These 9 iced coffee protein shake recipes for weight loss make breakfast super quick and easy, and not to mention delicious! They’re great for on the go or just sipping, and can even aid in weight loss.

Coffee has been known to aid in weight loss, so mixing it with your breakfast is a no-brainer.

 

WHAT SHOULD MY PROTEIN SHAKE CONTAIN?

What you include in your protein shake really depends on your preferences, but these are some important ingredients to consider, especially to aid in weight loss.

There are a few staple items every iced coffee protein shake could contain.

Base ingredients for an iced coffee protein shake include:

• Coffee, cold: wakes you up, plus other awesome benefits (see below)
• Ice cubes: aid in texture, temperature, and make it a real “iced” coffee protein shake
• Milk: for creaminess, either dairy or non-dairy
• Protein powder: helps fill you up

The type of coffee, milk, and protein powder you use is up to you. Certain recipes recommend certain ingredients, but they can usually be tailored to fit what you prefer.

Optional iced coffee protein shake ingredients:

• Dates: give a natural sweetness to your shake
• Greens: provide added nutrients and a source of healthy carbs (spinach or kale blend in nicely)
• Nut butter: adds protein and a nutty flavor
• Raw cacao: provides a mocha flavor
• Yogurt: gives a thicker, creamier texture than just milk

These are great if you want to add more flavor, change the consistency, or increase macronutrient intake in your protein shake.

 

BENEFITS OF ADDING COFFEE TO A PROTEIN SHAKE

There’s nothing better than getting your caffeine at the same time as your breakfast. Talk about a time saver, am I right?

But there are also some health benefits associated with coffee intake.

 

Improves Energy Levels

This one is a no-brainer. Coffee contains caffeine, a natural stimulant that helps fight tiredness and keeps you alert.

Once you consume coffee, and therefore caffeine, the caffeine gets absorbed into your bloodstream, which then makes its way to your brain.

Studies show that coffee helps improve different aspects of brain function, like energy levels, general cognitive function, memory, mood, and reaction times.

 

Helps Burn Fat

Many people probably don’t realize that caffeine is useful for so much more than just getting you through the day. Aside from increased energy levels due to caffeine, drinking coffee can also help you burn fat.

Coffee contains caffeine, one of very few natural substances actually proven to help burn fat. But how?

Research shows that caffeine has the ability to increase your metabolic rate anywhere from 3-11%.

As if that wasn’t enough, other studies show caffeine specifically increases the rate at which fat burns. These rates vary from as much as 29% in lean people and 10% in the obese.

 

Contains Essential Nutrients & Antioxidants

Coffee beans contain several essential nutrients and most of them end up in your drink.

One cup of coffee contains:

• Magnesium – 2% of the RDA
• Manganese – 3% of the RDA
• Niacin (B3) – 2% of the RDA
• Pantothenic acid (Vitamin B5) – 6% of the RDA
• Potassium – 3% of the RDA
• Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) – 11% of the RDA

Often times people end up drinking several cups of coffee, which increases their intake of these essential nutrients.

As far as antioxidants goes, coffee is considered the world’s largest source of antioxidants. According to Lauri Wright, Ph.D., R.D., L.D., “Antioxidants are compounds found in food that stop or delay damage to the cells.”

So basically, they’re a big deal.

Some common antioxidants found in coffee are:

• Hydrocinnamic acids: neutralize free radicals and prevent oxidative stress
• Polyphenols: help with disease prevention

 

Improves Athletic Performance

There is research behind caffeine and how it effects endurance and performance.

Caffeine has the ability to help you train at a higher power output and to train longer than if you didn’t consume any before a workout.

This means you may experience enhanced endurance or resistance to fatigue, which may help you burn more calories in less time.

Drinking pre-workout supplements is very common among the fitness community, as it contains caffeine, among other ingredients, that helps boost concentration and performance.

If you don’t want to buy another supplement, try adding coffee to your protein shake before your workout for an added boost of energy.

 

9 ICED COFFEE PROTEIN SHAKE RECIPES

All of these recipes can be tailored to your preferences, like brand of protein powder, type of milk (dairy or non-dairy), etc., making them perfect for any diet.

Some of these recipes call for added sugar, sugar-like sweeteners, or syrups. To make them healthier, you can substitute in dates or nothing at all, as most protein powders contain sugar already.

 

1. Coffee Lovers Protein Shake

Image courtesy of Love and Zest.

This iced coffee protein shake is high in protein and low in sugar, making it the perfect breakfast or afternoon pick me up.

Ingredients:

• 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
• 1/2 cup cold brewed coffee
• 1/2 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk (regular unsweetened almond milk will also work)
• 1/2 ripe banana
• 1 1/2 cups ice cubes
• Sprinkle of cacao nibs, if desired

Instructions:

1. Place all ingredients, minus ice cubes and cacao nibs, in blender and blend until combined.
2. Slowly add in the ice cubes and blend until smooth and creamy.
3. Top with cacao nibs, if desired.

Get the recipe: Coffee Lovers Protein Shake

 

2. Vanilla Protein Smoothie

Image courtesy of Simply Buzzes.

This recipe is a little different, as it uses coffee flavored yogurt, as opposed to brewed coffee. However, it’s still packed with tons of coffee flavor while the yogurt adds a nice creaminess to the smoothie.

