Protein Coffee Is Ideal For Busy Bees Who Have No Time For Breakfast

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If you're anything like the editors at Women's Health, you dream of that first sip of caffeine as you drift to sleep. Among the senses that come to mind: the coffee machine's hum, the frother whirling, the aroma of your freshly-brewed cup, and that very first, very revitalizing sip.

More recently, though, a newer step worked its way into the (extremely thought-through and highly important) process of making morning brew: adding a scoop of protein powder. You may have seen this trending trick all over your TikTok or Instagram feeds, but trust: it’s def worth the hype.

You might be thinking: Will protein powder affect the taste of my coffee? What if the powder is chunky? Can you add the powder directly to the cup? Is protein coffee a meal replacement? Well, I’ll be the first to tell you that protein coffee (also known as 'proffee') is a great way to satiate your hunger from the moment you wake up until your first real meal. Plus, it makes your morning latte extra creamy without a strong aftertaste.

The wide variety of protein powder flavors available also makes protein coffee a fun way to enjoy your cup of joe with some bonus nutrients, adds nutritionist Karin Evans, RDN.

Protein coffee originally become a popular morning choice thanks to the low-carb or keto trends. Those eating styles emphasize protein and fat over carbs to trigger a state called ketosis, where your body burns fat rather than carbs for energy, says Christa Brown, RDN, who specializes in diabetes care and women’s health. Proffee is a great choice if you're trying to consume fewer carb-heavy meals, snacks, and drinks while loading up on protein.

Meet the experts: Karin Evans, RDN, is a nutritionist with Top Nutrition Coaching. Christa Brown, RDN, is a nutritionist who specializes in diabetes care and women’s health. Beth Linder-Moss is a certified sports nutritionist. Cara Carmichael is a personal trainer and nutritionist. Valerie Agyeman, RD, is a dietitian and host of women's health podcast, Flourish Heights.

Ready to get sipping? Ahead, experts break down the benefits of proffee, why it’s taking over the health and fitness space, how to DIY it, and what to buy if you don’t feel like making it at home.

First, what exactly is protein coffee or ‘proffee’?

Protein coffee is exactly what it sounds like: adding protein powder or a pre-made shake to your brew. “Those who are busy or not hungry in the morning use it as a tasty treat and a caffeine boost,” says Beth Linder-Moss, certified sports nutritionist. The best part of it all is that it’s super easy and effective. “With just one scoop, you’re instantly getting 25 to 30 grams of protein in the morning,” says Cara Carmichael, personal trainer and nutritionist.

While protein coffee is an awesome way to get your protein first thing in the morning, it’s not necessarily a meal replacement. “It’s super important to get your protein from whole foods, too,” says Valerie Agyeman, RD, dietitian and host of women's health podcast, Flourish Heights, who adds that foods like yogurt, protein pancakes, or eggs are superior. “But, if breakfast has never been your thing anyways, protein coffee is a good way to keep you full and energized until your first meal.”

Of course, you can drink your proffee and enjoy a meal at the same time, too. “A scoop of protein powder in your coffee plus two eggs is around 40 grams of protein, a great amount for breakfast,” adds Carmichael.

What are the benefits of protein coffee?

It’s the perfect pre-gym boost

“A lot of my clients use proffee as a pre-workout,” says Linder-Moss. “It’s perfect because it has caffeine, which adds that boost of energy, and protein to help maintain muscle mass and build your tissues and bones.” If you just want the protein sans the caffeine, she says decaf coffee is totally fair game, too.

And, upping your protein before the gym could also help keep your energy levels stable and consistent all day long, says Brown.

It makes your coffee flavorful

If you like flavored milks or creamers, Carmichael says that using flavored protein powders in your coffee can have the same effect without the added calories and fat. “Also, a lot of flavored creamers have zero benefits,” she says. “Flavored protein powders, on the other hand, allow you to get that yummy flavor and boost your metabolism.”

Carmichael loves the brand Dymatize, as the powder easily blends into her coffee. “They also have a caffeinated one that adds an extra boost of caffeine.” So, instead of making two espresso shots in the morning, you can just have one plus a scoop of caffeinated protein powder (or feel free to triple up if that’s your thing).

