Quick answer: froth ⅓ cup of a cold, ready-to-drink vanilla protein shake for 20-30 seconds and pour it over iced coffee. Or whisk 1 tablespoon of protein powder into ¼ cup of cold milk until fully dissolved, then froth until thick.
Method 1: ready-to-drink protein shake
- ⅓ cup (80 ml) cold vanilla protein shake
- Optional: 1 tbsp heavy cream for a thicker foam
Pour the cold shake into a tall cup and froth it with a handheld frother until it thickens and roughly doubles in volume. This is the quickest method.
Method 2: milk and protein powder
- ¼ cup (60 ml) cold milk (skim milk makes the most foam)
- 1 tbsp vanilla protein powder
- 1-2 tsp syrup or sweetener, if the powder is unsweetened
Whisk or shake the powder into the milk until there are no lumps, then froth. Undissolved powder makes a gritty foam that collapses.
How to serve it
- Pour it slowly over cold brew or iced coffee so it floats.
- Use it on iced matcha, iced chai or an iced latte.
- Dust with cinnamon or cocoa.
Tips
- Keep the shake or milk very cold.
- Froth just before serving; protein foam settles faster than cream-based foam.
- If it will not thicken, add a tablespoon of heavy cream or switch to a blender.
- Check the label of your shake or powder for nutrition information; it varies widely by brand.
No frother?
Shake it hard in a sealed jar, pump it in a French press, or pulse it in a blender; see how to make cold foam.
More ideas: cold foam flavors and vanilla sweet cream.
Frequently asked questions
What is protein cold foam?
Cold foam made with a protein shake or with milk and protein powder, frothed and poured over iced coffee or cold brew.
Why will my protein cold foam not froth?
Protein powders vary. Dissolve the powder completely in cold milk first, keep it cold, and use a handheld frother or blender. Some shakes with added oils make less foam.
Which protein powder is best for cold foam?
Smooth, fine powders that dissolve fully work best, and vanilla is the most versatile flavor. Whey-based powders usually froth more easily than plant-based ones.
Can I add cream to protein cold foam?
Yes. A tablespoon of heavy cream makes the foam thicker and creamier.
