Protein Coffee (Proffee): How to Make It and Is It Worth It?
Protein coffee, or proffee, mixes coffee with protein shakes or powder. How to make it without clumps, calories and protein, and who it's good for.
By Ayoub Farid · · 2 min read
Protein coffee ("proffee") is simply coffee mixed with a protein shake or protein powder. It went viral because it combines two morning habits, and it's a practical way to add 20–30 g of protein for people who skip breakfast.
Key takeaways
- Protein coffee is coffee mixed with a protein shake or powder, adding about 20–30 g of protein to your morning.
- Iced versions are easiest; for hot coffee, mix powder with a little cold liquid first to avoid clumps.
- A cold brew with a ready-to-drink shake is about 150–170 kcal, often less than a caramel frappé with far more protein.
- It isn't a full meal on its own; add fruit or oats for fiber if it replaces breakfast.
How to make protein coffee
Iced (easiest)
- Fill a glass with ice.
- Pour in a ready-to-drink protein shake (vanilla, chocolate or caramel).
- Add 1–2 shots of espresso or ½ cup cold brew.
Hot (no clumps)
- Mix protein powder with a little cold milk or water into a smooth paste.
- Slowly stir in hot (not boiling) coffee.
- Or blend hot coffee and powder briefly with a frother.
Whey can clump in very hot liquid; mixing first with something cold helps.
Calories and protein
| Version | Calories | Protein |
|---|---|---|
| Cold brew + 330 ml protein shake | ~150–170 | ~25–30 g |
| Espresso + 1 scoop whey + 1 cup unsweetened almond milk | ~150 | ~25 g |
| Latte (2% milk, 16 oz) + 1 scoop whey | ~300 | ~37 g |
| Regular latte (16 oz, 2%) | ~190 | ~12 g |
| Caramel frappé | ~380+ | ~5 g |
Compare to the coffee drinks in calories in coffee drinks.
Who it's good for
- People who skip breakfast but want protein early.
- Busy mornings and commutes.
- Anyone replacing a sugary coffee drink.
Things to know
- Not a full meal: it lacks fiber; add fruit or oats if it replaces breakfast.
- Check the label for added sugar in shakes.
- Caffeine still counts; consider decaf later in the day.
Track it
Log your proffee in Nutora as a drink: name the shake and milk, or edit the values from the label. Related: high-protein breakfast, nutrition trends 2027.
Frequently asked questions
Can you put protein powder in hot coffee?
Yes, but mix it with a little cold liquid first or use a frother to avoid clumps.
Is protein coffee good for weight loss?
It can help by adding protein and replacing sugary coffee drinks.
How much protein is in protein coffee?
Usually 20–30 g depending on the shake or scoop.
Does heat destroy protein?
Heat changes protein structure but doesn't reduce the protein your body absorbs.
Track it with a photo
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