PROTEIN COFFEE

Protein Coffee: 9 Benefits of Adding Protein to Coffee

By Kaivan Dave

Kaivan Dave

Contributor & Advisor

Specializes in writing about plant-based lifestyles, wellness, and nutrition.

Last updated - May 22, 2023 | 6 min read

We have strict editorial integrity policies that every article goes through before being posted on our site. We also understand everyone has different needs and goals, so please consult a doctor if you take any advice found here, especially as what works for one person might not work for another!

Why you can trust Awesome Coffee?

Edited by

Gaurav Chawla, MBA

Reviewed by

Emily Gregory, NASM-CPT

CHAPTER 1

Introduction

Protein coffee might seem like a brand new "protein shake drink" everywhere you look in 2024, but here's the thing: it's been around for a while! I've actually been making this healthy drink myself since 2018.

I love coffee so much, and was always not getting enough protein in my diet, so I created a recipe especially for people who follow a plant-based diet. There are many ways to make protein coffee, but there weren't many options for folks like me who wanted a healthy and delicious protein coffee drink without animal products.

That's why I created Awesome Coffee, the world's healthiest plant-based protein coffee and in this video, I'll show you how you can make it at home.

CHAPTER 2

What is Protein Coffee?

Making protein coffee is super easy! Before I explain how to make protein coffee, let me define it in simple terms. It involves mixing coffee with protein powder to enrich your drink with additional nutrition. It's incredibly delicious and easy to prepare. Just combine your favorite vanilla or unflavored protein powder with hot or cold coffee. I prefer it cold and usually add oat or almond milk to make it taste like a delicious protein shake.

Protein coffee is a fantastic way to stay full! It also provides an extra boost of protein and energy, all without causing jitters or a crash later. Many athletes, busy individuals, and even those trying to lose weight enjoy it! This amazing combination offers the benefits of both protein and caffeine in one convenient drink. Research indicates that protein coffee can help you lose weight, build muscle, and enhance your workout recovery.

A close up of a person running on a track

CHAPTER 3

Protein Coffee Nutrition Facts

Nutritional information can vary greatly depending on how you make your protein coffee. You can certainly and easily make protein coffee healthy. In general, here’s what you can expect:

Calories: A nutritional protein coffee should ideally be under 100 calories. Black coffee contains almost no calories, and most of the calories can come from the protein powder you use. If you utilize any milk or artificial sweeteners, that will add to the calories.
Protein: Ideally, you’re utilizing plant protein, especially if you’re looking to remain full for longer and keep your calories low while intake protein. Usually, one scoop, around 30 grams, can provide you with 13 grams of protein.
Carbs: Low carbs, depending on which protein you use. Ideally, under 3 grams.
Fats: If you add milk, cream, or any other high-fat ingredients, you can add those calories. However, a healthy, nutritious protein coffee should have very low fat (to be less saturated fat inherited from the protein powder).
Fiber: With a plant protein, you’re looking at a small amount of fiber, which has many benefits to your gut health.

CHAPTER 4

How Can Protein Coffee Help You?

Protein coffee offers a variety of benefits, depending on your goals. Let's explore how it can be a helpful addition to your routine:

For Overall Health:

Boosts Energy and Focus: The caffeine in coffee stimulates your central nervous system, making you feel more alert and focused. Many people experience a midday slump, and protein coffee can be a healthy alternative to sugary drinks or reaching for another cup of coffee.
Supports a Healthy Diet: Protein keeps you feeling full for longer, which can help you avoid unhealthy snacking throughout the day. "Awesome Coffee" uses plant-based protein, which is often high in fiber, another important nutrient for gut health and feeling satisfied.

For Fitness Enthusiasts:

Pre-Workout Boost: Drinking protein coffee 30-60 minutes before your workout provides a combination of caffeine for energy and protein for muscle function. This can help you perform better during your workout.
Post-Workout Recovery: Protein is essential for repairing and rebuilding muscle tissue after exercise. Consuming protein coffee within 30 minutes after your workout can help jumpstart the muscle recovery process. Awesome Coffee offers a complete amino acid profile, which means it contains all the building blocks your muscles need.

For Weight Management:

Supports Weight Management: Protein helps regulate hormones that control hunger, making you feel fuller for longer and potentially reducing cravings for unhealthy snacks. Awesome Coffee is low in calories and sugar, making it a smart choice for weight management goals.
Increases Metabolism: Some studies suggest that protein can slightly increase your metabolism, helping you burn more calories throughout the day.
Protein Boost: Trying to build muscle by adding more protein to your diet? Drink Awesome Coffee anytime throughout the day and add 13g protein easily to diet.

Whether you're a weekend warrior, serious athlete, health purist, or simply looking to manage your weight, drinking Awesome Coffee daily is the best way to achieve the results you want while improving your overall health!

Remember: Protein coffee is a healthy tool, but it's not a magic bullet. A balanced diet and regular exercise are still crucial for overall health and weight management goals.

