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My protein coffee recipe is a fantastic way to hit your caffeine and protein first thing in the morning. It’s ready in less than a minute and can pack up to 25 grams of protein per serve.
★★★★★ REVIEW
“I used chocolate protein powder. Love it. I’ll be making this regularly. It tastes like a Starbucks drink.” – Arleen
Table of Contents
I usually kick off my mornings with either a coffee protein shake or this tasty little number- protein coffee, or “proffee” as it’s often called. It’s a delicious, healthy way to get your caffeine fix, combining your favorite coffee with a blended protein shake instead of milk. Think of it as a creamy, refreshing iced latte, but with a protein boost!
Each serving packs around 25 grams of protein while staying low in calories. It’s perfect cold, especially during those midday slumps, but you can enjoy it warm too with a couple of simple tweaks.
If you are after more high-protein drinks, try my protein milkshake, chocolate protein shake, peanut butter protein shake, or protein smoothie next.
Key Ingredients
- Protein shake. Protein powder and water (or milk) will be blended or mixed together to make a thicker protein shake. I like to use vanilla protein powder and aim for around 1/2 cup of liquid (I like non-fat milk, but almond milk, coconut milk, oat milk, etc, will work). You can also use a pre-formulated protein shake.
- Cold-brewed coffee OR espresso. Either some cold brew coffee or 1-2 shots of espresso (or two Nespresso pods). I like to mix my cold brew concentrate with around one cup of water to make the perfect drink.
- Sugar of choice. Optional, but if your protein powder is unsweetened or you like a sweeter coffee, add a teaspoon or two of your favorite sugar.
How to make protein coffee
This is an overview with step-by-step photos. Full ingredients & instructions are in the recipe card below.
Step 1- Add ice into a glass and pour the brewed coffee on top.
Step 2- Pour in the pre-made protein shake and whisk until combined.
Protein coffee variations
- Use a good-quality espresso, espresso pods, or instant coffee, as not all brands are the same.
- If you prefer a hot beverage, start by whisking the protein powder and enough hot water to make it smooth, almost like syrup. Slowly add your espresso or cold brew, then top it up with milk.
- For a more intense coffee hit, you can use up to three shots of espresso instead. If I’m really struggling the night before, I do a 50/50 combination of water to cold brew.
Frequently asked questions
Add up to 1/4 cup of protein for an additional 25 grams of protein per serving.
Yes, this works the same with decaffeinated coffee, too. I usually use decaf espresso pods if I’m making this as an afternoon treat.
More coffee recipes
- Keto coffee
- Salted caramel cream cold brew
- Nitro cold brew
- Keto frappuccino
- Oat milk latte
- Almond milk latte
If you tried this Protein Coffee recipe or any other recipe on The Big Man’s World, please rate the recipe and let me know how it went in the comments below. It really helps others thinking of making the recipe.
Protein Coffee Recipe
Equipment
Video
Ingredients
- 2 ounces espresso or cold brew * see notes
- 1/3 cup protein shake 1/4 cup vanilla protein powder blended with 1/2 cup milk or water
- 1 teaspoon sugar optional
Instructions
- Add ice to a glass and pour the brewed espresso or cold brew on top.
- Pour the protein shake over the top. Add some sugar if it isn't sweet enough and add more ice if needed.
Notes
Nutrition
Originally published November 2023, updated and republished May 2025
I used chocolate protein powder. Love it. I’ll be making this regularly. Ty.
Was thinking sugar isn’t good for keto. Thanks for sharing love it ❤
Good Day Arman,
This is a great idea! Your website is one of my favorites because you come up with such an array of different, yummy recipes for gluten free, keto etc and you also sneak protein into many recipes which make one’s tummy feel less hungry. Looking forward to also trying your protein overnight oats recipe. Thanks for the fabulous recipes and ideas 🙂
Hmmmm, I never thought to add protein powder to my coffee. So, not to ruin a whole cup of java, 😉 I decided to add a little to the partial cup that I had left. Not too bad as I need to get more protein into my diet. 🙂 But, because I really “love” my 2 cups of bulletproof coffee in the morning, I will make some with decaf and try it cold…later in the day! The peanut butter coffee sounds interesting also. Thanks for your recipes.