Low in sugar and high in protein, this coffee protein shake will quickly become a coffee lover’s favorite breakfast or snack! We are diving into my formula on to build a shake or smoothie that will actually keep you full. It’s got chocolate, peanut butter, cacao nibs, and honestly tastes better than any blended coffee you could get at Starbucks. This coffee shake has no cream or dairy, is keto friendly, vegan, gluten free, and DELICIOUS.
I am a coffee GAL. Fun fact, I worked in the coffee industry for 10 years (ahh not me aging myself). So it’s fair to say i’ve made my fair share of coffee drink concoctions. We had a lot of customers that would come through with their Premier Protein Shakes and ask for espresso shots. They’d pour the shake over the shots and add ice. They were on to something.
So, anytime someone would come through on a sunny day, wanting something more satiating, i’d make them a coffee protein shake and they became a huge hit! What’s not to love – espresso, peanut butter, chocolate protein powder is THE trifecta of flavors we all need!
I love this recipe because it’s versatile so you can make it to your own taste or dietary preferences. Here are some examples. Make this coffee protein shake
- without banana for a low carb, lower sugar/keto option.
- with greek yogurt for an ultra creamy shake.
- with oats for some energizing, healthy carbohydrates!
- with almond butter or cashew butter if you can’t have peanuts.
- without protein powder, if you aren’t a fan!
Why you’ll love this Coffee lover’s shake
- Makes a super quick breakfast or post-workout snack!
- It’s versatile. Make it how you like.
- Packed with nutrient dense ingredients.
- Packed with 30g protein.
- It’ll keep you full for hours.
- Tastes like a blended coffee from your favorite coffee shop!
- Quick caffeine boost!
- Includes servings of vegetables!
- More fun than a regular latte or brewed coffee 😉
What type of coffee works best?
There are a few options that work! I personally like using my Nespresso machine. I just use one of the pods that pours two espresso shots. So easy! But you can also use instant espresso or store-bought bottles of espresso. Cold brew could work, if you use it as a replacement for the milk, but the coffee taste won’t be as strong.
How to make a coffee protein shake
Equipment
- Blender: I like to use my Vitamix as it has a tamper that helps you mix and press the ingredients into the blade. This helps keep the shake super thick since you don’t have to add a ton of extra liquid.
Ingredients
- Protein powder: I like to use chocolate or vanilla protein. See notes further down in the post for my favorite brands!
- Frozen banana: This is totally optional. My protein powder has a sweeter taste so I often times leave it out or will use just 1/4 (simply because i’m not a big banana fan!).
- Frozen zucchini: Cut your zucchini into small pieces and freeze in an air-tight container or bag!
- Frozen riced cauliflower: I like to buy frozen cauliflower rice but you can always make your own and freeze.
- Frozen coconut milk cubes: Simply shake your can of coconut milk, pour the milk into an ice cube tray and freeze! These make your shake SO thick and creamy and taste like ice cream 😉
- Ground flaxseeds: Flaxseeds are nutrient dense powerhouses! They are a great source of fiber and nutrients.
- Peanut butter: If you can’t have or don’t like peanut butter, simply swap in your favorite nut butter (sunflower seed butter is a great nut-free option!)
- Cacao powder: Cacao powder is packed with polyphenols, a super strong antioxidant.
- Cacao nibs: Same as above, these make a great chocolate chip replacement (however, feel free to throw in some chocolate chips!). Adding these reminds me of Starbucks double chocolate chip frappuccino.
Steps
- Simply add everything to a blender and blend!
The best protein powder to use
When it comes to protein powders, quality is key. It’s important to use a protein powder you actually like the flavor of, as it’ll add some flavor and sweetness to the recipe. I like to use high quality plant-based powders that are tested for heavy metals. However, whey protein or collagen peptides will work as well!
- Sunwarrior Chocolate protein: This specific Sunwarrior Warrior’s Blend chocolate protein powder adds the BEST flavor to the recipe. It’s naturally sweetened and doesn’t cause bloating. It’s my favorite! It’s organic and contains BCAA’s (branch chain amino acids) which are critical for building muscle, maintaining a healthy weight, & reaching overall fitness goals.