CHAPTER 5

9 Benefits of Protein Coffee

A woman sitting at a table with a book in front of her

1

Improves Mental Alertness:

Drinking coffee with protein powder increases brain function and memory retention and improves mental alertness. The caffeine in coffee can increase mental alertness and focus by stimulating the central nervous system.

2

Enhances Workout Performance:

Many people use caffeine to improve their workouts, but caffeine has its own limits, like limited energy flow and stamina. Drinking protein powder with coffee an hour before a workout can increase your stamina and give you an energy boost. Caffeine has been shown to reduce perceived exertion, increasing endurance, and enhancing power output.

A woman sitting on the ground with her feet up

A woman sitting on a bench wearing a face mask while doing exercise

3

Helps Build Muscle

People tend to lose muscles as they age. This leads to more fat gain and turns into chronic diseases like obesity and high blood pressure. By adding protein powder to coffee, you can prevent and slow down age-related muscle loss and in fact, build lean muscle as you increase your protein intake. Protein consumption, particularly after exercise, helps promote muscle recovery and growth by providing amino acids, the building blocks for muscle tissue.

4

Promotes Healthier Food Choices:

Protein-rich foods and beverages can contribute to feelings of fullness, potentially aiding in weight management by reducing hunger and promoting healthier food choices. Especially plant-based protein which keep you full longer, so you stay away from eating junk food.

A blue table topped with a bowl of fruit and a bag of awesome coffee

A woman measuring her waist with a measuring tape

5

Boosts Weight Loss:

Mixing coffee and protein powder can help you shed off excess weight and aid weight loss by increasing your metabolism rate. Furthermore, as described above, it also curbs your appetite by reducing cravings and naturally decreases your calorie intake as the plant-based protein keeps you full for longer.

6

Improves Mood and Cognitive Function:

Moderate caffeine consumption has been linked to improved mood and cognitive function, including better memory, reaction time, and decision-making. Consumption of adequate protein can decrease cortisol production and its stress-related symptoms, thereby creating a positive impact on your mood. Caffeine also acts as a mood enhancer when you feel dizzy or dull and makes you feel spirited and happy. Thus, by improving your mood and keeping anxiety symptoms at bay, protein powder in coffee helps you stay fit, enhance your cognitive performance and prevent chances of brain fog.

Four walnuts are arranged in a row on a red surface

Lemons, tomatoes, asparagus, and other vegetables are on the table

7

Protects your cells

Coffee is rich in antioxidants, which can help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals and reduce inflammation. In turn, this may improve your health and reduce your risk of several chronic diseases.

8

Improve Heart Health

In research done by Japanese Dr. Masato Tsutsui, it was found that drinking coffee increases the blood flow to the nervous system and that coffee can improve cardiovascular health. Also, consuming an adequate amount of plant protein every day can reduce high cholesterol, which is the leading risk factor for heart attack or other cardiovascular conditions. When combined together, protein coffee can improve blood circulation and lower blood pressure, thus keeping your heart healthy.

An individual using a stethoscope to check the heart rate of another person

A man holding a bottle with protein coffee in it

9

Convenience

Protein coffee provides an easy and convenient way to consume both coffee and protein in a single beverage, making it an attractive option for busy individuals like you!

CHAPTER 6

How to add Protein in Coffee?

There are three simple steps and only three ingredients:

Take 1 cup of coffee (cold brew coffee, iced coffee, cold coffee, or hot coffee)
Add 1 to 2 scoops of protein powder. Depending on your protein intake needs, you can decide which one of the protein powders in the market you'd like to add.
Pour 10 to 12 ounces of water or your favorite milk. This can be almond milk, oat milk, soy milk, or regular milk, depending on your dietary preferences!
Adding a scoop of protein coffee powder to a shaker.

CHAPTER 7

When to Drink Protein Coffee

Protein coffee can be your anytime buddy, but there are some times when it really shines!
Here's when you might enjoy a protein coffee the most:

Before you hit the gym: Need a pre-workout pick-me-up? Protein coffee gives you energy and helps your muscles work at their best. Aim to drink it 30-60 minutes before you start exercising.
After a tough workout: Feeling tired after crushing your workout? Protein coffee helps your muscles recover and rebuild. Aim to drink it within 15-30 minutes after you finish exercising.
Quick breakfast on the go: Running late in the morning? I know the feeling! Protein coffee is a filling and delicious way to start your day. It gives you protein and a caffeine boost to get your mind and body going. It saves you and keeps you away from unhealthy food.
Afternoon pick-me-up: If you find yourself feeling sluggish in the afternoon, protein coffee can be a great way to boost your energy levels and stave off hunger until your next meal.

Remember: No matter when you drink it, protein coffee is a tasty and convenient way to get protein and caffeine in one go!

CHAPTER 8

Why is Protein Coffee Becoming Popular?

Protein coffee is becoming increasingly popular as it caters to the needs and wants of many types of consumers! Some of the reasons for its growing popularity include:

Convenience:

Protein coffee offers a quick and easy way to consume both coffee and protein in a single beverage, making it an attractive option when you struggle to find time for a proper meal or high-protein snack. This convenient protein coffee recipe combination helps people meet their daily protein requirements and enjoy the benefits of coffee without needing to prepare separate items.

