Top Coffee-Flavored Protein Shake Recipes for a Nutritious Boost
Coffee and protein shake each offer various health benefits and combining them creates an energizing, nutritious beverage. The caffeine in coffee boosts energy and focus, while the protein aids muscle building and keeps you feeling full. These easy shake recipes provide the best of both worlds.
This article will highlight several delicious coffee flavored proteins shake recipes that can serve as an on-the-go breakfast, post-workout recovery drink or nutritious snack any time of day.
Why Coffee Flavored Protein Shakes?
Nutritional Benefits:
Protein is essential for building and repairing muscles, while caffeine provides a burst of energy by blocking adenosine receptors in the brain. Together they make a powerful combination pre- or post-workout. The protein also keeps you feeling satisfied.
Versatility:
These shakes are extremely versatile. Enjoy them as a grab-and-go breakfast to start your day off right. Blend one up post-workout to kickstart muscle recovery. Or make one as an afternoon pick-me-up loaded with a caffeine boost.
Essential Ingredients for Coffee-Flavored Protein Shakes
Base Ingredients: Common base ingredients for these shakes include:
Milk: Dairy milk or plant-based milks like almond milk provide creaminess, nutrients like calcium and vitamin D and blendability.
Coffee: Use Lifeboost's single-origin cold brew concentrate or freshly brewed coffee that has cooled, to infuse your shakes with a robust and clean caffeine boost. Lifeboost coffee is known for its purity and stomach-friendly properties, making it an ideal choice for health-conscious coffee enthusiasts.
Protein powders: Whey and plant-based proteins like pea or soy protein provide essential amino acids to build and maintain muscle.
Additives for Enhanced Flavor and Nutrition: Additional ingredients to make the shakes more nutritious and flavorful include:
Nut butters: Nut butters like almond or peanut butter add healthy fats, creaminess and flavor.
Greens: Spinach and kale boost the nutritional content with vitamins and minerals.
Seeds: Chia, flax and hemp seeds increase fiber, protein and omega-3 fatty acids.
Sweeteners: Optional sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, dates or stevia add sweetness.
Recipe 1: Classic Coffee Protein Shake
Ingredients:
- 1⁄2 cup coffee ice cubes (freeze brewed coffee in an ice cube tray)
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
- 2/3 cup whole milk or almond milk
- 1⁄2 frozen banana
Instructions:
1. The night before, brew a strong pot of coffee. Let it cool completely then pour into ice cube trays and freeze overnight to make coffee ice cubes.
2. Peel and slice half a banana. Arrange slices in a single layer on a plate or baking sheet and freeze overnight until solid.
3. Add the frozen banana slices, coffee ice cubes, milk and protein powder to a high-powered blender.
4. Secure the lid and blend, starting at a low speed. Gradually increase to high speed and blend for 1-2 minutes, stopping to scrape down the sides with a spatula if needed, until smooth and creamy.
5. If the consistency is too thick, add another splash of milk and blend briefly to thin it out. Taste and adjust flavor if desired.
6. Pour the shake from the blender into a glass. Top with a sprinkle of cocoa powder or cinnamon for extra flavor (optional). Enjoy immediately!
Recipe 2: Vegan Mocha Delight
Ingredients:
- 1⁄4 cup cold brewed coffee
- 1 scoop chocolate protein powder (plant-based)
- 1⁄4 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1⁄2 medium frozen banana
- 1 teaspoon chia seeds
Instructions:
1. Prepare cold brew coffee concentrate in advance or use pre-made concentrate. Refrigerate until chilled.
2. Peel a banana and cut into 1-inch chunks. Arrange in a single layer on a plate or baking sheet. Freeze overnight.
3. Add the frozen banana, cold brew concentrate, almond milk, chocolate protein powder and chia seeds to a high-powered blender.
4. Secure the lid tightly and blend, starting at low speed. Increase speed to high and blend for 1-2 minutes until smooth and creamy.
5. If too thick, add more almond milk 1-2 tablespoons at a time through the opening in the lid while blending, until desired consistency is reached.
6. Pour finished shake into a glass. Top with cacao nibs for crunch and chocolate flavor (optional).
Recipe 3: Nutty Coffee Smoothie
Ingredients:
- 1 shot of espresso or 1⁄4 cup strong brewed coffee
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
- 1 tablespoon almond butter
- 1⁄2 cup ice cubes
- 2/3 cup almond milk
Instructions:
1. Brew a small batch of extra strong coffee or pull a single or double shot of high-quality espresso. Allow to cool slightly.
2. Fill an ice cube tray half full of the fresh coffee/espresso and freeze for at least 2 hours until solid cubes form.
3. Add the coffee ice cubes, almond milk, almond butter and protein powder to a powerful blender.
4. Lock the lid in place and blend, gradually increasing from low to high speed, for 1-2 minutes until ice is crushed and mixture is smooth.
