Q: Would it really be good for you to add protein powder to your coffee or coffee to a protein shake? Or should you stay away from the “proffee” TikTok trend?
A: The combination has a lot going for it, and not just in terms of taste. If you make this drink right, it could help you cut back on sugary foods and get more protein at the same time.
First, let’s talk about proffee, which is a mix of the words “protein coffee” and “coffee.” It’s a popular word on TikTok, but Merriam-Webster hasn’t added it to the dictionary yet.
How do you make protein coffee?
Given what it is made of, proffee is exactly what it sounds like. It’s a cup of pumped-up coffee made by adding protein powder or a bottle of a protein shake coffee.
Making this mixture is as easy as it sounds, and there are two possible ways to do it. Some people like to mix protein powder with iced coffee. (Unless it’s collagen powder, the powder may clump in hot coffee.) Some people mix coffee with a ready-made protein shake.
If you use the powder, you get a drink that looks like…well, a regular cup of coffee. The shake feature, on the other hand, can make a beautiful mix of light and dark swirls.
Now, let’s get to the good part: the possible benefits of each ingredient in coffee.
How good coffee is for your health
Coffee has a lot of benefits, as long as you don’t drink too much of it. It has a lot of good things for you in it, like B vitamins, potassium, and riboflavin. It also has antioxidants, which protect your body’s cells from damage.
Coffee’s caffeine also gives you a burst of energy, which can improve your endurance and athletic performance, as well as your memory, mood, and speed of reaction.
Regularly having a cup of coffee has also been shown to lower the risk of:
- Type 2 diabetes.
- Diseases of the nervous system, like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
- Liver sickness.
- Cancer.
- Depression.
Java isn’t all jazzy, of course. Too much of it can make you nervous and keep you from sleeping well at night. Too much caffeine can also make you lose water.
But a little coffee in a proffee shouldn’t be a problem.
The benefits of adding protein
Protein is important to keep your body in good shape. Most needs are met by a healthy, well-balanced diet, but some people use protein powders and shake to get an extra boost.
So why put it in your coffee in the morning? Some things stand out:
- Protein in the morning, along with the caffeine in coffee, can help you get going for the day. Many also say that coffee is good to drink before a workout.
- Having protein for breakfast can help you feel less hungry later in the day, which could help you control your weight. Your metabolism is also sped up by protein, so you burn more calories.
- Protein powders and shakes often taste good, so using them to flavour your coffee might mean you don’t have to use sugary creamers, which can turn cups of coffee into unhealthy calorie bombs.
How to make coffee with a protein
All food is only as good as its ingredients, and the same is true of coffee.
To get results, you need to choose a good protein powder or shake. Look for a product that doesn’t have any fake sweeteners or a long list of ingredients with gums and other fillers. (In general, a shorter list is better.)
As was already said, this blend works best with cold coffee, especially if you use powder. Many people who promote this drink on TikTok like it best with espresso.
Then, just mix your two main ingredients together, and VOILA! You’ve got coffee. Many people who like the drink also add a few ice cubes. If you want to try something new, you can add a pinch of cinnamon or another spice. (Just avoid syrups with a lot of sugar.)
So, if it’s done right, proffee might not be a bad idea. Don’t blame the TikTokers for this one.