This coffee protein shake is based on a local coffee shop favorite that I’ve enjoyed for over a decade. After spending way too much money on their version over the years (it’s just so good!), I decided to perfect a homemade recipe to save some cash and time in line. Through extensive testing with different ratios and ingredients, this chocolate protein shake with coffee has been perfected and is now my go-to drink for busy mornings.
As someone who’s developed dozens of smoothie and coffee drink recipes for this website, I know what makes a great protein shake. I started making versions of this drink in my twenties when I was hitting the gym at 6am three to four days a week and needed something quick, filling, and caffeinated. Over the years, I’ve refined this recipe countless times, adjusting sweetness levels, testing various protein powders to find ones that blend best, and figuring out the ideal banana-to-coffee ratio so the banana thickens the shake without overpowering the chocolate and coffee flavors.
If you’re like me and sometimes just need a quick breakfast to enjoy as you run out the door, this delicious coffee protein smoothie is super easy to make and great for on the go. Like our mango pineapple smoothie and cherry blueberry smoothie, this drink comes together in minutes. We also love this for both pre and post workout since it delivers protein and caffeine in one convenient package. So if you love to start your day with coffee and protein, this chocolate coffee protein shake is a must try!
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Why You’ll Love This Coffee Protein Shake Recipe
Get your morning coffee and protein too! This easy recipe is the perfect way to enjoy your morning cup of joe and some extra protein!
Super easy. This delicious smoothie couldn’t be easier! Measure, blend, and enjoy!
Great as a snack or for use pre or post-workout. This smoothie isn’t just for breakfast! It’s a great option to enjoy at various points in your day to get some extra grams of protein in and keep you full.
Protein Coffee Shake Ingredients
- Coffee. Strongly brewed and cooled (either to room temperature or chilled overnight in the fridge), or cold brew coffee are great options for this recipe.
- Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk. Almond milk is low in calories and low in sugar, and adds a hint of vanilla to your homemade protein shake.
- Almond Butter. Adds protein as well as vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to your shake.
- Pure Maple Syrup. Helps to balance out and sweeten this drink.
- Chocolate Protein Powder. Using a high quality whey protein or plant-based protein powder to this protein shake to make this into a high protein coffee shake.
- Cocoa Powder. To amp up the chocolate flavor of your coffee chocolate protein smoothie.
- Banana. Using fresh or frozen banana helps to thicken your protein shake, as well as adding in nutrients, antioxidants, and potassium.
- Ice. Adding in ice helps to make your DIY protein shake extra cold.
See recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.
Helpful Equipment
A good quality blender. This is the blender we are currently using, and it has been working great! This is a simple, no-frills blender at a modest price point.
How to Make a Coffee Protein Shake
STEP 1: Add all ingredients to the basin of a blender and blend until smooth.
STEP 2: Pour into a glass or shaker cup and enjoy!
Adjusting the Texture of Your Smoothie
Everyone has a different preference when it comes to smoothie thickness and texture. Luckily, this is something you can alter easily to make it the perfect texture for you!
- To thin out a smoothie – add more liquid to your blender. In this recipe, that means either more coffee (my vote) or more milk.
- To thicken a smoothie – add more fruit or protein. For this recipe, I’d recommend simply adding another scoop of your favorite protein powder as adding more banana will alter the flavor (aka gets too banana-y).
Note: adding more ingredients to thin or thicken your smoothie will alter the flavor. Take a sip and adjust as needed to create your perfect smoothie experience!
Coffee Protein Shake Time Saving Tip
If you know you have a busy morning coming up, brew a pot of coffee the night before you want to make your protein shake. Once it’s cooled down a bit, transfer it to an air-tight container and chill the coffee in the fridge overnight. Measure out what you need for your shake and go!
Coffee Protein Shake Recipe Variations
- Use a different milk. Don’t have, or not into, almond milk? No problem! Use dairy milk (I like to use skim milk in this recipe), or try a different plant-based milk like oat milk or soy milk.
- Use vanilla protein powder. If you happen to have vanilla protein on hand, you can totally use that instead of chocolate. I’d recommend adding in some chocolate syrup to your smoothie with this option (start with 1 Tablespoon and add more if desired).
- Add a scoop of Greek yogurt. Tossing in a generous scoop of vanilla Greek yogurt is a great addition to this breakfast smoothie.
- Add ground flax or chia seeds. Both ground flaxseed and chia seeds are a popular additions to smoothies because they are high in omega-3 fatty acids and fiber. Add 1-2 Tablespoons of either to your shake.
- Try peanut butter. Don’t have almond butter? Try peanut butter instead! Please note: this will change the flavor of your protein drink, but it’s still a nice coffee banana smoothie.
- Use coffee ice cubes to really really get an extra kick of caffeine. Making coffee ice cubes from leftover coffee to store in your freezer helps avoid waste and is perfect in all kinds of homemade iced coffee recipes!
Possible Dietary Restrictions?
This coffee chocolate protein shake is one of the best blender protein shakes as it can easily fit a lot of dietary needs!. As written, this recipe is vegetarian, vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free. A few notes to make sure this homemade protein shake fits your diet:
- Those following a vegetarian diet can select a chocolate whey protein powder (this is my personal choice for my protein shakes) or a chocolate plant-based protein powder for this coffee chocolate protein smoothie.
