It could very well become your new morning BFF.
Protein is a hot topic in the wellness community right now. This may be because many of us, especially women in the U.S., are not getting enough protein in our daily diets. Recently, a new trend has emerged influencing not only conversations about self-care, but also how we could add these vital nutrients to our morning coffee.
It’s called “proffee” and it is the latest buzz on TikTok. Essentially, it’s a playful combination of “protein” and “coffee,’ which means it’s just coffee with a scoop of protein powder.
Proffee can be a handy way to up your protein intake, especially if you struggle to eat breakfast in the morning. It’s an easy way to sneak in some extra protein to your day while savoring that beloved caffeine kick, making it well worth the hype.
How Do You Make Proffee?
Making proffee is pretty simple. Some folks just toss protein powder right into their coffee, while others whip up a high-protein creamer by mixing the powder with water. If that’s not your style, ready-to-drink protein shakes are also a solid option.
There aren’t any strict rules on which protein mixes best with coffee – it’s all about what you like. You can choose from animal-based options like whey and casein, or go for plant-based proteins like hemp, soy and pea. With so many flavors available, from chocolate to salted caramel, a little trial and error might be needed to find your perfect match.
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What are the Advantages of Drinking Proffee?
Experts believe that protein coffee is more than just a passing fad because it actually offers some great benefits. They say that adding it to your morning brew helps you hit your daily protein intake while turning your regular cup into a tasty snack or light meal.
Helps You Get More Protein Easily. Protein needs can differ based on factors like age, how active you are and your overall health. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that 10% to 35% of your daily calories should come from protein. For adults, the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) suggests aiming for about 7 grams of protein for every 20 pounds you weigh. If you’re active and looking to build or maintain muscle, you may need slightly more protein, usually in the range of 0.6 to 0.9 grams per pound of body weight.
It’s convenient. Protein coffee can be a great alternative when you don’t have time for a balanced meal. It’s a quick and easy option that you can grab on the go.
Derek Lipton, a registered dietitian and sports nutrition consultant for Bodybuilding Reviews, notes that many adults often grab coffee in the morning but skip breakfast, snacks and sometimes even lunch; and this habit of skipping meals can lead to cravings and overeating later on. “By adding a protein-packed drink when you’d usually skip a meal, you can keep those cravings in check and manage your hunger much better,” he explains.
@jbailey_justdoit Chocolate Protein Iced Coffee ☕️ A lot of us fail by not understanding the amounts of calories, carbs, sodium and sugars in our drinks. The particular drink from Starbucks has 70g of sugar in it. It’s not that you can’t go to Starbucks you just have to choose a better drink or you could follow my recipe below and make this at home. Ingredients 1 tbsp Nescafé 1 scoop Chocolate protein powder 1 tbsp Brown sugar 1 tsp Vanilla extract 1/2 cup Unsweetened vanilla almond milk 4 tbsp Water Ice Find my seasonings and more recipes like this in my cookbooks. Click the link in my bio or go to @cookwithjb #musclechef #cookwithjb #coffee #nescafe #icedcoffee #breakfast #healthydrinks #chef #lowcalorie #foodie #joshbailey #lifestyle #love #onthego #healthiswealth #fatloss #miami #coach ♬ original sound – Josh Bailey
Are There Any Downsides to Protein Coffee?
Protein coffee isn’t for everyone, and there are a few drawbacks to keep in mind. You might not care for the taste or texture, or it just might not align with your nutrition goals. Plus, there are some concerns that protein powder could interfere with how your body absorbs caffeine and antioxidants found in coffee.
“Adolescents should not consume caffeine, and many Americans {particularly males}, already consume twice as much of the RDA for protein,” explains Nyree Dardarian, EdD, assistant clinical professor and director of the Center for Nutrition and Performance in the Department of Nutrition Sciences at Drexel University.
Dardarian and Lipton also address several other ways that protein powder might impact your coffee.
Can change your coffee’s flavor and consistency. Mixing protein – powder especially – into your morning coffee might totally alter its taste and feel. It could end up making your cup gritty, clumpy or even too sweet. If you’re using protein powder, try using an unflavored version and blend it with a liquid first before tossing it into your coffee. This way, you can enjoy your java without the weird texture or taste changes.
Lipton recommends trying ready-to-drink protein shakes as well. Just swap out the milk or creamer in your coffee for a half or full bottle of the shake, and you’ll get protein coffee without that gritty protein powder feel.
For an extra kick, toss in a shot of espresso to a shake with about 20 grams of protein and 30 grams of carbs. Serve it over ice with a drizzle of syrup for a tasty treat. According to Dardarian, customizing your proffee is a great way to boost those macronutrients if your diet is lacking.
May affect nutrition. Adding protein to your coffee can help you hit your protein goals, but watch out for those extra calories and sugars. Stick to versions without added sugar or fillers so you get the good stuff without the downsides.
You may also want to keep an eye on where the protein comes from. Many powders and drinks use common allergens like milk, soy and nuts, so if you have allergies, definitely check the Nutrition Facts and ingredients to avoid anything that might cause a reaction.
In addition, not everyone’s stomach handles processed protein well. If you’re feeling stomach cramps or other digestive issues, it might be a good idea to skip the proffee and go for a classic breakfast instead.
It could lower the benefits you get from your coffee. Coffee packs a natural caffeine punch that can elevate your energy levels and sharpen your focus. Plus, its antioxidants can help protect your body from damage, potentially lowering the risk of issues like heart disease and cancer.
There’s some concern that adding protein powder into your coffee might block your body’s absorption of those health benefits. However, the research on this is limited, and there’s no solid proof that protein powder impacts nutrient absorption.
Still, if you’re curious about how protein coffee could fit into your routine, it’s a good idea to chat with a healthcare provider or a registered dietitian for tailored advice.
@jbailey_justdoit Chocolate Protein Iced Coffee ☕️ A lot of us fail by not understanding the amounts of calories, carbs, sodium and sugars in our drinks. The particular drink from Starbucks has 70g of sugar in it. It’s not that you can’t go to Starbucks you just have to choose a better drink or you could follow my recipe below and make this at home. Ingredients 1 tbsp Nescafé 1 scoop Chocolate protein powder 1 tbsp Brown sugar 1 tsp Vanilla extract 1/2 cup Unsweetened vanilla almond milk 4 tbsp Water Ice Find my seasonings and more recipes like this in my cookbooks. Click the link in my bio or go to @cookwithjb #musclechef #cookwithjb #coffee #nescafe #icedcoffee #breakfast #healthydrinks #chef #lowcalorie #foodie #joshbailey #lifestyle #love #onthego #healthiswealth #fatloss #miami #coach ♬ original sound – Josh Bailey
Substitutes for Protein Coffee
Protein coffee is a tasty and convenient way to increase your protein intake. Although supplements can help, nutritionists emphasize that there are many foods rich in protein, such as meats, eggs, nuts, legumes, and even certain veggies.
For a simple way to enjoy your protein, whip up a high-protein smoothie. Just blend together some protein-rich plant milk, yogurt, or tofu, then toss in your favorite fruits, veggies, or nut butters for an extra kick of flavor, vitamins and antioxidants.
The Final Takeaway
Protein coffee is a great choice for those who frequently miss meals but still want to boost their protein intake and improve their nutrition. The added protein can help curb hunger, maintain muscle and support weight management.
Just remember, protein coffee is not a miracle solution for weight loss. If you choose a protein that’s high in calories or packed with sugar, it might hinder your nutritional goals.
It’s a good idea to chat with a healthcare provider or a registered dietitian for personalized advice on your protein needs and the best options to meet them.
