Pumpkin Spice Protein Iced Coffee

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This pumpkin spice protein iced coffee combines milk, protein powder, pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, maple syrup, and coffee for the perfect autumn-inspired protein coffee drink!

straight on photo of the protein coffee in a glass on a table

After enjoying my iced protein coffee all summer long, I thought I’d put a seasonal spin on it to celebrate fall! After a very warm start to October here in Ontario, I decided it was only appropriate to create an iced pumpkin spice protein coffee… because we have the rest of fall and winter to enjoy our warm drinks, like my cashew pumpkin spice latte.

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Ingredients
Instructions
Recipe Substitutions
Warm Protein Coffee Variation
Equipment
Can I Make This Recipe In Advance?
Top Recipe Tip
FAQ
Related
What to Serve with Protein Coffee
Pumpkin Spice Protein Iced Coffee

Ingredients

Here is a photo and list of ingredients you’ll need to make your pumpkin protein iced coffee. Scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact quantities.

Ice cubes: To fill your cup!
Strong brewed coffee or espresso: This forms the base of your protein coffee. You can use strong brewed (chilled) coffee or two shots of espresso. I do not have an espresso machine so I opt for strong coffee but it would be even tastier with espresso!
Milk: I use organic whole milk (cow’s milk or goat’s milk) but use your favourite dairy or non-dairy milk.
Protein powder: I recommend unsweetened and unflavoured grass-fed whey protein powder because it dissolves easily in liquid but if you don’t tolerate it, you can use a plant-based protein powder. Keep in mind that if you use a flavoured or sweetened protein powder, you probably won’t need to add any maple syrup to your protein coffee.
Pumpkin puree: Yep, we’re using real pumpkin puree here, which gives your drink a nice light orange colour and helps thicken it as well.
Pumpkin pie spice: You can use homemade or store-bought pumpkin pie spice. If you go the homemade route, I like this recipe.
Maple syrup: My liquid sweetener of choice in drink recipes, it pairs so well with coffee and spices.
Vanilla extract: A small amount of real vanilla extract pairs so well with the pumpkin and spices.
Sea salt: I always add a tiny pinch of sea salt to my sweet recipes because it helps bring out all of the flavours.

Instructions

You can also find step by step instructions in the recipe card.

process shot showing the coffee and ice in a jar

Step 1: Fill a 16-ounce glass or a mason jar with 1 cup of ice. Pour your chilled coffee or espresso over top of the ice.

process shot of all remaining ingredients in a blender

Step 2: In a blender, combine the milk, protein powder, pumpkin, pumpkin pie spice, maple syrup, vanilla, and salt.

process shot of the milk mixture after blending

Step 3: Blend until smooth.

process shot showing the end result, pumpkin protein coffee in a glass jar

Step 4: Pour the protein milk mixture over top of the coffee and stir to combine. Enjoy!

Recipe Substitutions

Here are a couple of ingredient substitutions so that you can make the recipe to suit your dietary needs with ingredients that are accessible to you.

Milk – use non-dairy milk for a dairy-free alternative.
Maple syrup – use coconut sugar or brown sugar instead of maple syrup.

Warm Protein Coffee Variation

Craving a warm pumpkin spice protein coffee? Use hot coffee or espresso instead of chilled. Combine the ingredients in a blender as instructed, then warm in a small saucepan over medium heat, whisking occasionally. Pour your coffee or espresso into a mug and pour the warm milk mixture over top. Enjoy!

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Equipment

To make iced protein coffee, all you need is a blender! If you don’t have a blender or you don’t feel like turning on your blender, you can try shaking everything up in a mason jar. However, it’ll turn out better in a blender since there’s pumpkin puree in this recipe.

Can I Make This Recipe In Advance?

I recommend preparing your iced protein coffee right before you are planning to enjoy it! Because it is an iced drink, the ice cubes will melt if you make it ahead of time. However, you can blend the milk, protein powder, pumpkin, pumpkin pie spice, maple syrup, vanilla, and sea salt together and pour it into a glass jar with a lid. Store that in the refrigerator overnight and then give it a good shake in the morning. Add your coffee and ice, stir, and enjoy!

Top Recipe Tip

Use a protein powder you enjoy: Now is not the time to try a new protein powder! Use a protein powder that you typically enjoy. I recommend unsweetened and unflavoured protein powder because you are adding maple syrup to your protein coffee. If you use a sweetened or flavoured protein powder such as vanilla, you won’t need to add maple syrup because it’s likely already sweetened with stevia or monkfruit.

straight on photo of the protein coffee in a mason jar on a grey table

FAQ

Can I have protein coffee for breakfast?

While protein coffee is healthy and high in protein, it shouldn’t be used as a breakfast replacement because it doesn’t provide a sufficient amount of calories or macronutrients (protein, fat, and carbohydrates) to qualify as a meal. I recommend enjoying protein coffee alongside a breakfast of eggs, toast, and fruit for the perfect balanced meal.

Can I have protein coffee before a workout?

Yes! Protein coffee is a great pre-workout drink because it supplies protein, fat, quick digesting sugars, and some caffeine. If you have a hard time eating breakfast before your morning workout but you know you need some fuel in your system, protein coffee is a great choice!

Looking for other delicious and healthy fall recipes? Try these:

What to Serve with Protein Coffee

I recommend serving protein coffee with any of these nutritious breakfast recipes:

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