Name: How to Make Protein Coffee {4 Ways}
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: 8-10 ounces hot coffee; 1 scoop protein powder; 1/2 cup Fairlife milk (I used 2%), or preferred milk. Can also do half cream/half milk.; 8-10 ounces cold brew coffee; 1 scoop protein powder; 1/2 cup Fairlife milk, or preferred milk; Brown sugar, optional; 8-10 ounces cold brew coffee; 1 scoop protein powder; 1/2 tablespoon Instant Jell-O pudding mix of preferred flavor; 1/2 cup Fairlife milk, or preferred milk; 8-10 ounces cold brew coffee; 1 scoop vanilla protein powder; 1 tablespoon pure pumpkin puree; 1/2 cup Fairlife milk, or preferred milk; 1/2-1 tablespoon brown sugar; 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice, plus more for topping

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I am all about the protein coffee lately! Not only does it taste delicious, but it’s just a really convenient way to increase overall protein intake. I’ve mastered 4 easy ways to make protein coffee: hot coffee, iced coffee with protein cold foam, an iced coffee with pudding cold foam, and a pumpkin spice version!

4 protein coffees on a counter next to a pot of flowers.

The morning doesn’t start until I have had my coffee in the morning. What I love about protein coffee is that it’s like multi-tasking: increasing my protein intake while also curbing my caffeine addiction.

It’s a struggle to consume the “ideal” 20-30 grams of protein at breakfast. I prefer to eat a breakfast, not drink a protein shake, so protein in my coffee just makes sense! Plus, if you’re a specialty coffee drink lover, this is a much cheaper and just as delicious option you can make at home everyday.

These recipes use protein powder because, quite frankly, it’s a lot cheaper than buying Premier Protein shakes.

Reasons to Try Protein Coffee

It’s an easy way to increase your protein consumption – especially if you’re already a coffee drinker. It’s a struggle to consume the “ideal” 20-30 grams of protein at breakfast. If you’re a specialty coffee lover, you can enjoy these recipes without the guilt! Because, I mean, you’re just trying to meet your protein goals.

Quick and easy to throw together, even on busy mornings. These recipes do require one extra step to your morning coffee: mixing the milk and protein powder in a separate jar. This really takes less than a minute, though.

Fun and delicious flavors! I’ve recently discovered why everyone loves specialty coffee drinks! It’s easy to make many of those delicious Starbucks drinks at home. Plus, you can easily customize these recipes – especially with all the flavored syrups available. The sky is the limit.

Tips for Success

A milk frother is recommended for the best results. However, shaking the cold foam in a mason jar for about 30 seconds works as well – it just might not be as foamy. I bought my milk frother at Walmart for just $5.

4 protein coffees on a white towel on a counter next to a pot of white flowers.

It doesn’t matter what percentage of milkfat is used! I used 2% milk, but skim milk is a lower calorie substitute. You could also sub milk with a Premier Protein Shake or replace 2-3 tablespoons with heavy whipping cream.

Replace traditional coffee with your typical Nespresso and cream. Just add the protein cold foam on top!

Make sure that everything is well combined with no clumps before pouring the cold foam on top of the coffee. It helps to mix or swirl the mixing jar around and then use the frother to smooth it out.

Customize these recipes by adding a caramel drizzle around the glass, incorporating your favorite syrups, or even topping with whipped cream.

Directions: Protein Coffee 4 Different Ways

How to make protein coffee that’s simple and easy! These recipes use protein powder and milk. Fairlife milk has 13 grams of protein per 1 cup and is lactose-free! Each coffee has 31 grams of protein, depending on the protein powder used, when using Fairlife milk! Drink with a straw and stir it up, or just sip it with the cold foam on the top!

The recipes make one serving. However, you could triple or quadruple and keep in a mason jar in the fridge for up to a week. Just shake the jar or use the frother prior to pouring on your coffee each morning!

Hot Protein Coffee

This is for my hot coffee drinkers. The key here is to mix the cream and protein powder together and then add on top of the coffee. It works best after the coffee has cooled a little bit. I will sometimes combine milk with my Chobani sweet cream instead of just 1/2 cup of milk.

A hot cup of coffee topped with protein cold foam on a wooden cutting board.

8-10 ounces of hot coffee.
1/2 cup Fairlife milk or preferred milk.
3/4-1 scoop of protein powder.
Brown sugar, optional.

Pour 8-10 ounces of hot coffee into a 12-16 ounce mug or travel cup. In a mason jar or separate container, add 1/2 cup of milk and about one scoop of protein powder (brown sugar, too, but optional).

