Protein Coffee: What is it and why is it so popular?

In the UK, functional coffee is gaining in popularity. From collagen coffee to coffee made with functional mushrooms, coffee lovers are elevating their espressos and unlocking benefits beyond the simple caffeine fix.

Which brings us to Proffee, the protein coffee wellness trend that has taken off on TikTok. With searches for protein coffee rising, we can't deny that protein-based coffees are popular, but is adding protein to your coffee actually good for you? Jo Woodhurst, Ancient + Brave’s Director of Nutrition, explores the evidence.

What is Proffee, and why is it so popular? 

Proffee is an iced coffee drink that’s made with protein, often a pre-made protein shake. Convenient, tasty and easy to make, one reason Proffee is so popular as a wellbeing ritual is that it helps you to achieve two goals in one: getting your caffeine fix and upping your protein intake. 

Proffee benefits: Is adding protein to coffee good for you?

While Proffee won’t replace the benefits of a balanced, nutritious breakfast, it can be a delicious way to get a little extra protein into your day. 

An essential macronutrient, protein is found in every cell in our body. Consuming it not only helps keep us feeling satiated, but it also supports muscle, blood sugar balance and hormone health. 

Many of us underestimate our body’s daily protein needs, so enriching our diet with a high-quality protein powder coffee can help some people to bridge this gap. Just be mindful that not all protein powders are created equal, and some protein shakes and protein powders can contain high levels of fillers, flavourings and sugars. More about that later.

The coffee used in Proffee can also offer plenty of perks when a high-quality one is chosen, and it’s consumed in moderate amounts. A rich source of antioxidants (which help to protect your body’s cells from damage), coffee also helps to keep you feeling alert, energised and focused. 

Protein coffee combinations: How to make Proffee at home

Making your Proffee at home is easy to do, simply mix coffee and your chosen milk and protein and pour over ice. 

While lots of people make their proffee with a protein powder, you can also use collagen powder or a plant protein.

We also consider our Coffee + Collagen blend to be a great ready-made Proffee ingredient. Simply brew it and pour it over your choice of milk and ice, as the protein from the collagen is already combined in the blend alongside Ashwagandha, cacao, baobab and gut-supportive prebiotics from chicory root. 

Collagen powder vs protein powder: What’s best for Proffee?

Whether you decide to make your Proffee with collagen powder or protein powder is entirely up to you. To help you decide which is best for you, we’ve created a handy Proffee protein comparison chart.

Both protein powder and collagen provide a functional addition to coffee. If you have sensitive digestion and find protein powder heavier to digest, choose to make your Proffee with collagen. 

Hydrolysed Collagen, such as True Collagen and Wild Collagen, both make great additions to Proffee as they are easily digested and dissolve with ease. Plus, they are neutral-tasting and rich in amino which may help to support your gut barrier. Pair them with a protein-rich plant milk to help you reach your daily protein needs.

Alternatively, if you want to pack in the protein and prefer a sweeter taste, choose a high-quality protein powder for your Proffee. 

Brave Ancestral Protein is our nutrient-dense protein powder made with raw cacao, collagen peptides and provides 22g of protein per serving. Crafted using Actazin green kiwi enzymes that break down protein, this is a great Proffee protein choice for those who want to top up their daily protein intake without the digestive strain. 

Are there any downsides to Proffee?

Unfortunately, yes. While we’re not here to demonise any foods, it is always worth checking that what you’re putting into your Proffee and understanding exactly what’s in the ingredients list. 

Additives: Some of the most popular Proffee recipes feature high-sugar toppings, including syrups and whipped cream or chocolate. Low-quality protein powders can also be high in sugar and artificial flavourings.

Dairy: Proffees are often made with milk, which can be difficult for some people to digest. For those who are using dairy, you may want to consider organic, full-fat varieties. For plant milks, be aware that added gums, industrial seed oils, stabilisers and acidity regulators, especially dipotassium phosphate, are often included, which can play havoc on our gut health if consumed regularly.

Protein: And then there’s the protein itself. Whether using collagen or protein powders, quality is key here. Pre-made protein shakes can contain gums, artificial sweeteners and other filler additives, so consider making your Proffee with a high-quality protein powder.

How make protein coffee at home:

Try our Ancient + Brave take on the Proffee trend.

Ingredients:

• 1 x  shot of espresso

• 1 x scoop of either Cacao + Collagen, True Collagen, Brave Ancestral Protein or Wild Collagen 

• 60ml of milk of your choosing 

• 1 x cup of ice

Method: 

Mix the powder with a little cold milk to make a paste. Then, brew your coffee and combine it with the milk and protein. Finally, add the ice and blend, adding a little more milk if you prefer a creamier taste. Pour and enjoy!