That first sip of coffee in the morning feels like a gentle wake-up call. The cozy warmth, rich aroma, and burst of energy make it hard to skip. Now, imagine making your favorite drink even better by turning it into a protein-packed treat that fits your lifestyle.
One growing trend is protein coffee, also known as proffee. It’s exactly what it sounds like, combining your daily brew with protein powder to create a drink that’s both creamy and satisfying. Instead of buying an expensive café drink or grabbing a separate protein shake, you can make one delicious cup that gives you the best of both worlds.
The best part? Making protein coffee at home is super easy. Whether you prefer hot coffee, iced coffee, or a smooth cold brew, you can customize every cup to match your taste and enjoy a drink that’s as simple as it is rewarding.
Why People Make Protein Coffee
Adding protein powder to your favorite coffee is becoming more popular, and for good reason. Here are the top reasons why people love this combination:
1. Better Flavor and Creaminess: The right protein powder can make coffee smoother and creamier, almost like a café-style drink. It works well with hot coffee, iced coffee, or cold brew, so you can enjoy it any way you like.
2. Quick and Convenient: Mixing protein into coffee is an easy protein coffee solution for busy mornings. You can prepare it in minutes without extra steps, making it perfect for anyone with a packed schedule.
3. More Protein Without Changing Your Habit: Adding a scoop of protein powder is a simple way to boost your protein intake without adjusting your routine. It’s ideal for anyone who wants a protein-packed drink while still enjoying their regular coffee.
4. Flexible Protein Choices: There are many options like whey protein, collagen, and casein, but plant-based and vegan protein powder are great for a smoother, cleaner blend. They also work well with different types of milk and flavor add-ins for easy customization.
5 Simple Protein Coffee Recipes You Can Make at Home
1. Protein-Packed Coffee Shake
Looking for a quick protein iced coffee recipe that doubles as a creamy breakfast drink? This shake combines bold coffee with chocolate-flavored protein powder, frozen banana, and plant-based milk for a smooth and satisfying boost. Perfect for busy mornings or when you need an afternoon pick-me-up with a boost of protein.
Ingredients
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1 cup brewed coffee (cooled)
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1/4 cup plant-based milk (oat, almond, or coconut)
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1 scoop of chocolate protein powder
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1 frozen banana
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Ice
For full instructions, visit the complete recipe here.
2. Choco PB Oatmeal Latte Shake
If you love the rich combo of coffee, chocolate, and peanut butter, this creamy shake is a must-try. It blends oat milk, espresso shots, and chocolate protein powder with natural sweetness from dates and banana. Perfect for mornings when you want a protein-packed drink that tastes indulgent yet keeps you energized.
Ingredients
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1–2 scoops of chocolate protein powder
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1 cup oat milk
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3 pitted dates
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1 banana
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1/4 cup old-fashioned oats
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1 tablespoon peanut butter
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1 tablespoon chia seeds
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Pinch of sea salt
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2 shots of espresso
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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Cacao nibs for topping
For full instructions, visit the complete recipe here.
3. Vanilla Protein Latte With Oreo Cold Foam
This one is pure indulgence for coffee lovers. A smooth vanilla protein latte, topped with a dreamy Oreo cold foam, provides the perfect blend of sweetness and creaminess. With a rich coffee flavor from espresso shots and a boost of vanilla-flavored protein powder, it’s a fun twist to enjoy hot or iced any time of the day.
Ingredients
Latte Base
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1 scoop vanilla-flavored protein powder
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1/2 cup plant-based milk (oat or almond)
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Ice
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2 shots of espresso
Oreo Cold Foam
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1 Oreo, crushed (or use a vegan sandwich cookie)
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1 tablespoon plant-based milk
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3 tablespoons plant-based cream (like coconut or oat cream)
For full instructions, visit the complete recipe here.
4. Iced Coffee Protein Shake
This iced coffee protein shake is cool, creamy, and refreshing. It blends brewed coffee, vanilla or chocolate protein powder, and almond milk for a smooth drink with a satisfying boost of protein. Best served chilled over ice.
Ingredients
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1 cup brewed coffee (cooled)
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1 scoop vanilla or chocolate protein powder
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1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice)
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Ice cubes
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Sweetener (optional)
Instructions
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Brew coffee and let it cool.
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Blend with protein powder, milk, and ice until smooth.
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Sweeten if desired and serve chilled.
