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High-Protein Cold Brew Coffee Milkshake Smoothie

This smoothie has close to 40 grams of protein and has the taste and texture of a milkshake, need I say more? You will love this high-protein cold brew coffee milkshake smoothie if you’re trying to hit your protein goals and satisfy your sweet tooth! Made with banana, nut butter, protein powder, collagen, chia seeds, and more this will keep you full and energized all morning or afternoon.

Chocolate smoothie being poured from a blender into a glass with blurred mugs in the background.

You might also like my protein chocolate pudding or this mega mango smoothie! Find all my smoothie recipes here or more high-protein breakfast ideas here.

What Makes This Special

  • High-protein snack or breakfast: this would be a quick on the go breakfast or afternoon snack that can be blended up in no time.
  • No added sugar: sweetened naturally with bananas and protein powder.
  • Quick and easy: this smoothie takes just minutes and can be made in any type of blender, great for busy mornings.
  • Kid friendly: kids will love the chocolaty taste this smoothie provides and the rich shake like texture. The boost of protein will be a bonus!
  • Nutrient dense: loaded with fiber, protein, heathy fats, and antioxidants – this smoothie has almost 40 grams of protein and 7 grams of fiber!
Thick chocolate smoothie in a clear glass with scalloped edge, topped with whipped cream.

When I was coming up with this healthy coffee smoothie recipe, I initially left out the unsweetened cocoa powder and there was somethng missing! The cocoa gives the rich, warm chocolate flavor and texture we are looking for – more of the milkshake consistency. I also highly recommend using frozen bananas, they blend into more of a custard-like texture and add the chilled affect we are wanting.

Since the only chilled ingredients are milk, cold brew, and the banana – ice can be added to make the texture thicker and the final result nice and cold. Depneding on you rmilk of choice and the protein powder you use – this can be vegan/dairy-free (omit the collagen if needed). Chia seeds don’t add much flavor but add important nutrients and fiber – they also thicken slightly!

Cold Brew Smoothie Key Ingredients

This smoothie uses simple ingredients, see below for ingredient substitutes if there are any as well as special notes:

Top-down view of labeled smoothie ingredients including milk, cocoa powder, nut butter, bananas, cold brew, chia seeds, protein powder, and collagen.
  • Chia seeds: Add thickness and a boost of fiber, healthy fats, and protein. These can be optional or substitute with flax seeds.
  • Nut butter: peanut, almond butter, or cashew butters all work well depending on your flavor preference.
  • Nut milk: Use almond milk, cashew milk, coconut milk, or oat milk for a dairy-free base. I prefer unsweetened to control the flavor better. You could also use a dairy option like whole milk.
  • Banana: Naturally sweetens and adds creaminess. I recommend a frozen banana, easily peel ripe banans and store in a freezer bag or reusable bag – keep for several months or until needed!
  • Cold brew: homemade or storebought cold brew both work, espresso or strong brewed coffee are also options.
  • Protein: use your favorite type of protein powder, I love this kind!
  • Cocoa powder: Adds a chocolatey flavor—go for unsweetened cocoa or cacao powder for antioxidants and less sugar.
  • Collagen peptides (optional): Boosts protein and supports skin, hair, and joint health without altering the taste. They also make flavored versions.

How To Make The Protein Shake

Let’s talk a little about how to make this High-Protein Cold Brew Coffee Milkshake Smoothie (The printable instructions are in the recipe card below.)

Quick overview:

  • Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth. Enjoy immedaitely!
  • Add all ingredients to a blender and blend at high speed for 1-2 minutes until smooth. Adjust consistency as needed and enjoy immediately.

*Add in ice is desired to make the shake extra cold and add some additional thickness.

Smoothie Tips

  • Use chilled ingredients: nothing is worse than a room temperature smoothie! Use cold chilled milk and cold brew as well as a frozen banana for the best taste and texture. Blending in some ice cubes will also help!
  • Adjust flavor and texture as desired: prefer your smoothie on the runnier side, add more milk. Prefer it more of a smoothie bowl consistency, add less milk. Same goes with sweetness, if you prefer your smoothie more sweet add in flavored protein power or a couple pitted medjool dates. Prefer it less sweet, use unsweetened protein powder and flavorless collagen.
  • Use a high-speed blender: this helps blend every up compltely and creates a rich, smooth, milkshake like texture.

