Cool off with this sugar-free Protein Coffee. With almost 20g of protein and only 2g of carbs, you can feel good about slurping it up.
Rumor has it that Starbucks has a Sugar Cookie Iced Latte on their menu. If I go into a Starbucks these days, it’s for plain old-fashioned black coffee, so I don’t really pay much attention to all the sugary concoctions.
But I thought it might be fun to experiment with protein coffee and come up with a healthy, sugar-free version. And it’s been so darn hot, any kind of iced beverage sounds pretty great.
Readers love my recipes for Keto Frappuccinos and Coffee Protein Shakes. But there’s always a need for tasty coffee drinks, so we’re adding Ice Protein Coffee to the list!
Why you will love this recipe
It’s been an incredibly hot summer in many parts of the world and everyone is craving tasty and easy ways to cool off. This Iced Protein Coffee meets the moment!
All you need is a handful of ingredients, some ice, and a frother or immersion blender. You could even use a regular blender. All that matter is that you can get the protein powder to blend in nicely with the milk mixture.
And this recipe is so versatile. You can add different flavors, different protein powders, and different toppings. And you can make it dairy-free too! It’s a delicious way to get a hit of protein into your day with very few carbs.
Ingredients you need
- Low carb milk: I used unsweetened macadamia milk. You can use almond milk, hemp milk or any low carb of choice.
- Heavy cream: This makes a richer, thicker drink. You can use coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
- Sweetener: Any sweetener that dissolves will in cold liquid will work. That includes powdered erythritol, allulose (granular or liquid), or concentrated stevia or monk fruit extract.
- Flavorings: This is where you can have some fun! To get a sugar cookie flavor, I combined almond and vanilla extract. See the Tips for Success for more ideas.
- Protein powder: Again, any protein powder that dissolves well should work. I used unflavored whey. See the Tips for more ideas.
- Coffee: You can use cooled espresso or cold brew, or really any strongly brewed coffee.
Step by Step Directions
1. Prepare the milk mixture: In a large jar or glass measuring cup, whisk together the milk, cream, sweetener, and extracts.
2. Add the protein powder: Add the protein powder and froth using a handheld frother or immersion blender, until the protein powder is incorporated. Taste and adjust sweetener and flavoring as desired.
3. Add the coffee: Fill two glasses with ice and divide the espresso between them.
4. Add the protein milk: Divide the milk mixture between the two glasses, allowing the froth rise to the top.
5. Decorate as desired: Sprinkle with sprinkles, if using.
Tips for Success
This protein coffee recipe is ripe for adaptations and you can modify it to suit your tastes. Have some fun with it!
Protein options: Most protein powder is made to dissolve well in cold liquids. So you can do whey, egg white, beef protein, or plant-based proteins. If you choose a flavored variety, you will want to adjust both the sweetener and the flavoring.
Flavor options: Really, the sky is the limit here. You can do just vanilla or just almond, or add some cocoa powder for a mocha. You could add some coconut or hazelnut extract. And caramel extract would be delicious, of course!
Sweetener options: Any sweetener that dissolves well will work. I used a mix of powdered erythritol and allulose.
Decorating options: I used some fun keto sprinkles for the sugar cookie flavor. But you do a dusting of cocoa powder or some shaved low carb chocolate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Adding protein to coffee is an easy and tasty way to boost your daily protein intake. This Protein Coffee recipe uses some cream and extract for a delicious coffeehouse beverage.
Most protein powder is formulated to dissolve into cold liquids, so you can add any protein you like best. It can clump up if you just dump it in, so make sure to use a frother or blender to blend it in properly.
This protein coffee recipe has 2g of carbs per serving.
Protein Coffee Recipe
Equipment
- 1 frother (or immersion blender)
Ingredients
- ¾ cup almond or hemp milk (or any low carb milk)
- 3 tablespoon heavy whipping cream (or coconut cream)
- 2 tablespoon sweetener of choice
- ¾ teaspoon almond extract
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 6 tablespoon unflavored whey protein powder (or other protein powders)
- 2 double shots espresso, cooled or ½ cup strongly brewed coffee
- Ice
- Sugar-Free Sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- In a large jar or glass measuring cup, whisk together the milk, cream, sweetener, and extracts.
- Add the protein powder and froth using a handheld frother or immersion blender, until the protein powder is incorporated. Taste and adjust sweetener and flavoring as desired.
- Fill two glasses with ice and divide the espresso between them.
- Divide the milk mixture between the two glasses, allowing the froth rise to the top.
- Sprinkle with sprinkles, if using.
Sarah says
This is amazing! So delicious. I can never find a premade flavored protein powder that doesn’t taste fake and have gross after taste. this recipe solves that problem.
Carolyn says
Yes, I find most flavored protein powders very artificial tasting… that’s why I stick with unflavored!
Colleen Sproul says
Excellent. What a nice treat, and I enjoyed our break in the weather with this wonderful coffee on my back porch this morning. Yum.
Cass says
Oh, so delicious! the almond flavour just makes it perfect. We’re still in our coldest month here (Australia) but I had to make it anyway, and glad I did.
Sylvia P says
Wow! Oh so good!!!
Candice Grunseth says
This looks great! What Heavy Cream do you recommend?
Bonny says
Yummie,kick start morning,bad night sleep 🥱healthy protein not just caffeine in coffee ☕.