Best Protein Shake Recipe: Low Sugar Coffee Protein Shake (2024)

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High protein, low sugar protein shake is a coffee lover’s dream.Gluten free, vegan coffee shake recipe. Only 4 ingredients- no cream!! Easy to make for an afternoon pick me up.

Coffee Lovers Protein Shake

Breakfast smoothies and coffee are my jam which means this coffee lover’s protein shake is my ultimate fave! So coffee protein shake… umm yes please. And this one tastes like a straight upmilkshake.

On a rainy day, there’s nothing I like more than sitting by the window and writing with a delicious treat nearby to sip or snack on. But as the rain falls,sometimes my energy falls, too!

Best Protein Shake Recipe: Low Sugar Coffee Protein Shake (1)

So a quick caffeine boost definitely helps.

But I don’t always want a latte or even just brewed coffee. So, I came up with this breakfast smoothie that comes with a kick of cold coffee and some cacao nibs for a pretty finish. Yay for healthy protein shake!

Best Protein Shake Recipe: Low Sugar Coffee Protein Shake (2)

How to make a protein shake with coffee?

This coffeebreakfast smoothie is super easy to make. Literally, toss all ingredients into a blender, top with cacao nibs and sip all the frothy goodness with a straw. We even added a how to video to this post! Here’s what we have in this baby.

Banana

Vanilla protein powder

Unsweetened vanilla almond milk

Cold brewed coffee

Cacao nibs

Best Protein Shake Recipe: Low Sugar Coffee Protein Shake (3)

What type of coffee to use for this protein shake?

Any chilled coffee will work in this recipe! So pick your favorite coffee. I actually created this recipe with room temp coffee from my morning pot of coffee, but now that I use a Keurig for single brew– I often will just toss in cold brew or unsweetened iced coffee from the jug.

BTW, I LOVE Starbucks Blonde Roast and that I can buy this at the grocery for a fraction of what it would cost me if I were to go to Starbucks for an iced coffee.

Best Protein Shake Recipe: Low Sugar Coffee Protein Shake (4)

Let’s call this babe Coffee Lovers Protein Shake.

For the love of a breakfast smoothie… I hope you love this gem of a recipeas much as I do. Make sure to look at the notes — I included some options for toppings (I like cacoa nibs!) and also a tip for making this shake more or less sweet, depending on what you prefer.

How to make a vegan protein shake?

This shake is easy to make vegan and dairy free! Just sub in a vegan protein powder. I’m pretty obsessed with Vega sport. I’ve linked to it in my Amazon store below too.

You can use vanilla or chocolate flavorin this recipe so take your pick! Just opt for an unsweetened version to keep sugars low. [amazon_link asins=’B016D9IHZG’ template=’ProductCarousel’ store=’lovea0fd-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’a206106d-c80d-4053-9d83-8fa4d6799e94′]

Vegan coffee protein shakes for the win!

Best Protein Shake Recipe: Low Sugar Coffee Protein Shake (5)

Are protein shakes good for weight loss?

If you are trying to lose weight, you need this low sugar coffee shake!

Because, yo this breakfast smoothie is under 200 calories, 19g carbs and 25 grams of protein! Protein is super important when trying to lose weight!

Amino acids, specifically leucine help with stimulating muscle protein synthesis! Leucine has also been found to help with fat loss, and protein powder is rich in branch chain amino acid leucine.

While more research is need as to how much leucine the athlete needs, much has been discovered that it’s somewhere between 2-3g per meal, with bigger and aging athletes on the higher end. Let me explain.

Best Protein Shake Recipe: Low Sugar Coffee Protein Shake (6)

We know that as we age our metabolism slows, as a result of losing muscle mass… good news is this is largely preventable! Research is showing that nutrition can affect the quality of our muscle mass.

After age thirty something {and earlier for some}, high quality proteins that are rich in leucine become even more important to the body and are needed in larger quantities.

Do you need a little pick me up? Go on you coffee lover, grab your favorite glassand the blender and get your coffee on.