My Favorite Protein Powder

Equip Prime Protein

This is my favorite brand of protein powder for several reasons. First being, the taste is amazing – it doesn’t have a chalky after taste and the flavors are real but not overpowering. Second, it’s from grass-fed beef isolate and not whey which makes it much easier on my gut and doesn’t cause me to break out like whey protein does. Third, it’s sourced from real ingredients and packs 21 grams of protein per scoop!

Use my code “HEARTYLIFE” for 15% off you order!

(or just click on the image —> )

Close-up of a chocolate banana smoothie topped with whipped cream, chia seeds, and chocolate shavings.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this smoothie without cold brew?

Yes! You can substitute chilled brewed coffee or espresso shots. For a caffeine-free version, use decaf coffee.

What type of protein powder works best?

Vanilla or chocolate-flavored whey or plant-based protein powders work great here. A non-flavored version will also work but wont add as much flavor to the smoothie.

How can I make this smoothie dairy-free?

Use oat, almond, or cashew milk. Check your protien and collagen powders for dairy as well.

Do I need to use collagen?

No, it’s totally optional. Collagen adds an extra protein, but you can leave it out or replace it with extra protein powder or chia seeds.

Can I turn this into a smoothie bowl?

Yes! Use less milk for a thicker texture and pour it into a bowl. Top with banana slices, granola, cocoa nibs, or nut butter drizzle.

Tool I Recommend

This post may contain affiliate links, please see my privacy policy for details.

High Powered Blender: I love this powerful yet affordable blenders for smoothies, sauces, soups, and more. This is one I’ve had for a while.

High-Protein Cold Brew Coffee Milkshake Smoothie

Written By: Rachel Walker
This high protein smoothie has the taste and consistency of a rich chocolate milkshake but with better for you ingredients like banana, protein powder, unsweetened cocoa, cold brew coffee, collagen, and chia seeds!
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Course Beverages, Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 1 smoothie
Calories 375 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients
  

  • 1 Banana, frozen
  • 1 scoop Vanilla protein powder, or other flavor
  • 2 tbsp Collagen powder , optional
  • 1 heaping tbsp Nut butter
  • 1 tsp Chia seeds
  • 1 tbsp Unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 3/4 cup Non-dairy milk, like oat or almond
  • 1/4 cup Cold brew coffee

Instructions
 

  • Add all ingredients to a blender and blend at high speed for 1-2 minutes until smooth. Adjust consistency as needed and enjoy immediately.
    1 Banana, 1 scoop Vanilla protein powder, 2 tbsp Collagen powder , 1 heaping tbsp Nut butter , 1 tsp Chia seeds, 1 tbsp Unsweetened cocoa powder , 3/4 cup Non-dairy milk, 1/4 cup Cold brew coffee

Notes

Optional add-ins: 
  • A date or two for added sweetness
  • 1/4 cup oats – thickens and adds fiber 
  • Ground cinnamon for flavor
  • Ice to ensure your smoothie is extra chilled and creamy
*If you do not want to add in collagen, swap for extra protein powder.
*A frozen banana adds the best texture and helps keep the smoothie chilled.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 smoothieCalories: 375kcalCarbohydrates: 44gProtein: 38gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 62mgSodium: 206mgPotassium: 920mgFiber: 7gSugar: 21gVitamin A: 880IUVitamin C: 23mgCalcium: 441mgIron: 2mg
Keywords: Banana Smoothie, Chocolate, High Protein, Protein Shake, Whole food smoothie, Whole30
Did you make this recipe?Let me know how it was! Leave a comment below and tag @theheartylife on Instagram and hashtag it #theheartylife.

If you enjoyed this recipe, I would appreciate if you left a star rating on the recipe card above or a comment below sharing your experience! I value your feedback, it would also mean a lot if you could share this recipe or my website with friends or loved ones. Cheers!

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5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

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