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This energizing Mocha Coffee Protein Shake is thick, creamy, and packed with protein. It’s perfect for a quick energy-boosting breakfast or to help with recovery after a workout!

mocha protein shake recipe in a glass on a white serving tray with whole coffee beans
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Looking for a protein-packed coffee that’s better than Starbucks? This mocha coffee protein shake is made with chocolate protein powder and coffee to give you a little caffeine and add protein to your morning. Protein helps regulate your blood sugar and helps repair your muscles after a workout, so this shake is nutritious and delicious!

If you like healthy chocolate recipes, you will love my healthy Greek yogurt brownies and healthy chocolate banana bread!

 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Plant-Based: This mocha protein shake recipe is vegan and only uses plant-based ingredients like bananas, almond milk, and protein powder.
  • Only 5 Ingredients: There’s nothing complicated about this smoothie! It’s only 5 simple ingredients: chocolate protein powder, almond milk, coffee, banana, and vanilla extract.
  • Quick and Easy Protein-Packed Breakfast: If you’re looking for a fast and nourishing breakfast, this mocha smoothie has enough protein to keep you full and energized.

Ingredients

Mocha protein shake ingredients in glass containers, labelled, on a white kitchen counter.
  • Banana: Keep a few peeled and chopped bananas in the freezer to use for protein shakes in the morning. The frozen banana gives this shake its frozen, smoothie-like consistency.
  • Chocolate Protein Powder: Use your favorite chocolate protein powder to make this shake. The flavor of the protein powder makes or breaks a protein shake.
  • Almond Milk: Thin out the smoothie and give it a rich, creamy texture with a plant-based milk. You can also use coconut milk if you don’t have almond milk on hand.
  • Coffee: Be sure to chill your coffee or use cold brew coffee before adding it to the smoothie. Use decaf coffee if you don’t want the extra caffeine.

See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts, nutritional information, and detailed instructions.

Variations & Dietary Modifications

  • Add Unsweetened Cocoa PowderIf you want to enhance the chocolate flavor in this coffee protein shake recipe, add a little scoop of unsweetened cocoa powder. Especially great when paired with healthy cookie bars for a quick afternoon treat.
  • Try It with Collagen: Add a little collagen to your morning protein smoothie to make it thicker, achieving a more milkshake-like consistency.
  • Top with Whipped Cream: If you’re looking for more of a sweet treat versus breakfast, add a dollop of plant-based whipped cream on top to make a protein-packed dessert.

How to Make a Mocha Protein Shake

This chocolate coffee protein shake is the perfect way to get a quick energy boost in the mornings or to help your body recover after a workout. It’s simple, delicious, and full of protein.

A mocha protein shake ingredients in blender, waiting to be blended.

Step 1: Add the Ingredients to the BlenderPour the frozen banana, almond milk, protein powder, vanilla, and coffee into your blender.

A cafe mocha protein shake bring poured into a glass.

Step 2: Blend, Blend, Blend. Blend the ingredients for 1-2 minutes until they reach a smooth consistency, then pour and enjoy. Add in a drizzle of healthy pumpkin spice coffee creamer to make a high-protein pumpkin spice coffee shake!

Expert Tips

  • Make it Sweeter: The banana should provide plenty of natural sweetness to your protein mocha coffee but if you need more, add a bit of stevia or honey to your shake.
  • Find the Perfect Protein Powder: The trick to finding a delicious protein powder is to find one you like to drink with just milk or water! If it’s delicious plain, it will taste even better in a flavorful smoothie.
  • Use Cold Coffee: When combining coffee and protein powder, it’s important to use chilled coffee. Hot liquid causes the protein powder to clump, and it may affect the effectiveness of the protein.

Serving Suggestions

This protein shake with coffee is packed with protein and tastes delicious! Enjoy it for breakfast or as part of your recovery after a vigorous workout. Due to the protein content, this mocha smoothie is a meal in itself, but it also pairs well with a variety of other breakfast dishes.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use a different protein flavor?

The combination of coffee and chocolate makes this a cafe mocha protein shake, but if you don’t have chocolate, you can use vanilla or coffee-flavored protein. Just use a little unsweetened cocoa powder or chocolate almond milk to give it that mocha flavor.

Can I save leftovers?

Protein shakes are best enjoyed immediately after blending, and this recipe only makes one serving, so I don’t recommend saving any leftovers. 

Can I use espresso instead of coffee?

For a richer and more intense coffee flavor, you can use chilled espresso instead. 

A coffee protein shake served in a clear glass on a white plate with coffee beans scattered around.

More Delicious Smoothie Recipes

If you tried this Mocha Coffee Protein Shake recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you go in the 📝 comments below.

A mocha protein shake on a plate with a bowl of espresso beans to the side.
5 from 1 vote
Servings: 1 smoothie

Mocha Protein Shake

Get your caffeine fix with a plant based smoothie. Made with just 5 ingredients this smoothie is perfect for post workout recovery or a quick energy boost. 
Prep: 5 minutes
Total: 5 minutes
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Ingredients 

Instructions 

  • Blend all ingredients in a blender together until smooth.
  • Transfer to a glass and drink!

Notes

  • If you need more natural sweetness, add a bit of stevia or honey.
  • Find a protein powder you like to drink with just milk or water, so it always tastes great in a blended shake.
  • Always use chilled coffee when combining coffee and protein powder. Hot coffee gives the protein powder an awful texture.

Nutrition

Serving: 1smoothie, Calories: 260kcal, Carbohydrates: 27g, Protein: 33g, Fat: 6g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 64mg, Sodium: 469mg, Potassium: 685mg, Fiber: 10g, Sugar: 9g, Vitamin A: 38IU, Vitamin C: 5mg, Calcium: 596mg, Iron: 0.2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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Megan

Megan is a nutritionist who coaches women 35+ lose weight sustainably. She is the author of the Low Calorie Cookbook, fitness instructor, host of the Dish On Ditching Diets Podcast and creator of Skinny Fitalicious where you get lighter, higher protein recipes. Follow Megan on Facebook, Pinterest, YouTube and Instagram for the latest updates.

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47 Comments

  1. Madeleine says:

    Can the protein powder be omitted?

    1. Megan says:

      Yes, just note it will not be as thick and the protein content will go way down. It’s really important to have protein in a smoothie.

  2. Miz Helen says:

    A very special treat, this looks delicious! Thank you so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday and have a great day!
    Come Back Soon,
    Miz Helen

  3. Amanda @ Diary of a Semi-Health Nut says:

    Man sorry you’ve been feeling so crummy! You really might just need some rest so I’m glad you let yourself take some naps!! <3 <3

    1. Megan says:

      Thanks Amanda! It’s been hard. I feel like I can’t get a break with my feet. I just need everyone’s love and support right now and I appreciate yours so much!

  4. Bonnie says:

    Yum! Would love to try it!

  5. Danielle says:

    That smoothie looks great! My 2 loves…chocolate and coffee! I hope you start to feel better soon.

    1. Megan says:

      Thank you Danielle!

  6. Amy Lauren says:

    I read your estrogen post and agree it was very brave of you to share. I hope you find some doctors who will listen and that things improve. It stinks to not feel well, or to have any sort of health problem, and doctors will not listen :(.

    Vega protein is the best! I have not tried the mocha one though, just vanilla- but I liked it.