Start your day with an energizing and filling coffee protein shake. It’s easy to make at home in a blender with just 4 ingredients in 2 minutes.
Recipe Highlights
- A coffee protein shake is a caffeinated beverage made with unsweetened almond milk, black coffee, date syrup, and unflavored protein powder.
- Ready in just 2 minutes, this drink is healthy and easy to make at home using a blender.
- Enjoy a coffee protein shake in the morning or whenever you need a boost of energy.
- The unflavored protein powder allows the coffee flavor to shine.
RELATED: Chocolate Protein Shake
What Are Protein Shakes?
A protein shake is a cold drink made in a blender that’s high in protein. It’s usually consumed to reduce hunger and promote muscle growth.
The typical protein shake is made with liquid and protein powder. The protein powder can come from animal or plant-based sources.
Since there’s no frozen fruit or ice, protein shakes are not as thick as smoothies or milkshakes.
RELATED: Peanut Butter Protein Shake
Coffee Protein Shake Benefits
Promotes Fullness
The high protein content in this shake is great for reducing hunger and increasing fullness, or satiety.
Increases Energy
Coffee contains caffeine, a substance that stimulates the body and mind. This is helpful for staying awake, especially during early mornings.
Hunger can also make you tired, but the filling effect of this shake can keep you satisfied and energized.
Offers Antioxidants
As a source of antioxidants, coffee can protect your cells from damage. That’s because it contains antioxidants, including phenolic acids and flavonoids.
Supports Heart Health
Regularly drinking coffee is linked to a lower risk of heart disease. This is due to the antioxidants in coffee.
However, if you’re sensitive to caffeine, coffee can cause anxiety and fast heart rate. In this case, it’s important to drink coffee in moderation.
Builds Muscle
Many people drink protein shakes to gain muscle after exercise. That’s because protein is an essential nutrient for muscle growth.
RELATED: Banana Protein Shake
Ingredient Notes
- Unsweetened almond milk
Unsweetened almond milk is the liquid base of this shake. It has a mild nutty flavor that goes well with coffee. You can also use any kind of milk you like instead of unsweetened almond milk. - Cold coffee
Cold brew coffee or coffee that has been brewed hot then chilled both work in this shake. Use plain, unflavored black coffee. - Date syrup
Date syrup is made with Medjool dates. It adds natural sweetness, along with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. - Unflavored protein powder
You can use whey or plant-based protein powder, depending on your preference. An unflavored version will allow the coffee flavor to be more noticeable.
Step-by-Step Instructions
For full ingredients and instructions, scroll down to the recipe.
- Pour almond milk into the blender.
The liquid should be added first. - Add coffee.
- Add date syrup.
- Add protein powder.
- Blend until smooth.
Start on low speed, then increase to high. - Pour shake into a cup. Serve immediately.
Photo Credit: amazon.com
Photo Credit: amazon.com
Optional Add-Ins
Extracts
Try adding vanilla extract, coconut extract, mint extract, or almond extract to the shake. You don’t need a lot and just ½ teaspoon per recipe will elevate the drink’s flavor.
Spices
Coffee is even tastier with spices like ground cinnamon and pumpkin spice. Use ½ teaspoon per protein shake.
For stronger spices like ginger, allspice, or nutmeg, add ¼ teaspoon to start.
Cocoa powder
If you love chocolate and coffee together, add 1-2 tablespoons cocoa powder to this recipe. It will create a similar flavor profile to mocha.
RELATED: Strawberry Protein Shake
Expert Tips
- Vanilla or chocolate protein powder can also be used for this shake, though the coffee flavor will be milder.
- If you like your protein shakes to be thicker, add a few ice cubes into the blender after the protein powder.
- If you prefer stronger caffeinated drinks, add another ¼ or ½ cup of coffee.
- You can skip the date syrup for a less sweet shake.
- Keep leftover shake in an air-tight glass container in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. The ingredients might separate during this time, so be sure to shake or stir before drinking.
Questions You May Have
When part of a healthy diet and enjoyed in moderation, a coffee protein shake can be good for you. It’s important to use high-quality ingredients and minimal sweeteners.
Coffee is delicious in protein shakes. It’s a tasty way to make your drink more energizing.
Dark, medium, or light roast coffee can be used. Light roast coffee will have slightly more caffeine than dark or medium roast coffee.
Yes, you can add 1-2 shots of espresso with a ⅓ cup ice instead of the ½ cup of cold coffee.
Related
- Mocha Smoothie
- Mocha Protein Shake
- Pumpkin Spice Protein Shake
- Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie
- Cookies and Cream Protein Shake
- Greek Yogurt Smoothie
- Oatmeal Smoothie
Want to save this recipe to Pinterest for later? Pin it now to your Pinterest board!
Coffee Protein Shake
INGREDIENTS
- 1 ½ cups unsweetened almond milk
- ½ cup cold black coffee
- 1 tablespoon date syrup
- 1 scoop unflavored protein powder
INSTRUCTIONS
- Put almond milk, coffee, date syrup, and protein powder into a blender. Secure lid.Place ingredients into the blender in the order listed.
- Blend until smooth. Start the blender on LOW speed for 5 seconds. Increase speed to HIGH for 20 seconds.
- Pour shake into a cup. Serve immediately.
EQUIPMENT
NOTES
- For a more protein-packed shake, use cow’s milk or soy milk as the liquid.
- Vanilla or chocolate protein powder can also be used for this shake, though the coffee flavor will be milder.
- A few ice cubes can help thicken this shake. Add it after the protein powder.
- If you prefer stronger caffeinated drinks, add another ¼ or ½ coffee.
- You can skip the sweetener for a less sweet shake.
- Keep leftover shake in an air-tight glass container in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. The ingredients might separate during this time, so be sure to shake or stir before drinking.
- Instead of cold coffee, espresso can be used. Add 1-2 shots of espresso with a ⅓ cup ice instead of the ½ cup of cold coffee.