I’m often either starting my day off with my Everday Vanilla Latte or this Protein Iced Coffee recipe. They are truly some of my favorite coffee recipes! Freshly brewed espresso, ice, protein shake, and sugar/vanilla if you need to make it a bit sweeter. It truly doesn’t get any easier than replacing the milk in your coffee with a protein shake for added nutrition!
RELATED: Blueberry Vanilla Protein Shake Recipe
Ingredients
1. Espresso
I love making this with my Nespresso and a double espresso shot pod. However, any type of espresso machine works great! You can also use instant espresso, strongly brewed coffee, or even cold brew coffee for this recipe.
2. Mason Jar + Ice
Fill a mason jar with ice to shake this protein coffee drink together. You also just use a regular glass filled with ice!
TIP: You can also blend this entire recipe together for a protein coffee smoothie!
3. Protein Shake
Replace milk in your coffee with your favorite high-protein shake! Whey protein and plant-based shakes for a dairy-free option both work great. Here are a few of my personal favorites:
You can also mix a scoop of your favorite vanilla protein powder (or caramel) with water or oat milk to make a protein shake and then add it to this Protein Iced Coffee recipe.
4. Sugar/Vanilla (optional)
Most protein shakes are already sweetened and are often flavored, so I typically leave out the sugar and vanilla in this recipe. However, if you prefer a sweeter latte drink or are using an unsweetened/unflavored protein powder to create the protein shake, feel free to add it in!
RELATED: The 5 Best Vegan Protein Powders (Honest Review)
How to Make Protein Coffee
Making Protein Iced Coffee is so easy! Here’s how to shake it together in 5 minutes or less:
- Brew the espresso or strong coffee over ice.
- Stir in sugar and vanilla (optional).
- Pour the protein shake over your coffee.
- Stir or shake together, add more ice, and enjoy!
Tips
- You can also make this using coffee! Replace the espresso with 1/2 – 3/4 cup strongly brewed coffee instead.
- Another option is to use espresso powder for instant espresso!
- This recipe makes a pretty creamy iced coffee drink. Feel free to use 1/2 cup of the protein shake instead if you prefer to have a stronger coffee taste!
Protein Coffee Recipe Variations
There are so many fun ways to take this protein coffee recipe up a notch! Here are a few variations to try:
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- Vanilla Protein Coffee: Use a vanilla-flavored protein shake and add extra vanilla extract.
- Mocha Protein Coffee: Substitute chocolate-flavored protein shake and add 1-2 teaspoons of dark cocoa powder.
- Caramel Protein Coffee: Add a drizzle of date caramel syrup (The BEST Vegan Caramel Sauce)!
- Cinnamon Roll Protein Coffee: Add 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon to the recipe.
- Peanut Butter Protein Coffee: Add 1 tablespoon peanut butter – it’s SO good!
- Dirty Chai Protein Coffee: Add 1 teaspoon chia tea powder.
- Pumpkin Spice Protein Coffee: Add 1/2 teaspoon of pumpkin spice and 1-2 Tablespoons of real pumpkin puree, then blend it all together!
How to Store High Protein Coffee
While high protein coffee is best enjoyed fresh, you can always store it in the fridge if you can’t finish the drink for 2-3 hours! You can also make this drink 2-3 hours ahead of time (or in larger batches). Simply shake everything together (except for the ice). Store in a glass with a lid in the refrigerator, then add in the ice when you’re ready to enjoy it!
Want to avoid caffeine? Here are the 15 Best Healthy Coffee Alternatives!
More Protein Recipes
- Blueberry Banana Protein Muffins
- Homemade Peanut Butter Protein Bars
- Dark Chocolate Breakfast Protein Oats
- No-Bake Oatmeal Protein Bars
- Peanut Butter Chocolate Protein Cookies
- Vanilla Cream Protein Overnight Oats
Coffee Recipes You’ll Love
- Everyday Collagen Coffee Recipe
- 5-Minute Iced Green Tea Matcha Latte
- Coffee Panna Cotta
- Everyday Vanilla Latte Recipe
- Maple Pecan Pie Latte (Cold Coffee Drink)
More From Jar Of Lemons
Did you make this high-protein iced coffee recipe? Be sure to give it a rating below and tag your photos @jar.of.lemons!
