The ultimate mid-day pick-me-up! This iced coffee protein shake is a creamy blend of coffee and protein powder with a caramel-like indulgence. Sweetened only with a date this proffee recipe is a low-calorie way to fuel up and indulge!
Skip the store-bought cappuccino and whip up this easy coffee smoothie instead (or this maple latte because... coffee is life).
Nothing is worse than hitting that midafternoon slump and knowing you need a sugar hit to survive.
And though it’s easy to stop at the nearest coffee shop, I can tell you that whipping up this iced coffee protein shake is so much better.
Creamy, indulgent, and far lower in calories than anything “frap” you can make this coffee protein shake as simple or indulgent as you like, just like this crockpot pumpkin spice latte! Plus, with 24 grams of protein, you'll actually stay full. Learn more about the benefits of a high protein diet and why you want to amp it up!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Use any coffee you have
- Sweetened naturally
- Dairy-free, gluten-free, paleo, and vegan
- Easy to make
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need five ingredients plus ice to whip up this iced coffee shake!
Cooled coffee: any coffee will work and obviously the coffee you choose will affect the flavor. But know this. It’s okay if you didn’t plan ahead and don’t have coffee chilling in the fridge! Just use whatever is left in the pot and call it mom life - or learn how to make iced coffee without a machine. And if you're a coffee lover, check out this Starbucks Oleato or these coffee protein balls you can whip up too!
Vanilla vegan protein powder: similar to the coffee, the kind you choose will affect the taste and texture of the shake. Vegan protein powders absorb more than whey which is what helps make this shake thicker and smooth.
Date: fresh or dried the date naturally sweetens the iced coffee shake. And in conjunction with almond butter gives it a subtle caramel flavor.
Almond butter: add a dose of healthy fats to your day and make the proffee shake that much more indulgent.
Almond milk: no frothing required! Any non-dairy milk will work, I use homemade hemp milk the most as it’s what I have on hand. However, unsweetened almond milk is just fine too.
Know that different kinds of milk like almond milk and oat milk will give the protein shake slightly different textures.
How To Make And Iced Coffee Protein Shake
- Whipping up this pick-me-up is as easy as 1-2-3!
- Add all ingredients to a high-powered blender
- Blend until completely smooth.
- Pour into a jar and enjoy!
Step By Step Photos
Important Teaching Tips
How thick the protein iced coffee shake comes out somewhat depends on the vanilla protein powder you choose, as well as if you use a fresh or dried date.
If you want to switch up flavors any of the below ideas are great and work well for this coffee protein smoothie bowl too.
- Using chocolate protein powder is a fun way to add a bit of extra indulgence!
- Or, add a scoop of cacao powder for a chocolate twist and a boost of nutrients (learn more about the difference between cacao and cocoa powder).
- Use flavored coffee
- Add ¼ teaspoon almond extract to the shake, this is tasty in a coconut milk matcha latte too.
Almond milk will give a lower-calorie protein iced coffee but if you want indulgence you can use coconut milk instead.
Which Dairy-Free Milk Is Best?
Any non-dairy milk will work for the protein-iced coffee shake. Cashew milk tends to be creamier and richer where as almond milk and oat milk are thinner.
I personally opt for unsweetened dairy-free milk so that I can flavor the protein shake exactly how I like it.
Which Protein Powder To Choose
The kind of protein powder you choose matters. Vegan protein naturally absorbs more liquid than whey but some of them even more than others.
If making this recipe with Genuine Health protein powder, it will be very thick but not as sweet. As one of my favorite protein powders, Genuine health has 20 grams of plant-based protein, is dairy-free, gluten-free, non-GMO, and certified organic. Plus… it’s fermented! Which means no bloating.
Or, you could use something like Botanica protein which will create a smooth but not thick shake and be a bit sweeter.
Learn more about how to choose a vegan protein powder for your goals.
Fast, crave-worthy snacks that hit your protein goals (without tracking or extra cooking time).
Topping The Iced Coffee Protein Shake
How indulgent this coffee protein shake comes out is up to you! You can keep it low calorie and drink it as is for a wonderful energy boost.
Or, you can top it with the combination of any of the following and make it much more like a dessert.
- 2-minute coconut whipped cream
- Dairy-free caramel sauce
- Homemade crunchy granola
- Mini chocolate chips
- Drizzled nut butter
- Drizzled maple syrup
Frequently Asked Questions
Combining protein powder into coffee gives you the best of both worlds: an energy boost as well as some fuel to tide you over!
