Looking for a refreshing and nutritious way to kickstart your day? Look no further than the iced coffee protein shake! This delightful beverage combines cold brew coffee’s rich, bold flavor with the creamy goodness of a protein-packed shake. Not only is it a perfect pick-me-up, but it’s also incredibly easy to make. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the simple steps to create your iced coffee protein shake and discuss the benefits of each ingredient.
Why Choose an Iced Coffee Protein Shake?
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s explore why an iced coffee protein shake is an excellent choice for your morning routine or post-workout recovery.
1. Boosts Energy
The combination of cold brew coffee and protein provides a powerful energy boost. The caffeine in coffee helps to increase alertness and improve focus, making it an ideal morning beverage. Additionally, the protein helps to sustain energy levels throughout the day.
2. Supports Muscle Recovery
Protein is essential for muscle repair and growth. Incorporating a scoop of vanilla protein powder into your shake gives your body the necessary nutrients to recover after a workout. This makes the iced coffee protein shake a fantastic post-exercise drink.
3. Aids in Weight Management
Protein shakes can help you feel full longer, reducing the temptation to snack on unhealthy foods. The banana adds natural sweetness and fiber, further promoting satiety.
4. Hydrates and Refreshes
This shake’s unsweetened almond milk and ice cubes contribute to your daily fluid intake, keeping you hydrated and refreshed. Plus, the cold temperature is perfect for hot summer days.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this delicious iced coffee protein shake, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup Unsweetened Almond Milk: A low-calorie, dairy-free milk alternative that adds creaminess without extra sugar.
- 1 scoop Vanilla Protein Powder: For a tasty protein boost, choose your favorite brand of vanilla protein powder. We LOVE Sunwarrior’s Vanilla Warrior Blend!
- 1/4 cup Cold Brew Coffee: Cold brew coffee is smoother and less acidic than regular coffee, making it a great addition to shakes.
- 1 Banana: Adds natural sweetness, creaminess, and essential vitamins and minerals.
- 3-5 Ice Cubes: To chill the shake and give it a refreshing texture.
AS A SUNWARRIOR AFFILIATE, I EARN A SMALL COMMISSION FROM QUALIFYING PURCHASES. SEE MY DISCLOSER HERE. THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING MY SMALL BUSINESS!
Step-by-Step Recipe
Now that our ingredients are ready let’s make the iced coffee protein shake. Follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Gather all your ingredients and ensure you have a blender ready. If you haven’t made cold brew coffee beforehand, you can purchase a pre-made cold brew or quickly brew some coffee and let it cool.
Step 2: Add Ingredients to the Blender
Begin by pouring 1 cup of unsweetened almond milk into the blender. Next, add one scoop of vanilla protein powder. Follow with 1/4 cup of cold brew coffee. Peel and add the banana. Finally, toss in 3-5 ice cubes.
Step 3: Blend Until Smooth
Secure the lid on the blender and blend on high until all the ingredients are well combined and the shake is smooth. Depending on the power of your blender, this should take about 30-60 seconds.
Step 4: Pour and Enjoy
Once the shake is thoroughly blended, pour it into a glass. If desired, garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or cocoa powder. Enjoy your delicious and nutritious iced coffee protein shake immediately!
Tips for Customizing Your Shake
One of the great things about this ice coffee protein shake recipe is its versatility. Here are some tips for customizing your shake to suit your taste and dietary preferences:
Swap the Milk
If you’re not a fan of almond milk, feel free to substitute it with other types of milk, such as oat milk, soy milk, or regular dairy milk. Each type of milk will bring a unique flavor and texture to your shake.
Add Extra Flavor
To enhance the flavor of your shake, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a dash of cinnamon. For a chocolate twist, add a tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder or chocolate-flavored protein powder.
Boost Nutrients
Add a handful of spinach or kale to increase the nutritional value of your shake. These greens blend well and won’t overpower the flavor of the shake. Add a tablespoon of chia seeds or flaxseeds for fiber and omega-3 fatty acids.
Sweeten Naturally
If you prefer a sweeter shake, add honey or a few dates. Be mindful of the extra calories and sugar, especially if you’re watching your intake.
The Health Benefits of Each Ingredient
Let’s take a closer look at the health benefits of each ingredient in our iced coffee protein shake:
Unsweetened Almond Milk
Unsweetened almond milk is low in calories and sugar, making it an excellent choice for those looking to manage their weight. It’s also rich in vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps protect your cells from damage.
Vanilla Protein Powder
Vanilla protein powder is a convenient way to increase your protein intake. Protein is crucial for building and repairing tissues, making enzymes and hormones, and supporting overall health. Our favorite protein powder is Sunwarrior Brand. It’s delicious, nutritious, and does not have a bad aftertaste, unlike many other brands I’ve tried.
Flash Summer Sale! Get 20% OFF all Sunwarrior products for a limited time! Visit www.sunwarrior.com and use code SUMMERFLASH20 at checkout. Hurry, the offer ends soon!
Cold Brew Coffee
Cold-brew coffee is less acidic and smoother than regular coffee, which can be easier on your stomach. The caffeine in cold-brew coffee provides a natural energy boost and can enhance physical performance. We love Four Sigmatics Think Coffee with Lion’s Mane Mushroom. They also sell a cold-brew maker that works great to make delicious cold-brew coffee!
Banana
Bananas contain essential nutrients, including potassium, Vitamin C, and B6. They also provide natural sweetness and creaminess to the shake, reducing the need for added sugars.
Ice Cubes
While ice cubes don’t add nutritional value, they help to keep your shake cold and refreshing, making it more enjoyable to drink.
Recap
An iced coffee protein shake is a delicious and nutritious way to start your day or recover after a workout. With its blend of cold brew coffee, vanilla protein powder, almond milk, and banana, this shake offers a perfect balance of flavor and health benefits. Plus, it’s effortless to make and customize to suit your preferences.
So why not try this recipe? Blend a glass of iced coffee protein shake and enjoy its refreshing, energy-boosting, and muscle-repairing benefits. Cheers to a healthier and more delicious way to power through your day!
Feel free to share this recipe with your friends and family, and let us know how you customized your iced coffee protein shake in the comments. For more delicious and healthy recipes, subscribe to our blog and follow us on social media. Happy blending!
Penny
My new go-to afternoon pick-me-up! Great recipe!🤩
Lori
I need to make this! As a pregnant mama I am trying to get all the protein I can throughout the day. Thank you for this recipe. It looks delicious.
diaryofaselfhelpaddict
Congratulations on your pregnancy, Lori! Prayers and blessings for you and your precious baby!