Protein Iced Coffee
Equipment
- Nespresso Machine or any espresso machine
Ingredients
- 2 ounces brewed espresso (double shot)
- 1-2 cups ice
- 1 teaspoon raw sugar (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla (optional)
- 3/4 cup protein shake
Instructions
- Brew the espresso over a mason jar or glass filled with ice.
- Stir in the sugar and vanilla (optional).
- Pour in the protein shake and stir or shake together.
- Add more ice if desired and enjoy!
Notes
- You can also make this using coffee! Replace the espresso with 1/2 – 3/4 cup strongly brewed coffee instead.
- Another option is to use espresso powder for instant espresso!
- This recipe makes a pretty creamy iced coffee drink. Feel free to use 1/2 cup of the protein shake instead if you prefer to have a stronger coffee taste!
Leona says:
I developed a serious form of both hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia and reactive hypoglycemia about 8yrs ago, causing Drs to put me on a diet that is/was basically just protein (there’s more to it, but life revolves around protein now, and not by choice..
So I learned about alot of protein snacks and food i didn’t know exisisted and how to pack protein into old faves…
I make an iced coffee protein drink basically identical to this, although while I now use cold brew concentrate, protein powder (vanilla, cake batter, and vanilla ice cream type flavors i find work best, as the chocolate powders kinda get muddled in flavor but you do you) Im a huge fan of torani sugar free syrups for all my protein drinks,.. AND in the beginning I used Premeir Protein pre made drinks and it tasted great, but I had to stop due to the fact that I cant drink Premeir Protein Drinks anymore, after the 3rd? time I went to drink it and got a mouthful of what was the consistancy of curdled milk… your body knows that texture should NOT be there, so mentally it became harder to drink them, esp after it occured again and I learned its something that just “sometimes happens” with the product….
But ya, this recipe is solid… I admit while using Cold Brew Concentrate (the Starbucks one you can get at any grocery store) is super easy, its not the most cost effective, and if youre comfortable making your own cold brew overnight with a french press or w/e, Id check out some of the whole bean and ground coffee flavors available on amazon, like snickerdoodle, salted caramel, chocolate, chocolate peanut butters cup, bananas foster, maple, cherry, german chocolate cake, chocolate raspberry truffle…
Annie S. says:
Oh my gosh I love all of your recipes!! I also have a blog where I post healthier desserts with gluten free, low sugar, and plant based options. It’s so cool to see other peoples recipes, and you truly have a gift for photography. Thank you so much for posting this.
Jacqueline Debono says:
Great way to start the day. Such a great idea to add a protein shake to my coffee instead of milk!
Freya says:
I had never considered using protein powder in my iced latte, what a fab idea!
Denise says:
I love adding protein to my drinks, makes them more satisfying and filling. Thanks for sharing your delicious recipe!
Tammy says:
Cannot believe I never thought of using a protein drink as a creamer for coffee! That is such an excellent idea…how refreshing and satisfying!
Liz says:
Oh, my gosh, breakfast in a glass!!! This coffee will be on repeat all summer long!
Amy Liu Dong says:
It is so easy and delicious. My sister will def love this.
Claire says:
I made this for my hubby as he loves ice coffee and always has a protein shake after a workout. He said it was delicious!
I used his standard powdered vanilla like you suggested.
Jessica says:
This was as creamy as promised, and I added the vanilla option for an excellent added layer of flavor…quite a tasty way to start the day! Thanks!
Cathleen says:
This is perfect!! I Love a good protein shake in my coffee, so I am so excited to try this recipe out! Pinned to make tomorrow morning đŸ™‚
Heather says:
Such a delicious way to get your coffee and protein too. Made this for husband and he loved it!
Debbie J Wilkinson replied:
Sounds like a good start for a blended coffee. Thank you
Sean says:
This is perfect for after my morning workout. A nice protein with my coffee.