The Truth About Proffee

Protein and caffeine are two things that lots of people consider critical in their everyday lives. Both are a source of energy, with protein increasing levels of the YY peptide, which creates a feeling of fullness (via Healthline) and caffeine being a stimulant, keeping the body and mind alert (via American Academy of Sleep Medicine). As lots of people are incorporating these two items into their daily routines, we've seen the rising popularity of coffee protein shakes, cold brew protein oatmeal, and even protein tiramisu. The most popular addition to this trend is a TikTok recipe simply called "proffee," per VeryWellFit.

By all accounts, all you do is simply combine your favorite protein shake with your choice of coffee to achieve a tasty drink that is protein-packed and caffeine-filled all in one cup. However, like with most TikTok trends, proceed with caution. Before you hop onto the proffee bandwagon, here are a few things to know before you whip out that mason jar.

Of course, proffee can be a great post-workout treat. According to VeryWellFit, protein is responsible for rebuilding muscles after vigorous exercise, so drinking proffee is a great way to help you reach a healthy daily protein intake, especially if coffee is already a part of your normal routine. Furthermore, if you're using a flavored protein shake or powder, like chocolate or vanilla, your normal coffee's taste might also have some added pizzazz, along with containing more beneficial nutrients.

However, aside from the fact that protein supplements are often portrayed as a favorite amongst gym buffs and bodybuilders, there are some types out there that contain large amounts of added sugars, canceling out their healthy benefits.

Finding an unsweetened protein powder is probably ideal. Furthermore, protein shakes can also contain other artificial flavors and colors, which makes it especially important to read the ingredient labels.

Protein powders can often be purchased in bulk quantities for a reasonable price. In addition, there are a lot of options for dairy-free and vegan protein powders available at a health food store or online.

However, once the protein powder passes through the ingredients test, make sure that it will not clump when you blend it with your coffee. As proffee is often made by combining coffee with a dry powder, there is a possibility that your protein can sink to the bottom of the coffee or cause a chunky and unpleasant texture, according to Healthline. A ready-to-drink protein shake could also be used for more efficient mixing.

The best way to combat this, aside from buying a coffee frother, is to purchase a quality protein powder. According to Eat This, Not That, some popular protein powders for proffee recipes are made by BioTrust, RSP, and Vital Proteins.

We've discussed the importance of choosing the right protein supplement, but that's only half of what you need to make the perfect proffee. Choosing the right coffee is equally important to make your proffee taste delicious and healthy.

Using cold brew coffee as a base is very popular, as it is more ideal for protein powder to combine with. That being said, you can also use French press coffee or shots of espresso, according to Your Dream Coffee.

As stated before, the protein shake or powder that you're using may contain sugars and other flavors already, so using simple, unflavored coffee is recommended for this recipe. According to Insider, if you're on the go, you can easily head to your local Starbucks and just order a double espresso over ice in a venti cup, before adding in your desired protein shake. This is a quick, simple way to make proffee, but of course, you can experiment with different coffee varieties before you find one that meets your taste preference and nutritional needs.