This Coffee Protein Shake combines the morning essentials of coffee and protein with rich chocolate flavor for a filling breakfast that is refreshingly cool and ready for on-the-go.
Table of Contents
Coffee Protein Smoothies combine milk and frozen banana with espresso and cocoa powder for a creamy blended beverage that’s protein-rich and easy to make. This protein coffee shake is naturally dairy-free and vegan when made with a vegan protein powder and can be made with caffeinated or decaffeinated espresso.
This recipe is great for busy days when you need a multi-tasking breakfast or snack, or top smoothies with whipped cream for a protein-rich dessert treat. Made with unsweetened protein powder and maple syrup, this smoothie is free from refined sugar and artificial flavors. Quick, convenient, and chocolatey!
Why You’ll Love This Mocha Protein Smoothie Recipe
- Ready in Minutes. This coffee protein shake blends together in seconds so you’ll be enjoying a quick breakfast in just minutes, including cleanup time.
- Make Any Time. The ingredients for this recipe are so easy to keep on hand for breakfast, snacks, or post-workout power-ups. Freeze a whole batch of bananas and you’ll be ready to make multiple smoothies.
- Convenient Caffeine and Protein. Every coffee lover has probably wished for a convenient way to have both caffeine and protein in one cup. Mocha protein shakes combine the morning essentials of rich coffee flavor with protein to power your early mornings.
- Personalized Sweetness. Sweetened with maple syrup, mocha protein shakes can be personalized by using more or less syrup or swapping in your favorite sweetener.
Ingredients
- Espresso: One shot of espresso gives this coffee-flavored protein shake lots of flavor and a boost of caffeine. You can use freshly pressed espresso from an espresso machine or coffee from a moka pot.
- Unsweetened Milk: Unsweetened plant-based or dairy milk offers protein, and creaminess, and allows you to adjust the sweetness of this chocolate mocha protein shake with maple syrup. Unsweetened almond milk or oat milk are great options and have a neutral taste that won’t compete with the other flavors.
- Cocoa Powder: A high-quality cocoa powder adds rich chocolate flavor to this mocha protein shake recipe without the added sugar of chocolate syrup.
- Unflavored Protein Powder: Unflavored protein powder is the perfect way to add protein to this smoothie and let the espresso and cocoa flavors shine. Select a protein that has your desired grams of protein per serving; you can also use unsweetened vegan protein powder to keep this recipe plant-based.
- Maple Syrup: Maple syrup is a great way to sweeten protein smoothies and personalize the sweetness level.
- Frozen Banana: Cut a banana into chunks and freeze overnight. The frozen banana adds a creamy texture and keeps this smoothie cool and refreshing.
Substitutions
- Instant Espresso: If you don’t have an espresso machine, you can mix instant espresso powder with hot water for the bold espresso flavor.
- Sweetened or Flavored Protein Powder: You can use chocolate, vanilla, or peanut butter-flavored protein powder in this recipe, just omit the maple syrup.
- Agave: Sweeten your mocha protein smoothie with agave or another preferred sweetener instead of maple syrup.
- Ice: Use 1 cup of ice instead of frozen banana chunks. Increase the amount of maple syrup, if desired.
- Frozen Coffee: Freeze cold coffee, cold brew coffee, or instant coffee in an ice cube tray and use it in place of the frozen banana and espresso.
How to Make Mocha Protein Smoothies
For the complete recipe and measurements, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Step 1: Add all of the ingredients to the blender in the order listed. Blend until smooth.
Step 2: Add additional maple syrup to taste. Enjoy immediately
Recipe Pro-Tips
- Freeze Bananas Ahead. Frozen bananas will keep in an airtight container or zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Freeze multiple bananas ahead of time to make this smoothie all week long. You can add frozen bananas to your stash whenever you have overripe bananas on your counter.
- Smoothies for Two. Double this recipe by multiplying all ingredients by two. Two servings should easily fit in most blenders.
