Protein Iced Coffee: Salted Caramel Recipe
It is a hot afternoon, and the café down the road wants seven dollars for an iced latte. This protein iced coffee is ready in two minutes at home. It is creamy, cold and sweet with salted caramel, and it has a good serve of plant protein in every glass. It is the kind of drink that gets you through a summer afternoon or a rushed morning.
Why Make Protein Iced Coffee?
Iced coffee is one of the most popular drinks in Australia, especially as the weather warms up. Café versions are often made with syrups and ice cream, which makes them more of a dessert. Making your own with plant protein gives you a creamy, café-style drink with real staying power. Salted caramel powder replaces the syrup, so you get the flavour without extra sugar. It also works as a quick breakfast when you are not hungry first thing.
Ingredients
Makes 1 large glass
- 1 scoop (30 g) salted caramel plant protein powder
- 3/4 cup (185 ml) cold plant milk (oat or soy works best)
- 1 double shot of espresso, cooled, or 1/2 cup cold brew coffee
- 1 cup ice
- A pinch of flaky salt (optional)
Method
- Add the protein powder and cold milk to a shaker, jar or blender.
- Shake hard for 20 seconds, or blend for 10 seconds, until completely smooth and slightly frothy.
- Fill a tall glass with ice.
- Pour in the protein milk.
- Slowly pour the cooled espresso or cold brew over the top for a layered look.
- Stir, add a pinch of flaky salt if you like, and drink straight away.
Tips for Smooth Protein Iced Coffee
- Use cold liquid. Plant protein dissolves smoothly in cold milk. This is the easiest way to avoid lumps.
- Shake or blend. A spoon alone rarely gets it fully smooth.
- Cool your espresso. Pouring hot coffee over the protein milk can make it go slightly grainy. Let it cool for a few minutes, or pour it over a couple of ice cubes first.
- Use enough milk. One scoop needs at least 3/4 cup of liquid to stay creamy.
Three Ways to Make It
1. Classic shaken iced coffee Follow the recipe above. Shaking makes it light and frothy, like a café shakerato.
2. Cold brew protein coffee Make cold brew by soaking 1 cup coarse coffee grounds in 4 cups cold water in the fridge for 12 to 18 hours, then strain. It keeps for a week. Use 1/2 cup cold brew per glass for a smooth, less bitter coffee.
3. Blended protein frappé Blend 1 scoop salted caramel powder, 1/2 cup milk, 1/2 cup cold brew, 1 frozen banana and 1 cup ice until thick. It is a meal in a glass on a hot day.
Make a Protein Iced Coffee Bar
If you have friends over on a hot weekend, set up an iced coffee bar. Brew a jug of cold brew the night before, chill a few cartons of plant milk and put out a shaker with the protein powder. Add bowls of ice, cinnamon, cocoa and coconut flakes, and let everyone make their own. It is easy, cheap and more fun than a café queue.
Flavour Variations
- Vanilla latte: use vanilla protein powder and a dash of cinnamon.
- Mocha: use chocolate protein powder and top with grated dark chocolate.
- Coconut caramel: use coconut milk and top with toasted coconut flakes.
- Spiced caramel: add a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg to the shaker.
- Decaf: use decaf espresso for an afternoon drink that will not keep you up.
When to Drink It
A protein iced coffee works well as a light breakfast on busy mornings, as an afternoon pick-me-up instead of a sugary snack, or after a morning walk or gym session. It is not a replacement for a full meal, but it is a handy option when you need something quick and satisfying. If you are sensitive to caffeine, keep it to the morning or choose decaf.
Quick FAQ
Can you put protein powder in iced coffee? Yes. Shake the powder with cold milk first, then add the coffee for a smooth result.
What is the best milk for protein iced coffee? Oat and soy milk give the creamiest texture and froth well when shaken.
Can I make it the night before? Shake the protein milk and keep it in the fridge, then add ice and coffee in the morning.
The Protein in This Iced Coffee
This drink was made with our Salted Caramel Flavoured Protein Powder, a plant-based powder that shakes smoothly into cold milk and gives your coffee a sweet, toffee-like flavour without a syrup. It is completely dairy free. Skip the café queue this summer and make your own.
