Morning coffee upgrade: Simple protein hack for all-day fuel
Is coffee with protein healthy? (photo: Freepik)
Is protein coffee an energy superdrink or just marketing? This drink can give you both an energy boost and extra protein, but it also poses certain health risks, reports Health.
Benefits of adding protein to coffee
Increases protein intake
According to MedlinePlus, one of the main advantages is that protein helps meet your daily protein needs. The primary role of protein is to supply amino acids, the building blocks for maintaining, repairing, and healing body tissues, including bones, muscles, and skin.
Optimal protein intake ranges from 0.25 to 0.40 grams per kilogram of body weight.
Improves physical performance
Sports Medicine notes that consuming protein after exercise helps repair and strengthen muscles. Your need for protein increases when you exercise, as physical activity puts strain on the body. The optimal daily protein intake for most active people is 1.2-2 grams per kilogram of body weight.
More intense workouts require greater recovery—and that means more protein.
Studies also show that caffeine, a natural stimulant in coffee, can enhance workouts by improving muscle contraction and preventing fatigue.
Supports weight loss
Protein helps you feel full for longer, reducing hunger and calorie intake. Caffeine can also suppress appetite by lowering hunger hormone levels.
The body burns more calories breaking down protein than it does with fats and carbohydrates, which can slightly boost metabolism.
Main risks
Nutrients magazine emphasizes that protein should ideally be balanced with the other two essential macronutrients: fats and carbohydrates.
Consuming protein without enough of these nutrients forces the body to use protein as fuel rather than for muscle repair and growth.
The body also absorbs protein best when macronutrient intake is spread evenly throughout the day. For example, if you have protein coffee for breakfast, you don't need to combine it with eggs, Greek yogurt, or a protein shake.
How to add protein powder to coffee
Some people mix coffee with ready-made protein shakes containing up to 30 grams of protein per serving. Some people mix coffee with ready-made protein shakes that contain up to 30 grams per serving.
Do not add protein to boiling liquid, as it can coagulate and form clumps. The optimal coffee temperature is 60-70°C.
Protein powders with sweeteners or flavorings can alter the taste of coffee—and not always for the better. The combination of caffeine and protein isn’t harmful, but people sensitive to caffeine should be careful to avoid heart palpitations or tremors.
Choose high-protein plant-based milk to get your protein from plant sources.
