This protein coffee is your surefire way to add protein to your morning beverage! Perfect as a hot or cold recipe, you can even enjoy it as a coffee protein shake or smoothie.
Two of my most consumed beverages are coffee and protein shakes.
On a typical day, I’d start my morning with coffee, have a protein shake after my workout, then have a coffee in the afternoon.
As someone who loves both and drinks them daily, it was time for me to combine them and create protein coffee.
What is protein coffee?
Protein coffee, as the name suggests, is a hot coffee that has added protein in it. You can buy it as a pre-made mix that you combine with water or milk.
While convenient, they contain artificial ingredients, fillers, and calories. Luckily, you can make a homemade version in under a minute.
This homemade recipe is pretty darn impressive. It keeps you more satisfied and energized, thanks to the combination of caffeine and protein.
- Perfect hot or cold. You can enjoy it hot or cold, or even as a coffee protein shake.
- Packed with protein. If you add the full scoop of protein, this recipe packs in 25 grams of protein.
- Low calorie and low carb. It’s healthy and low in calories, with just 67 calories per serving. If you are watching your carbs, there is just 1 gram per serving (like our keto coffee).
Oh, and if you want to pair it with a high protein breakfast, we love it with some protein waffles or protein donuts!
Ingredients needed
If you’ve made any of my other protein powder recipes, you probably have everything in your pantry right now! Here’s what you’ll need:
- Protein powder– Whey protein powder, brown rice protein powder, or casein protein powder.
- Instant coffee– Also known as freeze-dried coffee. You can use decaffeinated coffee if you want this to be caffeine free.
- Sugar of choice– White, brown, coconut, or sugar free alternatives, like splenda or stevia.
- Boiling water– To make the coffee ‘syrup’ before adding the milk.
- Milk of choice– I like using unsweetened almond milk, but any milk will work.
How to add protein powder to coffee
You have two methods to make this: hot or cold. Both methods take seconds to prep, and you’ll be rewarded with a satisfying and caffeinated beverage. Here’s how to make it:
Hot option
Start by adding the protein powder, instant coffee, and sugar in a mug or cup. Add two tablespoons of boiling water and whisk until combined.
Either add more boiling water or milk and enjoy.
Iced option
If you prefer your coffee cold or want to add extra protein, you can enjoy this beverage as a coffee protein shake or coffee protein smoothie.
To make a shake, add enough boiling water to dissolve the coffee and sugar.
Next, add the protein powder and milk or water, along with a cup of ice, and blend until smooth and frothy.
What protein mixes well with coffee?
Not all protein powder is created equal, and some are better than others. After tons of trials and errors, the three best protein powders to use are:
- Whey protein powder
- Brown rice protein powder
- Pea protein powder
Tips to make the best recipe
- Use a good quality instant coffee because not all brands are the same. Alternatively, use homemade cold brew.
- For a more intense coffee hit, you can use a shot of espresso instead.
- Whisk everything together vigorously so the protein powder doesn’t clump.
- Instead of adding sweetener to the coffee, use coffee-flavored protein powder.
Storage info
To store: Add one part coffee, one part sweetener (or sugar), and four parts protein powder in a glass jar or bottle and mix well.
To make: When ready to enjoy, add two tablespoons of the mix into a glass, then the boiling water, then the milk (or extra water), and enjoy.
More coffee recipes to try
Frequently asked questions
If you prefer black coffee without sugar, use the unflavored protein powder and don’t add sugar/sweetener.
Protein coffee is suitable for a keto diet when made with a sugar substitute.
Add up to 1/4 cup of protein for an additional 25 grams of protein per serving.
Yes, use decaffeinated coffee if you prefer.
Protein Coffee Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons instant coffee
- 1/4 cup protein powder * See notes
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar substitute optional
- 2 tablespoons boiling water
- 3/4 cup unsweetened almond milk * See notes
Instructions
- In a glass or mug, add the instant coffee, protein powder, and sweetener and mix well.
- Add the boiling water and whisk vigorously until combined. Either add your favorite milk or extra water and mix well.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
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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.
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 🙂
Was thinking sugar isn’t good for keto. Thanks for sharing love it ❤