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This protein coffee is your surefire way to add protein to your morning beverage! It makes the perfect breakfast or afternoon pick-me-up in less than two minutes.
Love high protein breakfasts? Try my protein overnight oats, protein oatmeal, protein bread, and protein waffles.
Protein coffee, or “proffee,” is a hot coffee with added protein. Made popular on TikTok, it’s a fun and healthy way to get your caffeine fix. The protein powder itself aids muscle growth and repair and is associated with weight management, which is why it’s such a popular option pre- or post-workout.
Table of Contents
Why I love this recipe
- 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.
- Satisfying. The addition of caffeine not only gives you more energy but it helps to keep hunger at bay.
Ingredients needed
- Protein powder. I like using vanilla protein powder as it gives a subtle sweetness and vanilla flavor, but use whichever protein you like. I’ve included all my tested options below.
- Cold brewed coffee. Either chilled brewed coffee (iced coffee) or a cold brew coffee. 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.
- Milk of choice. I sometimes like to add some dairy-free milk (soy milk, oat milk, or unsweetened almond milk) for an extra bit of creaminess but it’s completely optional.
How to make a protein coffee
I’ve included step-by-step photos below to make this recipe easy to follow at home. For the full printable recipe instructions and ingredient quantities, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Step 1- Combine ingredients. Add all the ingredients to a high-speed blender.
Step 2- Blend. Blend until completely immersed and smooth.
How to make it hot
If you prefer a hot beverage, start by whisking together 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 boiling water.
Best protein powder to use
The type of protein powder you use makes all the difference. I tested this recipe out with multiple kinds of protein powder and these three are the best both in taste and texture.
- Whey protein powder– The cleanest of all protein powders, this kind is derived from milk and has a rapid absorption rate. It also comes in tons of flavors.
- Brown rice protein powder– No dairy or gluten in it, it’s easy to digest and derived from brown rice. It typically only comes in vanilla or chocolate. It’s vegan friendly, too.
- Casein protein powder– Similar to whey, this protein powder is also derived from dairy, but it is slow digesting. It’s naturally thicker than the other protein powders.
Recipe tips and variations
- Use a good quality instant coffee because not all brands are the same. Alternatively, use homemade cold brew.
- Always use a blender to mix everything together to prevent clumps of protein powder from remaining in your drink.
- For a more intense coffee hit, you can use a shot of espresso instead. If I’m really struggling the night before, I do a 50/50 combination of water to cold brew.
- Instead of adding sweetener to the coffee, use coffee-flavored protein powder.
- For a creamier beverage, replace some of the water with your favorite milk. Or, you can replace the water completely with milk and Greek yogurt and make a coffee smoothie.
Storage instructions
To store: Leftovers will keep well in the refrigerator, covered, for up to three days. Give the drink a good mix before consuming.
To freeze: Pour the proffee in an ice cube tray and when ready to enjoy, blend it back up.
Frequently asked questions
Add up to 1/4 cup of protein for an additional 25 grams of protein per serving.
Yes, use decaffeinated coffee if you prefer.
More coffee recipes to try
- Keto coffee
- Salted caramel cream cold brew
- Nitro cold brew
- Keto frappuccino
- Oat milk latte
- Almond milk latte
Protein Coffee Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup brewed coffee cooled, or cold brew
- 1/4 cup protein powder
- 1 teaspoon sugar optional
- 2 tablespoons milk optional
Instructions
- Combine all your ingredients in a high-speed blender.
- Blend until smooth. Pour into a glass and enjoy.
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.