Protein Coffee Recipe (Proffee)

This protein coffee is your surefire way to add protein to your morning beverage! It makes the perfect breakfast or afternoon pick-me-up in less than two minutes.

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

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. Now, I combine the two and appreciate the newfound energy boost that comes from having a protein coffee.

What is protein coffee?

Protein coffee, or “proffee,” is a hot coffee that has added protein in it. Made popular on TikTok, it’s a fun and healthy way to get your caffeine fix. The protein powder itself is known to aid the growth and repair of muscles and associated with weight management, which is why it’s such a popular option pre or post workout.

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

This homemade recipe is pretty darn impressive. It keeps you more satisfied and energized, thanks to the combination of caffeine and protein. Here are some reasons why you’ll love this recipe:

• Perfect hot or cold. You can enjoy it hot or cold, or even as a coffee protein shake. 
• Packed with protein. If you add the full scoop of protein, this recipe packs in 25 grams of protein.
• Low calorie and low carb. It’s healthy and low in calories, with just 67 calories per serving. If you are watching your carbs, there is just 1 gram per serving (like our keto coffee).
• Satisfying. The addition of caffeine not only gives you more energy, but it helps to keep hunger at bay.

Oh, and if you want to pair it with a high-protein breakfast, I love this when I’m enjoying my protein pancakes or protein waffles.

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– I like using vanilla protein powder as it gives a subtle sweetness and vanilla flavor, but use whichever protein you like. I’ve included all my tested options below.
• Cold brewed coffee– Either chilled brewed coffee (iced coffee) or a cold brew coffee. I like to mix my cold brew concentrate with around one cup of water to make the perfect drink.
• Sugar of choice– Optional, but if your protein powder is unsweetened or you like a sweeter coffee, add a teaspoon or two of your favorite sugar.
• Milk of choice– I sometimes like to add some dairy-free milk (soy milk, oat milk, or unsweetened almond milk) for an extra bit of creaminess but it’s completely optional.

How to make a protein coffee

Step 1- Combine ingredients. Add all the ingredients to a high-speed blender.

Step 2- Blend. Blend until completely immersed and smooth.

Hot option

If you prefer a hot beverage, start by whisking together the protein powder and enough hot water to make it smooth, almost like syrup. Slowly add your espresso or cold brew then top it up with boiling water.

Best protein powder to use

The type of protein powder you use makes all the difference. I tested this recipe out with multiple kinds of protein powder and these three are the best both in taste and texture.

• Whey protein powder– The cleanest of all protein powders, this kind is derived from milk and has a rapid absorption rate. It also comes in tons of flavors.
• Brown rice protein powder– No dairy or gluten in it, it’s easy to digest and derived from brown rice. It typically only comes in vanilla or chocolate. It’s vegan friendly, too.
• Casein protein powder– Similar to whey, this protein powder is also derived from dairy, but it is slow digesting. It’s naturally thicker than the other protein powders.

Recipe tips and variations

• Use a good quality instant coffee because not all brands are the same. Alternatively, use homemade cold brew.
• Always use a blender to mix everything together to prevent clumps of protein powder remaining in your drink.
• For a more intense coffee hit, you can use a shot of espresso instead. If I’m really struggling the night before, I do a 50/50 combination of water to cold brew.
• Instead of adding sweetener to the coffee, use coffee-flavored protein powder.
• For a creamier beverage, replace some of the water with your favorite milk. Or, you can replace the water completely with milk and Greek yogurt and make a coffee smoothie.

Storage instructions

To store: Leftovers will keep well in the refrigerator, covered, for up to three days. Give the drink a good mix before consuming.

To freeze: Pour the proffee in an ice cube tray and when ready to enjoy, blend it back up.  

More coffee recipes to try

Frequently asked questions