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

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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 OK to add coffee to protein shake? ›

Yes! It can be if you make it yourself to suit your unique tastes. Protein powders can go very well with the taste of coffee. Adding protein shakes or protein powders to your morning coffee can be a great way to get an added protein boost if you don't like eating cheese, meat, or eggs first thing in the morning.

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

Collagen Iced Coffee

One of the benefits of collagen protein powder is that it dissolves nicely into cold water, so if you like cold coffee, this might be the way to go. Simply add a scoop of collagen powder to your favorite bottled coffee, as well as a splash of almond milk or oat milk for a creamy texture.

What not to mix with protein shake? ›

Check out the top 5 most common ingredients that should never be in your protein shake.
  • Artificial Sweeteners, Flavors, and Colors. Artificial ingredients can have negative health effects. ...
  • Sugar Alcohols. ...
  • Dairy/Lactose. ...
  • Carageenan. ...
  • Maltodextrin.

What to add to a protein shake for weight loss? ›

Protein shakes can also be consumed as a post-workout snack to support muscle recovery and weight loss. Add fruits, vegetables, nut butter or seeds that contain fiber, vitamins and minerals to boost your shake's nutritional value.

Why does protein powder not mix with coffee? ›

Depending on the type of protein powder, it can thicken or get a bit clumpy if you add it to hot coffee. Instead, mix the protein powder with a little bit of warm water first. Then add your hot coffee to your mixture. A milk frother can help dissolve the powder more quickly.

Is protein coffee good for weight loss? ›

Protein coffee is a great way for meal-skipping coffee drinkers to get more protein and nutrition in their diet. The extra protein may help to control hunger, preserve muscle mass, and improve weight management.

Will I lose weight if I drink 3 protein shakes a day? ›

Most studies indicate that yes — protein shakes can be good for encouraging weight loss when used in moderation. In fact, one study found that not only do protein shakes encourage fat loss, but they can also help you to both retain and build lean muscle, helping you to increase strength and definition [2].

What is the healthiest thing to mix with protein powder? ›

To make it more delicious, we recommend mixing it with your milk of choice. If you're running low on electrolytes, then coconut water is a great liquid to make it with. And if you want to keep your protein shake as low in calories as possible, then water is always a solid choice.

Is milk or water better for protein shakes? ›

If your goal is to build muscle mass, mixing protein with milk is a better option. For those looking to limit their calorie intake, water is recommended. However, if you love the taste and texture of protein shakes with milk, then you may consider sticking to that, even if you're restricting calories.

Do protein shakes help with belly fat? ›

Some studies find that consuming a higher than usual amount of protein in your diet may offer benefits. For example, eating or drinking products that are high in protein may help you lower body fat, keep lean muscle, feel full and lose weight.

How to make homemade protein shake for weight loss? ›

In a blender, combine the chocolate protein powder, peanut butter, almond milk, banana, cocoa powder, and a pinch of sea salt. For added sweetness, drizzle in honey or maple syrup. Add a few ice cubes if you prefer a colder and thicker shake. Blend until smooth.

What is the best protein shake for weight loss? ›

Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate is our top pick for the best overall protein powder for weight loss. One serving packs in 28 grams of high-quality protein without a lot of fat or carbs and 150 calories or less, depending on which of the 14 flavors you use.

Does coffee interfere with whey protein? ›

Protein is an essential nutrient for many functions in the body, including muscle growth and repair. Caffeine can reduce the amount of protein that your body absorbs by up to 30%, which means that you may not be getting all of the benefit from the protein you consume.

Can you mix Premier Protein shake with coffee? ›

If you aren't someone who prefers your coffee black, swapping your creamer for a premier protein shake is a great option. Unlike some protein shakes, Premier Protein® tolerates heat and can be mixed into hot beverages like coffee without splitting.

Does heat destroy protein powder? ›

I'm sure you've run into this idea before. We're here to provide the answers to this myths… The answer to the question of “does heating or cooking protein powder 'damage' it?” is: NO. The protein doesn't get 'damaged'; our bodies absorbs the exact same amino acids from the protein whether we cook it or not.

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

There's no reason why you have to choose between caffeine and traditional post-workout supplements; you can take both.

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