As a lifelong active woman I’ve always put on emphasis on adequate protein intake. Whether it was postpartum, during muscle-building phases, or recovering from endurance event training protein has been a nutrient I’ve focused on. And now that I’m 50 and my symptoms of perimenopause have grown more evident, that has not changed. But what has changed is that I’m busier than ever parenting, running a business, pursuing fitness and sport goals and taking care of aging parents. This means I need to be even more diligent about getting enough protein in my day, especially focusing on high-protein breakfasts. I like to make protein-boosted muffins and breakfast cookies, but it wasn’t until I started making this daily protein coffee that I was able to be consistent with getting 30+ grams of protein to start my day.
It dawned on me: a cup of high-quality coffee is something I enjoy every single morning. So if I were to create a protein coffee that I actually enjoy drinking, it could be a simple way to get more health out of a consistent daily routine that I already have. Getting this substantial amount of protein early in my day gives me a pick-me-up to fuel my body and activities, and I also have fewer food cravings throughout the morning.
This recipe was created in partnership with Puori.
Recipe Highlights
- An easy way to get more protein: Depending on the type of milk I use, this protein coffee provides between 22-29 grams of protein per 12-ounce cup. I provide a few different nutrition facts analyses in the recipe card notes below. It’s a simple way to knock out ¼ to ⅓ of my daily protein goal with a single drink.
- Delicious vanilla flavor: When I made this cold coffee with my favorite vanilla protein powder, it takes on a subtle vanilla flavor that tastes so good and feels a lot like drinking an iced coffee with creamer. My go-to arabica coffee and Puori PW1 make a delicious flavor combo.
- Easy to customize: Make this iced coffee with any favorite coffee and any favorite dairy or non-dairy milk. For a 100% dairy-free coffee, use a dairy-free milk and a scoop of protein powder that is plant based, such as the Puori Plant Protein Booster. Instead of protein powder, a scoop or two of collagen peptides can be used, too. For decaf, use decaffeinated coffee or espresso.
- Coffee has benefits: As long as I stick to my normal amount of 1 or 2 cups of coffee each day, then I know that I’m getting the max benefits of coffee, including antioxidants and a brain boost, without experiencing side effects.
No Shaker Bottle? Use A Frother!
I usually make this protein coffee in a glass mason jar or my favorite shaker bottle. But if you don’t have one of those, use a handheld frother to mix the protein powder into the coffee and milk. I find that it works best to hold the frother low in the glass at first to mix everything without causing a spillover, then I froth a little more as I lift the frother to the top of the glass to create a little foamed milk topping. Then, add ice to the glass after the protein powder is nicely incorporated.
Pour And Enjoy
I pour the protein coffee over ice in my favorite glass coffee cup with straw so I can sip it during school drop offs. If I’m not drinking it on the go, I’ll enjoy it with a bowl of yogurt with granola and fresh berries, my favorite lemon blueberry baked oatmeal or any of our delicious egg-free breakfasts (since I have an egg allergy).
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Protein Coffee Recipe
Hey coffee lovers! This three-ingredient protein coffee is a simple way to increase your protein intake in a delicious way. Depending on what type of milk you use, it provides 22 to 29 grams of high-quality protein.
Ingredients
- 2 shots (¼ cup) brewed espresso, cold brew concentrate, or strong brewed coffee (may also use instant espresso powder prepared to make 2 shots*)
- 6–8 ounces dairy or non-dairy milk of choice
- 1 scoop (30g) Puori PW1 Whey Protein Powder
- Ice
Instructions
- To a shaker or a jar with a tight-fitting lid**, add the brewed espresso or coffee, milk, and protein powder.
- Close and shake vigorously until blended and smooth.
- Add ice to a tall glass. Pour coffee mixture over ice and enjoy.
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Notes
*If using instant coffee espresso powder, follow the package directions to reconstitute the powder to make 2 shots of espresso or ¼ cup.
**If you don’t have a shaker bottle or jar with a lid, you can use a handheld frother to blend the ingredients in a tall glass before adding ice.
For plant-based, use nondairy milk and a plant-based protein powder.
The nutrition analysis below reflects this coffee made with 8 ounces of 2% dairy milk. Here is the nutrition analysis when 8 ounces of other types of milk are used:
Per serving (made with whole dairy milk): 262 calories, 9 g total fat (6 g sat fat), 209 mg sodium, 17 g carbohydrate (0 g fiber, 15 g sugar), 29 g protein, 88 mg cholesterol
Per serving (made with regular soy milk): 218 calories, 5 g total fat (1 g sat fat), 203 mg sodium, 17 g carbohydrate (0 g fiber, 13 g sugar), 27 g protein, 55 mg cholesterol
Per serving (made with regular oat milk): 205 calories, 3 g total fat (1 g sat fat), 210 mg sodium, 24 g carbohydrate (2 g fiber, 9 g sugar), 23 g protein, 55 mg cholesterol
Per serving (made with almond milk): 155 calories, 4 g total fat (1 g sat fat), 257 mg sodium, 7 g carbohydrate (0 g fiber, 5 g sugar), 22 g protein, 55 mg cholesterol
Nutrition Information
- Serving Size: 12 ounces made with 2% dairy milk
- Calories: 243
- Fat: 6 g
- (Sat Fat: 3 g)
- Sodium: 219 mg
- Carbohydrate: 17 g
- (Fiber: 0 g
- Sugar: 16 g)
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 74 mg
Dietary
The photos in this post were taken by Megan McKeehan.
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Such an easy way to add protein to your breakfast, get the caffeine boost I need in the morning, and still tastes great.
Thanks so much, Teri! We appreciate the 5-star review!