Coffee Chia Protein Smoothie

Let me tell you about my favorite breakfast smoothie that combines two things I can’t live without – coffee and a good breakfast!

I discovered this Coffee Chia Smoothie when I was tired of choosing between having breakfast or my morning coffee when running late (which was pretty much every day). Now, I get both in one glass!

Here’s why I love it so much: it’s super easy to make, tastes like a coffee milkshake, and keeps me full until lunch. All you need is your regular coffee, a banana, some chia seeds, and a few other simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.

You can make it in just 5 minutes! I usually make my coffee the night before and keep it in the fridge. Then in the morning, I just throw everything in the blender, and breakfast is ready. It’s that simple.

At first, I wasn’t sure about putting chia seeds in my coffee. But trust me, they make the smoothie creamy and filling without any weird taste.

If you’re always rushing in the morning and want a breakfast that’s quick, tasty and actually fills you up, give this smoothie a try. It’s like having your coffee and breakfast all in one delicious glass.

Ready to make your mornings easier? Let’s make this smoothie!

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Quick Facts

Coffee Chia Protein Smoothie is a creamy, energizing breakfast drink that cleverly combines your morning coffee with nutritious ingredients for a complete meal in a glass. This smoothie blends chilled coffee with banana for natural sweetness, chia seeds for omega-3s and fiber, nut butter for protein and healthy fats, and your choice of milk, all spiced with a touch of vanilla and cinnamon.

It’s perfect for busy mornings when you need both your caffeine fix and a filling breakfast, delivering sustained energy without the mid-morning crash. The smoothie is easily customizable to fit any dietary preference, whether you’re vegan, keto, or just looking for a healthier breakfast option, and it takes just 5 minutes to prepare when your coffee is pre-chilled.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes (including coffee cooling time)
• Chill Time: 2 hours (for pre-made coffee)

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Equipment Needed

1. High-Speed Blender: Essential for creating a smooth, creamy texture and properly breaking down the chia seeds
2. Measuring Cups: For accurate ingredient portions
3. Measuring Spoons: For precise measurements of smaller ingredients
4. Coffee Maker: To brew fresh coffee
5. Airtight Container: For storing pre-made coffee
6. Ice Cube Trays: For freezing coffee cubes (optional but recommended)
7. Mason Jar: For storage if making ahead

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Ingredients

• 1 cup brewed coffee, chilled
• ½ cup milk of choice
• 1 medium banana
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds
• 1 tablespoon peanut butter or almond butter
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
• 1 cup ice

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How To Make

1. Start by making your coffee the night before. Brew 1 cup of coffee and let it cool completely before storing it in the fridge. This saves you time in the morning and ensures your smoothie isn’t warm.

2. When you’re ready to make your smoothie, grab your blender and measuring tools. Pour the cold coffee into your blender first, followed by the milk of your choice.

3. Next, add your banana (fresh or frozen), chia seeds, peanut butter or almond butter, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. If you want it a bit sweeter, add the honey or maple syrup now. Add the ice cubes last. This helps push all the other ingredients down toward the blades.

4. Blend everything on high speed for about 45-60 seconds until the smoothie looks creamy and smooth. If you notice any chunks of banana or ice, blend for another 15-20 seconds. Stop and check the thickness. If it’s too thick, add a splash more milk or coffee. If it’s too thin, add a few more ice cubes and blend again.

5. Pour your smoothie into a tall glass right away. If you like, sprinkle a little extra cinnamon and chia seeds on top for decoration. Drink your smoothie immediately for the best taste and texture. The chia seeds will continue to thicken the smoothie over time, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.

If you need to store it, you can keep it in the fridge for up to 12 hours in a sealed container or mason jar. Just give it a good shake before drinking since the ingredients might separate.

Remember to clean your blender right after use. It’s much easier than letting the coffee and chia seeds dry on it.

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Pro Tips for Perfect Results

1. Coffee Preparation
   • Use double-strength coffee for more intense flavor
   • Make coffee ice cubes to prevent dilution
   • Cold brew coffee works exceptionally well
2. Texture Enhancement
   • Pre-soak chia seeds for 10 minutes for better digestion
   • Use frozen banana chunks for extra creaminess
   • Layer ingredients in blender (liquids first, ice last)
3. Flavor Optimization
   • Toast chia seeds lightly to enhance nuttiness
   • Add a pinch of salt to enhance sweetness
   • Use freshly ground cinnamon for best flavor

Ingredient Alternatives

• Coffee: Cold brew, espresso, or decaf
• Milk: Oat milk, almond milk, coconut milk, or regular dairy
• Banana: Frozen cauliflower, yogurt, or avocado
• Chia Seeds: Ground flaxseed or hemp seeds
• Nut Butter: Sunflower seed butter, tahini, or protein powder
• Sweetener: Dates, stevia, monk fruit, or skip entirely

Serving Suggestions

1. Basic Serving
   • Tall glass with straw
   • Sprinkle of cinnamon and chia seeds
2. Premium Presentation
   • Drizzle of caramel sauce
   • Whipped cream topping
   • Cocoa powder dusting
3. Make it a Bowl
   • Pour into a bowl
   • Top with granola, fresh fruit, and coconut flakes

Troubleshooting Common Issues

1. Too Thick
   • Add more milk or coffee in small increments
   • Reduce chia seeds or let them pre-soak
2. Too Thin
   • Add more frozen banana
   • Include more ice
   • Add extra chia seeds
3. Bitter Taste
   • Add more sweetener
   • Use less coffee
   • Include a date or two

Storage Instructions

• Immediate Storage: Up to 12 hours in refrigerator
• Prep Ahead: Store components separately
• Best Practices:
  • Use airtight container
  • Shake well before consuming
  • Add fresh ice when serving

Recipe Variations

1. Mocha Version
   • Add 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
   • Use chocolate protein powder
   • Include chocolate almond milk
2. Protein Power
   • Add scoop of protein powder
   • Include Greek yogurt
   • Extra nut butter
3. Green Energy
   • Add handful of spinach
   • Include matcha powder
   • Use coconut water

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this ahead of time?
   • Best consumed fresh, but can prep components ahead
   • Store in fridge up to 12 hours
   • Shake well before drinking
2. Is this recipe keto-friendly?
   • Replace banana with avocado
   • Use sugar-free sweetener
   • Choose low-carb milk alternative
3. How can I increase the protein content?
   • Add protein powder
   • Include Greek yogurt
   • Use protein-fortified milk
4. Can children drink this?
   • Use decaf coffee
   • Reduce or omit sweeteners
   • Consider calcium-fortified milk

I hope you’ll give this Coffee Chia Protein Smoothie a try. It’s seriously changed my morning routine for the better. Not only do you get your coffee fix, but you’ll also feel energized and satisfied until lunch. It’s the perfect solution for busy mornings when you need both breakfast and coffee but don’t have time for both.

What I love most about this recipe is how flexible it is. Don’t have banana? Use frozen cauliflower. Prefer almond milk over regular milk? Go for it! Want it extra creamy? Add some Greek yogurt. This smoothie adapts to whatever you have on hand and however you like your coffee.

If you make this smoothie, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you! Did you make any tweaks? What’s your favorite add-in? Drop a comment below and let me know.

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