This easy keto protein shake is a delicious way to kick your day into high gear. It takes 6 simple ingredients, has 20 grams of protein, and only 1.4g net carbs per serving. This post is sponsored by Swerve Sweetener.
As someone who gets a lot of exercise, I need quite a bit of protein in my diet. And this Coffee Protein Shake is my new favorite way to refuel after a tough workout. It’s cold and refreshing, with a kick of caffeine and plenty of protein.
Best of all, it tastes like a keto frosty! It’s so thick and creamy, you can almost imagine that you’re slurping down a mocha milkshake.
Sugar-free energy never tasted so good. You won’t ever pay for pre-made keto shakes again with this recipe at hand. And it’s fabulous as breakfast or a snack!
Why you will love this recipe
This coffee protein shake is so easy to make, and is the perfect blend of energy and refreshment. And with only six clean, keto-friendly ingredients, you know exactly what you’re getting.
Because the coffee is frozen into cubes, this keto shake doesn’t get watered down by melting ice. It stays creamy and rich for as long as it takes you to drink it. It’s also completely nut-free and can be made dairy-free as well, so it works with any dietary restrictions.
Make it your own by switching up the flavors of protein powder, adjusting the level of sweetener, or adding in some chocolate chips. At 1.4 grams of carbohydrates, you can customize it to suit your tastes and your macros.
Ingredients you need
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- Coffee: Cold brew is a good choice for this recipe, as it has a good strong flavor. But you can use any cold coffee, including espresso. You can also use decaffeinated.
- Low carb milk: I like to use hemp milk in smoothies and shakes, as it has no carbs. But you can also use almond milk or macadamia milk. Just be sure to choose the unsweetened variety.
- Whipping cream: Heavy cream adds richness and thickness to this keto protein shake.
- Collagen protein powder: Also referred to as collagen peptides, it’s a great source of protein and adds thickness to shakes and smoothies. But you can also use whey, egg white, or plant protein in this recipe. Feel free to play with different flavors of protein as well. Chocolate, vanilla, and salted caramel would all be lovely.
- Swerve Confectioners: Swerve is my go-to sweetener for almost all of my recipes. It adds the perfect amount of sweetness to keto treats. And the Confectioners-style sweetener blends perfectly into shakes and smoothies.
- Cocoa powder: A little cocoa powder makes these Coffee Protein Shakes taste like a mocha milkshake. But you can skip it if you like.
Step by step directions
1. Freeze the coffee: Pour the cold coffee into an ice cube tray and freeze until solid.
2. Combine the ingredients: Place the coffee cubes in a blender and add the milk, cream, protein powder, Swerve Sweetener, and cocoa powder.
3. Blend until smooth. Taste and adjust the sweetness as desired.
3. Serve: Divide between two glasses and enjoy!
Expert tips and FAQ
A standard ice cube tray will make enough coffee cubes for two protein shakes. But you can easily make one and store the remaining cubes in the freezer for another day.
If the protein powder you use is unsweetened, you may want to add an additional tablespoon of Swerve Confectioners to the shake. You can easily taste and adjust the sweetener after the ingredients are blended together.
Dairy-Free Option: You can make this shake dairy-free by replacing the whipping cream with full fat coconut milk or coconut cream.
This easy shake recipe has 2.9 grams of carbohydrate and 1.5 grams of fiber. Thus they have only 1.4g NET CARBS per serving.
Be wary of pre-made protein shakes or mixes. Even ones that label themselves as “keto” often have quite a few carbs and/or some sketchy ingredients. Read the labels carefully. Better yet, make your own keto protein shake at home!
I don’t recommend making these more than 30 minutes in advance as they do melt. The flavor doesn’t get watered down but they do become more liquid as they sit at room temperature. If you keep the shake in an insulated mug, it will stay colder longer.
You can also make the coffee ice cubes in advance so you have them ready to go at any time. They will last in the freezer for months.
More delicious recipes made with Swerve!
Coffee Protein Shake Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups cold brew coffee (or any strongly brewed coffee)
- 1 cup unsweetened hemp milk
- ¼ cup heavy whipping cream
- 6 tablespoon collagen protein powder (chocolate or vanilla)
- ¼ cup Swerve Confectioners
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
Instructions
- Pour the cold brew into an ice cube tray and freeze until solid, at least 4 hours.
