Adding protein powder to coffee has become the fad now for many fitness enthusiasts. Coffee connoisseurs incorporate coffee-flavored protein powder into their fitness routine, claiming it helps boost their weight loss and improve their workouts. 

This seemingly odd combination is a protein-based supplement of either whey, collagen, soy and coffee. But what is the difference between protein powder in iced coffee and coffee-flavored protein powder?

Protein powder in iced coffee refers to adding regular protein powder to a cup of chilled coffee. Whereas coffee-flavored protein powder refers to adding a pre-made protein shake or protein powder to your cup of coffee.

Let’s examine these two enticing choices that will give you an energizing boost when you need it most.

Protein power for workouts

Coffee Flavored Protein Powder vs Protein Powder in Iced Coffee

Coffee flavored protein powder and protein powder in iced coffee both offer a convenient and delicious way to incorporate protein into your diet. However, they differ in their composition and preparation. Coffee flavored protein powder is specifically formulated to infuse the rich flavor of coffee into the protein powder, allowing you to enjoy the taste of coffee while meeting your protein needs. On the other hand, protein powder in iced coffee involves mixing regular protein powder with chilled coffee, creating a refreshing and energizing beverage. While coffee flavored protein powder provides a more concentrated coffee flavor in a convenient powder form, protein powder in iced coffee offers the flexibility to adjust the coffee strength and sweetness to your liking. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on your preference for convenience, flavor intensity, and customizability.

Coffee flavored protein powder:

  • Convenience: Coffee flavored protein powder combines the benefits of coffee and protein in a single product, eliminating the need for separate preparations. It's a convenient option for those who want to save time and simplify their routine.
  • Flavor Variety: Coffee flavored protein powder comes in various coffee-inspired flavors, such as mocha, caramel, or vanilla latte. This allows individuals to enjoy the taste of their favorite coffee beverages while meeting their protein requirements.
  • Versatility: Coffee flavored protein powder can be easily incorporated into a variety of recipes and beverages, such as smoothies, baked goods, or simply mixed with water or milk. This versatility makes it a versatile option for those looking to enhance the flavor of their protein intake.

Protein powder in iced coffee:

  • Customizability: With protein powder in iced coffee, you have the freedom to adjust the strength of the coffee, sweetness, and the type of protein powder you use. This allows you to tailor the taste and nutritional profile to your preferences and dietary needs.
  • Taste: Mixing protein powder in iced coffee creates a chilled and invigorating beverage that can provide a refreshing boost of energy, especially during warm weather or as a pre- or post-workout drink while tasting like your favorite brand of coffee.

Expert top picks.

The best options, selected by our staff.

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ON Gold Standard Whey Protein Powder - Mocha Cappuccino

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4.7 out of 5
ON Gold Standard Whey Protein Powder - Mocha CappuccinoON Gold Standard Whey Protein Powder - Mocha Cappuccino
Features

ON Gold Standard 100% Whey helps you get more from your workouts.The Optimum Nutrition Mocha Cappuccino Whey Protein Powder is excellent for anyone who needs to supplement their diet with high-quality protein. It is also tested by Informed Choice for banned substances to ensure your choice of protein supplement is healthy. It has 24g of protein per serving to help build and maintain muscle when taken over time with regular resistance training and 5.5g of naturally occurring branched chain amino acids (BCAAs) and 11g of naturally occurring essential amino acids (EAAs) per serving to support muscle recovery

Pros
  • Banned substance tested and the highest quality control measures so you feel comfortable and confident consuming the product
  • It mixes easily with water or milk
  • Third-party tested for dangerous and illegal substances
  • It is easily absorbable
  • It is gluten-free
Cons
  • It isn’t vegan friendly
  • Contains a small amount of sucralose

Garden of Life Raw Organic Fit Vegan Protein Powder Coffee

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4.3 out of 5
Garden of Life Raw Organic Fit Vegan Protein Powder CoffeeGarden of Life Raw Organic Fit Vegan Protein Powder Coffee
Features

Another high-protein coffee flavored powder is the Garden of Life Raw Organic Fit Vegan Protein Powder Coffee. It contains raw organic Ashwagandha, green coffee bean extract, organic cinnamon, and raw chromium. This combination helps to enhance muscle mass, helps carb cravings, and aids in weight loss. 

Raw fitness is your gateway to Extraordinary Health. Raw Organic Fit is a USDA Certified Organic, Raw, plant-based, vegan, high-protein powder specifically designed for weight loss and is made with raw sprouted organic ingredients. It includes additional clinically studied ingredients, such as Svetol Green Coffee Bean Extract, Raw Food Created Chromium, and Organic Cinnamon to help burn fat, maintain healthy blood sugar, boost energy, lose weight, and look great! It also has Raw Organic Ashwagandha to help fight cravings.