5. Protein Coffee Popsicles
Turn your daily coffee into a protein-packed frozen treat with these creamy protein coffee popsicles. Using cold brew coffee, vanilla protein powder, and creamy yogurt, this recipe is a fun way to enjoy your coffee on warm days. It’s a refreshing twist that combines great coffee flavor with a satisfying boost of protein.
Ingredients
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1 cup cold brew coffee
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1 scoop vanilla protein powder
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1/2 cup Greek yogurt
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1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
Instructions
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Blend all ingredients until smooth.
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Pour into popsicle molds and freeze for 4–6 hours.
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Enjoy as a cool snack!
Other Creative Protein Recipes With Coffee
If you’re ready to experiment, these protein recipes will give you more ways to enjoy your daily coffee while adding a satisfying boost of protein. They’re simple, fun to make, and perfect for anyone who loves to get creative using protein powder at home.
1. Coffee Protein Oatmeal
Upgrade your breakfast with this high-protein bowl of oatmeal infused with brewed coffee. It blends creamy oats, a scoop of protein powder, and cinnamon for a comforting, energizing start to the day. You can even serve it in a mason jar for an easy, on-the-go option.
Ingredients
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1/2 cup rolled oats
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1/2 cup brewed coffee
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1/2 cup milk (plant-based or dairy)
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1 scoop vanilla protein powder
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1 teaspoon cinnamon
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Toppings: nuts, seeds, or berries
Instructions
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In a small saucepan, combine oats, brewed coffee, and milk.
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Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the oats soften and absorb most of the liquid.
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Remove from heat and mix the protein powder until smooth and creamy.
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Sprinkle with cinnamon and add your favorite toppings before serving.
2. Coffee Protein Pancakes
These fluffy pancakes make mornings better, combining coffee with protein powder to create a high-protein breakfast you’ll love. They’re light, flavorful, and perfect hot and iced when served with cold cream or syrup.
Ingredients
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1 cup rolled oats (blended into flour)
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1 scoop protein powder of your choice (vanilla or chocolate)
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1/2 cup brewed coffee (cooled)
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1 egg
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1 teaspoon baking powder
Instructions
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Mix the protein powder with the rest of the ingredients to form a smooth batter.
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Cook in a greased pan over medium heat until golden.
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Serve warm with Greek yogurt, fresh berries, or honey.
Wrapping Up: Enjoy Protein Coffee Your Way
Making protein coffee at home is a cost-effective and fun way to upgrade your daily routine. It’s easy to prepare, highly customizable, and lets you enjoy your favorite coffee flavor while adding a satisfying boost of protein.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with recipes and try different combinations of flavors, textures, and types of protein. Whether you like it hot or iced, creamy or light, there’s a perfect version waiting for you to make this drink your own.
For the smoothest blends and naturally balanced flavors, consider using EarthChimp’s organic vegan protein powder designed to mix easily into your coffee. With the right protein powder, every cup can be a creamy, energizing treat, made right at home.
FAQs About Protein Powder and Coffee
Can I Add Protein Powder To Hot Coffee Without Clumping?
Yes, you can. To avoid clumps, mix the protein powder with a little cool liquid first, then add your hot coffee. Using a blender or shaking it in a coffee cup also works well.
What Are The Best Protein Powders For Coffee?
If you’re looking for the best protein powders for coffee, it depends on your taste. Unflavored protein powder keeps the coffee taste strong, while vanilla-flavored protein powder adds a touch of sweetness. Plant-based options like pea protein or brown rice protein also blend smoothly, whether made hot or iced.
If Coffee Can Affect Protein Absorption, Should I Avoid Mixing Them?
If you’re wondering if coffee can affect protein absorption, the impact is minimal for most people. Mixing coffee with protein powder is generally fine, and a typical scoop still provides enough grams of protein per serving to help you increase your protein intake while enjoying your drink.
Can I Customize The Flavor Of My Protein Coffee?
Absolutely. You can adjust the sweetness, creaminess, and flavor by using plant-based milks, adding cinnamon or cacao, or choosing a vanilla-flavored protein powder for a smooth, dessert-like taste.
Can I Make Protein Coffee Hot Or Iced?
Yes, protein coffee is super easy to prepare, hot or iced. Use instant coffee or cold brew for a refreshing iced version, or enjoy it warm for a cozy protein-packed drink.
Disclaimer:
This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