Best Protein Shake Recipe: Low Sugar Coffee Protein Shake (7)

Besthigh proteinbreakfast smoothies:

Peaches n Cream Protein Shake

Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Smoothie

Coconut Cream Pie Protein Shake

Almond Joy Protein Shake

Almond Butter Date Shake

Peanut Butter Mocha Protein Shake

Best Protein Shake Recipe: Low Sugar Coffee Protein Shake (8)

Other coffee recipes:

Coffee Cashew Ice Cream

Coffee Brownies

Double Chocolate Cherry Skillet Brownie

Almond Butter Banana Bread Muffins

Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino

Eggnog Frappuccino

DIY Pumpkin Spice Latte

Best Protein Shake Recipe: Low Sugar Coffee Protein Shake (9)

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Best Protein Shake Recipe: Low Sugar Coffee Protein Shake (10)

Coffee Lovers Protein Shake

★★★★★4.9 from 17 reviews
  • Author: Kristina LaRue
  • Prep Time: 5 mins
  • Cook Time: 0 mins
  • Total Time: 5 mins
  • Yield: 1 shake 1x

Print Recipe

Description

This high protein and low sugar coffee protein shake is a coffee lover’s dream. Dairy free and vegan too. No cream and 100% healthy and only 4 ingredients!! Blend to frothy deliciousness, top with cacao for an afternoon pick me up.

Scale

Ingredients

  • 1/2 ripe banana
  • 1 scoop no sugar added vanilla protein powder
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
  • 1/2 cup cold or room temperature brewed coffee
  • 1 1/2 cups cubed ice
  • sprinkle of cacao nibs, for topping if desired
  • 13 drops stevia extract, if desired

Instructions

  1. Add all ingredients except ice to a high powered blender. and blend until mixed together.
  2. Slowly add ice to blender and process until creamy.
  3. Top with cacao nibs, if desired.
  4. Note: If you desire a bit of a sweeter shake, stir in 1-3 drops stevia extract.

  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Blender
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 recipe
  • Calories: 193
  • Sugar: 9g
  • Sodium: 161mg
  • Fat: 2g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 1g
  • Trans Fat: 0mg
  • Carbohydrates: 19g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: coffee protein shake, coffee shake, coffee smoothie, java shake, low sugar, high protein

If you tried this recipe or any of our recipes, please leave a comment and rate the recipe. We love hearing from you! You can also tag #loveandzest on social media. To stay up-to-date, FOLLOW US on Instagram @LoveandZest, Pinterest, and Facebook.

Disclosure: This post contains Amazon affiliate links to products we believe in, which means that even though it doesn’t cost you anything extra, Love & Zest will receive a small amount of money from the sale of these items.

Best Protein Shake Recipe: Low Sugar Coffee Protein Shake (12)

Kristina LaRue, RDN

Hi I’m Kristina LaRue, RD (registered dietitian nutritionist), Peloton addict and mama to two active and hungry boys. On Love & Zest, you’ll find healthy-ish recipes that fuel the whole family. I’m all about veggie-filled breakfast, meal prep recipes, healthier sweets, and easy weeknight dinners made in the Instant Pot or sheet pan.

Did you make one of my recipes?? Leave a review in the comments and tag @loveandzest #loveandzest on Instagram!

If you’re a modern mama– I’d love for you to join my Facebook group A Modern Motherhood Collective!

www.loveandzest.com

Best Protein Shake Recipe: Low Sugar Coffee Protein Shake (2024)

FAQs

Is it okay to make a protein shake with coffee? ›

If you're adding a protein shake that's already a liquid, you can mix it with your hot or iced coffee. Adding protein powder to iced coffee is also simple. Just mix the two and you're set.

What is the best protein shake to mix with coffee? ›

Collagen protein mixes the best, completely dissolving without altering the flavor or texture of the coffee. Plant-based protein powders also mix well with coffee, but whey and other dairy-based protein powders don't mix as well.

What is the perfect protein shake ratio? ›

In generally, 6-12 oz of milk for each scoop of protein powder is recommended. However, if you are looking for a more flavorful shake, try including as little as 4 ounces of milk for each scoop of protein powder. As always, make sure to mix well using a blender bottle or blender for best results.