Pros
  • USDA Certified Organic
  • Raw, plant-based, vegan, high-protein powder
  • Clinically studied ingredients: Tested for prohibited substances
  • Raw Organic Ashwagandha to help fight cravings
  • Contains antioxidants & rich source of omega-3s
  • Gluten-free
Cons
  • High price point
  • It is a bit chalky

Dymatize ISO100 Hydrolyzed 100% Whey Isolate Protein Powder

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4.5 out of 5
Dymatize ISO100 Hydrolyzed 100% Whey Isolate Protein PowderDymatize ISO100 Hydrolyzed 100% Whey Isolate Protein Powder
Features

The Dymatize ISO100 cappuccino flavored protein powder is another coffee flavored protein that will help in your workouts. This coffee flavored protein powder will support your keto diet and will help you power up before workouts and stay energized during workouts. The Dymatize ISO100 protein powder contains Branched Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs) and Essential Amino Acids (EAAs) help in muscle recovery and growth. Each serving contains 25 grams of protein and 5.5g of BCAAs including 2.7g of L-Leucine. ISO100 is made with pre-hydrolyzed protein sources to ensure fast digestion and absorption.

Pros
  • Easy to mix
  • Easily digestible
  • It tastes great 
  • It is fast-absorbing
  • It is made with pre-hydrolyzed protein
  • It contains spray-dried coffee
Cons
  • Contains sweeteners

Peanut Butter- Gourmet Coffee Protein

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2.9 out of 5
Peanut Butter- Gourmet Coffee ProteinPeanut Butter- Gourmet Coffee Protein
Features
  • 15-18 grams of high-quality protein
  • 75-115 milligrams of caffeine per serving
  • 80-100 Calories Per Serving

Another coffee-flavored protein powder to boost your morning routine and workouts is the Codeage Multi Collagen Protein Powder. This delicious coffee flavored protein mix contains the goodness of Kona instant coffee, which is premium tasting coffee in the world with a low acid profile, and 5 types of collagen mocha powder for a tasty and uplifting drink.

Pros
  • It is non-GMO
  • It is third-party tested for harmful substances
  • It is gluten-free
  • It is dairy free
  • It is Keto-friendly
  • It contains no artificial flavors, sweeteners or preservatives
Cons
  • The coffee flavor isn’t strong

Codeage Multi Collagen Peptides Protein Powder - Chocolate Mocha

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4.1 out of 5
Codeage Multi Collagen Peptides Protein Powder - Chocolate Mocha Codeage Multi Collagen Peptides Protein Powder - Chocolate Mocha
Features

Another coffee-flavored protein powder to boost your morning routine and workouts is the Codeage Multi Collagen Protein Powder. This delicious coffee flavored protein mix contains the goodness of Kona instant coffee, which is premium tasting coffee in the world with a low acid profile, and 5 types of collagen mocha powder for a tasty and uplifting drink. It has 10g of collagen per serving, 3.4g of fiber per serving, 1g of sugar per serving and 58 calories per serving.

Pros
  • Provides 5 types of collagen from 5 different sources
  • Low acid coffee
  • High in collagen, low calorie
  • Non-GMO
  • It is third-party tested for harmful substances
  • Gluten-free
  • Dairy free
  • Keto-friendly
  • No artificial flavors, sweeteners or preservatives
Cons
  • The coffee flavor isn’t strong

Orgain Organic Vegan Protein Powder - Iced Coffee

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4.3 out of 5
Orgain Organic Vegan Protein Powder - Iced CoffeeOrgain Organic Vegan Protein Powder - Iced Coffee
Features

Orgain Organic Vegan Protein powder with iced coffee flavor contains plant-based protein (chia seeds, peas, brown rice) and the goodness of caffeine to give you the “keep going spirit.” It blends well and is easy to mix with your favorite milk option making it an easy fix in the morning or after a workout. Organic Iced Coffee Protein Powder is a naturally smooth and delicious nourishment drink with 21 grams of organic protein. Each serving is USDA organic, gluten free, kosher, vegan, non-GMO, soy free. No artificial flavors, colors or preservatives.

Pros
  • Vegan
  • Soy free
  • Gluten-free
  • No added sugar
  • Non-GMO
  • No artificial ingredients
  • Carrageenan-free
Cons
  • High price
  • Doesn’t have a strong coffee flavor

High Protein Coffee - Iced Coffee

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4 out of 5
High Protein Coffee - Iced CoffeeHigh Protein Coffee - Iced Coffee
Features

The High Protein Iced Coffee is a delicious protein-protein that you can enjoy whenever you want to refuel your body after a workout. It is also great in aiding absorption after a workout since the main ingredient is whey which is a quick-digesting protein. This iced protein coffee goes well with almond, soy milk and water.

