Should You Add Protein Powder to Your Coffee?

“Proffee” is a term for coffee mixed with protein drinks or powder. It has become popular for its supposed health benefits, including aiding with weight loss. Here’s what you need to know about the possible benefits of starting your day with protein in your java.

Is Protein in the Morning Important?

Tara Collingwood, RD, who is based in Orlando, Florida, recommends spreading your protein intake throughout the day and getting 20 to 30 grams (g) each morning with breakfast. “We do need carbs for energy, but carbs get used up quickly and can leave us feeling hungry,” she says. “Protein gives more staying power to the breakfast.”

Is Drinking Protein Better Than Eating It?

Drinking protein can make it easier to increase your intake, since you're not consuming it along with other nutrients, like fats or fiber. “Protein in a liquid form may lead to greater intake, because when you’re chewing solid food, you’re eating more than just protein,” says Jackie Newgent, RDN, a plant-forward culinary nutritionist in New York City.

Does It Matter Whether You Make Proffee With Decaf or Regular Coffee?

Because caffeine is a stimulant, decaf proffee won't provide the same energizing effects as its caffeinated counterpart. However, coffee may have benefits for digestion, regardless of caffeine content.

Although there is significant research on the health benefits and risks of coffee and protein separately, more study is needed to understand how they function together.

Regardless, while caffeinated proffee may have a greater effect, decaf can still help you increase your protein intake.

What Are Some Easy Ways to Add Protein to Your Coffee?

Additionally, you can add some of a prepared protein shake to your coffee or make your own coffee protein smoothie.

Collingwood makes her proffee with a liquid protein shake, but she uses only one-third of the carton, which amounts to about 50 calories and 10 g of protein. “It mixes in nicely and doesn’t need to dissolve like a powder may have to,” she says.

To make a proffee smoothie, “Try blending up cold-brewed coffee with some plant-based milk, cocoa powder, banana, and nut butter,” says Newgent.

Of course, unless you are an athlete with high energy needs, Newgent says, “You don’t need to rely on protein powder. Most people can get plenty of protein from the food they eat.” She adds that many protein powders are highly processed and may not offer the same nutritional benefits of protein-rich whole foods.

Are There Any Risks to Drinking Proffee?

The biggest risk of drinking proffee is exceeding the recommended daily amounts of protein and caffeine. “It's possible to go overboard on protein — and proffee,” says Newgent.

Consuming too much caffeine can cause negative side effects like headaches, trouble sleeping, anxiety, and nausea. People who are pregnant or have a heart condition may be more vulnerable to these effects. Because of this, "Those who need to avoid excess caffeine will want to go for decaf proffee,” says Newgent.

For most people, the benefits of proffee likely outweigh the risks. "Adding protein to your coffee is better than adding a creamer that is mostly fat and low in other healthy nutrients,” says Collingwood.

Should You Try Proffee?

“If you like to grab a cup of joe in the morning but skip breakfast or don't eat much protein in your morning meal, then proffee may be a good fit,” says Newgent.

To maximize the benefits and avoid any side effects, make sure to keep track of how much protein and caffeine you consume throughout the day.

The Takeaway

• For most people, adding protein to your coffee can be an easy way to increase your intake.
• Consuming protein in the morning can help increase the feeling of fullness and reduce hunger throughout the day.
• Decaf proffee is an option for people sensitive to caffeine. While caffeine may help with digestion, evidence is limited for its effect on protein absorption.
• People who are pregnant and those at risk of kidney disease may need to limit or avoid proffee.