If you've ever tried making protein coffee, you've likely realized that whey protein does not mix well into hot coffee. This delicious protein coffee recipe provides 12 grams of protein from collagen peptides, and you won't even know it's there!
I tried 10 different types of protein to find the best protein powders to mix into hot coffee, and collagen is by far my top choice!
And the best part of this recipe is that the collagen adds 12g extra protein to a hot cup of coffee without altering the taste or texture at all.
Other recipes say that you can mix whey into hot coffee but they never show you a closeup of the coffee. In this blog post on the best protein powder for coffee, I show you videos of each protein powder mixing into coffee. Collagen is a clear winner.
And seriously, you don't even need a milk frother. The collagen mixes right in!
Plant-based protein powders like almond protein are the second best (in my opinion) for mixability and taste.
This hot protein coffee recipe is a great way to get a head start on your protein intake for the day while getting your caffeine fix!
To complete your high protein breakfast, try this delicious overnight oats recipe, the low carb protein pancakes, and this chocolate chip protein muffin.
Ingredients
Freshly Brewed Coffee
Start with 6-8 ounces of hot coffee, freshly brewed to your desired strength. You can use your preferred type of coffee, such as instant coffee, espresso shots, or even your favorite cold brew coffee. Coffee not only provides a caffeine boost but also adds a rich flavor to the protein coffee. (This recipe also works well with decaf coffee.)
Marine Collagen Protein Powder
Add 2 tablespoons of marine collagen protein powder to your hot liquid. Marine collagen is an excellent source of protein that supports healthy skin, hair, and nails. It dissolves easily in hot coffee without changing its flavor or texture, making it a perfect addition to your morning coffee.
Mushroom Powder (optional)
For an extra boost of flavor and health benefits, consider adding 1 tablespoon of Chagaccino Mushroom & Adaptogen Coffee Boost Powder. This optional ingredient is packed with adaptogenic mushrooms, providing a natural energy boost while adding a light flavor to your protein coffee.
Creamy Oat Milk
To add a touch of creaminess, pour 2 ounces of creamy oat milk into your coffee. Oat milk is a popular dairy-free alternative that complements the flavors of coffee perfectly. Its velvety texture enhances the overall experience of your protein coffee.
Instructions
1. Brew your favorite hot coffee (or espresso).
2. Once the coffee is brewed, measure 2 tablespoons marine collagen peptides and stir into the hot coffee. The collagen powder will dissolve when mixed with a spoon (a blender or frother is not needed).
If you see large clumps, just press them into the side of the mug with your spoon. It will all properly dissolve quickly.
3. Add a tablespoon of Chagaccino Mushroom & Adaptogen Coffee Boost Powder (if using), and stir.
4. Add 2 ounces of creamy oat milk and stir well.
5. Enjoy your delicious beverage!
Ingredient Substitutions
Protein
I highly recommend using this marine collagen protein powder because of how easily it mixes without changing the coffee, but if you prefer a plant-based protein powder, I suggest almond protein powder. Whey protein powder is not recommended (see my post on different protein powders in hot coffee for more info).
Mushroom Powder
Instead of Chagaccino Mushroom & Adaptogen Coffee Boost Powder, experiment with other coffee boost powders for additional flavor and benefits.
Milk
Creamy oat milk can be replaced with your favorite milk alternative, such as dairy milk, unsweetened almond milk, soy milk, or unsweetened vanilla almond milk.
Recipe Variations
Protein Espresso
Add 1-2 tablespoons of collagen protein to your freshly brewed espresso.
Iced Protein Coffee
Follow the same instructions but use cold coffee instead of hot coffee. You can also add ice cubes or shake the mixture with ice for a refreshing and protein-packed iced coffee.
Vanilla Protein Coffee
Vanilla protein coffee is easy to make, too:
- Add a few drops of vanilla extract and your favorite sweetener
- Add a teaspoon or so of sugar free vanilla syrup
- Use vanilla flavored collagen protein powder
Caramel Protein Coffee
Add a tablespoon or two of Naked Nutrition's Caramel Collagen Creamer to your hot protein coffee. So flavorful and delicious!
Any flavor coffee
Since the collagen doesn't alter the taste or texture of the coffee, you can add ALL the different flavors!
Coffee Shop Mix-in
Turn your favorite coffee shop coffee into protein coffee by carrying travel packets of collagen protein and adding them while you're on the go.
Storage
This healthy coffee recipe will certainly stay well in a thermos or refrigerated if you need to prepare it in advance.
FAQ
The best protein powder for hot coffee is collagen protein, with plant-based proteins as a second choice. I do not recommend using whey protein or casein protein powder since they do not mix well. Read my article on the best protein powders for coffee for more info!
Yes, the best way to make hot coffee with protein powder is to add collagen protein powder to hot coffee. The collagen dissolves well in the hot coffee, and this is an easy way to get extra protein to start the day.
I highly recommend using marine collagen protein powder because of how easily it mixes without changing the coffee, but if you prefer a plant-based protein powder, I suggest almond protein powder. Whey protein powder is not recommended (see my post on the best protein powders for hot coffee for more info).
2 tablespoons of collagen protein (12g protein) dissolves well into hot coffee without changing the flavor or texture. The perfect way to get a boost of protein in the morning!
Yes, you can make protein coffee without a blender or frother when you use this collagen protein. It dissolves well just by stirring.
Yes, you can add cold milk to hot protein coffee, just as you would with regular coffee.
Absolutely! Feel free to customize your protein coffee by adding sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or stevia, as well as flavor extracts like vanilla or almond extract. Adjust the quantities based on your taste preferences.
Forget the recipes calling for coffee ice cubes, blending hot coffee, and saying you can choose your favorite protein powder. No.
This protein coffee recipe is an easy recipe with simple ingredients. And you won't even taste the added protein!
If instead you're looking for a way to add a scoop of protein powder (whey or whey/casein) to your coffee, your best bet would be to blend iced coffee with it (and drink it fast, before it separates!).
Craving more? Check out our collection of high protein breakfast ideas.
We also have a great collection of high protein breakfast smoothie recipes!
Recipe
Protein Coffee Recipe (Hot, Easy to Make)
Equipment
- spoon for mixing
- your favorite coffee mug
Ingredients
- 6-8 oz hot brewed coffee or espresso
- 2 tablespoons marine collagen powder
- 1 tablespoon mushroom powder optional
- 2 oz creamy oat milk or your favorite milk/creamer
Instructions
- Add 2 tablespoons collagen powder to hot brewed coffee, and mix well. (This protein mixes well with just a spoon.)
- Add 1 tablespoon mushroom powder (optional) and stir well.
- Add 2oz creamy oat milk (or your favorite milk or creamer).
- Stir and enjoy!
Ben says
thank you for a hot protein coffee recipe that actually works! no protein clumps. love it.