Protein coffee combines coffee with a source of protein, such as protein powder or a ready-to-drink protein shake. Sometimes called “proffee,” it has become a convenient way to add protein to a familiar morning or iced coffee.
The basic idea is simple: prepare coffee and combine it with a protein source that suits your taste and dietary preferences. Depending on the ingredients, the result can resemble anything from a light iced coffee to a creamy protein latte.
But protein coffee isn’t a special type of nutritional supplement by itself. Its nutritional value depends largely on the coffee, protein product and other ingredients you put into it.
If you enjoy exploring different ways to prepare coffee, also see our guide to Types of Coffee Drinks.
What Is Protein Coffee?
This drink is simply coffee combined with added protein.
Common versions include coffee mixed with whey protein powder, plant-based protein powder or a bottled protein shake. It can be prepared hot or cold, although some powders mix more easily at certain temperatures than others.
The amount of protein varies significantly depending on the product and serving size, so checking the nutrition label is the easiest way to know how much you’re actually adding.
Why Do People Add Protein to Coffee?
For many people, the main attraction is convenience.
Coffee may already be part of the morning routine, so adding a protein source provides another way to incorporate protein into the diet without preparing a separate shake.
Protein supplies amino acids the body needs for many functions. Some protein sources contain all nine essential amino acids, while others provide different combinations. Eating a varied diet can help provide the amino acids the body needs.
Coffee, meanwhile, provides caffeine unless you’re using decaf. Caffeine can increase alertness, although the amount in coffee varies considerably.
7 Protein Options for Coffee
1. Whey Protein
Whey protein is a dairy-derived protein commonly sold as concentrate, isolate or hydrolysate.
Flavored whey powders such as vanilla or chocolate can change coffee’s flavor considerably, while unflavored varieties may be less noticeable.
When adding whey to hot coffee, mixing technique matters because some powders can clump. Blending the powder first with a small amount of cool liquid can help produce a smoother drink.
2. Collagen Peptides
Collagen peptides are another popular powder added to coffee.
They often dissolve easily and may have relatively little effect on the drink’s flavor, depending on the product.
However, collagen shouldn’t be treated as nutritionally interchangeable with whey, egg, soy or other complete proteins. If someone’s goal is simply to increase dietary protein, the type of protein matters as well as the number of grams.
3. Plant-Based Protein Powder
Plant-based options include pea, soy, rice, hemp and blends containing multiple protein sources.
These can be useful for people who avoid dairy or prefer plant-derived protein.
Texture and flavor vary substantially among products. Soy is considered a complete protein, while many other individual plant proteins contain lower amounts of one or more essential amino acids; eating varied protein sources can provide a full range of amino acids.
4. Casein Protein
Casein is another milk-derived protein.
It tends to produce a thicker texture than some other powders, which may appeal to people who want their drink to resemble a creamy latte.
Because products differ, follow the manufacturer’s mixing directions rather than assuming every casein powder will behave the same way in hot coffee.
5. Egg White Protein
Egg white protein powder provides another complete protein option and doesn’t contain dairy protein.
Flavor and texture vary by brand, so it may take some experimentation to find one that works well with coffee.
As with other powders, gradually incorporating liquid can help prevent clumping.
6. Ready-to-Drink Protein Shakes
You don’t necessarily need protein powder to make this drink.
A ready-to-drink protein shake can replace milk or creamer in hot or iced coffee. This is one of the simplest preparations because the protein is already dissolved.
Check the label for protein, calories, added sugars, sweeteners and caffeine, since formulations differ considerably.
7. Coffee-Flavored Protein Powder
Some protein powders are already flavored to taste like coffee.
These can be blended with water, milk or coffee depending on the product. But check the label carefully: some coffee-flavored powders contain added caffeine while others simply use coffee flavoring.
How to Make Protein Coffee
There isn’t one official recipe.
For a simple iced protein coffee, you can combine:
- Brewed coffee that has cooled
- Your preferred protein powder or protein shake
- Ice
- Milk or another beverage if desired
Mix until smooth and serve cold.
For hot protein coffee, prepare the coffee first and mix the protein separately with a small amount of cooler liquid before gradually combining it with the hot coffee. This can help reduce clumping with powders that don’t dissolve easily in very hot liquid.
Always follow the preparation directions provided with the particular protein product you’re using.
Does Protein Coffee Contain Caffeine?
Usually—but not always.
Regular coffee naturally contains caffeine, while decaffeinated coffee contains much less. Some protein powders and ready-made protein drinks may contain additional caffeine, so it’s worth checking the label.
The FDA says that for most adults, 400 milligrams of caffeine per day is an amount not generally associated with negative effects, but sensitivity varies based on factors such as medications, medical conditions and individual response. Too much caffeine can cause symptoms including insomnia, anxiety, jitters, increased heart rate and upset stomach.
That makes total caffeine intake more important than the particular caffeinated drink you choose.
Is Protein Coffee Healthy?
That depends on the ingredients and the rest of your diet.
Adding protein to coffee can be a convenient way to increase protein intake, but the drink isn’t automatically healthier simply because it contains protein.
Consider the entire product: protein amount, added sugars, calories, caffeine and other ingredients all matter.
The drink also doesn’t need to replace a balanced meal. It’s better thought of as another customizable coffee preparation whose nutritional value depends on what goes into the cup.
Hot vs. Iced Protein Coffee
Both can work.
Iced protein coffee is often convenient because powders and ready-made shakes can be mixed without exposing them to very hot liquid. It can also be prepared ahead of time and poured over ice.
Hot protein coffee can work well too, although certain powders are more prone to clumping. Mixing the powder separately before combining it with hot coffee usually produces a smoother result.
Ultimately, the better choice comes down to the protein product you’re using and whether you prefer your coffee hot or cold.
A Simple Twist on Your Daily Coffee
Protein coffee doesn’t need exaggerated promises to be useful.
At its simplest, it’s a convenient combination of coffee and dietary protein. You can make it with whey, plant protein, a ready-made shake or another protein source that fits your preferences.
The key is to choose ingredients you enjoy, pay attention to nutrition labels and remember that both protein and caffeine amounts can vary significantly among products.
For another distinctive coffee preparation, see Chicory Coffee, or explore our guide to Types of Coffee Drinks.