5. Taste test and tweak flavors as desired by adding more almond butter for nuttiness or almond milk for creaminess.
6. Pour the smoothie into a tall, chilled glass. Serve immediately while cold and fresh.
Recipe 4: Refreshing Banana Coffee Shake
Ingredients:
- 1⁄2 cup cold brewed coffee
- 1⁄2 frozen banana
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
- 1⁄4 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
Instructions:
1. Make cold brew coffee concentrate in advance or use store-bought. Chill in the refrigerator until ready to use.
2. Peel 1 ripe banana. Slice into coins and arrange in a single layer on a plate. Freeze overnight.
3. Add the frozen banana slices, cold brew concentrate, protein powder, almond milk and cinnamon to the blender.
4. Lock on the lid securely and blend from low to high speed for 1-2 minutes until smooth and creamy.
5. If too thick, remove lid cap and slowly pour in more almond milk while blending until desired consistency is reached.
6. Taste and sweeten if desired with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup to balance flavors.
7. Pour finished shake into a tall glass filled with ice. Dust the top with a pinch of cinnamon for garnish and extra flavor (optional). Enjoy with a reusable straw.
Recipe 5: Low Sugar High Protein Coffee Shake
Ingredients:
- 1⁄2 cup room temperature brewed coffee
- 1 scoop no sugar added vanilla protein powder
- 1⁄2 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
- 11⁄2 cups ice cubes
- 1–3 drops stevia extract (optional)
Instructions:
1. Brew a fresh pot of coffee and allow to cool to room temperature.
2. Fill an ice cube tray with water 3/4 full and freeze for at least 3 hours until solid ice cubes form.
3. Add the room temperature coffee, almond milk, protein powder and frozen ice cubes to a high-powered blender.
4. Lock on the lid securely and blend on low at first. Then increase to high speed and blend for 1-2 minutes until ice is fully crushed and mixture is smooth.
5. Remove lid cap and add stevia drops to taste if desiring extra sweetness without added sugar. Blend briefly to incorporate.
6. Pour finished protein shake into a tall glass. Add more ice cubes if a more chilled drink is desired. Enjoy with a reusable straw!
Customizing Your Coffee Protein Shake
Flavor Variations: There are endless ways to customize the flavors of these shakes:
- Experiment with different coffee types like mocha, French vanilla, or seasonal flavors using Lifeboost's diverse coffee range.
- Experiment with chocolate, strawberry, cookies and cream or other protein powder flavors
- Blend in peanut butter, hazelnut butter or other nut butters for a nutty twist
- Add cinnamon, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, maple syrup or honey to taste
Texture and Consistency Tips: Adjust thickness and creaminess:
- For a thinner shake, gradually add more milk or non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk
- To thicken it up, use more ice or freeze ingredients like bananas beforehand
- Adding nut butters, avocado or yogurt creates a richer, creamier texture
Add-Ins for Extra Nutrition: Boost nutrition without overpowering flavor:
- Fresh or frozen spinach gives a vitamin and mineral boost
- Chia, flax or hemp seeds pack extra protein, fiber and omega-3s
- Shredded carrots add vitamin A and fiber without altering taste
- Small amounts of berries like blueberries, raspberries or strawberries infuse flavor and antioxidants
Conclusion
Coffee flavored protein shakes offer the best of both worlds—a boost of caffeine for energy plus high-quality protein for muscle building, recovery and satiety. They are extremely versatile and can be enjoyed as a quick breakfast, post-workout nourishment or an afternoon snack.
Experiment with the different shake recipes provided, varying flavors, textures and add-ins to create a custom nutritious blend catered to your personal preferences. Feel the energizing effects of coffee combined with muscle-maintaining protein in one tasty shake.
FAQs
Does cold brew coffee have caffeine?
Yes, cold brew coffee contains just as much caffeine as regular coffee. The difference lies in how the coffee beans are steeped—with cold water rather than hot. So cold brew offers all the energizing effects of caffeine.
Is it okay to use instant coffee in these shakes?
Yes, instant coffee can absolutely be substituted in these recipes if you don't have freshly brewed coffee on hand. Simply mix the instant coffee powder with a bit of water first so it dissolves, then add it along with the other ingredients.
What if I don't have protein powder?
While protein powder provides an easy portable form of quality protein, you can use other protein-rich foods like Greek yogurt or silken tofu. Reduce other liquids to compensate for the added moisture that yogurt or tofu contribute.
Can I use a ripe banana instead of frozen?
Yes, a ripe banana can work if you don't have a frozen one. It just may yield a slightly thinner texture. To compensate, use more ice or nut butter for thickness.
What types of milk work best?
Any variety works—dairy milk, almond milk, oat milk, soy milk, etc. Go with unsweetened varieties to keep sugar content low. For creaminess, try using 2% or full-fat dairy milk.
Can I use decaf coffee?
Absolutely! Simply sub in decaffeinated coffee to reap all the delicious flavor without the caffeine kick. This allows you to enjoy a coffee shake any time of day without worrying about disrupted sleep patterns.
Is it important to use ice?
While not 100% necessary, ice helps create a thick, milkshake-like texture. Without it, shakes end up thinner like smoothies. So, for best texture and cooling effects, use ice. Or experiment by partially freezing milk or coffee beforehand.