Fitness benefits:

As more people engage in fitness activities and adopt healthier lifestyles, protein coffee has gained traction among athletes and fitness enthusiasts. The combination of caffeine and protein offers a unique set of benefits that can support physical performance, muscle recovery, weight loss, and growth, making it an appealing option for those who seek to optimize their workouts and overall well-being.

Taste and variety:

Many people enjoy the taste of coffee, and adding protein powder can create a variety of flavors and textures, depending on the type of protein used and any additional ingredients added. This versatility allows consumers to experiment with different combinations and find a protein coffee that suits their personal preferences.

Healthy alternative:

As we become more health-conscious and seek alternatives to traditional high-sugar or high-calorie beverages, protein coffee has emerged as a popular choice. It offers a relatively lower-calorie option with added nutritional benefits, such as increased satiety and sustained energy levels, compared to traditional coffee beverages that may contain large amounts of sugar, cream, or flavorings with none of the nutritional benefits of protein coffee.

CHAPTER 9

Risks You Need to Know About

Caffeine sensitivity

Drinking too much caffeine can cause an increased heart rate, anxiety, and insomnia. If you’re already drinking too much coffee throughout the day, and adding on protein coffee, it could lead to these symptoms. Check out the caffeine calculator to see if you’re going overboard with caffeine.

Terrible taste and texture

If you don’t know how to mix protein and coffee properly, you’re going to get a gritty and clumpy protein coffee experience. Especially if you're trying to make a hot protein coffee.

Despite some of these potential risks and drawbacks, if you find that protein coffee works for you and fits within your overall nutrition plan and goals, you can continue to enjoy it and gain all its benefits.

Note: Pregnant women should consult with their physician before consuming protein coffee.

CHAPTER 10

Conclusion

Protein coffee offers a convenient and delicious way to boost your daily protein intake while enjoying the benefits of coffee. It's more than just a trend; it's a healthy addition to your breakfast, snacking, or weight management routine.

Awesome Coffee takes protein coffee a step further by offering a delicious and plant-based protein powder specifically formulated for coffee lovers. It mixes easily, avoids the gritty texture, and tastes delicious.

Whether you're a fitness enthusiast seeking a pre-workout boost, aiming for weight management goals, or simply looking for a convenient way to increase your protein intake, protein coffee can be a valuable addition to your diet. And with Awesome Coffee, you can enjoy all the benefits of protein coffee without sacrificing taste or texture.

Ready to experience the power of protein coffee? Learn more about Awesome Coffee and try it for yourself.

CHAPTER 11

Frequently Asked Questions

What is protein coffee?

Protein coffee combines coffee with protein powder to boost the nutritional value of your drink. It's an enjoyable way to incorporate more protein into your diet, making your coffee a healthier option that keeps you fuller for longer.

How do you make protein coffee?

To make protein coffee, simply add one to two scoops of vanilla or non-flavor protein powder to a cup of hot coffee. You can even use your favorite.

What are the nutritional benefits of protein coffee?

Protein coffee is typically low in calories and fats, with one serving generally containing under 100 calories, less than 3 grams of carbs, and a significant protein boost—depending on the type of protein powder you are using. It also contains a small amount of fiber from the plant-based protein, contributing to gut health.

Who should consider drinking protein coffee?

Anyone looking to enhance their diet can benefit from protein coffee, especially athletes, those engaged in regular physical activity, people looking to manage their weight, and individuals who want a nutritious alternative to traditional sugary coffee.

What are the best times to drink protein coffee?

Protein coffee is versatile and can be consumed at various times:

Pre-workout: Drink it 30-60 minutes before exercising for a boost of energy and muscle support.

Post-workout: Consume within 30 minutes after exercising to aid muscle recovery.
As a breakfast substitute: It's a quick, filling option when you're in a hurry.

Afternoon boost: Great for overcoming the midday slump without the heaviness of a full meal.

Why is protein coffee becoming popular?

Protein coffee is gaining popularity due to its convenience, health benefits, and ability to fit into a variety of dietary needs. It combines the beloved flavor of coffee with the nutritional benefits of protein, making it a favored choice for those leading busy, health-conscious lives.

Can everyone drink protein coffee?

While most people can enjoy protein coffee, those with caffeine sensitivity or specific dietary restrictions should consume it cautiously. Pregnant women should consult their physician before adding protein coffee to their diet.

Are there any potential risks associated with protein coffee?

Potential risks include caffeine-related side effects like increased heart rate and insomnia, especially if consumed in large quantities. Also, if not mixed properly, protein coffee can have a gritty texture which some may find unpleasant.

What makes Awesome Coffee different from other protein coffees?

Awesome Coffee is specifically formulated to be plant-based, mixing seamlessly with coffee to avoid the gritty texture typical of some protein powders. It's designed to be delicious, making it an ideal choice for those who enjoy the taste of coffee without compromising on health benefits.