center. Add chopped pineapple and toasted coconut. Spin again using the “Mix-In” setting until smooth and creamy.

5. Serve and enjoy

Enjoy immediately or flatten the surface with a spoon, refreeze, and save for later.

Can I use fresh pineapple?

You can, but there’s a catch: raw fresh pineapple contains an enzyme called bromelain that can break down proteins and affect the texture of your ice cream. That’s why we recommend canned pineapple in juice—it’s cooked during processing, so the enzyme is deactivated.

If you’re using fresh pineapple, roast or simmer it briefly first.

If you’re using fresh, you also won’t have the pineapple juices, so you can use another 1/2 cup of coconut milk in place of the pineapple juice. 

Overall for best results, I suggest using canned pineapple, as that’s the version the recipe was tested with.

Can I make this in a Ninja Creami Deluxe?

Yes! Here’s how to slightly scale up the base for the larger Deluxe pint:

• 3/4 cup canned pineapple chunks
• 3/4 cup pineapple juice
• 2/3 cup full-fat coconut milk or vanilla protein shake
• 1 scoop + 1 tablespoon vanilla protein powder or 1/3 cup Greek yogurt
• 1–2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup (optional)
• 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Follow the same steps—blend, freeze, spin on “Lite Ice Cream,” then re-spin on “Mix-In” with 2 tablespoons chopped pineapple and 2 tablespoons toasted coconut.

Recipe tips and tricks

• Serving tips: Top your pint with extra pineapple chunks, toasted coconut flakes, or even a drizzle of honey. 
• Troubleshooting: If your pint is still crumbly after re-spinning, add a splash of milk and spin again—or let it sit out for 5–10 minutes to soften.
• Scaling: You can always freeze multiple pints so you’ve got tropical pints ready whenever the craving hits!

Customize it your way

• Milk of your choice: Use full-fat canned coconut milk for that rich, tropical vibe. Prefer something lighter? Go with almond, oat, or cashew milk. Want extra protein? A vanilla protein shake is a great swap that adds creaminess and sweetness all in one.
• Protein Powder of your choice: When looking for a protein powder, I recommend choosing one with little to no added sugar and quality ingredients. Feel free to use a whey one or another type that fits your dietary preferences.

Can you make it ahead of time?

Definitely! Blend your base and freeze it in advance so it’s ready to spin whenever the craving strikes. The frozen base keeps for up to 2 weeks in the freezer.

How do you store leftovers?

Smooth the surface, pop the lid on, and return to the freezer. To serve again, either:

• Or re-spin with 1–2 tablespoons of milk

• Let sit at room temp for 20–25 minutes

• Microwave for 10–15 seconds

Need more help with recipes for your busy schedule?

In my coaching + cooking program, I help busy people with beginner cooking knowledge become confident in the kitchen so that they can enjoy nourishing foods they love and stress less about mealtime. Click here to learn more about this virtual program led by a dietitian.

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• Pistachio Ninja Creami Protein Ice Cream
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• Banana Cream Pie Creami Pint
• Cookies and Cream Protein Creami