- Collagen: I like to use BUB’s Naturals. It’s super high quality and has no flavor!
- Grass-fed beef protein: Be Well By Kelly is a great animal-based protein for anyone on the search. SUPER high quality. She makes a vegan option as well!
Tips, tricks, & FAQ’s
- How to make extra thick and creamy shake: Freeze your milk into cubes. I like to use coconut milk as it’s SUPER creamy, but you can do this with any milk or even greek yogurt or coconut yogurt. Simply add the milk or yogurt to your ice cube tray and freeze. Then add to the blender with the remaining ingredients.
- How to make coffee protein shake vegan: This shake is already vegan if you use the coconut milk and vegan protein powder! If you aren’t dairy-free, you can use regular milk and why protein. This shake should be easy on you, so use whatever you have on hand!
How to build a satiating & blood sugar balancing smoothie/shake
- Protein: Not only is protein needed to help repair and rebuild your body’s tissues, but it drives metabolic function. Simply put, if you struggle with thinking about food all day, never feeling full, up your protein intake! Try and get at least 30g of protein at EACH MEAL and include protein in your snacks. Eating a high protein diet also helps keep sugar cravings at bay.
- Fat: One of the most essential components to a healthy diet, fat is also one of the most satiating macronutrient. Fat will help keep you satiated, feeling full and satisfied for hours. Healthy fats reduce insulin resistance which makes you feel less hungry. Make sure you’re including a serving at EVERY meal. The healthy fats in this shake come from the coconut milk and nut butter.
- Fiber: Fiber provides bulk to help you stay full, but it also slows down carbohydrate digestion and sugar absorption. This helps keep your blood sugar balanced so you don’t feel that crash after a meal and can also fight those afternoon sugar cravings! The fiber in this shake comes from the flaxseed and veg!
More high protein shakes, smoothies, and breakfast recipes to try
- Cookie dough protein smoothie
- Cinnamon roll smoothie
- Raspberry brownie protein chia pudding
- Strawberry chia overnight oats
- Lemon blueberry chia pudding with yogurt
- Strawberry cheesecake yogurt parfait
- Pumpkin yogurt cup with chocolate magic shell
Coffee Protein Shake
Ingredients
- 2 espresso shots *or equivalent prepared instant espresso. You can do 1 shot if you don't want as much caffeine!
- 1-1 1/2 scoops of your favorite chocolate or vanilla protein powder *Make sure you like the flavor. See blog post for recommendations
- 1/2 cup frozen zucchini slices
- 1/2 frozen banana *optional. You can leave it out & add a tbsp of monk fruit, maple syrup, or honey.
- 1/3 cup frozen cauliflower rice *optional. You don't taste it!! But you can sub another 1/2 frozen banana
- 1/2-1 tbsp cacao powder *i like mine a little more chocolately so I do 1 tbsp
- 5-6 frozen coconut milk cubes *Or other milk frozen into cubes
- 1 1/2 tbsp peanut butter *or other nut butter
- 2 tbsp ground flaxseed *can sub chia seeds
- 1/4 cup milk, of choice *more as needed
Optional additions
- cacao nibs or chocolate chips
- coconut whipped cream
- blend in 1/4 cup oats for energizing carbohydrates!
Instructions
- Add all of the ingredients to a high powered blender, starting with just 1/4 cup milk. Blend, stopping as needed to scrape down the sides (or use the tamper if you have a Vitamix). If it won't blend, add a splash more milk but careful not to over-due it or it'll make the smoothie runny.
- Note: If your protein powder isn't naturally sweeter and you want the smoothie sweeter, you can add a little monk fruit, honey, or maple syrup to taste and re-blend!
- Pour into a glass and enjoy! I like to top mine with cacao nibs and coconut whipped cream if you're feeling fun!
This was delicious! I was shocked you can’t taste the cauliflower!
Hi sara! Right!? And it makes it so extra creamy, too! So happy you liked it!