Coffee and protein aren’t really the first combination that comes to mind, but that’s what makes it all the more interesting! This combination is really making the rounds on social media lately so we thought we’d do a bit of digging and figure out if it’s actually worth trying! 

Protein coffee is sometimes called “proffee,” and it’s been popping up everywhere, from Instagram feeds to café menus and morning routines. The idea is pretty simple: add protein powder to your coffee or mix coffee into a protein shake.

It sounds like another wellness trend designed to make us feel like we're winning at life before 9AM. But let’s see if there’s actually anything to it.

Why Add Protein To Your Coffee?

You likely already know that protein is a very important part of a balanced diet. It helps maintain and repair tissues, including muscle, and getting enough throughout the day becomes particularly important if you're active or trying to maintain muscle as you get older.

Protein is particularly important if you're active or trying to maintain muscle as you get older, and people who exercise regularly may need more than the basic recommendation for sedentary adults. Research from the International Society of Sports Nutrition suggests that around 1.4 to 2.0 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day is sufficient for most exercising individuals, although individual needs vary.

Now, that doesn't mean everyone needs a protein shake first thing in the morning. Eggs, Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, milk, nuts, seeds, and other protein-rich foods can all contribute to your daily intake.

Protein coffee simply gives you another option, especially for someone who normally grabs a coffee and heads out the door with no breakfast. It can also be convenient if you're heading to work, getting ready for the school run, or squeezing in a workout before the day gets going.

So Is The Coffee Part Doing Anything?

Coffee isn't exactly sitting quietly in the background in this duo. Caffeine is well known for increasing alertness and reducing feelings of tiredness. That familiar morning boost is one reason coffee has become such a firmly established part of so many people's routines.

Coffee can also have a useful role around exercise. Caffeine has been studied extensively for its effects on alertness and physical performance, which is one reason a coffee-based protein drink can make sense as part of a morning or pre-workout routine.

Put protein and coffee together and you have a drink that can provide caffeine for alertness alongside protein that contributes to your daily nutritional needs.

That sounds pretty good, right? Well (of course!), there's a catch.

It Doesn't Magically Turn Coffee Into Breakfast

Adding protein to coffee doesn't suddenly make an otherwise poor diet healthy. If your “protein coffee” consists of coffee, protein powder, and a little optimism sprinkled on top, you might still be missing the fiber, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients you'd get from a more complete breakfast. It’s better to think of it as a convenient way to add protein rather than a nutritional shortcut.

The quality of the protein powder matters too. Look for a product that provides a meaningful amount of protein without loads of added sugar or unnecessary extras. Plus, if you're sensitive to caffeine, remember that the protein doesn't cancel out the caffeine content!

For most adults, the FDA cites 400 mg of caffeine per day as an amount not generally associated with negative effects, although sensitivity varies considerably from person to person.

So, Worth Trying?

Honestly? It can be.

Protein coffee isn't some revolutionary new health discovery, but it doesn't need to be. It's simply a convenient combination of two things that already have a place in many people's routines.

If adding protein to your morning coffee helps you get enough protein throughout the day, keeps you satisfied until your next meal, and fits easily into your routine, there's nothing particularly complicated about it.

Just don't feel like you need to turn your morning coffee into

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