Creamy Coconut Cold Brew Coffee Protein Shake

Here’s my go-to cold brew coffee protein shake recipe that combines two morning essentials – your caffeine fix and a healthy breakfast all in one glass. The smooth cold brew pairs perfectly with protein powder, and I’ve added a few simple ingredients to make it extra creamy and satisfying.

I make this shake almost every morning after my workout, and it’s become such a time-saver. It keeps me full until lunch, and let’s be honest – anything that helps me get both my coffee and breakfast handled in one shot is a win in my book.

What Kind of Cold Brew Coffee Should I Use?

You can use either store-bought or homemade cold brew coffee for this protein shake – both options will give you great results. If you’re buying from the store, look for cold brew concentrate (which you can dilute with water) or ready-to-drink cold brew coffee. Making your own is pretty simple too – just steep coarse-ground coffee in cold water for 12-24 hours and strain it through a fine-mesh filter. The main thing to keep in mind is that cold brew is naturally less acidic than regular hot coffee that’s been chilled, so it’ll give your shake a smoother taste. If you’re in a pinch, you can use regular brewed coffee that’s been completely cooled down, but the flavor won’t be quite as smooth.

Options for Substitutions

This protein shake recipe is super adaptable – here’s how you can mix things up:

• Cold brew coffee: Regular chilled coffee works perfectly fine here. Just brew your favorite coffee a bit stronger than usual and let it cool completely. You could even use decaf if you’re watching your caffeine intake.
• Coconut milk: Not a fan of coconut milk? Try almond milk, oat milk, or regular dairy milk. Just keep in mind that the shake won’t be as creamy with lower-fat alternatives.
• Chia seeds: You can swap chia seeds with ground flaxseed or hemp hearts. If you skip them altogether, you might want to add an extra half banana for thickness.
• Frozen banana: Frozen cauliflower or zucchini can work as low-carb alternatives – they’ll keep the creamy texture without adding much flavor. Or try frozen mango for a tropical twist.
• Vanilla protein powder: Any protein powder works here – chocolate would be tasty too! If you don’t have protein powder, try 2-3 tablespoons of Greek yogurt plus a splash of vanilla extract.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Making

The biggest mistake when making protein shakes is adding ingredients in the wrong order – always start with your liquids (cold brew and coconut milk) first, followed by protein powder, then add frozen ingredients last to prevent clumping and ensure smooth blending.

Another common error is using warm or room temperature coffee, which will melt your ice too quickly and result in a watery shake – make sure your cold brew is properly chilled before mixing, and consider freezing your coffee into ice cubes for an even more intense coffee flavor.

The timing of adding chia seeds matters too – if you blend them too long they can become bitter, so either pulse them briefly at the end or stir them in after blending for the perfect texture and taste.

For the creamiest results, freeze your banana in chunks beforehand rather than using fresh, and if your shake seems too thick, add cold brew little by little instead of dumping in extra liquid all at once.

What to Serve With Coffee Protein Shakes?

This protein-packed coffee shake makes a great breakfast or post-workout drink, and there are lots of tasty ways to round out your meal. A slice of whole grain toast with almond butter or a couple of hard-boiled eggs can add some extra staying power. For a more substantial breakfast, try pairing it with overnight oats or a warm bowl of quinoa topped with fresh berries – the nutty grains go really well with the coffee and coconut flavors. If you’re having this as a post-workout snack, a banana or a small handful of almonds on the side can help replenish your energy while keeping things simple.

Storage Instructions

Keep Fresh: This protein shake is best enjoyed right after making it, but if you need to save it for later, pop it in an airtight container or mason jar in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just know that the chia seeds will continue to expand and thicken the shake over time.

Prep Ahead: Want to save time in the morning? Combine all ingredients except the ice cubes and protein powder in a jar the night before. The next day, just blend with ice and protein powder for a quick breakfast. The chia seeds will have plumped up overnight, making your shake extra creamy!

Mix It Up: If your shake has been sitting for a while, you’ll notice some separation – that’s totally normal! Just give it a good shake or a quick whirl in the blender to mix everything back together. Add a few fresh ice cubes if you want it extra cold.

Preparation Time	5-10 minutes
Cooking Time	0 minutes
Total Time	5-10 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Easy

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 350-400
• Protein: 25-30 g
• Fat: 15-20 g
• Carbohydrates: 35-40 g

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup full-fat coconut milk (I like Aroy-D for creaminess)
• 3/4 cup cold brew coffee (or chilled black coffee)
• 1 scoop vanilla protein powder (for added thickness and nutrition)
• 4-5 ice cubes
• 1/2 frozen banana
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 2 tbsp chia seeds

Step 1: Blend the Initial Ingredients

Gather all your ingredients, except the protein powder, and place them into your blender.

Blend the mixture until it achieves a smooth consistency.

If the smoothie turns out a bit thin for your liking, add 4-5 ice cubes to the blender and blend again until smooth and well-incorporated.

Step 2: Incorporate the Protein Powder

Once your base smoothie is well-blended, add in your scoop of protein powder.

Pulse the blender 4 or 5 times to ensure the protein powder is mixed thoroughly throughout the smoothie.

Avoid over-blending at this stage to maintain a smooth texture.

Step 3: Serve and Enjoy

Pour your protein-packed smoothie into a serving glass.

Enjoy it right away for the best flavor and texture!

This quick and nutritious drink is perfect for a post-workout refreshment or a meal replacement.