If you want a coffee with something extra, this hot chocolate protein coffee is what you need. It tastes like a homemade mocha, because chocolate protein powder and cocoa give it a nice chocolaty flavor. Made in seconds! 

hot coffee with chocolate protein powder

Since I don’t eat meat, I like to think of other creative ways to add protein to my meals, especially when I’m low on time. And protein powder usually does the trick.

Adding it to smoothies is my usual go-to, but I one day decided to try protein powder in coffee just to see if it works. And surprisingly it does! So I want to share my protein coffee recipe with you. 

chocolate coffee in a mug

Best protein powder

I’d say the best protein powder to use is any protein powder you like the taste of. I like using chocolate protein powder in coffee because the flavors work so nicely together. And since I prefer a hot coffee, especially in the mornings, I add protein powder in hot coffee, along with other ingredients and it comes out perfect. Like a fancy mocha latte.

But you can use vanilla protein powder, a mocha protein powder or any other flavor you think would work in your coffee. The options these days seem endless.

From my testing, I can say that whey protein powders are the creamiest. They are made from dairy, so that’s probably why. A well blended whey powder gives a nice, thick, velvety texture. 

However you can make a vegan protein coffee with pea protein or brown rice protein or any of the other vegan alternatives. The texture with pea protein isn’t the best right at the start, but it still works. You just have to blend it well. And you can improve it by adding maple syrup and a good plant based milk to the mix. 

Recipe variations 

To make a hot coffee protein shake, add more milk. To make sure you end up with a hot protein shake, I recommend you warm up the milk first on the stove or in your microwave. It doesn’t need to come to a  boil, just make sure it’s warm like a bath. Then combine that with hot coffee and other ingredients in a blender and blend until it’s smooth and frothy. 

To make a mocha smoothie, add all ingredients to a blender along with a frozen banana and blend on high. Add more milk if needed. You can also add cauliflower florets for a vegetable spin.

To make an iced protein coffee, combine coffee with the rest of the ingredients and blend them until frothy and smooth. Then pour that over a glass or tumbler filled with ice. 

To make a chocolate coffee frappe with protein, combine all ingredients with a cup of ice in a blender and blend on high until the mixture is smooth but thick and perfectly icy. If needed, add more ice. 

If you’re making a warm drink, use fresh hot coffee. But if you’re making an iced protein coffee or any variation that uses ice, you can use cold brew coffee. 

hot coffee with protein powder

Whether you’re making a hot protein coffee or something cold, you need a good blender. A handheld frother could work, but I have more success with a personal blender like Nutribullet or Ninja. That’s my go-to because it’s small, easy to clean and just enough for one serving.

But if you’re making a frappe with whole ice cubes, you might want something stronger, like a Vitamix that’s a professional blender and can handle thicker mixtures. 

More breakfast beverage recipes to explore

coffee with chocolate protein powder in a mug

hot chocolate protein coffee

Recipe

Hot chocolate protein coffee

Make a hot protein coffee by adding chocolate protein to coffee. It's tasty and a great way to upgrade your morning java.
Prep 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 1 coffee
Rating
5

Ingredients 

  • 1 cup freshly brewed hot coffee
  • 1/4 cup milk more to taste
  • 2 tablespoons chocolate protein powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 teaspoons maple syrup more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder optional

Instructions

  • Combine all ingredients in a blender (or use an immersion blender with a designated jar) and blend on high speed until all ingredients are combined, the mixture is smooth and frothy.
  • Pour into a mug, add a dash of cinnamon (optional) and enjoy!

Notes

Milk

  • I like a smaller, stronger coffee so I’m not using much milk. For a larger protein coffee, add more milk to your taste. 
  • Use any milk that you like. Dairy milk and soy milk will give you the best results, but almond milk or other alternatives work nicely too. 

Variations

  • You can use cold brew coffee to make an iced protein coffee that you serve over ice.
  • To make a coffee shake, use more milk. If you want a hot protein shake, warm up milk before adding the rest of the ingredients.
  • To make a frappe, blend the ingredients with a cup of ice and add more milk if needed.  
  • To make a smoothie, add a banana, some ice and more milk. 

Favorite protein powders

Last updated on January 26, 2024SaveSave

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  1. Jen says:

    I just switched to drinking my coffee black and usually take my protein after workouts but was wanting to try it mixed, do you think this could work with just the coffee and the chocolate protein powder mixed together? Thanks!

    1. Alice says:

      Hi Jen, I haven’t tried it like that, but I think it should work!
      Don’t see any reason that it wouldn’t, because protein powders are usually supposed to be mixed with just water anyway, so coffee isn’t that different. 🙂

      Hope this helps!

    2. MaryLou Dennis says:

      The Amazon link just takes me to a page with a variety of different whey protein powders. Do you have a favorite brand?

    3. Alice says:

      Hi MaryLou, so sorry about that, I need to fix it.

      I like the one by Optimum Nutrition 🙂