Though the coffee protein shake tastes best freshly made, it can definitely be made in advance. Just store it in an airtight mason jar and make sure to give it a good shake before consuming. The shake will be a little less thick if made ahead of time but still delicious.
The kind of dairy-free milk will alter the texture of protein coffee. Almond milk and oat milk are the most common and taste great however it can seem a bit watery compared to something like coconut milk.
Other High Protein, Dairy-Free Recipes You'll Love
- Salted caramel protein shake
- Cookies and cream protein shake
- Protein granola
- Overnight cookie dough protein oats
- Chocolate chia protein balls
- Peanut butter and jam protein balls
- Chocolate fudge protein balls
- Fudgy protein brownies
- High protein cookies
- High protein pancakes
- Yogurt protein pancakes
- Energizing protein bar
- Easy, no-bake vanilla protein bar
- High protein snack recipes
Healthy Iced Coffee Protein Shake
Video
Equipment
Ingredients
- ¼ cup Brewed coffee
- ¼ cup Vegan vanilla Protein powder
- 1 Date fresh is best
- 1 tablespoons Almond Butter
- ⅛ cup Dairy-free milk
- 5 ice cubes
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a high-powered blender, putting the ice cubes in last.
- Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Pour into a mason jar, top with your favorites, and enjoy!
Notes
Disclaimer:
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data"
Shruthi says
As a vegetarian + coffee lover trying to increase my protein intake, this was the BEST addition to my daily routine. I just switched from drinking an Americano in the morning to this, and honestly, what a world of difference. Thank you!
fitasamamabear says
Ah that's awesome to hear, coffee is totally life lol
Elizabeth S says
This was really good! I added two dates because I wanted it a tad sweeter (my preference). Will definitely make again!
fitasamamabear says
Nothing wrong with sweet!
Addison says
This protein shake is so great after a workout! Love that it's healthy but taste like dessert!
fitasamamabear says
It does taste like dessert, that's the best part hehe
Sharina says
No more store-bought cappuccino with this iced coffee protein shake! I love to have mine with extra whipped cream and sprinkles on top.
fitasamamabear says
Haha whip cream and sprinkles make life better 😀
Sara says
Sooo good! I use SunButter instead of almond butter (nut allergies), and it works great. Had it this morning after riding my Peloton!
fitasamamabear says
Sunbutter is a staple in our house too! Happy you enjoyed it!
Addison says
This is such a delicious shake after a workout! Loved the flavor and added protein. Yum!
fitasamamabear says
Coffee and protein... life staples!
Gina says
This was really delicious! Love the little bit of nut butter in the recipe to give it some indulgence.
fitasamamabear says
It definitely makes it just a bit more delicious!
Katie says
I love this coffee protein shake! It's so easy to make and the perfect filling and energizing breakfast!
fitasamamabear says
Glad you love it!
MacKenzie says
This protein shake is perfect for my morning routine. I love the addition of a fresh date for added sweetness.
fitasamamabear says
Glad you liked it!
Heidi says
Thank you for this recipe! I didn't even notice that it didn't have sugar. The date was just enough sweetness for my sweet tooth. I will definitely make it again!
fitasamamabear says
Honestly, dates work wonders sometimes!
Andrea says
this protein packed shake was a great way to start off my Monday morning! it was so tasty and left me full for the entire morning!
fitasamamabear says
Wahoo! Making Monday's better one smoothie at a time lol
Gen says
This is perfect for my very busy, very active boyfriend. It’s easy to throw together and have in the car on the way to wrote. Thank you for the recipe!
fitasamamabear says
And you can't go wrong with a coffee hit!
Kris says
Super refreshing and tasty! Will make again!
fitasamamabear says
Glad you enjoyed it!
Jennifer says
I love that I can get my iced coffee fix with a boost of protein! Great recipe, thanks!
fitasamamabear says
Hehe you and me both!
GRETA says
Oh yesss... This recipe is the ONE i was looking for. Love the idea with the dates. I usually use banana for a little sweetness but never tried with dates. I am excited to try it out.
fitasamamabear says
Dates are AMAZING. They give everything such a sweet flavor and make such a great switch up from bananas.
Natalie says
I love your low-calorie protein shake! Perfect for my morning routine, thanks!
fitasamamabear says
Glad you enjoyed it!