Is Mixing Protein and Coffee in Proffee Healthy or Harmful?

The Proffee Trend: Mixing Protein and Coffee

A new health trend gaining popularity on social media is mixing protein supplements, especially whey protein, into coffee to create a beverage known as "proffee." This combination offers the muscle-building benefits of protein powder and the energizing jolt of coffee in one convenient drink.

What is Proffee?

The term "proffee" is a portmanteau of "protein" and "coffee." As the name suggests, it involves adding scoops of whey protein powder, or other protein supplements, into black coffee or lattes.

This drink has recently gone viral on TikTok with fitness influencers and everyday users sharing their own unique proffee recipes. But the concept of combining caffeine and protein is not entirely new. Bodybuilders and athletes have been experimenting with these kinds of protein coffee drinks for years.

Potential Benefits of Adding Protein to Coffee

There are several reasons why adding protein powder to your morning brew may be beneficial:

• Increased protein intake. The main appeal of proffee is the extra protein it provides. Getting adequate protein is important for building and maintaining muscle mass.
• More balanced nutrition. The carbohydrates from milk or cream add balance to the protein, making it a mini meal replacement if you're short on time.
• Sustained energy. Protein takes longer for the body to digest and absorb than simple carbs, resulting in a steadier energy release.
• Curb hunger. Protein is known to increase feelings of fullness and may help stave off mid-morning hunger pangs.
• Enhanced coffee flavor. The creaminess from the protein powder provides texture and blunts coffee's acidity.

Best Types of Protein Powder for Coffee

Whey and casein are the most popular protein supplements to mix with coffee:

• Whey - Whey protein powder is a quick-absorbing dairy-based protein that's easy to blend and has a neutral flavor.
• Casein - Casein protein powder digests more slowly for long-lasting fullness. It thickens coffee nicely but has a distinct "protein" taste.

Collagen peptides and plant-based protein powders like pea and rice are also options, though they may not blend as smoothly.

Tips for Making Protein Coffee

If you want to give proffee a try, here are some tips:

1. Use cold coffee. Heating protein can change its taste and nutritional quality. Either chill leftover coffee or brew it cold.
2. Add coffee to your protein shake rather than the other way around so the powder blends properly in the liquid.
3. Use extra coffee and less water compared to a typical protein shake for richer flavor.
4. Mix in nut butter, MCT or coconut oil, ginger, cinnamon, or cocoa powder to disguise any unpleasant protein taste.
5. Sweeten as desired with sugar, flavored syrup, honey, dates, etc. to balance bitterness.

Potential Downsides of Proffee

Despite potential advantages, proffee does come with some caveats:

• Extra calories and saturated fat if adding nut butters, milk, or creamers
• Spiky blood sugar and energy crash if using sugar-sweetened coffee drinks
• Bitter, chalky taste if protein doesn't fully dissolve
• Gastrointestinal issues like bloating due to lactose (milk protein) intolerance or consuming extra caffeine alongside protein
• Higher cost compared to just coffee or protein shakes alone

Who Should Be Cautious With Proffee?

Proffee is not recommended for everyone. Those with sensitivities or on restricted diets should be wary:

• People avoiding dairy due to lactose intolerance may not tolerate whey or casein protein
• Those adhering to high-fat/low-carb diets should calculate the carb content from any added milk, sweeteners, etc.
• Anyone limiting caffeine or stimulants for medical reasons or pregnancy/breastfeeding
• Individuals with gastrointestinal conditions that are aggravated by milk proteins or caffeine

The Bottom Line on Mixing Protein and Coffee

Brewing coffee with whey protein powder or other supplements is unlikely to do much harm for most healthy adults. And it may provide functional benefits like convenient protein intake, sustained energy, and curbed appetite.

However, the practice also isn't necessary or mandatory. Plenty of other methods exist for getting ample protein and caffeine throughout your day. Protein coffee shouldn't fully replace meals, and excessive caffeine intake should be avoided.

At the end of the day, deciding if proffee has a place in your diet comes down to personal preferences and lifestyle needs. Listen to your own body's signals to determine if this drink works well for you or if it'd best to take your coffee and protein separately.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.