What are the healthiest protein shakes? ›

Summary: Compare the Best Protein Shakes of 2024
ProductForbes Health RatingsBest For
Lean Body by Labrada5.0Best Overall
Fairlife Core Power4.5Best Budget-Friendly
OWYN Plant-Based Protein Shake4.0Best Plant-Based
Premier Protein3.0Best Flavor Variety

What happens when you mix protein and coffee? ›

The combination of coffee and protein can promote satiety, meaning it makes you feel full for longer. Caffeine can enhance metabolism and reduce the levels of hunger hormones produced by the body. Protein makes you feel fuller and demands more energy from the body to digest than carbohydrates or fats.

How much protein shake to put in coffee? ›

There's no standard recipe for proffee, so exactly how you make it is up to you. Some people mix coffee with pre-made protein shakes that pack up to 30 g per single-serve container. Others blend their coffee with a few scoops of plant protein powder, infusing their coffee with about 20–25 g of protein.

What is protein coffee for weight loss? ›

Both coffee and protein are natural appetite suppressant helping you feel full longer. Together they give you twice the support and aid in stabilizing blood sugar. A coffee protein powder like CLICK® fills you up quickly and keeps you full for hours. It's a perfect way to start your day and avoid the afternoon slump.

Is it better to drink coffee protein shake before or after workout? ›

Research suggests it doesn't matter whether you drink a protein shake before or after your workout. Total daily protein intake matters most. Protein is necessary for muscle repair and growth. For this reason, many people consume protein supplements in the form of shakes along with their workouts.

What happens when you drink protein shakes without working out? ›

Without exercise, the extra protein from the shakes might not be used well by your body. This could lead to issues like gaining too much weight or not having enough muscle strength. In the long term, it might also affect things like your heart health or how your bones stay strong.

Will I lose weight on 2 shakes and 1 meal a day? ›

Replacing meals with protein shakes may help you lower your daily calories, which can help you lose weight. But in time you'll need to start eating solid food again.

Should I add ice to a protein shake? ›

Ice: Using ice will give your shake a slushy, icy texture. Milk Ice Cubes: Using these can make your shake thicker than using liquid milk. Frozen Fruit: Mangos are a terrific option for a smooth blend.

What is the best protein shake for seniors over 60? ›

Kate Farms Nutrition Shake

Our best protein drink for seniors is Kate Farms Komplete. It's made from natural, plant-based ingredients, such as USDA Organic pea protein, functional fats and natural phytonutrients, making it great for seniors with varying dietary needs.

What protein shakes do doctors recommend? ›

Top ready-to-drink protein shakes
  • Best for an energy boost: SlimFast Advanced Energy Meal Replacement Shakes.
  • Best for muscle mass: MuscleMeds Carnivor Ready to Drink Protein.
  • Best vegan: OWYN Vegan Protein Shake, Chocolate.
  • Best high in calcium: Orgain Clean Protein Milk Protein Shake.

Does coffee interfere with protein absorption? ›

“Caffeine should have a significant effect on protein utilization and absorption,” explains Collingwood. Newgent says that because caffeine is a natural stimulant, it can also accelerate the digestion process. “It can stimulate movement in the digestive tract,” she adds.

Should I drink a protein shake first thing in the morning? ›

In addition to promoting weight loss and rounding out your diet, drinking a protein shake first thing in the morning may be especially beneficial for your workout routine. Protein is necessary for tissue repair and muscle growth and can help your body recover after an intense workout ( 9 ).

Can you use protein shake as coffee creamer? ›

Directions: Add your ready to drink protein shake to your coffee until you reach the desired level of creaminess. We recommend tasting before adding any extra sweetener as the shake is already sweetened. *This recipe was adapted from Premier Protein.

Can I mix protein powder with cold brew coffee? ›

Coffee and protein are a match made in heaven! Make this delicious protein coffee drink with almond milk, cold brew concentrate, and protein powder.

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