If you’re looking for a new everyday coffee combo that is low in added sugar, high in protein, and tastes like a delicious dessert, this Chocolate Hazelnut Protein Coffee is perfect for you! You get all the caffeinated goodness to energize your for the day along with a boost of delicious protein. You won’t even notice it’s sugar free!

Ingredients You’ll Need:

Please note, full measurements are listed on the recipe card at the bottom of the recipe. Scroll to the end, or click the JUMP TO RECIPE button at the top of the page.

Sugar Free Hazelnut Syrup: I love the Torani Sugar Free Hazelnut Syrup in this recipe, but you could use any brand you’d like, or you could also make your own homemade hazelnut syrup recipe using a sugar free sugar substitute!

Espresso: Since this is a latte, you need espresso. See my 5 Ways to Make Espresso at Home blog post for all the different ways you can make espresso at home. It doesn’t matter which method you choose, simply follow the espresso making steps to get your espresso shots, and then use that to make your own Chocolate Hazelnut Protein Coffee.

Chocolate Protein Shake: I always prefer a protein shake or milk for my protein coffees rather than a protein powder. I find the texture to be better overall when I use a protein milk/shake. For this recipe, I like the Fairlife Nutrition Plan Chocolate 30g Protein Shakes or the Premier Protein Chocolate Shakes the best, but feel free to use your favorite if you have one.

Ice: For the iced version of this drink, you’ll need ice! If you’re making a hot coffee, no milk is needed.

Sugar Free Whipped Cream: The whipped cream on top adds an extra layer of sweetness and creaminess without any extra sugar.

Cocoa Powder: I love adding a dusting of cocoa powder over the top of the drink to tie the coffee all together. You could also add sugar free caramel sauce, sugar free chocolate sauce, or ground cinnamon instead.

How To Make Espresso At Home

Espresso is an essential ingredient in all lattes, and it’s a type of coffee that you cannot buy from the store, but rather, you need to make it yourself at home. There are five ways to make espresso at home:

Instant Espresso Powder + water
Nespresso Machine + espresso pods
Moka Pot
Aeropress
Espresso Machine

See my 5 Ways To Make Espresso At Home blog post for step by step instructions of each espresso making method!

Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine

What’s The Best Coffee For Espresso?

The best coffee to buy depends on which espresso making method you choose at home. For example, if you have a Nespresso machine, you’d need espresso pods. For an espresso machine like a Breville or Delonghi, you’d need whole beans or ground coffee rather than pods.

See My Favorite Coffees To Buy based on the different espresso making methods so you can select the best possible coffee for you and your Chocolate Hazelnut Protein Coffee!

What is a “Shot” of Espresso?

A common espresso term you’ll see a lot is a “shot” of espresso. When you brew espresso using an espresso machine, the liquid that comes out of the machine is considered a shot, since the machine pushes out the liquid at high pressure.

A single shot or one shot of espresso is roughly 1.25 ounces of liquid.
A double shot is roughly 2.5 ounces of liquid.
A tripe shot is roughly 3.75 ounces of liquid.
A quad shot is roughly 5 ounces of liquid.

This recipe calls for a double shot of espresso, so you’ll need about 2.5 ounces of espresso liquid. Feel free to add more or less shots of espresso depending on your preference.

How To Steam Milk For a Hot Chocolate Hazelnut Protein Coffee

A hot Chocolate Hazelnut Protein Coffee requires steamed milk as one of the ingredients. To steam milk at home, you have a few options:

Steam Wand: If you have an espresso machine with a steam wand attached to it, watch this Milk Steaming Video Tutorial for how to steam milk! You simply add milk to a milk frothing pitcher, insert the tip of the steam wand into the milk, and create air bubbles, heat and texture to create perfect, velvety steamed milk at home!
Electric Milk Frother: Add your milk to an electric milk frother, and select the hot setting. The milk frother will heat the milk as well as create a thick and foamy texture. The texture will be a little different than a typical steam wand, but it’s very similar and pleasant, and a great option if you don’t have an espresso machine with a steam wand.
Handheld Milk Frother: Add cold milk to a large coffee mug and place the mug in the microwave for 60 seconds. Alternatively, you can heat up milk in a pot on the stove until warm, just make sure to constantly stir it so it doesn’t burn. Once your milk is warm, insert a handheld milk frother into the warm milk. Froth the mixture until the milk doubles in size and becomes bubbly and frothy, and you have steamed milk for your hot Chocolate Hazelnut Protein Coffee!

Note, for an iced Chocolate Hazelnut Protein Coffee, you do not need to warm or steam the milk. Simply skip this step, and use cold milk straight from the fridge.

How To Make an Iced Chocolate Hazelnut Protein Coffee

Brew your espresso shots using your preferred espresso making method. See my 5 Ways To Make Espresso blog post for all the ways to make espresso at home.
To a cup add sugar free hazelnut syrup, espresso, chocolate protein milk/shake, and ice. Stir to combine and chill the drink.
Top with sugar free whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder, and enjoy!

How To Make a Hot Chocolate Hazelnut Protein Coffee

Brew your espresso shots using your preferred espresso making method. See my 5 Ways To Make Espresso blog post for all the ways to make espresso at home.
To a cup add sugar free hazelnut syrup and espresso, and set aside.
Next, steam the chocolate protein milk/shake using a steam wand, aerroccino, or warm the milk in a pot or in the microwave, and froth with a handheld milk frother until foamy. Pour the steamed/frothed milk over the sugar free hazelnut-espresso mixture.
Top with sugar free whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder, and enjoy!

There you have it, folks—a Chocolate Hazelnut Protein Coffee recipe that ticks all the boxes for flavor, nutrition, and pure indulgence. So go ahead, treat yourself to this guilt-free delight and make every sip count!

Chocolate Hazelnut Protein Coffee

If you’re craving a coffee that’s equal parts indulgent and nutritious, this Chocolate Hazelnut Protein Coffee is your new go-to. Packed with protein, low in sugar, and irresistibly creamy, it’s the perfect blend of dessert-inspired flavor and energizing fuel for your day.

No ratings yet

Print Pin

Course: Drinks

Keyword: Coffee, Protein Coffee

Prep Time: 8

Servings:

Author: katerinafaith

Equipment

Espresso Machine/Maker

Ingredients

Iced Chocolate Hazelnut Protein Coffee

1-2 tablespoons Torani Sugar Free Hazelnut Syrup
2 shots of espresso
8 ounces chocolate protein shake or chocolate protein milk
ice cubes
sugar free whipped cream
cocoa powder for topping

Hot Chocolate Hazelnut Protein Coffee

1-2 tablespoons Torani Sugar Free Hazelnut Syrup
2 shots of espresso
8 ounces chocolate protein shake or chocolate protein milk
sugar free whipped cream
cocoa powder for topping

Instructions