Use a hand frother to mix for at least 30 seconds. Pour over the top of the hot coffee. This creates a delicious, foamy, creamy layer on top of your hot coffee!

Iced Coffee with Protein Cold Foam

Drizzle your cup with caramel syrup for some extra flavor (I did not do this). Add some brown sugar to the cold foam or even the coffee.

8-10 ounces cold brew coffee.
1/2 cup Fairlife milk, or preferred milk.
1 scoop protein powder.
Brown sugar, optional.

Fill a large cup with ice and add 8-10 ounces of cold brew. In a mason jar or bowl, combine protein powder, milk and brown sugar. Using a hand frother, froth for at least 30 seconds. Pour over the iced coffee and enjoy! There is something so satisfying about pouring the creamy cold foam over the coffee.

Iced Coffee with Pudding Cold Foam

A little pudding mix takes the cold foam to the next level and makes it even foamier. What makes this recipe so fun is that there is a variety of pudding mixes you can try. The key here is not to add too much because it will make the cold foam too heavy, and it will sink to the bottom.

I usually use cheesecake flavor but I have seen people on social media who love pistachio – that sounds amazing! The pudding mix adds some creaminess while also another flavor dimension.

8-10 ounces cold brew coffee.
1/2 tablespoon Instant Jell-O pudding mix preferred flavor.
1/2 cup Fairlife milk, or preferred milk.
1 scoop protein powder.

Fill a large cup with ice and add 8-10 ounces of cold brew. In a mason jar or bowl, combine protein powder, Jell-O pudding mix, and milk. Using a hand frother, froth for at least 30 seconds. Pour over the iced coffee and enjoy!

Iced Coffee with Pumpkin Spice Protein Cold Foam

Of course, I had to include a Pumpkin Spice version! This one is perfect for fall – packed with those nostalgic, cozy flavors. The picture below is after the cold foam is mixed in. Vanilla extract would also be a tasty addition!

The foam isn’t quite as sturdy as the other recipes but the drink itself is insanely delicious! You could add 1 teaspoon of pudding mix so it maintains the consistency.

8-10 ounces of cold brew coffee.
1/2 cup Fairlife milk, or preferred milk.
1 tablespoon pure pumpkin puree.
1/2-1 tablespoon brown sugar.
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice.

Fill a large cup with ice and add 8-10 ounces of cold brew. In a mason jar or bowl, combine protein powder, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and milk. Using a hand frother, froth for at least 30 seconds. Sprinkle with more pumpkin pie spice. Pour over the iced coffee and enjoy!

Taste Variations

Add vanilla extract or cinnamon for more flavor.
Change up the flavor of your protein powder. Some protein powders are sweeter than others and this will affect the flavor of the cold foam.
Add Torani syrups to the actual coffee.
Incorporate different extracts, like almond or lavender extract.
Use brown sugar or honey to sweeten it up!

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of protein powder should I use?

I always recommend a protein powder that has been third-party tested. This means that an external organization has verified that the ingredients listed are what is actually in the product. They also usually test for heavy metals.

Besides that, I recommend a protein powder that actually tastes good! I used vanilla protein powder for all of these recipes. If you are looking to potentially improving your skin or nails, collagen peptides may be a good choice.

Why should I drink protein coffee?

Adding protein to your morning coffee can help increase overall protein consumption, support muscle recovery, and provide a more balanced nutritional profile for your morning routine. A higher protein diet can preserve lean muscle mass and assist with positive changes in body composition.

Will it change the flavor of my morning coffee?

I actually found that it enhanced the flavor of my morning coffee! I used a vanilla ice cream flavored protein powder. Combined with the creamy milk and made into a cold foam just took my coffee to the next level.

More High Protein Recipes:
— Berry Cheesecake Overnight Oats
— Chicken Alfredo Spaghetti Squash (with Cottage Cheese)
— Mediterranean Grain Bowl
— Banana Pudding Protein Shake

How to Make Protein Coffee {4 Ways}

Alex Evink, MS, RD

Increase your protein intake while enjoying your morning coffee at the same time! 4 different recipes for protein coffee: a hot protein coffee option, iced coffee with cold foam, a pudding cold foam and a cozy, comforting pumpkin spice version! The ultimate functional beverage that tastes like a specialty Starbucks drink!

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Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Course Drinks

Cuisine American

Servings 1 serving

Calories 178 kcal

Equipment

Hand Frother recommended, but optional