- Place the coffee ice cubes in a blender and add the milk, cream, collagen, Swerve, and cocoa powder. Blend until smooth.
- Taste and adjust the sweetener to your liking. Blend again, then pour into two glasses and enjoy!
Robin says
This looks really good and I can make it with decaf. However, you state there is 20g of protein, but the chart below the recipe shows 12. ???
Sylvia says
wow, this is my new favorite drink for this summer! the only downside is, that it’s finished way too fast.
Teresa Roby says
Hi! I decided to follow a keto/low carb diet a few months ago & your recipes & YT channel have helped me stay on track. I have so far made your peanut protein balls, keto cowboy cookies & baked oatmeal & currently have a dozen more in my queue to try out. This is my 1st shake from your site. I have a bag of unflavored collagen peptides & a separate product for a vanilla protein powder. Can I combine these 2 & if so can you guide me on how to measure out? Thanks so much for the fantastic recipes, your site & channel has truly been a game changer!
Carolyn says
Sure you could combine them. Maybe do half the amount of each?
Lynne C says
Love it!!
Jamie McCauley says
Can I use regular unflavored protein powder in place of collagen protein powder?
Elizabeth Sperry says
I have the Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides powder in chocolate, which I “think” would be good in this recipe. I assume I would skip adding cocoa powder in this case, or does the cocoa powder add something to the recipe I’m not considering? In addition, I am making this for myself so a single serving would be 3 tablespoons of the powder (without cocoa)? Thanks for the great recipe (and the many others!!!) – summertime blended coffee without all the sugar hoopla is bliss!
Jooyoung says
Bad recipe! They didn’t include any measurements, you can’t give us estimated calories and carbs if you don’t give us an actual recipe. Stupid.
Carolyn says
You didn’t scroll down to the ACTUAL recipe card, which contains everything. You are just reading the blog post. And there is a big “Jump To Recipe” button at the top of each post. Please refrain from being abusive on my website. Do you really think I would post recipes that weren’t complete? Do you really think my website would be one of the most well respected recipe sites if I did that?
Corina says
Wow…you are rude! Apparently you are the stupid one.
Lori says
Instead of assuming the recipe is bad, take a look at the full information. Your negative attitude is very inappropriate and shows a lack of respect. Grow up. You should apologize.
LindaK says
Jo I beg to differ with you….ALL the measurements and nutritional values are very plainly stated on the recipe card…..READ…
Randi Condit says
Hi, Carolyn! Funny this should pop up today. I am in love with Black Rock’s Mexican Mocha Blended, and was wondering how I could make something similar that is Keto. You answered my question! Now I have a question for you – would almond milk work instead of the hemp milk?
Thank you, and I love your recipes!!!
Carolyn says
Yes, absolutely to the almond milk!
Randi Condit says
awesome, thank you!! going to the store today to get the ingredients that I don’t already have. 🙂
Randi Condit says
I have made this 4 times now, tweaking it slightly each time. I find that with the unsweetened, unflavored collagen peptides it needs more sweetener, but other than that, I am loving drinking this on my way to work in the morning!!! It is saving me lots of money (and drive thru time).
You’re the best!!! I plan to make two other of your recipes this weekend and my husband and I are going to purchase some cookbooks. Your recipes are the best out there!!!
Amy says
I am ashamed to say how long it has taken me to make this, but here we are. I absolutely love this shake! I love the added protein and the flavor – was not sure I would like a cold coffee beverage. Did not have hemp milk but used an almond/cream milk blend I have on hand. I also added about a cup of fresh spinach to make me feel healthier.
Rhonda Weber says
I don’t drink coffee (don’t care for the taste) HOWEVER, I adore Chai Tea. I make my tea in the am with 2 TBL collagen, a pinch of Himalayan pink sea salt and heavy cream. I’m thinking I may try this recipe with frozen Chai Tea. The cocoa powder would probably be yummy with Chai.
Carolyn says
Sounds good!
JT says
WoW made it without any substitutions and in the process of making it with decaffeinated caramel coffee for tonight’s dessert YUM