This espresso protein shake is creamy and thick like a frozen espresso drink from the coffee shop-but it's high-protein, dairy-free, soy-free, and refined sugar-free.
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This espresso protein shake is my instant breakfast for those days when I don't have time for anything more complicated. It's creamy and thick like a frozen espresso drink from the coffee shop - but high-protein, dairy-free, soy-free and refined sugar-free.
It's sweet enough from the banana, that you don't really need to add any extra sweetener. But if you like your coffee extra sweet, just add your sweetener of choice before blending.
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I often make this protein shake before I head to the gym in the morning. I pull the shot of espresso while I get the rest of the ingredients in the Vitamix, then add the hot espresso on top and blend. With the frozen banana, cold cashew milk and ice cubes, the shake still ends up frozen.
I use an unflavored egg white protein powder for the extra protein. I like that the ingredients are just egg whites with nothing added. That way you can control what's in your shake and add whatever ingredients you like.
With coffee, egg whites, and a little fruit, this espresso protein shake is breakfast in a glass. And you don't even have to stop at the coffee shop.
More healthy protein smoothies to try
Espresso Protein Shake
Ingredients
- ½ cup cashew milk
- ½ banana frozen
- ⅔ cup ice cubes
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- dash of cinnamon
- ¼ cup egg white protein powder
- 2 ounces espresso or strong coffee
- honey or sweetener of choice optional
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to Vitamix or high-speed blender in the order listed.
- Blend on high until smooth. Pour into a tall glass and serve.
Evelyn Moran says
Can I make that with Almond Milk.
Lisa says
Yes, you can Evelyn!
Henry says
How much honey (or sweetner)? Ty! Going to try this tomorrow morning!
Lisa says
It really is to taste. I don't use any additional sweetener in mine. Hope you enjoy it!
Chrissy says
This is sooooo good! I decided to try this as my first healthy smoothie with my new diet and I am impressed. Thank you for posting this recipe!!!!
Lisa says
Yay! Glad you love it Chrissy!
Susan says
Hi, I am allergic to bananas so could I leave it out of this shake? Are there any alternatives I could use??
Lisa says
Hi Susan, the banana adds creaminess and sweetness to the smoothie. You can sub a little bit of avocado or coconut cream and your favorite sweetener. Just play around with how much you add to get it as sweet as you like.
Kandi says
Which milks will work for me? I'm allergic to nuts
Lisa says
Hi Kandi, if you can have coconut milk, that would be the best substitute for this smoothie.
abigail says
Hi im allergic to eggs is there substitution for this.
Lisa says
Hi Abigail, you can substitute collagen or your favorite protein powder.
Lisa says
I used to start almost every morning by heating up a cup of milk and adding a packet of Starbucks' Colombian roast instant coffee to it. But I decided to try the Paleo diet this month and learned that dairy is not sanctioned on it, so I've been drinking green tea instead. I also got some egg white protein powder because whey (a dairy product) and legumes (often found in plant-based protein powders along with grains) are to be avoided on this diet. So, a week or two ago, I searched for some recipes using egg white protein powder (which aren't all that easy to find, so thank you, Lisa, for creating this recipe and posting it).
Occasionally, I don't sleep all that well during the night and feel tired the next day. This was the state I was in when I decided to try your espresso protein shake. I didn't have cashew milk, so I used a coconut-almond blend and I was out of vanilla extract, so I used almond instead. And then for the coffee component, I just used a packet of Starbucks' instant coffee.
The first thing I noticed after blending all of the ingredients together was how much it really reminded me of a frappuccino from Starbucks in terms of the color, consistency, and thickness. Then I tasted it. I may have been a bit too heavy-handed with the almond extract, and it was a bit strong for someone who's been drinking nothing but green tea for that morning caffeine fix, but my oh my was this delicious. And my mind felt like a bud blossoming open into full flower. I will definitely be making this delectable drink again.
Lisa says
I'm so glad you enjoyed it! It's one of my favorite quick breakfast smoothies!