Fuel Your Day With This Healthy Coffee Protein Shake

Calling all coffee lovers and wellness enthusiasts! If you’re a latte or espresso ritualist but want something that doubles as a nourishing breakfast or a post-workout pick-me-up, meet your new favorite go-to: This coffee protein shake recipe. 

Protein coffee recipes have been trending for a while, and for good reason. They’re sort of like mocha milkshakes — but without the extra sweetener, carbs, or heavy dairy add-ons. And since they’re protein-packed, they can act as filling yet light meal replacements.

Apart from being delicious and healthy, coffee protein shakes are really easy to make. And they only call for simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.

Ahead, we’ll share why we love this recipe and break down the health benefits of the ingredients — then we’ll get to the recipe itself.

Absolutely! Putting protein powder in your daily cup of coffee is a stellar way to increase your protein intake.

But because of the texture, protein powder can be clumpy if you just drop it into your brewed or iced coffee, so blending it in this shake is much better. 

Why is this protein coffee recipe so great? Let us count the ways!

It’s Energy-Boosting

Coffee is a stimulant, thanks to its caffeine content. Caffeine can increase activity in the brain and central nervous system. It does that by  blocking adenosine, a neurotransmitter (brain chemical) that depresses the nervous system. This is why coffee makes you feel more alert and gives you that extra boost of energy.

So, when enjoyed in moderation and without too many high-calorie creamers or added sugars, coffee drinks can be part of a healthy weight loss routine that includes a balanced diet, cardio exercises, and weight lifting. Speaking of which… 

It’ll Up Your Protein Intake and Support Weight Loss

Putting almond milk and protein in coffee (as this recipe calls for) will help you meet your daily protein needs.

And getting enough protein is critical to maintaining and building lean muscle, especially while losing weight. If you have a hard time keeping track of your protein intake or just don’t have time to make things like eggs, this shake might be just the thing.

Another effect of caffeine? Some research also shows it can boost resting metabolism, meaning it can help you burn more calories at rest.

To sum it up, protein coffee smoothies like this one can be healthy breakfast meal replacement options. They’re filling and full of nutrients while still being low in calories and sugar.

You Can Make It Ahead in Bulk

Last but not least, this coffee protein smoothie recipe only calls for five minutes of prep time (though you have to chill it for at least two hours).

You can also make a larger batch to enjoy throughout the week, saving you time on busy mornings and weeknights.

Our coffee protein shake recipe is super easy — you just have to follow a few simple steps:

1. Start by brewing a cup of coffee, and then let it cool. (Remember: The stronger the coffee you brew, the more flavorful and caffeinated it’ll be.)

2. Pour the cooled coffee into an ice cube tray and freeze it until solid.

3. Add all the ingredients to a blender and mix everything together until you get a smooth consistency.

4. Top it with some extras if you want to.

Here’s what goes into our protein smoothie and why these ingredients are beneficial:

Frozen Cold Brew Coffee

As mentioned, coffee can boost both energy and metabolism. Our recipe calls for about a cup of frozen cold brew (or brewed drip coffee frozen into coffee ice cubes). The caffeine levels can vary in cold brew based on the ratio of coffee grounds to water and how long it steeps in the water. 

For context, cold brew generally requires at least double the amount of ground coffee beans you’d use in hot coffee — one 12-ounce cup of regular coffee has between 113 and 247 milligrams of caffeine.

But even when you make it with concentrated cold brew (be sure to not use the same amounts of concentrate as you would with regular coffee), one serving of this smoothie is well within the recommended daily caffeine limit, which is 400 mg for most adults, or two to three cups of regular brewed coffee..

Unsweetened Almond Milk

Unsweetened almond milk is a good source of protein, and it’s lower in calories and sugar than dairy milk. If you don’t like it or have a nut milk allergy, dairy-free oat milk works, too.

Ripe Banana

Bananas are excellent sources of vitamin B6, fiber,, magnesium, vitamin C, and magnesium. They’re also a good source of potassium, which cansupport gut and heart health.

Also, the carb composition of a banana (how sweet it is)changes quite a bit throughout its maturation processThe carbs are mostly starches initially before converting into sugars (fructose). An overripe banana is higher in fructose and, thus, sweeter, than an unripe banana. Frozen bananas work, too, if that’s your jam.

Vanilla Protein Powder

When enjoyed alongside a strength training routine, having protein powder in your coffee can boost your protein intake to help build and maintain muscle. It also adds a nice vanilla flavor.

Pea, brown rice, hemp, and other plant-based protein powders often come in vanilla-flavored options. Whey protein powder works as well if you’re fine with dairy.

If you don’t love vanilla or want to channel a mocha, try chocolate protein powder or just add half a teaspoon of cocoa powder.

Toppings and Extras

To take the flavor and nutrition up a notch, consider adding these to your coffee protein shake:

• Cinnamon. This will give your smoothie a kick of complexity and spice. You can blend in a smidge of cinnamon or sprinkle a little on top.

• Cacao nibs. Beyond their rich, earthy flavor, cacao nibs can add a nice crunch to the texture.

• Chia seeds. These are great for fiber and protein. They’ll also help thicken up the shake.

• Nut butter. Add a dollop of almond butter or peanut butter for additional grams of protein and a dose of healthy fat.

You can also make high-protein iced coffee by combining protein powder and chilled coffee with a hand mixer, then pouring it over ice.

Servings: 1

Prep time: 5 minutes

Chill time: 2 hours to overnight

Total time: 2 hours and 5 minutes

Ingredients:

• 6 ounces frozen cold brew coffee (or brewed drip coffee, frozen into ice cubes)

• ½ cup unsweetened almond milk

• ½ ripe banana

• 1 scoop vanilla protein powder

Optional toppings:

• Cacao nibs

• Sprinkle of cinnamon

• Chia seeds

Instructions:

1. Brew a cup of strong coffee, and then let it cool. Pour 6 ounces of the cooled coffee into an ice cube tray and freeze until solid. 

2. Add all the ingredients to a high-powered blender and blend everything until it’s mixed together, smooth, and free of ice chunks.

3. Top it with cinnamon, cacao nibs, or chia seeds, if desired.

Protein Coffee Shake Nutrition Facts

Here’s how the nutritional info breaks down for this protein coffee smoothie.

Calories: 293

Total fat: 7 grams

Saturated fat: 2 grams

Trans fat: 0 grams

Sodium: 647 milligrams

Total carbohydrates: 29 grams

Dietary fiber: 6 grams

Total sugars: 12 grams

Added sugars: 1 grams

Protein: 33 grams