The ultimate mid-day pick-me-up, this Coffee Protein Shake blends bold coffee with protein powder into a creamy, caramel-like treat. Naturally sweetened with dates, this coffee smoothie is an easy, low-calorie way to fuel up and satisfy a craving... with no chalky aftertaste!
"Such a good shake for the morning. Loved it. Definitely, it will be on repeat!" - Greta Talas
A Quick Look At The Recipe
- ⏲️Ready In: 5 Minutes
- 👪Serves: 1
- 🍽 Calories and Protein: 230kcal and 24 grams of protein
- 📋Main Ingredients: Brewed coffee, vanilla protein powder, dates, almond butter, and dairy-free milk.
- 📖 Dietary Notes: Dairy-free, gluten-free, and can be made paleo or vegan.
- ⭐ Why You'll Love It: Rich, bold flavor and packed with fuel, this protein shake with coffee is the pick-me-up you need.
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Need something that feels like a treat and actually fuels your day? This coffee and protein shake does both. It blends bold coffee flavor with creamy, protein-rich ingredients (similar to this protein latte recipe) for a smooth, filling boost that works just as well for breakfast as it does for an afternoon slump. And yes, there's no banana!
Whether you’re sipping it post-workout or powering through a busy afternoon, this protein smoothie with coffee fits right in. I love rotating it with favorites like my crockpot pumpkin spice latte, turmeric protein shake with ginger, or even dairy-free chocolate protein pudding so things never get boring.
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💭Why You'll Love This Recipe
Fueling: With this smoothie, you have both coffee and protein in one place with a smooth, creamy texture. The ultimate energizer.
Sweetened naturally: No refined sugar, just clean, natural sweetness.
Bold taste: It tastes like an iced coffee but can be adjusted to be more momcha-like, rich espresso, or creamy caramel depending on your preference, just like this salted caramel protein shake.
Easy to make: Quick, simple, and ready in minutes for a tasty breakfast, especially paired with high protein blueberry muffins.
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Brewed, 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 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 smoother.
- 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.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Flavor Variations
Chocolate coffee protein shake: Either use a chocolate protein powder or add 1-2 teaspoons of raw cacao powder to the smoothie for a mocha-style flavor.
Nutty: For a bit of nutty flavor, add ½ of a teaspoon of almond extract. This is tasty in a coconut milk matcha latte, too.
Ultra-thick & fat-packed: If you're using this coffee and protein shake for breakfast, add ½ an avocado to the blender. This not only gives you an extra dose of healthy fats, but it also gives the smoothie an ice cream-like consistency. It's one of my favorite hacks for making balanced smoothies.
How To Make A Coffee Protein Shake
Step 1: Add all ingredients to a high-powered blender
Step 2: Blend until completely smooth.
Step 3: Pour the coffee protein shake into a mason jar.
Step 4: Top it with any of your favorite smoothie toppings and enjoy.
Expert Tips To Make It
How thick the protein iced coffee shake comes out somewhat depends on the protein powder you choose, as well as whether you use a fresh or dried date.
Chilled coffee works best for the banana-free protein shake, however, leftover coffee from this morning works fine too. Just don't use piping hot coffee.
If you want to switch up flavors, any of the below ideas are great and work well for this coffee protein smoothie bowl, too.
Almond milk will give a lower-calorie protein iced coffee, but if you want indulgence you can use coconut milk instead.
Update: I recently made the switch from vegan to beef-based protein (learn about the benefits of beef protein powder). If you’re ready for less bloating, more energy, and a cleaner add-in, try one of my favorites below—I tested about six!
- Equip Protein: Best flavor by far (hello, cinnamon roll!), but it creates a slightly sticky texture, so it’s better for smoothies than baking. Use code mamabear to save when you try it.
- Paleo Pro: The most natural option, minimal ingredients, mixes like collagen, and works in everything. Not overly sweet, just simple and clean. Use code mamabear to save.
Coffee Protein Shake FAQs
Yes, it is okay to put protein powder into iced coffee. 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.
No, hot coffee in a protein shake doesn't work as it melts all the ice. If you don't have chilled coffee or coffee ice cubes, use room temperature coffee. That, paired with the ice cubes, will result in a chilled coffee temperature.
Yes, a coffee protein smoothie is good for breakfast because it's packed with proteins to help stabilize the energy release and keep you full until your next snack.
More High-Protein Coffee Recipes You'll Love
If you tried this Coffee Protein Shake Recipe or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it goes!
Dairy-Free Coffee Protein Shake
Video
Equipment
Ingredients
- ¼ cup Brewed coffee
- ¼ cup 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
- Beef protein powder: My personal favorite. If you use Equip protein, the smoothie will be sweeter but thicker. If you use Paleo Pro Protein, the smoothie is as close to natural as it gets. Code "mamabear" on both will save you some money.
- Vegan protein powder: If you're using a pea-based protein powder, the smoothie will have a thicker texture, and if using a fermented protein, you'll probably have to add extra liquid. Vegan proteins aren't always sweet, so adjust the turmeric shake as needed.
- Egg white protein powder: This will froth your smoothie up a lot.
Disclaimer:
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data"
Nutrition
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!