Protein coffee: what it is and benefits

Among the various coffee-themed trends, there is undoubtedly the “proffee”, better known as protein coffee.

Protein coffee is exactly what the term suggests: proteins added to coffee, in its variants,  espresso, soluble, mocha , americano. People have been drinking coffee with milk for decades, so the idea of ​​adding protein isn’t entirely new. Yet, with interest in protein at an all-time high, any food or protein source, including coffee, becomes an alternative that can be beneficial.

There is no standard recipe for making proffee or protein coffee. The addition of the protein varies according to individual tastes and needs. You can mix coffee with protein shakes (powdered) that contain up to 30 grams of protein per single-serving container . Others mix java with a few tablespoons of plant protein powder , infusing the coffee with about 20 to 25 grams of protein.

Adding two scoops of collagen to your infusion provides approximately 11 grams of protein. Another option is to simply add milk or a high-protein plant-based drink, such as oatmeal , soy , pea – both offer 8 grams of protein per 200 mL. Collagen has no flavor or aroma, and unflavored, sweetened plant-based drinks are also pretty neutral, but both will add a rich texture to your coffee, much like cream .

To make a protein coffee, you can combine coffee with frozen fruit, plant protein powder, nut butter and a spice , such as cinnamon or ginger . This combination is a balanced way to enjoy coffee, meet protein needs , and benefit from nutrient- and antioxidant- rich plant foods .

Following this protein coffee trend, it is good to keep in mind some indications on the role of proteins and on the daily requirement. The main job of proteins is to supply amino acids , the building blocks of proteins, for the maintenance, repair and healing of body tissues. These include muscles , enzymes , hormones , immune cells , skin and hair .

Because exercise puts more strain on the body, your protein needs are higher if you exercise . For more active people, the optimal daily protein intake is between 1.2 and 2 grams per kilogram of body weight . The lower end is appropriate for cardio exercises , and the upper end is reserved for those engaged in strength programs or high-intensity workouts, which further load the muscles. Greater muscle load requires more protein.

At mealtimes, we are talking about a protein intake of between 0.25 and 0.40 grams per kilogram of body weight , 4 or 5 times a day. For a person weighing approximately 70 kilograms, the amount to consume is between 17-27 grams of total protein for breakfast . Ideally, that dose of protein would be balanced with the other two macronutrients the body needs: fat and carbohydrates. This is because consuming adequate protein without enough fat or carbohydrates can cause the protein eaten for energy to burn, which prevents it from being used for cellular repair .

At breakfast, the ideal protein intake is around 20 grams. Balance your sources of protein from breakfast foods: For example, if your protein coffee is made with a ready-to- drink protein shake that contains 20 grams of protein per serving, you don’t need to eat eggs , Greek yogurt , or another protein source at breakfast. On the other hand, if the proffee is made with the addition of a lower protein food or drink, such as collagen powder or pea milk, the meal can be complete by increasing the protein source.

Keep in mind that more protein is not better , so the goal is to meet, but not exceed, your protein needs. If protein coffee alone fits your total intake for any given meal, pair it with healthy sources of fat and carbohydrates, such as half an avocado and fresh fruit.

When adding a protein boost to coffee, it’s crucial to read ingredient lists to spot unwanted additives , such as artificial sweeteners , colors , flavors and preservatives , or too much added sugar . This is valid in any case, for any food, but in the case of protein coffee it is even more important to evaluate the nutritional aspects of protein milks, powders, creams, ready smoothies .