Ice Blended Coffee Protein Smoothie (dairy-free)

​If you are a coffee lover and looking for a refreshing, high-protein, and healthy smoothie, I have got you covered. This ice-blended protein smoothie has 17 grams of protein and is the ideal wholesome breakfast or snack.

I hope I caught your attention with coffee and smoothie. Ditch the berries and spinach and make this delicious iced coffee protein shake instead. This simple protein snack will give you the pick-me-up you’re looking for and is the perfect way to fuel your body after a hard workout.

Benefits of Drinking Smoothies For Breakfast

There are many benefits to drinking a smoothie as your breakfast. For starters, they are packed with essential nutrients and healthy ingredients that enhance energy levels. 

They also have a good amount of fiber unlike juicing, which will help keep you regular, if you know what I mean. 

Protein smoothies, in particular, are great at keeping you full longer. Which is why they are a great breakfast option as well. 

What’s to Love About This Smoothie?

It’s the breakfast smoothie you’ve been missing in your morning routine. Smoothie making has never been so easy and tasty. Try adding this protein coffee smoothie into your morning routine and you won’t regret it.

It’s made with only wholesome and simple ingredients. This smoothie is packed with vitamins, antioxidants, protein, and healthy fats. It is a wonderful breakfast option.

It’s quick to make and perfect for busy mornings. I don’t know about you but my mornings can be hectic. I have found this smoothie to fit right into the busyness of the mornings as a mom.

It’s dairy-free and plant-based. This high protein breakfast is also dairy-free and vegan. It’s a great option for breakfast or a protein snack for sure.

It has caffeine. Swap out a cup of your morning coffee for this delicious smoothie. If you’re bored of a cup of black Joe, I have got you covered with this recipe. The caffeine boost is much appreciated in the busy mornings. LOL.

The Ingredient List

Plant-based milk-You can use your favorite dairy-free milk here. Creamier is always better. My favorite creamy options are oat milk and cashew milk.

Cold brew coffee-It’s necessary to use cold brew for this recipe for a delicious coffee flavor. We are looking for concentrated coffee. I would not recommend regular cold coffee that may alter the flavor of the smoothie.

Dates-You will want to use soft dates for this smoothie to help them blend up nicely. If your dates need softening, place them in a bowl of room temperature water overnight in the fridge or in a bowl of very hot water for 20 minutes.

Almond butter-I would not recommend peanut butter but cashew butter could work as well. This is a great way to add extra protein to the smoothie.

Vanilla protein powder-Grab your favorite plant-based vanilla protein powder to add to this protein smoothie. You can use chocolate-flavored vegan protein powder if you prefer. 

Hemp seeds-These nutritious little seeds are pretty much tasteless but packed with protein, antioxidants, healthy fats, and fiber. What a wonderful addition to this healthy smoothie. *Alternatively, you could swap hemp seeds for chia seeds.

Vanilla-Make sure to use pure vanilla extract for this recipe. If you do not have vanilla handy, just omit this ingredient.

Whole coffee beans-I love the crunch these flavorful beans add to this smoothie. It is my favorite thing about this delicious coffee protein smoothie. *You can also use cacao nibs if you do not have coffee beans available. 

Ice-You have two options here. You can use ice to thicken the smoothie which will make it more of an ice-blended style smoothie or add a frozen banana and a small amount of ice to make it more creamy.

The Instructions

Step one: Place all of the ingredients except the coffee beans in a high-speed blender. *I recommend starting with only one cup of ice and adding additional ice as desired.

Step two: Blend the ingredients on high until it is creamy and all ingredients are smooth. 

​Step three: Turn off the blender. Add in the whole coffee beans. Place the lid back on the base and blend on high speed for 10 seconds. 

Step four: Pour the smoothie into a large cup and enjoy immediately. 

​Saving Leftover Smoothie

I typically do not save my leftover smoothie. However, if you wish to keep it for later, the only real option is to pour the smoothie into something like a silicone ice tray and freeze it into cubes. When you are ready to make another smoothie, add these ice cubes to a blender along with the recipe ingredients. It will produce a larger smoothie, of course. 

Tips + Modifications

​Dates need to be soft for this smoothie. You can place them in hot water for about 20 minutes or soak them in room temperature water in the fridge overnight.

You can swap out dates for maple syrup if you need to. I recommend 1-2 teaspoons.

If you are looking for a more creamy smoothie, add a large frozen banana and reduce the amount of ice you add to the blender. Start with the frozen banana and a 1/4 cup of ice. Blend the ingredients and add 1/4 cup of ice at a time until the desired consistency is reached. 

​If you prefer a chocolate smoothie, you can either add a teaspoon of cocoa powder or swap the vanilla protein powder for chocolate protein powder. 

Other Delicious Plant-Based Smoothie Recipes

Looking for a refreshing and nutritious drink that’s packed with vitamins and bursting with tropical flavor? Look no further than this Vitamin C-Loaded Tropical Orange Smoothie! This dairy-free and vegan beverage is the perfect way to start your day or refuel after a workout.

Make this tasty Holiday Chocolate Peppermint Protein Smoothie (vegan) made with vanilla protein powder, peppermint extract, and a frozen banana. It’s healthy, filling, and easy to make. All you will need is 7 main ingredients.

Enjoy

XOXO

Michelle