Protein Coffee Made in 30 Seconds

This protein coffee is your surefire way to add protein to your morning beverage! Perfect as a hot or cold recipe, you can even enjoy it as a coffee protein shake or smoothie. 

The Best Protein Coffee Recipe

Two of my most consumed beverages are coffee and protein shake.

On a typical day, I’d start my morning with coffee, have a protein shake after my workout, then have a coffee in the afternoon.

As someone who loves both and drinks them daily, it was about time for me to combine the two and create protein coffee.

What is protein coffee?

Protein coffee, as the name suggests, is a hot coffee that has added protein in it. You can buy it as a protein coffee mix that you then mix with water or milk.

While convenient, they are loaded with artificial ingredients, fillers, and calories. Luckily, you can make a homemade version in under a minute. 

This homemade recipe is pretty darn amazing. It keeps you more satisfied and energised, thanks to the combination of caffeine and protein.

You can enjoy it hot or cold, or even as a coffee protein shake. If you add the full scoop of protein, this recipe packs in 25 grams of protein.

It’s healthy low in calories, with just 67 calories per serving. 

If you are watching your carbs, there is just 1 gram per serving.

Oh, and if you want to pair it with a high protein breakfast, we love it with some protein waffles or protein donuts!

Ingredients needed

If you’ve made any of my other protein powder recipes, you probably have everything in your pantry right now! Here’s what you’ll need:

• Protein powder– Whey protein powder, brown rice protein powder, or casein protein powder.  
• Instant coffee– Also known as freeze-dried coffee. You can use decaffeinated coffee if you want this to be caffeine free.
• Sugar of choice– White, brown, coconut, or sugar free alternatives, like splenda or stevia. 
• Boiling water– To make the coffee ‘syrup’ before adding the milk. 
• Milk of choice– I like using unsweetened almond milk, but any milk will work. 

How to add protein powder to coffee

You have two methods of making protein coffee: hot or cold. Both methods take seconds to prep and you’ll be rewarded with a satisfying and caffeinated beverage. Here’s how to make it:

Hot protein coffee

Start by adding the protein powder, instant coffee, and sugar in a mug or cup. Add two tablespoons of boiling water and whisk until combined.

Either add more boiling water or milk and enjoy. 

Iced protein coffee- A coffee protein shake

If you prefer your coffee cold or want to add extra protein, you can enjoy this beverage as a coffee protein shake or coffee protein smoothie.

To make a protein coffee shake, add enough boiling water to dissolve the coffee and sugar.

Next, add the protein powder and milk or water, along with a cup of ice, and blend until smooth and frothy.

What protein mixes well with coffee?

Not all protein powder is created equal and some are better than others. After tons of trials and errors, the three best protein powders to use are:

• Whey protein powder
• Brown rice protein powder
• Pea protein powder

Tips to make the best recipe

• Use a good quality instant coffee because not all brands are the same. Alternatively, use homemade cold brew.
• For a more intense coffee hit, you can use a shot of espresso instead.
• Whisk everything together vigorously so the protein powder doesn’t clump.
• Instead of adding sweetener to the coffee, use coffee flavored protein powder.

Storage info

Wondering what’s the best way to store protein powder coffee? Here are best practices:

• To store: Add one part coffee, one part sweetener (or sugar) and four parts protein powder in a glass jar or bottle and mix well.
• To make: When ready to enjoy, add 2 tablespoons of the mix into a glass, then the boiling water, then the milk (or extra water) and enjoy. 

FAQS about this protein coffee

Can I make this unsweetened?

If you prefer your coffee black and without sugar, use unflavored protein powder and don’t add the sugar/sweetener.

Is this keto friendly?

When made with a sugar substitute, protein coffee is suitable for a keto diet.

Can I add more protein?

Add up to 1/4 cup of protein for an additional 25 grams of protein per serving.

Can I make this with decaffeinated coffee?

Yes, use decaffeinated coffee if you prefer.

More coffee recipes to try

• In a glass or mug, add the instant coffee, protein powder, and sweetener and mix well.

• Add the boiling water and whisk vigorously until combined. Either add your favorite milk or extra water and mix well.

• Serve immediately.

* For 25 grams of protein per serving, double the amount and adjust the liquids as needed.
TO STORE: Add one part coffee, one part sweetener (or sugar) and four parts protein powder in a glass jar or bottle and mix well.
TO MAKE: When ready to enjoy, add 2 tablespoons of the mix into a glass, then the boiling water, then the milk (or extra water) and enjoy. 

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 67kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 2g | Sodium: 142mg | Potassium: 41mg | Fiber: 1g | Vitamin A: 36IU | Calcium: 157mg | Iron: 1mg | NET CARBS: 1g