Protein coffee: a smart breakfast hack or a trendy snack in a cup?
Protein coffee promises two things at once: energy and fullness — in one cup and in a minute. We look at when coffee with protein really helps in the morning, where sugar and extra caffeine hide in it and how to make a drink that doesn’t leave you reaching for a pastry an hour later.
Questions and answers
Can you mix protein powder with coffee?
Yes, that’s exactly what protein coffee is. The easiest way is to add powder to cold coffee or mix espresso with a ready-made protein shake: in hot coffee the powder often clumps. Choose a protein with a short ingredient list and no sweet syrups.
Is protein coffee healthy?
As a replacement for a skipped breakfast, it’s not a bad option: protein helps you stay full longer. But whole food gives you more nutrients, and sweet add-ins and extra caffeine can cancel out the benefits.
Can you drink protein coffee instead of breakfast?
Cleveland Clinic dietitians consider it a good alternative to skipping breakfast altogether. But if you have time for a proper meal with protein, vegetables and whole grains, that meal wins.
How do you make protein coffee at home?
Cool down an espresso or strong coffee, add a scoop of protein powder or a serving of a ready-made protein drink, and blend it in a shaker or blender with ice. For flavor, use cinnamon or unsweetened cocoa instead of syrup.