What Is Protein Coffee?
Protein coffee is exactly what it sounds like—combining protein powder with coffee. How you make it is up to you. Some people blend protein powder directly into their coffee, while others mix their protein powder with water to make a high-protein creamer.
There are no specifics on what type of protein powder mixes best with coffee; it’s a personal choice, especially since these supplements are derived from animal and plant-based sources of protein, such as whey, casein, hemp, soy, and pea—you have a choice between conventional and organic options. They also come in a range of flavors, from chocolate to salted caramel, so you may need to experiment with different types of proteins and flavors to find one that suits your taste.
Potential Benefits
Protein coffee is more than just a trend; it can also offer numerous benefits. By incorporating protein into your coffee routine, you can meet your protein requirements while transforming your usual coffee into a snack or light meal. Here are some additional advantages of proffee.
Help You Get More Protein
Protein needs vary and are influenced by factors such as age, activity level, and overall health. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans suggest 10% to 35% of daily calories come from protein.1
According to the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA), adults should aim for a minimum of 46 to 56 grams daily, which is roughly 0.4 grams per pound of body weight.1 However, people who are active and aiming to build or maintain muscle mass may require more protein daily, ranging from 0.6 to 0.9 grams per pound.2
Michelle Saari, MSc, RD, from The Dietitian Prescription, notes, “Making a proffee in the morning can help you meet your daily protein goals, maintain and build muscle for those early morning workouts, keep you full for longer, be a breakfast substitute if made with the right ingredients, and help to level out those morning blood sugars.”