- Make this into a vegan protein shake recipe by selecting a vegan chocolate protein powder.
- For those who follow a dairy free or gluten free diet, make sure to select a protein powder that meets this dietary requirement (it should verify this on the label).
Coffee Flavored Protein Shake FAQs
Yes, you have several options if unsweetened almond milk is not your thing.
– If you consume dairy, you can use any dairy milk in this recipe. 2% is a great option! If you choose to use dairy milk, I would recommend adding a small splash of vanilla to your protein shake.
– If you are on a plant-based diet, you could select a different plant based milk substitute such as oat milk or soy milk. I do recommend selecting an unsweetened, vanilla variety.
My personal favorite whey protein powder is Simply Tera’s because it has minimal ingredients (4 total!) and it tastes great. If you are looking to make this into a dairy-free or vegan snack recipe, select a plant-based protein powder.
Making this chocolate coffee protein shake the night before you want to enjoy it is a great option if you have a busy morning, or need to take your protein shake to-go. If you choose to make this ahead of time, I would recommend skipping the ice (or use less) as it tends to thin out your protein shake as it sits in the fridge (not a big deal, just a note). I’d also recommend placing your protein shake in a shaker cup so you can help re-mix your shake as it may settle in the fridge.
– Before or after exercise. Protein is important in rebuilding muscles after exercise and there is a lot of research on the topic of when to supplement with protein for the best results. Most research suggests that you can supplement with protein (like this awesome protein shake!) before, during, or after a workout. Do what works best for you!
– As a high protein snack. This protein shake is a great low calorie snack to keep you full between meals! Since this recipe has you mixing protein powder with coffee, you’ll need to decide if you want to enjoy this in the morning (due to the caffeine), or if you’ll be ok to enjoy this mid-afternoon for a little pick-me-up.
– As a quick, to-go breakfast. If you have a busy morning, blending up a protein shake is a great on the go breakfast option. Since this protein shake blends coffee with protein powder, this caffeinated and high-protein shake will get your day started on the right foot.
The best coffee to use in this recipe is a good-quality coffee that you enjoy drinking on its own.
If you’re using hot brewed coffee, be sure to cool it down to room temperature (or chill it in the fridge) before using in your coffee smoothie. Another great option for this coffee smoothie is cold brew! You can use store bought or homemade cold brew coffee.
Hot coffee won’t destroy the protein itself or eliminate its nutritional value, but it can cause the protein powder to clump when you first add it, especially if you’re mixing by hand. Since this recipe uses a blender, the blending action breaks up any clumps, so technically you could use hot coffee if you’re in a rush. However, I still recommend using cooled or chilled coffee for the best results because hot coffee will melt your ice immediately, giving you a warm, thin shake instead of a cold, thick one. For the smoothie texture we’re going for, you want that coffee chilled. If you’re short on time in the morning, brew your coffee the night before and store it in the fridge overnight so it’s ready to blend when you wake up.
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Chocolate Protein Shake with Coffee
Ingredients
- ¾ C strongly brewed coffee, chilled (or brought down to room temperature)*
- ¼ C unsweetened vanilla almond milk
- ½ tablespoon pure maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon almond butter
- ½ of a medium banana
- ½ tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1 serving of your favorite chocolate protein powder
- 6-8 ice cubes
Instructions
- Place all ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth.
- Pour into a glass or shaker cup and enjoy!
Ks says
Wow!!! I was having a hard time getting my protein in and this is game changing!!! So so good
Meredith says
I’m so happy to hear this coffee protein shake is working for you!! Enjoy 🙂
Marge says
The best! We’ve made this a ton, highly recommend
Meredith says
so happy to hear you love these too Marge!
Sue says
This was so delicious and the perfect mid-afternoon pick me up. I’m putting this recipe into regular rotation for breakfast and/or that afternoon slump!! So so good!!
Meredith says
I’m so happy to hear you loved this recipe Sue! And that it’s going into your regular rotation 🙂
Elsa says
Just checking nutrition facts. There’s only 6 grams of protein after adding protein powder? I would think it would be higher.
Meredith says
Hi Elsa, thank you for pointing this out! I just ran a re-calculation on the nutrition facts in the protein card, and it has been increased to 23g (much better!). This may vary depending on the type of protein you are using, but it is definitely much closer than previously noted.
Thank you!
Morri says
I just made this for an afternoon snack and it was amazing! I didn’t have any bananas, so instead, I used five pitted medjool dates and it is not too sweet and soooo yummy!!!
ourlovelanguageisfood says
I’m so happy to hear you loved it Morri! Great swap on the dates too, I’m going to have to try that out 🙂
Sabrea says
Love this recipe! Quick, easy, super flavorful, and it kept me full until lunch! I subbed with cashew milk and peanut butter since I didn’t have the other stuff on hand.
ourlovelanguageisfood says
I’m so glad you loved it! Thank you for making my recipe!
Heather says
Love this I made it for breakfast and it was amazing going to make this as my new breakfast. Quick and easy and simple ingredients.
ourlovelanguageisfood says
So glad you loved it! Definitely a great way to start the day. Thank you for making my recipe Heather
Debbie says
I just made this…awesome afternoon pick-me-up with protein to boot!
ourlovelanguageisfood says
I’m so happy to hear you enjoyed it!