It decreases anxiety

Yes, you heard that right—proffee has the potential to alleviate anxiety. According to Linder-Moss, black coffee alone can sometimes amplify anxiety and cause digestive discomfort. However, incorporating protein, often mixed with dairy or nut milk as well, can mitigate the impact of caffeine and promote better digestion. Ultimately, it boils down to how your body responds to the combination, adds Linder-Moss.

It helps with weight loss

Eating a high-protein breakfast can stabilize blood sugar and prevent glucose spikes better than a high-carb meal, which aids in weight management, according to Nutrisense.

Agyeman adds that proffee can help with your weight management goals because it keeps your metabolism boosted all day. “Proffee is also great if you have a desk job, as it suppresses your hunger so you’re not constantly snacking,” says Carmichael.

Okay, are there any downsides to protein coffee?

The added protein may change the texture of your drink, says Brown. Depending on the type of powder you use, your blend may turn out grittier or thicker than you'd like.

And if your protein powder is made with sugar substitutes like stevia, erythritol, or aspartame, you may experience stomach discomfort, bloating, or diarrhea, says Evans. So, always read the label carefully and choose a powder without artificial sweeteners if they bother you.

You can drink protein every day—just be mindful of how much you’re consuming so you don’t completely overdo it. “If you’re not exceeding the caffeine limit of 400 mg per day and need help getting your protein needs met, then this is a great supplement,” Brown says.

That said, those who are pregnant should check with their doctor before drinking protein coffee (or any kind of caffeine, really). “They need to be careful of the amount of caffeine they consume daily, which is 200 mg, or about two six-ounce cups per day,” says Brown.

How do you even make protein coffee at home?

All the experts agree that using either a blender or a frother is the ultimate way to thoroughly mix the protein powder into your coffee and get out any clumps. Linder-Moss’s preferred way to make it is in her frother, as it’s quicker and easier to clean than a blender. Simply add your preferred milk and a scoop of protein powder—she recommends whey protein powder, which is dairy-based, or vegan protein powder, which has no dairy in it—and froth until it’s fluffy.

Carmichael, on the other hand, pulses her protein powder in the Nutribullet with a little bit of whole milk before adding it to her coffee like a creamer. You can also add your coffee and a scoop of powder to a blender bottle, “just make sure it has the little ball in it to break up the powder,” says Linder-Moss.

Play around with the protein-to-coffee ratio and find what tastes best to you. “Less is more, and it really comes down to taste and texture versus safety,” says Brown. Start with just a few grams to one scoop, then sprinkle in more if you want more flavor.

Protein coffee works hot or iced, but the powder may not dissolve completely when added to a hot drink, says Evans. “It’s recommended to blend the hot coffee with protein powder, so it provides a frothy drink. But, protein powder blends the easiest when added to cold coffee,” she notes.

The bottom line: Customize your proffee to find what tastes best for you and experiment with the flavors, proportions, and temperatures. Want some extra creaminess (and protein, for that matter)? Add a splash of your favorite milk.

Handheld Milk Frother

Milk Frother

Milk Frother

Handheld Milk Frother

DrinkMaster Electric Drink Mixer

Milk Frother

Can you buy protein coffee?

There are many brands that offer pre-made protein coffee, but Linder-Moss says to always read the label before you buy. “They can have a lot of additives like tons of sugar," she says. "Also, if you’re dairy-free, make sure the product you buy is made with dairy alternatives." A few brands Linder-Moss likes: Premier Nutrition Cafe Latte Protein Shake, Evolve Protein Shake, and Owyn Cold Brew Protein Shake.

Both Carmichael and Agyeman recommend Super Coffee, which doesn’t have any added sugars or artificial sweeteners while still tasting delicious. "There are tons of protein coffee options to choose from, so you can really make it your own,” says Agyeman.

Protein Shake, Cold Brew Coffee

Iced Keto Coffee

Protein Shake, Café Latte

Protein Shake, Café Mocha

Protein Drinks, Café Latte

Iced Coffee Protein Shake w/MCT Oil

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