Can Drinking Protein Coffee Jump-Start Your Day?

Can putting protein powder in your coffee (or coffee in your protein shake) REALLY be all that good for you? Or is “proffee” a questionable TikTok trend to avoid?

As it turns out, there are some things to like about the drink combo — and not just regarding taste. This power-packed drink can supercharge your metabolism while boosting your protein intake.

“Done right, protein coffee isn’t necessarily a bad idea,” says registered dietitian Kate Patton, RD, LD.

What is protein coffee?

Protein coffee is a drink made from combining coffee with either protein powder or a bottle of protein shake. “Proffee” is a mash-up term for the concoction that hasn’t made it into the dictionary — yet.

Potential benefits of adding protein to coffee

You need protein to keep your body functioning in tip-top form. A well-balanced diet meets most needs, but some people (such as athletes) turn to protein supplements, such as powders and shakes, for an additional boost.

So, why add protein to your morning coffee, which comes with its own list of perks? A few reasons stand out:

• A morning dose of protein can help launch you into the day, especially when combined with coffee’s jolt of caffeine. It’s also popular as a pre-workout drink, given the boost it offers.)
• Putting protein in your belly to start the day can help curb hunger later, possibly helping with weight management. “Protein also charges up your metabolism to burn more calories,” notes Patton.
• Protein powders and shakes often taste good, so using them to flavor your coffee probably means you don’t need to use sugary creamers that turn cups of coffee into unhealthy calorie bombs.
• If you’re taking weight loss medication that limits your appetite, a cup of proffee can help ensure you meet your daily protein goal.

Are there downsides to proffee?

While proffee offers some advantages, it’s not exactly a dietary powerhouse.

While mixing protein powder or a protein shake into your coffee may help nourish your body a little bit, Patton cautions against viewing protein coffee as a substitute for eating a nutritious meal.

“Whole foods provide more nutrients,” she clarifies. “So, while there’s a place for protein powder and protein shakes, they’re not the same as eating healthy food high in protein.”

Other factors to consider:

• Product quality. The type of protein powder or protein shake you use is important. Try to select products without artificial sweeteners or a swollen ingredient list filled with gums and other additives. (Generally, the smaller the list, the better.)
• Caffeine content. Caffeine is a drug that stimulates your central nervous system. Too much of it can leave you jittery, anxious and unable to catch good ZZZs at night. Given that, adding a proffee after a few coffees may be a bit much.
• Protein needs. While protein is important, you can get too much of a good thing. Research links excessive protein consumption to increased risk of cardiovascular disease and kidney disease, among other issues.

How to make protein coffee

Making proffee is as simple as it sounds, with two main paths.

1. Dump a scoop of protein powder into iced coffee. Why iced? It’s simple, really: The powder typically clumps in hot coffee.
2. Mix a premade protein shake with coffee.

The powder option leads to a drink that looks like … well, your basic cup of coffee. The shake option, meanwhile, can turn into a mesmerizing blend of light and dark swirls.

Espresso is preferred by many who celebrate this drink on TikTok. Feel free to add in a dash of cinnamon or another spice if you’re feeling adventurous, too. (Just stay away from sugary, high-calorie syrups.)

Bottom line

As far as wellness trends go, protein coffee isn’t the worst idea to emerge from social media. The drink may even offer some benefit, though it falls short of being the equal of a nutrition-filled meal.

“Proffee is a good alternative to just skipping breakfast,” says Patton. “So, if you don’t have time for a meal, consider adding some protein to your coffee.”