Protein Coffee
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My protein coffee recipe tastes like a creamy iced latte but packs up to 25 grams of protein per serving. It’s quick to make and ready in less than a minute.
I usually kick off my mornings with either a coffee protein shake or this tasty little number- protein coffee, or “proffee” as my partner calls it. It’s one of my favorite ways to combine my morning coffee and post-workout protein into a single drink. Think of it as a creamy, refreshing iced latte, but with a protein boost!
Each serving packs around 25 grams of protein, while staying relatively low in sugar. Through trial and error, I learned the secret to a great protein coffee is making the protein shake separately first. Stirring protein powder directly into coffee almost always leaves you with clumps, while blending it with milk creates a smooth, creamy drink every time.
As a bonus, it’s far cheaper than anything store-bought. My homemade version costs less than 50 cents per serving, compared to over $4 for many bottled options.
★★★★★ REVIEW
“I used chocolate protein powder. Love it. I’ll be making this regularly. It tastes like a Starbucks drink.” – Arleen
Key Ingredients
- Protein shake. This is the secret ingredient. Instead of stirring protein powder directly into the coffee, I blend the protein powder with milk first to create a smooth shake. I typically use vanilla protein powder and about 1/2 cup of milk. Non-fat milk is my go-to, but any other milk will work just fine. You can also use a ready-to-drink vanilla protein shake.
- Cold-brewed coffee OR espresso. Either works well. For cold brew, I like to dilute cold brew concentrate with water to create a smoother, less intense coffee flavor. If using espresso, 1-2 shots (or two Nespresso pods) is perfect. I usually use decaf espresso pods if I’m making this as an afternoon treat.
- 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.
Customize your protein coffee
Make it hot. If you prefer a warm drink, whisk the protein powder with a small amount of hot water first until smooth and syrup-like. Slowly whisk in the coffee, then finish with warm milk. This prevents the protein powder from clumping.
Dial up the caffeine. For a stronger coffee flavor, use up to 3 shots of espresso or increase the ratio of cold brew concentrate to water. On particularly rough mornings, I sometimes make mine with equal parts cold brew concentrate and water.
Use coffee you enjoy drinking. Since there are so few ingredients, the flavor of the coffee really matters. A good-quality espresso, cold brew, or even instant coffee will make a noticeable difference.
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
More high protein drinks
Originally published November 2023
I used chocolate protein powder. Love it. I’ll be making this regularly. Ty.
I love to hear that, Arleen!
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.