Tiffany Vargas
Fitness Trainer
NASM-CPT
If you’ve seen “protein coffee” popping up on café menus, you’re not imagining it—this simple combination of coffee and protein has become one of 2025’s biggest wellness trends. Starbucks recently launched a line of protein lattes and cold foam drinks, showing just how popular this concept has become.
But is adding protein to coffee actually good for you, or is it just another fitness fad? The truth lies somewhere in the middle. When made right, protein coffee can be a smart, science-backed way to boost energy, support recovery, and help you stay fuller longer.
Below, we break down the benefits of protein coffee, what to look for when choosing ingredients, and how to make it at home—complete with easy recipes, calorie counts, and macronutrient breakdowns.
What Is Protein Coffee?
Protein coffee is exactly what it sounds like—a mix of brewed coffee and a protein source such as a protein powder, ready-to-drink shake, or high-protein milk. It can be served hot or iced, blended or frothed, to your taste.
The idea is simple: combine the mental boost from caffeine with the nutritional benefits of protein to create a balanced, energizing drink. For many people, protein coffee is an easy way to get both focus and fuel in one cup—especially on busy mornings or post-workout.
4 Evidence-Based Benefits of Protein Coffee
1. Promotes Satiety and Controls Appetite
Unlike black coffee, which provides no calories or lasting fullness, protein coffee contains protein, which boosts satiety. Research consistently shows that dietary protein increases feelings of fullness and helps regulate hunger hormones like ghrelin (Mollahosseini et al., 2017).
That means if you tend to skip breakfast or crave snacks mid-morning, adding protein to coffee can help you stay satisfied longer and reduce unnecessary snacking later in the day.
2. Supports Muscle Recovery and Strength Maintenance
For early-morning exercisers, protein coffee can double as a convenient post-workout recovery drink. Studies show that consuming 20–30 grams of protein soon after training helps stimulate muscle protein synthesis—the process that repairs and builds lean muscle tissue (Moore et al., 2017).
Caffeine itself can enhance athletic performance and endurance when consumed before or after workouts. Pairing caffeine and protein doesn’t cancel out either benefit; in fact, research suggests they may complement each other (Yin et al., 2024).
3. Provides Smoother, Longer-Lasting Energy
Coffee alone can cause sharp energy spikes and crashes, especially if consumed on an empty stomach. Adding protein helps slow gastric emptying, moderating caffeine absorption and stabilizing blood sugar levels (Singer et al., 2016).
This results in steady energy and improved focus—without the mid-morning slump that sends you running for another cup.
4. May Support Metabolic Health
Protein has a higher thermic effect than fats or carbs, meaning your body burns more calories digesting it. Combined with caffeine, which naturally boosts metabolism and fat oxidation (aka fat burn), protein coffee may modestly boost total daily calorie burn (Hughes et al., 2017).
While it’s not a miracle fat burner, protein coffee is a small, evidence-supported way to stack metabolic benefits from two simple ingredients.
What to Look for in Protein Coffee
Not all protein coffees are created equal. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Watch added sugars: Some pre-mixed options contain up to 20 grams of added sugar. Choose unsweetened protein sources if you’re trying to manage your weight or blood sugar.
- Choose a complete protein: Whey, casein, and soy are all complete proteins that contain all the essential amino acids needed for recovery. Collagen may support skin and joint health, but it’s incomplete for muscle building.
- Start slow: If you’re new to protein powders, try half a serving to test digestive tolerance. Plant-based blends tend to be gentler for sensitive stomachs.
- Don’t skip real food: Protein coffee can be a smart addition to your diet, but it shouldn’t replace balanced meals rich in whole foods, fiber, and micronutrients.
3 Protein Coffee Recipes to Make at Home
You don’t need a fancy machine or expensive ingredients to make your own protein coffee. Below are three easy, customizable recipes—each with approximate calories and macronutrient content, plus plant-based variations. Keep in mind that the calorie count will vary based on the brands and % fat content of the milk you choose to use.
1. Hot Whipped Protein Coffee
A frothy, latte-style drink perfect for cozy mornings.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (240 mL) brewed coffee
- 1 scoop (25 g) whey or plant-based protein powder (vanilla or unflavored)
- 2–4 tbsp milk or milk alternative
- Optional: cinnamon or unsweetened cocoa
Instructions:
- Brew your coffee and let it cool slightly.
- Blend or froth with protein powder and milk until smooth and creamy.
- Top with cinnamon or cocoa.
Nutrition (Whey + 2% Milk):
- Calories: 150
- Protein: 25 g
- Carbs: 4 g
- Fat: 2 g
- Plant-Based Version (Pea or Soy + Almond Milk):
- Calories: 130
- Protein: 20–22 g
- Carbs: 3 g
- Fat: 3 g
2. Iced Protein Coffee (Shaker Method)
A refreshing, on-the-go version ideal for warm days or post-workout recovery.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cold brew or chilled brewed coffee
- 1 scoop protein powder
- 3–4 oz cold milk or water
- Ice
Instructions:
- Add all ingredients to a shaker bottle.
- Shake vigorously for 20 seconds.
- Pour over ice and enjoy immediately.
Nutrition (Whey Isolate + Oat Milk):
- Calories: 170
- Protein: 25 g
- Carbs: 7 g
- Fat: 3 g
- Plant-Based Version (Soy Protein + Almond Milk):
- Calories: 150
- Protein: 22 g
- Carbs: 5 g
- Fat: 4 g
3. Protein Cold-Foam Topping
For those who love café-style iced drinks with creamy foam.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup milk (dairy or unsweetened alternative)
- ½ scoop unflavored protein powder
- ½ tsp vanilla or caramel extract (optional)
Instructions:
- Froth ingredients until thick and foamy.
- Spoon over your favorite iced coffee.
Nutrition (Whey + 2% Milk):
- Calories: 80
- Protein: 12 g
- Carbs: 3 g
- Fat: 2 g
- Plant-Based Version (Pea Protein + Almond Milk):
- Calories: 70
- Protein: 10 g
- Carbs: 2 g
- Fat: 3 g
Can You Drink Protein Coffee Every Day?
Yes, when made mindfully, protein coffee can be a healthy part of your daily routine. One serving per day (providing 15–30 g of protein) can help meet your protein goals while improving energy and focus. If you’re caffeine-sensitive, try using half-caffeinated or decaf coffee. The protein benefits remain even without caffeine.
The Bottom Line
Protein coffee isn’t just a social media trend, it’s a practical, research-backed way to enhance your nutrition and energy in one cup. You get the mental boost of caffeine, the muscle-repairing power of protein, and the satisfaction of creating a drink tailored to your health goals.
Whether you’re a fitness lover, busy professional, or new parent trying to fuel your mornings, adding protein to coffee can be a simple daily upgrade. Skip the expensive coffee shop versions, make it at home, and enjoy knowing exactly what’s in your cup.
Add Your Name & Email
Please enter your name and email to continue.We won’t display your email publicly.