Protein Latte Recipe : Easy Vanilla Latte You Can Make at Home

By :

Chef Rosie

June 16, 2025

I’ve always been a tea girl at heart. Cozy mugs of herbal goodness? Yes, please. Coffee, though? Not so much… at least, not at first.

But then my daughters stepped in. They kept insisting that my beloved chicory “not-coffee” tea tasted just like the real thing — and if I liked that, surely I’d like actual coffee too. I resisted for a while, but curiosity (and their persistence) won out. And you know what? They were right.

Now, I’ve got a soft spot for all three — my classic teas, my chicory stand-in, and yes, even real coffee (still getting used to calling myself a coffee drinker!). These days, when I make a latte, I like to sneak in a little something extra — something nourishing. That’s where this protein latte comes in. Warm, comforting, and packed with a little feel-good fuel. It’s the best of both worlds.

A high-protein vanilla latte? Yes, please — sign me up!

Now, I’ll be honest… I’m usually a total chocolate girl. That’s why my go-to is this cozy, high-protein peppermint mocha (it’s like a warm hug in a mug). But every now and then, I’m in the mood for something a little lighter, a little smoother — and that’s when this vanilla latte hits the spot. It’s my go-to when I want a little switch-up without sacrificing that creamy, comforting vibe.

And hey, if you’re more into cool and creamy, I’ve even got a chicory mocha frappe version you’ll love — I share that one too!

Protein Latte Recipe : Flavor Ideas (Because Boring Is Not an Option)

When it comes to protein lattes, the flavor possibilities are endless. Seriously — if your protein powder has flavor, you’re already halfway there. If it’s unflavored or vanilla? Even better. That just means you get to play barista and mix up anything your taste buds are craving.

One of my absolute favorites? A shaken brown sugar latte — think Starbucks vibes but way healthier and packed with over 30 grams of protein. I just shake up my espresso with plain protein powder, a spoonful of coconut sugar, a splash of sorghum syrup (or molasses), a pinch of cinnamon, and ice. Pour it over your milk of choice and boom — café-style, protein-packed magic.

And while I’m a peppermint mocha or vanilla girl most days, here are a few more protein latte flavors you have to try:

Salted Caramel Protein Latte – sweet, salty, and pure comfort
Chocolate Protein Latte – rich, classic, never fails
Snickerdoodle Protein Latte – cozy cinnamon cookie in a cup
Peanut Butter & Chocolate Protein Latte – like dessert and breakfast

Pair any of these with a 3-ingredient biscuit or a slice of brown butter banana bread for a seriously satisfying start to your day.

Is protein powder good in lattes? Oh yes—so good.

I get it—some people worry that adding protein powder will make their latte all chalky or clumpy. But here’s the truth: if you’re using a good-quality protein and blending or frothing it in well, your latte will be smooth, creamy, and downright delicious. No weird texture. No clumps. No sad sips.

Honestly? I actually prefer protein lattes now. When I make a hot one, the protein powder makes the milk even frothier and creamier than usual. Plus, it adds this rich, cozy flavor that regular lattes just can’t match.

Plus, if your powder includes collagen or superfoods like chia or pumpkin seeds, you’re doubling up on the benefits.

Why Add Protein to Lattes? Oh, Let Me Count the Ways…

I’m so glad you asked, because I could go on and on about why I love adding protein to my daily lattes — but I’ll keep it to my top 5 reasons:

It helps you actually hit your protein goals.
Adding a scoop of protein to your morning (or afternoon!) latte is such an easy habit — and it makes a huge difference. Protein helps you feel full, stay energized, maintain or build muscle, and keep your hormones and cells happy and balanced. It’s like a little health boost in every sip.
The flavor options are so much fun.
From snickerdoodle to mocha to salted caramel… protein powders come in so many amazing flavors. It’s like having a whole café menu right in your pantry — and you can switch it up anytime you want.
It’s more than just protein.
The powder I use is packed with bonus nutrients — think chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, collagen, and more. So you’re not just getting protein, you’re also feeding your body a bunch of extra goodness without even thinking about it.
Hello, glowing skin and healthy hair.
If your protein powder has collagen in it, it’s doing double duty. Over time, it can help with stronger nails, radiant skin, and longer, silkier hair. Who doesn’t want that from their morning latte?
Less sugar, more satisfaction.
Ever since I started using protein powder in my lattes, I don’t even need to add sugar. The powder gives it just enough sweetness, so I get that cozy coffee shop flavor without the sugar crash.

Bottom line? Protein lattes are my little daily ritual that tastes amazing and makes me feel good from the inside out. Total win.

Can I make a protein latte hot or iced? Absolutely!

The beauty of protein lattes is how flexible they are — you can enjoy them warm and cozy on a chilly morning or iced and refreshing when the sun’s blazing. Either way, you’re getting that creamy, flavorful, protein-packed goodness.

Now, I will say this: hot lattes do make it a little easier to dissolve the protein powder — the warmth helps everything blend nice and smooth. But don’t worry, iced lattes work just as well with a little frothing or shaking. I like using a handheld frother or even just shaking everything up in a jar — it does the trick beautifully.

I use this method for iced drinks like my blueberry syrup latte or even a chocolate protein version with mini muffins on the side.

You Need to Know This About Coffee… (Trust me, it changed everything for me.)

I’ve always been a loyal tea drinker — it was my comfort zone. Even when I started liking coffee (thanks to my daughters), I tried to keep it to a minimum. Why? Because every time I had more than a cup or two, I’d get these annoying headaches and occasional dizziness. But here’s the thing… I loved the taste of coffee. So I turned to alternatives, like my favorite chicory drinks, just to play it safe.

But then I discovered the real issue: it wasn’t the coffee itself — it was the quality of the coffee I was drinking.

Did you know coffee is one of the most chemically treated crops in the world? Unless you’re buying organic, chances are your daily cup is loaded with pesticides. Once I realized that, it all made sense. I switched to a high-quality, organic, mold-free coffee — and just like that, no more headaches. Seriously. I’ve been enjoying my protein lattes completely headache-free ever since.

Oh, and get this: coffee naturally grows in the shade, but most commercial farms force it to grow in the sun — which harms the flavor and the soil. The coffee I drink now is shade-grown (hello, better taste!) and regeneratively farmed. Plus, it’s low-acid, which is a win for your teeth and your gut.

If you’re thinking about making the switch too, I can’t recommend it enough. And hey, if you want to try the same coffee I use, just use code “soulyrested” to save a little something.

For more on that, read what makes coffee high-quality and why shade-grown matters for both flavor and the planet.

Better coffee. Fewer headaches. Happier mornings. 💛