You’re probably hearing a lot about protein coffee or “proffee” on your social feeds right now—and for good reason. It’s a pretty genius way to start your day for a host of health reasons.
First of all, 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 protein coffee 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.
So 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.”
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.
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 protein coffee 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.
What are the best flavors and how can you make your proffee actually taste good?
All the experts agree that using either a blender or a handheld 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.
Women’s Health executive editor, Abigail Cuffey, swears by the Zolay handheld frother to mix up her morning protein coffee. (Her favorite-tasting protein powder for coffee is Promix Madagascar Vanilla, always mixed with a splash of Chobani real dairy creamer.)
Happy proffee mixing!
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Andi Breitowich is a Chicago-based writer and graduate student at Northwestern Medill. She’s a mass consumer of social media and cares about women’s rights, holistic wellness, and non-stigmatizing reproductive care. As a former collegiate pole vaulter, she has a love for all things fitness and is currently obsessed with Peloton Tread workouts and hot yoga.
Lily Wohlner is the associate style & commerce editor at Women’s Health. A sneakerhead, shopping enthusiast, and beauty expert, she’s mastered the art of testing, reviewing, and recommending standout products across every style category. Lily started her career as a freelance makeup artist before diving into the editorial and copywriting world, creating content for brands like Oribe, NewBeauty, and Dermstore. When she’s not training for her next half marathon, you’ll find her in the Lower East Side whipping up high-protein recipes with her roommate or thrifting for the ultimate pair of low-rise jeans.
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