Skip to content 
Let me tell you about the morning game-changer that saved my sanity during those crazy-busy work weeks – protein coffee! Or as the cool kids call it these days, “proffee.” I discovered this magical concoction when I was desperately trying to merge my morning caffeine fix with my post-workout protein shake. The result? Pure heaven in a glass.
Picture this: It’s 7 AM, I’m running late (as usual), and my stomach is growling. But I need both coffee and breakfast. Enter protein coffee – the superhero of morning drinks! One sip of this frothy, protein-packed cold brew had me hooked. The caffeine gives you that perfect energy boost while the protein keeps you full until lunch. No more 10 AM snack cravings!
My friends now tease me about being the “protein coffee evangelist,” but honestly, once you try this simple blend of cold brew coffee and quality protein powder, there’s no going back. It’s like your morning coffee and breakfast smoothie had the most delicious baby. The best part? It takes literally five minutes to make – just blend and go. Trust me, your mornings (and your taste buds) will thank you!
Why You’ll Love This Protein Coffee
This protein coffee recipe checks all the boxes for busy mornings – here’s why I’m obsessed:
- Quick as lightning – Seriously, 5 minutes from fridge to lips! Perfect for those mornings when you’re scrambling to get out the door.
- Foolproof to make – Just dump everything in the blender and press go. Even my husband can’t mess this one up (and boy has he tried).
- Packs 25g of protein – That’s like eating 3 eggs, but way more fun to drink through a straw!
- Energy boost combo – Coffee wakes you up while the protein keeps you going. No mid-morning crash like with sugary drinks.
- Endless flavor options – Vanilla, chocolate, caramel swirl…I rotate based on my mood. This morning I added cinnamon – total game-changer!
My fitness friends call this “the ultimate breakfast cheat code” – all the perks of coffee and protein shake in one frothy, delicious drink. Winning!
Ingredients for the Perfect Protein Coffee
Okay, let’s talk ingredients – because using the right stuff makes all the difference between protein coffee that’s “meh” and “WOW!” Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup cold brew coffee (chilled) – Make it strong! I use homemade cold brew concentrate diluted with water (about 1:1 ratio). Store-bought works too, but skip the sugary bottled kinds.
- 1 scoop (30g) vanilla or chocolate protein powder – My golden rule? Never skimp on quality here. Whey protein blends best, but my vegan pals swear by pea protein too.
- 1/2 cup milk (your choice) – Dairy, almond, oat – whatever floats your boat! I’m currently obsessed with creamy oat milk in mine.
- Ice cubes – Because lukewarm proffee is just…no.
And for those days you want to get fancy? Try these mix-ins:
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup – Only if you’ve got a sweet tooth like me!
- Dash of cinnamon or cocoa powder – For when you want to feel fancy without effort.
- Pinch of sea salt – Trust me, it makes the flavors pop!
Oh! And make sure your coffee is COLD before blending – learned that the hard way (hello, protein clumps from hell). Now who’s ready to blend?
How to Make Protein Coffee
Alright, here’s how we make the magic happen – I promise it’s easier than brewing your morning jealousy when coworkers spot this deliciousness in your hand! Let’s dive in:
- Start with cold brew – If you didn’t plan ahead (no judgment!), just brew coffee the night before and stick it in the fridge. Or grab store-bought cold brew – cheat code activated!
- Protein powder first – Always add your scoop to the blender BEFORE liquids. Learned this after creating protein powder “cement” at the bottom – not tasty!
- Pour & blend – Add your chilled coffee and milk, then let it rip for about 30 seconds. You’ll know it’s ready when it gets that gorgeous frothy top.
- Ice it up – Fill your favorite glass (mine’s a mason jar – keeps it cold longest) with ice cubes.
- Top & sip – Pour your frothy protein coffee masterpiece over the ice, add any extras like cinnamon or honey, and enjoy your breakfast-in-a-glass victory!
Pro tip: If you’re using hot fresh coffee, let it chill completely first unless you want lumpy protein clumps (been there, cried over that). The colder everything is, the silkier your protein coffee turns out!
Blending Tips for the Best Froth
Want that coffee-shop-worthy froth? Here’s my secret: Blend for a full 30 seconds – no shortcuts! I use my ancient blender’s “liquify” setting and pause halfway to scrape down the sides. If your blender’s weak (RIP college blender), try blending in two batches – it’s worth the extra froth factor!
