What happens when you add protein powder to your coffee?

Many coffee trends have appeared on TikTok and Instagram, including “proffee” or protein coffee.

Coffee and milk are a classic combination, so the idea of ​​adding protein to your morning cup of joe isn’t entirely new.

But what happens when you take it up a notch and add a scoop of protein powder to your coffee? Read on to learn more about what “proffee” can do for your health.

One of the main benefits of proffee is that it can help you meet your protein needs. The primary job of protein is to provide amino acids (the building blocks of protein) for the ongoing maintenance, repair, and healing of the body’s tissues. These include bones, muscles and skin.

An optimal protein intake would be 0.25 to 0.40 grams (g) per kilogram (kg) or 2.2 pounds of body weight approximately four or five times per day. This represents a goal of 17 to 27 g of total protein at breakfast for a 150 pound (68 kg) person.

Consuming protein after exercise helps repair and strengthen your muscles. Your protein needs are greater if you play sports since exercise puts wear and tear on the body. The optimal daily protein intake for most active people is 1.2 to 2 g per kg of body weight. One kg is approximately 2.2 pounds.

The low end is suitable for people who do a lot of cardio exercise. The high end is reserved for those following bodybuilding programs or intense workouts. These workouts work the muscles more than other workouts. More stress requires more healing and therefore more protein.

Research has shown that caffeine, the natural stimulant in coffee, can also improve workouts. Caffeine can improve muscle contractions and prevent fatigue.

Proffee could help with weight loss. Protein helps you feel full for long periods of time, which reduces hunger and can reduce your calorie intake. Research has shown that caffeine can also satisfy your appetite by reducing levels of hunger hormones.

Your body also burns more calories when it breaks down proteins than fats and carbohydrates. This can slightly boost your metabolism.

It’s important to keep a few things in mind regarding the role of protein and how much you should consume each day.

You would ideally have balance this protein with the other two macronutrients your body needs: fats and carbohydrates. Consuming protein without enough of these nutrients causes your body to burn protein for fuel instead of using it to repair and build muscle.

Also, your body uses protein better when you evenly distribute macronutrient consumption throughout the day, so consider all your protein sources and when you consume them. If you have a protein coffee for breakfast, for example, you may not need to pair it with eggs, Greek yogurt, and a protein shake.

More protein isn’t necessarily healthy, so The goal is to meet, but not exceed, your protein needs. Pair proffee with healthy sources of fat and carbs, like half an avocado and fresh fruit, if they meet your protein goal alone. You can supplement your meal with a little more protein if you make your coffee with less protein, like collagen powder or pea milk.

There is no standard recipe for proffee, so it’s up to you how you prepare it.

Some people mix coffee with pre-made protein shakes which contain up to 30 g per individual container. Others mix their coffee with a few scoops of plant-based protein powder, infuse their coffee with around 20-25g of protein.

Depending on the brand, adding two spoons of collagen to your infusion provides around 10g of protein. Another option is to add protein-rich milk or plant-based milk, such as pea milk, which offers 12 g of protein per 12 ounces (oz). Collagen has no flavor or aroma, and unsweetened, unflavored pea milk is also pretty neutral. Both will add a rich, creamer-like texture to your coffee.

Look beyond the grams of protein in any product if you decide to give your morning cup a protein boost. Read ingredient lists to identify unwanted additives, including artificial sweeteners, colors, flavors, preservatives or too much added sugar.

Opt for protein-rich plant-based milk to get your protein from plants. You can also enjoy a proffee smoothie made by blending brewed coffee with frozen fruit, plant-based protein powder, nut butter, and spices like cinnamon or ginger. This combination is a balanced way to enjoy coffee, meet your protein needs, and benefit from plant foods rich in nutrients and antioxidants. A high intake of plant protein, compared to animal protein, may help reduce the risk of heart disease and death from all causes.

Keep in mind that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) minimally regulates supplements, including protein powders. The effects of protein powder vary and depend on several factors, such as dosage and frequency of use. Talk to a healthcare professional or pharmacist before using protein powder.