Coffee Protein Shake
Creamy, energizing, and packed with flavor — swap your usual iced latte for this filling coffee protein shake with 30 grams of protein per glass.
Whether you’re rushing out the door or just want a more balanced way to start your day, this easy coffee protein shake has you covered. It blends your morning caffeine with protein, healthy fats, and natural sweetness for a quick breakfast or snack that actually keeps you full.
Want more protein-packed smoothie recipes? Try my peanut butter berry smoothie, cottage cheese protein shake, blueberry protein shake, or chocolate peanut butter smoothie.
Why you need this coffee protein shake
- High protein, no fuss. With 30 grams of protein per glass, this shake helps you hit your nutrition goals fast — perfect for busy mornings or post-workout fuel.
- Balanced and energizing. It’s naturally low in sugar and made with simple, nourishing ingredients, so you get lasting energy without the crash of a sugary latte.
- Quick to make. Just blend and go! This tasty shake comes together in under 5 minutes, no fancy equipment or long brew time needed.
Ingredient notes
Scroll down to the recipe card for the full ingredients list and detailed recipe.
- Brewed coffee: Use brewed and cooled coffee for that bold, iced latte flavor. Make sure it’s fully chilled for the best thick and creamy texture.
- Milk: I use 2% cow’s milk for added protein and creaminess, but any milk or milk alternative works — soy milk is a great high-protein option.
- Banana: Half a ripe, spotty banana adds natural sweetness.
- Vanilla whey protein powder: I like Leanfit vanilla whey for its taste and because it has 24 grams of protein per scoop. Use any protein powder you enjoy.
- Natural peanut butter: Adds healthy fats and a subtle, nutty flavor. Choose one with just peanuts and salt on the label. You can swap in almond, cashew, or seed butter if preferred.
- Salt: A small pinch helps balance the flavors and enhances sweetness.
- Ice: Optional, but helps thicken and chill the shake. Use more or less to adjust the texture to your liking.
Dietary needs and other customizations
- Dairy-free: Use soy milk or any dairy-free alternative like almond or oat milks. Use a plant-based protein powder — I like this one from Orgain, but you’ll need to use two scoops.
- Gluten-free: This protein shake is naturally gluten-free.
- No banana: Swap banana for 2-3 pitted Medjool dates. If they’re dry, soak them in 1/4 cup hot water for 5-minutes before adding to your blender.
- Add chocolate: For a mocha-inspired protein shake, swap vanilla protein powder for chocolate.
- More coffee: Add one shot of espresso to your shake for an extra bold coffee flavor and more caffeine.
How to make the best coffee protein shake
Add ingredients: Measure and add all ingredients to your blender cup.
Blend: Blend on high until completely smooth.
Top tips
- Use cold coffee. Warm coffee will melt the ice and water down your shake, so make sure it’s fully cooled before blending.
- Adjust the texture. For a thicker shake, use more ice and a frozen banana. For something thinner, skip the ice, use a fresh banana, or add extra milk or coffee.
- Make it your own. Swap vanilla protein powder for another flavor, add other fruits and veggies, or swap nut butters to make the flavors and nutrition suited to you.
No time to brew fresh coffee? Prep a big batch in advance and store in the fridge. That way, you’ll always have cold coffee ready to go!
Common questions
Protein helps you feel full longer, so it’s helpful when working on weight loss. It also has many important functions for overall health — eating protein supports your immune system, helps you build and maintain muscle, and helps stabilize blood sugars.
You can use any brewed coffee you enjoy! I prepare pour-over coffee at home, but you could also use coffee from a Keurig or Nespresso machine.
No problem! Instead of ice, use a frozen banana to thicken and cool your shake.
I recommend blending this smoothie right before drinking for the best results — it can thin out and separate if it sits for too long. To prep ahead, brew and cool your coffee in advance. You could also add ingredients (not ice) to the blender ahead of time and store in the fridge. When you’re ready to drink, just blend and go.
This coffee protein shake contains 2 grams of fiber per glass. If you want extra, add 1 tablespoon of chia seeds or ground flax before blending. This will thicken the smoothie as it sits, so make sure to drink it fresh.
Coffee Protein Shake
Ingredients
- ½ cup brewed coffee, cooled
- ¼ cup milk, I use 2% cow's milk
- ½ ripe banana, fresh or frozen
- 1 scoop vanilla whey protein powder, about a heaping ⅓ cup
- 1 Tbsp natural peanut butter
- pinch salt
- 2-4 ice cubes
Equipment
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to your blender.
- Blend on high until completely smooth, about 30-seconds. Enjoy immediately.
Notes
- You can use any milk or milk alternative you enjoy — soy milk is a great protein-rich alternative if you’re dairy-free.
- Swap whey protein powder for plant-based if desired.
- Do not use unflavored protein powder.
