For many, coffee is an indispensable morning ritual. Now, many people are rethinking the contents of their cup. Protein coffee, also known as "proffee," is gaining popularity as a convenient way to combine the benefits of caffeine and protein in one drink. Protein coffee offers a convenient way to meet at least a portion of your protein goals before lunch, especially with research highlighting the advantages of consistent protein intake. This article breaks down the science, benefits, and best options for incorporating protein coffee into your diet, especially if you're looking to manage your weight.
Why Protein Coffee is Trending
Protein coffee first emerged from gym enthusiasts mixing cold brew with protein shakes. Social media further propelled the trend, and ready-to-drink (RTD) options made it even easier. These RTD protein coffees can be found in the refrigerated sections of supermarkets, or you can make your own by combining a protein shake with espresso.
Studies indicate that higher-protein diets can boost satiety and reduce mid-morning cravings. Research also suggests that a protein-rich breakfast can help you feel fuller throughout the day and curb evening snacking, making protein coffee a potential solution for those with busy mornings. In essence, protein coffee is a convenient way to get your protein and caffeine fix first thing in the morning.
Understanding Protein Coffee
Ready-to-drink protein coffees are currently very trendy. This means that coffee and protein are already mixed for you in a powder or canned. Most ready-to-drink protein coffee drinks use milk protein, whey isolate, or plant blends. Typical labels list around 15-30 grams of protein and 80-200 milligrams of caffeine per serving-about one to two regular coffees. That’s enough protein for a small meal replacement, especially post-workout, and enough caffeine to help with alertness. However, most RTD protein coffees tend to fall on the lower end of that 15-30g of protein range, not boasting much more protein than a protein bar.
DIY protein coffee allows for greater control over ingredients and protein content. Using chilled coffee or cold brew, add unflavored or vanilla whey isolate (which typically ranges from 20-30g of protein per scoop) to a shaker bottle, and shake hard for 20-30 seconds. If you’re a hot coffee drinker, let your coffee cool a little first before adding protein to reduce clumping.
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When choosing your protein, keep these tips in mind:
- Protein Type: Casein powders thicken more than whey; pea protein blends generally mix better than mixed-grain options.
- Lactose Sensitivity: Opt for a lactose-free RTD or a whey isolate rather than a concentrate.
If you train in the morning, timing matters. Caffeine is most effective when taken about an hour pre-workout, with research often citing about 3-6 mg/kg as a performance range. Folks who are sensitive to caffeine should start lower and monitor how it affects sleep. It's also possible to have too much caffeine in a day, so if you feel like you are close to going too far with it, it may be wise to forgo that protein coffee drink.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Protein Coffee
Pros
- Convenience: Combines caffeine and protein in one drink.
- Satiety: Can help with fullness and appetite control through late morning.
- Portability: No brewer or blender needed.
- Post-Workout Fuel: Doubles as a light post-workout option and initiates muscle building.
Cons
- Added Sugar: Some RTDs include added sugar-check labels if you’re tracking macros.
- Cost: Costs more than brewing coffee and making a protein shake at home.
- Caffeine Content: Not a late-night drink, as it does contain caffeine.
- Dietary Supplement: Complements a balanced diet, shouldn’t be the sole protein source.
Expert Insights on Protein Coffee
Adding protein to coffee makes it more satisfying than a solo cup of joe, which may help reduce snacking later in the day. Studies on higher-protein breakfasts show more appetite control and lower calorie intake at subsequent meals.
For men building or maintaining muscle, the day’s total protein intake is what matters most. Around 1 gram of protein per kilogram of body weight per day is ideal for most active adults. Spreading protein across three or more meals-rather than eating most of it only at dinner-helps maximize the body’s ability to use it for muscle repair.
Caffeine adds its own benefits, improving alertness and boosting exercise performance. Doses of about 3-6 mg/kg taken roughly an hour before training appear most effective, though even smaller amounts can boost perceived energy and mood.
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Protein coffee is an easy way to combine two performance-supporting nutrients-just make sure it doesn’t replace whole-food sources of protein but rather works to complement them. Protein coffee, while convenient, should not routinely replace whole-food meals. The evidence is clear: Amino acids from whole foods support muscle, metabolism, and satiety better long-term. Instead, proffee is a tool for busy mornings, travel, or as a post-workout option when that full breakfast isn’t realistic.
Top Protein Coffee Options to Try
Ready-to-Drink Options
- This canned ready-to-drink protein coffee offers 20 grams of lactose-free milk protein and 175 milligrams of caffeine. Sweetened with monk fruit and allulose, it contains zero sugar. We appreciate its smooth, chocolatey flavor, and zero sugar means there’s no sugar crash post-consumption. Plus, it’s lactose-free for easier digestion. It is worth noting that it costs more than plain cold brew, but the clean formula and solid macros make it worth the price, in our opinion.
- Fairlife Protein Shakes: While not a protein coffee per se, Fairlife protein shakes are a great option to add into your coffee. They even have a coffee flavor that packs 30 grams of protein (much higher than many ready-to-drink protein coffee blends) and 150 milligrams of caffeine in a portable carton. Made with ultra-filtered milk, it has a creamy consistency and boasts all nine essential amino acids. We like adding two shots of espresso and some ice cubes to create a high protein morning latte. It’s worth noting that it does contain 8 grams of sugar-which is less than many flavored lattes but still higher than some other protein coffee blends.
