Why You’ll Love this Protein Coffee Recipe
While I’m a sucker for a high-protein breakfast recipe like a protein breakfast sandwich or protein pancake bowl, sometimes I just don’t have the time to plan ahead.
Enter this protein coffee! It’s so popular on social media for good reason. I started making it on busy mornings because I wanted something to balance out my coffee when I’m on the go or don’t have an appetite. I aim for at least 25g of protein first thing, and this recipe makes it easy.
Top recipe benefits:
- Quick (5 minutes or less)
- Keeps you full with 20–25g protein
- Creamy like a latte, but lighter
- Easy to customize with powders, syrups, or milk of choice
- Works iced or hot!
It’s creamy, flavorful, and doesn’t leave me with that jittery empty-stomach coffee crash!
Tested Tips Before You Start…
- Use a protein drink that you really enjoy the flavors of because it really comes through! I love Fairlife core power protein drinks.
- Use a very large glass or tumbler to fit the whole thing! Or mix it in a large mason jar and do two separate servings (you’ll feel like you’re enjoying 2 coffees!).
- Blend milk with your favorite vanilla protein powder if you don’t have a protein drink on hand.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Espresso (2 ounces): Strong coffee base that balances the protein shake’s sweetness.
- Vanilla protein shake: Any ready-to-drink shake works. Choose one with at least 20g protein. I like Fairlife Core Power, but you could do Oikos or OWYN for a dairy-free option.
- Ice: Makes it cold and refreshing!
Protein powder option: blend vanilla protein powder with milk then add the espresso.
How to Make Protein Coffee (Proffee)
You only need two ingredients and 5 minutes to pull off a quick morning coffee with protein! For a fun twist, add the pumpkin cream from this pumpkin cream cold brew or sweet cream cold foam to the top!
Step 1. Brew espresso: Pull two shots of espresso using your machine or a stovetop moka pot.
Step 2. Pour milk over ice: Fill a tall glass with ice and the protein drink.
Step 3. Stir and enjoy: Pour espresso into the glass and stir to combine.
Recipe Variations & Swaps
- Mocha protein coffee: add 1 teaspoon cocoa powder or use a chocolate protein dirnk.
- Pumpkin spice: stir in pumpkin pie spice, use pumpkin protein powder, or homemade pumpkin syrup from this iced pumpkin spice latte.
- Caramel latte style: add the caramel syrup from this iced caramel latte.
- Dairy-free: use a plant-based protein shake (OWYN is a popular choice on TikTok). You could also blend plant-based protein powder with dairy-free milk.
- Hot version: warm the milk (ideally with a frother) and pour it over the espresso.
More Healthy Coffee Drinks
Protein Coffee (Proffee)
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Ingredients
- 2 ounces espresso (2 shots/double espresso)
- 1 (14oz) vanilla protein shake I used Fairlife Core Power
Instructions
- Brew espresso (2 min): Brew 2 ounces of espresso and add it to a glass.2 ounces espresso
- Combine (2 min): Pour the protein shake into the glass with the espresso and stir to combine. Fill with ice and enjoy.1 (14oz) vanilla protein shake
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Recipe FAQs
Most shakes add 20–25g protein per serving, so you get your morning boost in one drink.
Definitely! Shake together espresso and protein shake and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Just pour over ice when you’re ready to drink!
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