Coffee Protein Shake

Name: Coffee Protein Shake
Total time: 2 min
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups unsweetened almond milk; ½ cup cold black coffee; 1 tablespoon date syrup; 1 scoop unflavored protein powder

JUMP TO RECIPE

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.

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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.

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5 Coffee Protein Shake Benefits

1. Promotes Fullness

The high protein content in this shake is great for reducing hunger and increasing fullness, or satiety.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. Supports Heart Health

Regularly drinking coffee is linked to a lower risk of heart disease. This is due to the antioxidants in coffee.

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.

5. 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

Coffee protein shake ingredients on a white table.

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.

For full ingredients and detailed instructions, please see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

Variations

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.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Coffee poured into a blender with almond milk.

Step 1: Pour almond milk into the blender. Add date syrup and coffee.

The liquid should be added first.

Protein powder, date syrup, coffee, and almond milk in a blender.

Step 2: Add protein powder.

Step 3: Blend on low speed, then increase to high.

Step 4: Pour shake into a cup. Serve immediately.

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

Is a coffee protein shake good for you?

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.

Do protein shakes taste good with coffee?

Coffee is delicious in protein shakes. It’s a tasty way to make your drink more energizing.

What kind of coffee roast should I use in this protein shake?

Dark, medium, or light roast coffee can be used. Light roast coffee will have slightly more caffeine than dark or medium roast coffee.

Can I use espresso instead of cold coffee?

Yes, you can add 1-2 shots of espresso with a ⅓ cup ice instead of the ½ cup of cold coffee.

If you tried this Coffee Protein Shake recipe, please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ star rating and let me know how you like it in the comments below.