Proffee: Is this protein-packed coffee trend worth the buzz?
If you’re a coffee lover who also happens to be health-conscious (or at least trying to be), you’ve likely heard the word “proffee” floating around social media. And if you’re scratching your head thinking, “pro-what?”—you’re in the right place.
Let’s chat about this buzz-worthy beverage that’s capturing the hearts (and cups) of morning gym-goers and brunch enthusiasts alike.
So, what exactly is proffee?
“Proffee” is short for protein coffee—a simple combination of your favorite coffee and a protein supplement. Think espresso meets protein shake!
It’s generally as easy as combining a serving of your favorite brewed coffee—like a piping hot pour-over, an espresso shot, or a chilled cold brew—with a scoop or two of your favorite protein powder, then giving it all a good stir (or a whirl in the blender if you’re feeling fancy).
The result? A java concoction that promises to help keep hunger at bay, provide muscle-supporting nutrients, and still give you that well-loved caffeine boost.
Why add protein to coffee?
Coffee is already magical in many ways—it wakes you up, gives you a boost, and sometimes provides that much-needed buffer between “asleep” you and “ready to tackle the day” you.
But the energy from coffee alone doesn’t necessarily fend off mid-morning hunger pangs or provide the necessary nutrients to support muscle health and recovery. That’s where adding protein to coffee comes into the picture.
Easy nutritional upgrade
Adding protein to coffee is a small change that can have a big impact on your overall nutrition. Instead of having coffee and then grabbing a separate protein snack or shake, you can combine the two into a single beverage.
It’s a simple, one-step solution for busy folks who want to enhance their day with a little extra protein.
Keeps you feeling full
Protein is celebrated for its ability to help keep you satisfied for longer. This can curb between-meal snacking, which is especially helpful if you’re someone who tends to feel peckish not long after breakfast.
Supports muscle recovery
Whether you’re a devoted gym enthusiast or just someone who wants to supplement their protein intake, proffee can be an effortless way to sneak in a little muscle-supporting protein—particularly if you like to grab a quick breakfast and head straight to the gym.
Cuts down on sugar overload
Flavored protein powders (like vanilla, chocolate, or caramel) can lend enough sweetness to your coffee that you may not need additional sugar or flavored syrups.
This could be a way to cut back on sugary coffee house drinks—while still enjoying a flavorful sip.
How to make proffee at home
The beauty of proffee lies in its simplicity—you don’t need special barista skills or high-end appliances to whip it up. Follow these easy steps, and feel free to adjust based on your taste preferences or dietary needs.
Start with your favorite coffee: Begin by brewing a cup the way you like it best. This could be a hot drip coffee, a couple of espresso shots, or a chilled cold brew from the fridge if you’re craving something refreshing.
Choose your protein: You can use a scoop of powdered protein—such as whey, plant-based, or collagen—or go for a pre-made protein shake. Flavored varieties (like vanilla, chocolate, or caramel) can add a sweeter twist to your drink. At the same time, unflavored proteins blend seamlessly if you’re more of a purist.
Combine gradually: To avoid clumps, it helps to mix your protein with just a small amount of coffee first. Stir or shake this mixture until smooth, then combine it with the rest of your brewed coffee.
Customize the goodies: For that extra “coffee shop” flair, top it off with a splash of milk, almond milk, or whatever you fancy—plus a sprinkle of cinnamon if you like it a bit spicier.
Does it taste good?
Absolutely—proffee can taste amazing! That said, flavor is highly personal, and results can vary based on the type and quality of protein you use.
After much trial and error, I personally prefer a protein flavor that plays nicely with coffee —vanilla, caramel, or chocolate usually do the trick.
Then comes the protein type.
For instance, whey-based proteins often blend more smoothly and have a less chalky texture. If you’re using a plant-based protein, you might need to blend it more thoroughly (or use a shaker) to eliminate lumps.
If you pick a whey-based protein, you’ll likely get a smoother blend and avoid that annoying chalky feel. Plant-based proteins work too, but you will need to give them a good shake or blend to say goodbye to lumps.
And what about the type of coffee? Some people love the slightly frothy texture that appears when hot coffee meets protein. However, if you prefer a silky, smoother mix, switch to cold brew or let your coffee cool before mixing.
Ultimately, getting a tasty proffee might take a bit of trial and error. Experiment with different protein flavors and coffee strengths until you hit on the combo that makes your taste buds happy.
Once you hit that sweet spot, you’ll wonder how you ever started your morning without this power-packed sip!