Protein Coffee Powders
- CLICK® Coffee Protein Powder: CLICK® Coffee Protein Powder is a versatile all-in-one drink mix that combines the rich flavor of real espresso coffee with 16 grams of slow-digesting protein. The original protein coffee brand with thousands lof loyal customer. Contains real espresso coffee for a natural caffeine boost, so you don't have to add it to coffee. CLICK® was founded in 2008 by fitness and nutrition experts who aimed to create a healthier beverage alternative for their gym members. By combining the energizing effects of coffee with the nutritional benefits of protein, they developed a unique drink that supports weight loss and provides essential nutrients.
- Javy Instant Protein Coffee: A delicious, healthy, easy-to-make and all-in-one protein-infused coffee drink that helps you achieve your personal weight loss, health, and fitness goals. Designed as a protein meal replacement shake with the added benefits of coffee, Javy Instant Protein Coffee is made with 115mg of real caffeine and 10g of whey protein. Instant Protein Coffee has a shelf life of 2 years. However, once you have opened the bag, it is important to ensure that it is tightly sealed and stored in a cool and dry place. Store Instant Protein Coffee in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Once opened, be sure to reseal the container tightly and use it within the recommended timeframe.
- Super Coffee Protein+: Hits the sweet spot between clean energy and creamy flavor. It’s keto-friendly, has no added sugar, and uses natural monk fruit for sweetness. Protein: 20g | Calories: 80 | Caffeine: 200mg.
- OWYN Doubleshot Protein Coffee Shakes: OWYN is plant-based and allergen-friendly, with no dairy, soy, or gluten. Best for: Plant-based diets or those with food sensitivities, but no slow-digesting protein and extra nutrients. Protein: 20g | Calories: 180 | Caffeine: 100mg.
- Premier Protein Cafe Latte Protein Shake: Is sold at most big box stores, and the high protein content makes it super satisfying. Best for: Anyone looking for maximum protein on a budget. Protein: 30g | Calories: 160 | Caffeine: 120mg.
Other Notable Brands
- Slate Mocha Latte: Lists coffee as the first ingredient and packs in an impressive 20 grams of protein per serving.
- High Brew Coffee Creamy Cappuccino + Protein: Lower in protein than other options on this list, with 12 grams, but it’s an excellent source of calcium, meeting 25% of the daily value, thanks to its reduced-fat milk and milk protein isolate. Sweetened lightly with cane sugar, it has 6 grams of added sugar, meeting 12% of the daily value.
- Super Coffee: A dairy-free option with 10 grams of protein from pea protein, a high-quality plant-based source. It uses monk fruit and sucralose for sweetness rather than added sugars, resulting in less than 1 gram of sugar per serving.
- Alani Nu Coffee: A cold-brewed protein coffee that’s low in calories and a good source of protein from milk protein concentrate. It comes in flavors including maple donut, vanilla, and salted caramel.
- Chike Nutrition’s protein coffee: A powdered protein coffee drink that comes in fun flavors like mocha mint, caramel, and chocolate peanut butter. All flavors have 20 grams of protein and 1 gram of sugar per serving.
- Quest Nutrition Vanilla Latte Iced Coffee: Contains artificial sweeteners and additives. It also has 200 milligrams of caffeine per serving, some from coffee and some as added caffeine.
- Raw Organic Fit: A Certified USDA Organic, Raw, plant-based, vegan, high-protein powder specifically designed for weight loss† and is made with 13 raw sprouted organic ingredients.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Protein Coffee
- Sugar Content: Aim for protein coffees with minimal added sugar.
- Saturated Fat: Limit saturated fat intake to align with dietary guidelines.
- Caffeine Level: Be mindful of the caffeine content to avoid overstimulation and sleep disruption.
- Protein Source: Choose a high-quality protein source that aligns with your dietary preferences (whey, plant-based, etc.).
Is Protein Coffee Right for You?
If you’re balancing training, work, and family, protein coffee can be an efficient choice. It delivers caffeine and solid protein in one beverage. Just remember: It works best alongside a balanced, whole food-based diet.
How to Incorporate Protein Coffee for Weight Loss
If you don’t have time for a whole food breakfast, start the day with one protein coffee drink containing 20-30 grams of protein, then include similar amounts of whole food protein at lunch and dinner. This pattern supports satiety and helps maintain muscle mass and energy-while keeping your mornings quick, portable, and satisfying.
DIY Protein Coffee Tips
- Whey Protein: Whey protein is the best protein powder to incorporate if you are trying to increase lean muscle mass. However, whey protein can be tough to mix into hot and cold coffees. Simply dumping a scoop of whey protein powder into a coffee can result in clumps, lumps, and an unpleasant texture. If you want to add whey protein to hot coffee, mix it in a small amount of warm water before adding it directly to your coffee. This helps it to dissolve better. You can also use a milk frother to help the mixture disperse without clumps.
- Plant-Based Proteins: Soy protein is a great option for vegan or vegetarian dieters to help meet their protein needs. Pea protein is a popular plant-based protein option that works well for those with soy or other common allergens.
- Collagen Protein: Collagen protein is one of the best types of protein to mix into your coffee as it dissolves the best.
- Temperature: Heat does not destroy protein powder of any kind.
- Serving Size: Consider the size of your coffee before adding protein powder. You won’t want to include more than two standard scoops (which is about ¼ cup) and shouldn't need to anyway as most of these supplements include between 15-40 grams of protein per serving on average.
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