Protein Coffee Variations
Listen, once you’ve mastered the basic protein coffee, the fun REALLY begins! Here are my favorite ways to mix it up when I’m feeling fancy:
- Banana boost – Toss in half a frozen banana for extra creaminess and natural sweetness. It’s like a coffee milkshake but with protein – dangerous!
- Nut butter magic – A spoonful of almond or peanut butter gives crazy richness. My almond butter + chocolate protein combo? Chef’s kiss!
- Spice it up – Cinnamon for warmth, cocoa powder for mocha vibes, or pumpkin spice when autumn hits (you know you want to!)
- Protein switcheroo – Try different flavors! Caramel protein powder makes it taste like dessert, while vanilla gives a clean coffeehouse vibe.
The best part? You can customize your protein coffee based on your mood – sweet, rich, spicy, whatever hits the spot. Go wild!
Serving Suggestions for Protein Coffee
Honestly, this protein coffee is so good I’d drink it straight from the blender if I could! But for proper presentation (and to avoid spills on my favorite top), here’s how I love to serve it:
Pour it ice-cold over fresh cubes in a sturdy glass – my insulated tumbler keeps it frosty during commute chaos. It’s the perfect grab-and-go breakfast buddy! Also magical post-workout when your muscles are screaming for protein. For lazy weekends? Pair it with avocado toast or a banana – effortless fuel that actually tastes indulgent.
Protein Coffee FAQs
I get asked these questions constantly – here are the answers I’ve learned through trial and error (and many mornings spent perfecting my proffee game):
Can I use hot coffee instead of cold brew?
Can I use hot coffee instead of cold brew?
Please don’t! Hot coffee makes protein powder clump up like cement chunks – trust me, you’ll be chewing your morning drink. Wait until it’s chilled completely. If you’re impatient like me, pour hot coffee over ice first to cool it quickly.
What’s the best protein powder for protein coffee?
Whey protein blends smoothest, but plant-based powders work too – just blend longer! My favorites are vanilla whey or chocolate pea protein. Avoid collagen powders though – they make the texture kinda…slimy (not my favorite morning surprise).
Can I make protein coffee ahead of time?
It’s best fresh – that foam is everything! But if you must prep, keep coffee and protein separate overnight, then blend with milk in the morning. Otherwise it gets weirdly thick (still drinkable, just not as magical).
Why does my protein coffee taste bitter?
Two likely culprits: over-bitter coffee (try less concentrated cold brew) or cheap protein powder. Splurge on good powder – your taste buds will thank you! A pinch of salt or splash of vanilla extract can also balance bitterness beautifully.
Nutritional Information
Alright, let’s talk numbers – because knowing what’s in your protein coffee makes you feel extra accomplished, right? Here’s the breakdown for one serving (though let’s be real, I sometimes go for seconds!):
- Calories: Around 200 (give or take)
- Protein: A whopping 25g – basically a protein shake in disguise!
- Carbs: About 10g (less if you skip sweeteners)
- Fat: Just 3g – practically guilt-free!
Quick heads up: These numbers can wiggle around depending on your milk choice, protein powder brand, and whether you add sweeteners (no shame in that game!). I ran these numbers using whey protein and oat milk – but you do you! The protein punch is what really matters here.
Share Your Protein Coffee Creation
Let’s see what delicious versions you create! Tag me in your Pinterest posts – I love seeing everyone’s twists on this recipe. Find me on Pinterest for more morning drink inspirations to fuel your day!
PrintProtein Coffee (Proffee) Recipe
A delicious high-protein iced coffee drink perfect for breakfast or a quick energy boost.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins
- Total Time: 5 mins
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Lactose
Ingredients
- 1 cup cold brew coffee
- 1 scoop (30g) vanilla or chocolate protein powder
- 1/2 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- Ice cubes
- Optional: 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- Optional: Dash of cinnamon or cocoa powder
Instructions
- Brew your coffee and let it cool or use cold brew.
- Add protein powder to a blender.
- Pour in cold brew and milk.
- Blend until smooth and frothy.
- Fill a glass with ice and pour the mixture over it.
- Top with optional sweetener or spices.
- Stir and enjoy!
Notes
- Use a high-quality protein powder for best results.
- Adjust sweetness to your preference.
- For extra creaminess, blend with a banana or a spoonful of nut butter.
- Find more recipes on our Pinterest account.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 30mg