💪🫐 The Gains Loaf: Blueberry Protein Brioche with Chia Seeds

John Nickolls
Jun 5
2 min read

By John Nickolls – Creator of carbs, breaker of macros

🥖 Why This Loaf Exists

Let’s face it, most protein snacks taste like punishment. But this? This is soft, buttery brioche that happens to be protein-powered, studded with blueberries and a smattering of chia seeds for that smug health kick. It’s the loaf your gym buddy secretly wants a slice of, and your nan would approve of with a cuppa.

This is not just bread—it’s a flex.

🍞 Ingredients & Costs

Here’s what goes into this 500g beauty, built in your trusty mini breadmaker. (Total cost? £3.04. Bargain.)

See table above for full cost breakdown.

💪 Protein Power-Up (Per Loaf / Per Slice)

Source	Protein (approx)
Strong flour (275g)	27g
Protein powder (30g)	24g
Eggs (2 medium)	12g
Milk (70ml)	2.5g
Chia seeds (10g)	3.4g
Blueberries (75g)	0.5g
Total (Loaf)	~69.4g
Per Slice (1/8)	~8.7g

It’s basically a protein bar in disguise, but soft, golden, and doesn't taste like chalk.

🔧 Method (Split-Butter Technique)

Add to your breadmaker pan in this order:
70ml whole milk
- 2 medium eggs
- ¾ tsp vanilla extract
- 38g of soft butter (half)
- 275g strong white flour
- 30g vanilla protein powder
- 10g chia seeds
- 38g granulated sugar
- 6g salt (corner)
- 6g instant yeast (opposite corner)
Select "Brioche" or "Sweet Bread" setting.
At the add-in beep (usually around 10–12 mins in):
- Add the remaining 37g butter, in soft chunks
- Add 75g floured blueberries gently
Bake, cool, slice, and admire your gains loaf like a proud parent.

🍽️ How to Eat It (Other Than In One Go)

Toasted with almond butter and honey
As French toast for a post-gym breakfast treat
Warm with a dollop of Greek yoghurt and a wink

🏁 Final Thoughts

“This loaf doesn’t skip leg day.”

Make it once, and you'll never look at protein bars the same way again. This is the kind of bread that makes your kitchen smell like a Parisian gym café—if such a thing existed. Which it should.