Ingredients:

• 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
• 1 tsp instant coffee powder
• 1/4 cup coffee flavored ypgurt
• 1 cup almond milk
• 1/2 cup crushed ice

Instructions:

1. Put all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. It’s as simple as that.
2. Enjoy.

Get the recipe: Vanilla Protein Smoothie

 

3. Cafe Mocha Protein Shake

Image courtesy of Jennifer Meyering.

This cafe mocha protein shake calls for both chocolate and vanilla protein powder, giving it extra flavor and protein. This recipe doesn’t require any fruit, which means less carbs and sugar.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 scoop chocolate protein powder
• 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
• 6 oz brewed cold coffee
• 6 oz unsweetened almond milk
• 1 cup ice

Instructions:

1. Put all ingredients in blender and blend on high until smooth.

Get the recipe: Cafe Mocha Protein Shake

 

4. Chocolate Chip Mocha Breakfast Smoothie

Image courtesy of Dishing Delish.

While this is called a chocolate chip mocha breakfast smoothie, if you’re looking for a healthier option, skip the chocolate chips, chocolate syrup, and whipped cream. The chocolate protein powder will have enough chocolate flavor and sweetness. However, if you want a little more chocolate, opt for cacao powder.

Ingredients:

• 1 scoop chocolate protein powder
• 3/4 cup brewed coffee bold
• 5 oz vanilla greek yogurt
• 1 1/2 cups ice cubes
• 1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)
• Chocolate syrup (optional, for topping)
• Whipped cream (optional, for topping)

Instructions:

1. Add all ingredients, minus the chocolate syrup and whipped cream, to blender and blend until smooth.
2. Top with chocolate syrup and whipped cream, if desired.

Get the recipe: Chocolate Chip Mocha Breakfast Smoothie

 

5. Thai Iced Coffee Protein Shake

Image courtesy of Jennifer Meyering.

This thai iced coffee protein shake has all the flavor of thai iced coffee but with the added benefit of protein. It also doesn’t contain sweetened and condensed milk or heavy cream like traditional thai iced coffee, making it an even healthier option. But don’t let that fool you into thinking this isn’t flavorful, because it definitely is.

Ingredients:

• 1 scoop chocolate protein powder
• 1 cup brewed cold coffee
• 1 tsp ground cardamom
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 1 cup ice (to taste)

Instructions:

1. Put all ingredients in blender and blend on high until smooth.

Get the recipe: Thai Iced Coffee Protein Shake

 

6. Caramel Latte Smoothie

Image courtesy of The Almond Eater.

If you’re looking for a delicious breakfast or snack, this caramel latte smoothie has you covered. With a homemade, healthy caramel sauce, cashews, and coffee, what’s there not to love?

Ingredients:

• 1 scoop protein powder (vanilla or chocolate)
• 1/2 cup brewed coffee
• 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 1/2 cup cashews
• 6 pitted dates (optional)
• 2 tbsp healthier caramel sauce (optional)
• 6 ice cubes

Instructions:

1. Add cashews and milk to blender and blend.
2. Add caramel sauce, coffee, dates, ice, and protein powder and blender until smooth.
3. Drizzle caramel sauce on top, if desired.

Get the recipe: Caramel Latte Smoothie

 

7. Iced Coffee Protein Smoothie

Image courtesy of Eat Live Travel Write.

This iced coffee protein smoothie takes advantage of Bob’s Red Mill Nutritional Booster’s, which are packed with pea protein, chicory root fiber, chia seeds, and probiotics, with monk fruit extract for a natural sweetener. This smoothie is sure to leave you feeling energized and full while also tasting delicious.

Ingredients:

• 1 scoop Bob’s Red Mill Vanilla Protein Powder Nutritional Booster
• 3/4 cup brewed espresso, cooled
• 3/4 cup skim milk
• 1 tbsp cashew butter
• 2-3 ice cubes

Instructions:

1. Add all ingredients, minus the ice, to a blender and blend until smooth.
2. Add the ice and blend until the mixture is frosty.

Get the recipe: Iced Coffee Protein Smoothie

 

8. Vanilla Caramel Iced Protein Coffee

Image courtesy of For the Skinny Fat Girls.

This recipe calls for no added sugar, only sugar-free sweeteners. If you’re not into sugar-free sweeteners and don’t want the extra calories, skip the sugar free caramel syrup and you have yourself a healthy breakfast.

Ingredients:

• 1 scoop protein powder (vanilla, salted caramel, etc)
• 1 cup brewed coffee
• 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (or milk of your choice)
• 1/2 cup frozen banana slices
• 2 handfuls of ice
• 1 pump sugar free caramel syrup (or sweetener of choice, if desired)
• 1 tsp caramel extract (vanilla extract also works)

Instructions:

1. Add all ingredients, minus the whipped cream, to blender and blend until smooth.

Get the recipe: Vanilla Caramel Iced Protein Coffee

 

9. Wake Me Up Coffee Smoothie

Image courtesy of Live Eat Learn.

Unlike any other iced coffee protein shakes on this list, this coffee smoothie utilizes rolled oats and nut butter for added protein, healthy carbs, and nutrients.

Ingredients:

• 1 scoop chocolate protein powder
• 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee, chilled
• 1/2 cup milk of your choice
• 1 banana
• 1/4 cup rolled oats
• Spoonful of nut butter, optional

Instructions:

1. Add all ingredients to blender and blend until smooth.

Get the recipe: Wake Me Up Coffee Smoothie

Coffee is a great pick-me-up with several health benefits and makes a great addition to your protein shakes. Who knew being healthy was so easy?!

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