Banana Protein Coffee Smoothie (Printable)
A creamy coffee-banana blend packed with protein to fuel fat loss and keep you focused all morning.
# What You'll Need:
→ Base
01 - 1 ripe banana, peeled
02 - 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice)
→ Protein
03 - 1 scoop (about 1 oz) vanilla or unflavored protein powder (whey or plant-based)
→ Coffee
04 - 1 shot (1 fl oz) freshly brewed espresso (cooled) or ½ cup strong cold brew coffee
→ Flavor & Body
05 - ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
06 - 1 teaspoon natural nut butter (optional, almond or peanut)
07 - 1 teaspoon chia seeds (optional, for fiber)
08 - ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract (optional)
→ Ice
09 - ½ to 1 cup ice cubes, as desired
# How-To Steps:
01 - Add the peeled banana, almond milk, protein powder, cooled espresso or cold brew, and any optional add-ins (cinnamon, nut butter, chia seeds, vanilla extract) to a blender.
02 - Top the mixture with ½ to 1 cup of ice cubes depending on your preferred thickness.
03 - Blend on high speed until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, about 30 to 60 seconds.
04 - Taste the smoothie and adjust the consistency by adding more ice for a thicker texture or a splash of almond milk to thin it out.
05 - Pour into a tall glass and enjoy right away for the best flavor and texture.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- It tastes like a milkshake but fuels you like a proper meal with 23 grams of protein and only 225 calories.
- The coffee hit and protein hit land at the same time, so you feel sharp and full instead of jittery and hungry an hour later.
02 -
- Hot coffee straight from the machine will melt your ice and give you a lukewarm mess, so always let your espresso cool or use cold brew straight from the fridge.
- Protein powder can clump if dumped on top of everything, so I learned to put liquids in first and add powder while the blender is already running.
03 -
- Freeze your banana slices on a tray before bagging them so they do not clump into one solid brick you have to chisel apart later.
- A pinch of salt sounds weird but it makes the coffee flavor pop and cuts any bitterness from cheaper protein powders.