- Make Kid-Friendly. Omit the espresso for kid-friendly cocoa smoothies or opt for decaffeinated espresso for teens who enjoy coffee flavor.
Recipe Variations
- Peppermint: Add ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract or one pump of peppermint coffee syrup for peppermint mocha protein shakes. Delicious coffee shop-inspired flavor in a healthy protein shake.
- Double Chocolate: Use a scoop of chocolate protein powder in place of the unflavored protein powder and sprinkle a few cacao nibs on top of the blended smoothie. Omit or halve the maple syrup and cocoa powder.
- Peanut Butter Mocha Protein Shake: Add 1 tablespoon of peanut butter or nut butter to the other ingredients before blending.
- Extra Creamy: Add ½ cup of Greek yogurt and reduce the milk to ¼ cup for an extra creamy texture.
Serving Suggestions
This recipe is great for busy mornings or sipping from a travel smoothie glass on your commute. The combination of coffee and protein is satisfying and you’ll free up a cup holder or desk space too!
Mocha protein smoothies are especially good on warm days, cooling down after a workout, or when you want a break from hot coffee. I love this smoothie as a healthier alternative to frozen blended drinks from coffee shops. This recipe is also delicious with a slice of Vegan Coffee Cake or a Dairy-Free Banana Muffin.
Dietary Adaptations
This recipe is naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan when made with vegan protein powder.
Storage Directions
Smoothies are best enjoyed immediately, so blend just before serving.
FAQs
A mocha is a drink that combines espresso, chocolate, and milk and can be served hot, cold, or blended in a smoothie. Mochas can be made with cocoa powder, chocolate syrup, or other chocolate flavorings or syrups.
Coffee or espresso are both flavorful additions to a protein smoothie and also add caffeine for a delicious breakfast beverage. This recipe uses espresso to add a bold coffee taste that blends perfectly with cocoa powder for creamy mocha flavor that’s a healthier option than frozen blended drinks from coffee shops.
Chocolate and coffee are always a scrumptious combination. Coffee or espresso can be mixed in protein smoothies for a rich mocha flavor. Combining these flavors in a protein-packed drink is convenient for busy mornings.
Tools Needed to Make This Recipe
- Measuring Cups & Spoons
- Vitamix Blender or High-Speed Blender
More Recipes
- Vegan Protein Shakes (4 Ways!)
- Cottage Cheese Smoothie
- Pineapple Banana Smoothie
- Blueberry Spinach Smoothie
- Green Peanut Butter Date Smoothie
- Creamy Raspberry Smoothie
If you make and like this recipe, please review and rate it 5 Stars at the top of the recipe card. This helps other people to find the recipes and helps this reader-supported publication, too!
Thank you so much for your feedback and support of Mae's Menu!
Recipe Card
Coffee Protein Smoothie
Email FacebookIngredients
- 1 shot espresso
- ¾ cup milk non-dairy or dairy
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 scoop unflavored protein powder or vanilla or chocolate powder; see notes below if using
- 1-2 tablespoons maple syrup to taste
- 1 large banana frozen and cut into chunks (or 1 cup ice; add notes below if using.)
Instructions
- Add all of the ingredients to the blender in the order listed. Blend until smooth. Add additional maple syrup to taste. Enjoy immediately
Notes
- Storing: Smoothies are best enjoyed immediately, so blend just before serving.
- Gluten-Free: To make this recipe gluten-free, use a gluten-free protein powder.
- Vegan: To make this recipe vegan, use a vegan protein powder and plant-based milk.
- Smoothies for Two. Double this recipe by multiplying all ingredients by two. Two servings should easily fit in most blenders.
- Kid-Friendly. Omit the espresso for kid-friendly chocolate smoothies or opt for decaffeinated espresso for teens who enjoy the coffee flavor.
Please share your recipe comments and feedback. It helps us create better content and helps other readers find what they're looking for.