Adapted by:
Alejandro Alcolea
WriterWriter at Xataka. I studied education and music, but since 2014 I've been writing about my passion: video games and technology. I specialize in product analysis, photography, and video. My body is 70% coffee.
Karen Alfaro
WriterCommunications professional with a decade of experience as a copywriter, proofreader, and editor. As a travel and science journalist, I've collaborated with several print and digital outlets around the world. I'm passionate about culture, music, food, history, and innovative technologies.
Protein is one of the pillars of a balanced diet. Whether your goal is to stay fit, lose weight, or build muscle, protein plays a vital role. But hitting your daily target isn’t always easy, which is where the supplement industry steps in—often by marketing highly processed foods that replace whole-food protein sources.
Of course, there are also protein powders, especially useful for active lifestyles or high-exertion routines. But what if you didn’t just chug your shake separately—what if you added it to your morning coffee?
Enter “proffee,” a blend of protein and coffee that first went viral on TikTok. It sounded like a fad at first, but it stuck around—and turns out, it’s not a bad idea.
Big brands like Starbucks jumped on the trend, but the truth is, you can make a decent protein coffee at home. You just have to combine the ingredients right—otherwise, the result can be undrinkable.
Why Coffee and Protein Make Sense
Despite some questionable viral recipes, coffee and protein can actually be a smart combo. Coffee, aside from its obvious caffeine boost, is increasingly recognized for its health benefits. As always, moderation is key when it comes to caffeine, but science is on coffee’s side.
Then there’s protein powder. The most common types are whey, casein, and soy. These vary in quality, and some come with a laundry list of additives and sweeteners. The more processed the powder, the more careful you need to be—especially when it comes to added sugars or artificial flavorings. Think of some labels as short novels.
Still, high-quality powder is often easier (and more convenient) to consume than, say, a half-dozen eggs.
When to Drink It
While protein timing matters less than your total daily intake, there are two especially good times for proffee:
- In the morning. It’s a way to start your day with a solid protein boost when your body’s primed for it.
- Before a workout. Coffee delivers the caffeine kick, protein supports muscle repair and energy, and together they give you a leg up before hitting the gym.
How to Make It
There’s no secret recipe, and you may have already made some version of it before it had a name. That said, please don’t just dump a scoop of protein into a hot espresso. It’s as bad as it sounds.
A simple, tasty version: blend an espresso shot, a banana, your choice of milk (dairy or plant-based), and a scoop of vanilla or chocolate protein powder. The banana adds natural sweetness, and the milk adds more protein. Want to cut calories? Skip the milk and use water—but keep in mind you’ll lose a bit of protein that way.
Not a fan of bananas? Try a different fruit that plays well with coffee, though banana tends to be the easiest match. And as for protein flavors: stick with chocolate or vanilla. Citrus, strawberry, or anything too artificial usually clashes with coffee.
Ultimately, it’s all about experimenting until you find what works for you. Beyond the TikTok hype, proffee can be a legit part of a high-protein, active lifestyle. Just don’t fall into the trap of replacing real meals with powders. Whole foods contain essential vitamins, minerals, and other compounds your body needs. And finally, if you don’t like how it tastes—skip it. Nutrition matters but so does enjoying what you eat.
Image | Kelly Sikkema (Unsplash)
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