Why is everyone talking about Protein Coffee?

Protein Coffee: The Smarter Way to Start Your Day

Protein Coffee is a simple upgrade to your daily routine. Whether you train regularly or you just want a coffee that “does more,” it’s an easy way to top up your nutrition without changing your habits.

Ready to get on the proffee bandwagon? Here’s what protein coffee can do, whether it’s actually good for you, and how to make it fit your routine.

What are the benefits of Protein Coffee?

So, why combine protein and coffee? Here are some of the biggest upsides of pairing plant-based protein with your daily cup.

1) Hit your protein targets more easily

One of the main benefits of protein coffee is that it helps you meet your daily protein needs with minimal effort. Many people end up eating most of their protein in one big evening meal, which isn’t ideal.

In general, it’s smarter to spread protein intake across the day and adding protein to your morning (or mid-day) coffee is one of the easiest ways to do that.

2) Curb cravings and feel fuller for longer

Protein is the most filling macronutrient. It supports satiety hormones and reduces ghrelin (your hunger hormone). There’s also a small metabolic bonus: your body burns more calories digesting protein than it does digesting fats or carbs (known as the thermic effect of food).

Coffee can temporarily suppress appetite too, so protein coffee can be a strong combo for keeping mid-morning cravings at bay. That makes it easier to power through to your next meal without reaching for snacks.

Tip: If coffee on an empty stomach makes you feel jittery or leads to a crash later, adding protein can make the energy feel steadier.

3) Feel more switched on (without the rollercoaster)

Coffee brings the caffeine kick on its own, but pairing it with protein can help the boost feel smoother rather than a quick spike and crash.

Protein also provides amino acids that support neurotransmitters involved in mood, focus, and alertness — so you’re fuelling your brain for clearer thinking, not just a short-lived caffeine hit.

4) Make nutrition effortless with habit stacking

Protein coffee is convenient for busy routines because it’s classic “habit stacking” adding nutrition to something you already do every day.

Instead of creating a new routine or overhauling your eating habits, you’re turning your daily coffee into a protein-boosted drink. Low effort, high payoff.

Is Protein Coffee good for you?

Yes... when it’s made with a good plant-based blend, protein coffee can absolutely be good for you. It can help you hit your protein goals, keep you feeling fuller for longer, and even work well as a pre- or post-workout option.

Here’s what to look for in a high-quality plant-based protein coffee:

• A complete amino acid profile: choose a protein (or blend) that provides all nine essential amino acids. Plant blends like pea + rice are popular because they complement each other well.

• Nutritionally balanced: keep added sugars low and avoid unnecessary fillers.

• Gentle on digestion: if you’re sensitive, look for blends designed to be easy on the stomach.

Tip: Always check the label, some “healthy” protein coffees are basically sugar drinks with protein sprinkled in.

When’s the best time to drink Protein Coffee?

It depends on your schedule, but these are the most popular options:

• Morning – A satisfying kick-start that helps you stay on track until lunch

• Afternoon – Great for the post-lunch slump, especially if you usually reach for something sweet

The best time is the one you can stick to consistently — whether that’s with breakfast, mid-morning, pre-workout, or as a mid-afternoon boost.

Tip (fasting): Protein coffee does break a fast, because protein triggers digestion and an insulin response. But if your goal is simply delaying your first meal while managing hunger, it can still be a great tool.

Tip (cortisol/jitters): Caffeine naturally raises cortisol briefly, especially on an empty stomach. Having protein alongside coffee may help it feel less harsh for some people.

How to make Protein Coffee at home

You’ve got two options: DIY or ready-to-drink.

Option 1: DIY (coffee + plant protein)

Simply mix your usual coffee with a scoop of plant-based protein powder. It works with both hot and iced coffee — as long as you mix it well.

Tip for a smooth result:

Mix the protein with a small splash of cold water or plant milk first (make it smooth), then add your coffee. This prevents clumps and gives a more café-style texture.

Tip for hot coffee:

If your coffee is boiling hot, let it cool slightly before mixing — plant protein tends to blend better that way.

Option 2: Ready-to-drink (the easiest route)

If you don’t want to experiment in the kitchen, a ready-made blend keeps it effortless. You get a consistent taste and texture, plus the added benefit of protein — without trial and error.

And if your protein coffee already contains real coffee (not just flavouring), it usually tastes closer to an actual iced coffee like our Protein+ Caramel Macchiato with real coffee.