Pros
  • Delicious, creamy taste
  • Quick digesting protein
  • Non-GMO
  • Gluten-free
  • Easily-absorbable
  • Sweetened with stevia
Cons
  • Cannot be heated

Keto Shake - Coffee Flavored

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4.3 out of 5
Keto Shake - Coffee FlavoredKeto Shake - Coffee Flavored
Features

The Keto Breakfast Protein Shke with Iced Coffee contains MCT powder, type I & III peptide collagen powder, coconut powder and pray dried coffee. This combination ensures your body receives all the proteins it needs while enjoying iced coffee. This protein shake will keep you feeling fuller for longer. There is 2g of net carbs, 7g of fat, 14g of protein with MCT Powder from real coconuts. There is also Type I & III Collagen Peptide Powder, real cream cheese powder and lipase digestive enzyme.

Pros
  • Great for those on a keto diet
  • Keeps you feeling fuller for longer
  • Blends well
  • Contains no sugar
  • Suitable for mocha and lattes too
Cons
  • May not be suitable for those with sensitivities to dairy or gluten
  • May not be suitable for vegetarians or vegans
  • Contain sugar alcohols

Benefits of Coffee Flavor Protein Powder

Here are some of the benefits of the coffee protein mix: 

  • Protein Source. This coffee protein mix provides a convenient and concentrated source of protein. It benefits individuals engaged in regular exercise or strength training because it helps support fast muscle repair and prevent muscle loss.
  • Energy Boost. Coffee flavor protein powder combines the benefits of protein with the natural energizing properties of coffee. The caffeine content in coffee enhances alertness, focus, and overall energy levels. This can be particularly beneficial as a pre-workout supplement to help improve performance and endurance during exercise.
  • Appetite Control. Adding protein powder to coffee will curb your appetite, ultimately supporting your weight management goals.
  • Convenient. Protein powder is a convenient way to increase protein intake, especially if you have a busy lifestyle. You can mix it with water or milk and even in smoothies, shakes, and recipes. Coffee flavor protein powder can serve as a quick, tasty breakfast option or a post-workout recovery drink.

Different Types of Protein Powder

  1. Whey Protein. Whey protein is derived from milk during cheese-making and contains a high concentration of essential amino acids. The body quickly absorbs whey protein, making it ideal for post-workout recovery and a favorite for many athletes.
  2. Casein Protein. Casein protein is also derived from milk but is digested more slowly compared to whey protein. It is often consumed before bedtime to help in muscle gain.
  3. Soy Protein.  Soy protein is a plant-based protein derived from soybeans and contains all 9 essential amino acids.
  4. Collagen Protein. Collagen protein is derived from an animal’s connective tissues and bones. It is rich in amino acids that support joint health, skin elasticity, and gut health.
  5. Pea Protein. Pea protein is an easily digestible protein powder derived from yellow split peas. 
  6. Rice Protein. Rice protein is made from brown rice and is a hypoallergenic and gluten-free protein option. While it is not a complete protein, you can combine it with other plant-based protein sources to achieve a full protein profile.
  7. Hemp Protein. Hemp protein is derived from hemp seeds and is a plant-based protein source containing all nine essential amino acids.

How to Add Protein Powder to Iced Coffee

Here is a simple recipe of how you can make an iced coffee with protein powder

Step 1: Prepare your coffee: Brew your favorite coffee and allow it to cool down. 

Step 2: Mix the protein powder: Add a scoop or two of your protein powder in a shaker bottle or blender. To get the exact serving size, check the instructions on the protein powder container.

Step 3: Add liquid: Pour a small amount of your cooled coffee into the shaker bottle or blender to create a smooth paste with the protein powder. This will prevent clumps from forming.

Step 4: Shake or blend: Secure the lid of the shaker bottle or blender and shake or blend until the protein powder and your coffee mixture combine.

Step 5: Add ice and the remaining coffee: Fill a glass with ice cubes and pour the rest of your cooled coffee over the ice cubes.

Step 6: Combine protein mixture and coffee : Pour the blended mixture into the glass of iced coffee.

Step 7: Stir and enjoy: Use a spoon to stir the protein powder and coffee together until well blended. Take a sip and adjust the flavour by adding sweeteners, milk, or additional flavors if desired.

Conclusion

Adding protein powder to iced coffee provides several benefits, including increased protein intake for muscle recovery and growth, improved satiety, and aids in weight loss. Protein powder offers a convenient way to supplement our protein needs and support active lifestyles. However, you shoul only use it as a supplement and not a replacement for whole-food protein sources. It is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized guidance on protein intake and dietary needs.

If you are an ardent fitness enthusiast who also loves a good cup of joe every morning, incorporate protein powder into your coffee routine and enjoy the benefits that come with this satisfying habit.

I'm a mom of two boys and a freelance writer who loves to travel and spend time at the beach. When I'm not chasing after my kids or working on my next writing project, you can usually find me sipping on a delicious cup of coffee while reading a book. I'm always on the lookout for new and interesting coffee shops, whenever I am exploring a new town or city.

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