Protein is the wellness word of the moment. And with most women in the United States falling short of the recommended amount per day (you should aim for about 7 grams of protein for every 20 pounds of body weight), it’s time to start talking about easy ways to sneak a little more protein into our diets—like TikTok’s new morning treat, “proffee.”
A portmanteau of “protein” and “coffee,” the morning drink is exactly what you’d think: coffee spiked with protein powder. “Protein coffee can be a convenient way to boost protein intake, especially for people who struggle with eating in the morning,” says Valerie Agyeman, RDN, dietitian and host of women’s health podcast Flourish Heights. “It’s not a must-have, but can be an easy way to sneak in some extra protein while getting that caffeine boost we all know and love.”
My proffee experience came with a learning curve; not all protein powders-coffee combos are created equal (and some of them are downright disgusting). “The key is finding the right protein powder that doesn’t ruin the taste, because let’s be real, no one wants their coffee to taste chalky,” Agyeman counseled me, adding that if you’re plant-based, pea or soy-made protein powders are the way to go. “Always check the ingredients for any artificial sweeteners or sugar alcohols, as they can cause digestive discomfort in some people. Also, for anyone pregnant or dealing with specific health conditions, it’s important to check with your doctor before adding protein coffee to your routine—there’s a limit to how much caffeine is safe daily, and protein coffee can sneak up on you if you’re not careful.”
While I found that whipping protein powder into my coffee with a milk frother dramatically made a difference in the drink, in the end, “proffee” simply wasn’t something I could get into. The texture of my morning cortado made with already protein-packed whole milk? Divine. Adding something else to the mix? Not so much. I’ll just add a few more eggs to my breakfast.
