This 3-ingredient "proffee" protein coffee recipe is a healthy spin on a traditional latte. Customize with any protein powder of your choice. Instructions on how to make proffee for both hot and iced coffee.
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This post was first published on January 11, 2022. It was updated on June 17, 2024 to include new photos and helpful tips.
What is proffee?
"Proffee" is a term coined for protein coffee. It's exactly how it sounds-the idea of putting protein powder in coffee.
This trend really took off on TikTok with all types of proffee like hot lattes, collagen coffee, or protein iced coffee.
Is coffee with protein powder healthy?
If you're craving a creamy hot or iced latte without all the sugar, this is the recipe for you. This is definitely a healthier option than a flavored latte which averages about 35 grams of sugar. Instead this proffee packs in 10 grams of protein and little to no added sugar. This proffee recipe is also low in calories with just 70 calories per cup.
Protein is an important nutrient that helps us feel fuller longer. In fact, research shows those who follow a moderate to high protein diet may have greater weight loss.
Coffee also has health benefits. Recent research found those who consistently drank 1-2 cups of coffee per day had lower rates of cognitive impairment compared with those who rarely drank coffee.
What protein powder should I use?
Like all of my other recipes, this proffee recipe is completely customizable. You get to choose what protein powder you want to use. This means you can easily choose one that's vegan or lactose-free if needed. You can also use a collagen peptides powder.
When looking for a protein powder, I recommend choosing one with little to no added sugar and quality ingredients. For this recipe, stay away from any fruity flavors of protein powder-trust me they don't taste good with coffee. Instead, stick with ones like vanilla, chocolate, caramel, or other flavors you commonly see at your local cafe.
Can I use egg white protein powder?
Unfortunately, egg white protein powder doesn't work well in this hot coffee mix. Egg whites can clump or even cook slightly when mixed with hot liquids. Instead, opt for whey, casein, or plant-based protein powders that blend smoothly in hot drinks.
Here are some of my favorites:
- Naked Nutrition - These powder typically contain only 1 to 3 high quality ingredients. Plus, they have options for all dietary preferences including tons of vegan powders.
- Designer Protein - These powders contain 23 essential vitamins and minerals for health.
- Pure Protein - Their vanilla cream flavor is super delicious and low in sugar.
- Clean Simple Eats Protein Powder and/or Collagen - They have tons of delicious flavors and these powders easily mix into this protein coffee. I often use their Simply Vanilla as a go-to option!
- Further Foods Collagen - This collagen powder is unflavored but also comes in vanilla, chocolate, and hazelnut.
Can I use a store bought protein shake instead of protein powder?
On TikTok, you'll often see people stirring protein shakes like Premier Protein into their proffee. While I haven't tested this out a ton, you can probably get away with mixing 6 ounces of a protein shake with 6 ounces of coffee.
Is this coffee sweet?
Depending on the protein you use for your proffee, you may need to adjust the sweetness. I typically use a vanilla protein powder and find that it's sweet enough and tastes just like a vanilla latte!
However, if you are using a less sweet or unflavored powder, you'll probably want to stir in a bit of sweetener like stevia or monkfruit with the protein powder.
How to make protein coffee with protein powder
This recipe is SO easy to make and requires just 3 ingredients. If you're a visual learner like me, watch the step-by-step video below in the recipe card. You can also see it in action on this Google Web Story. Let's break it down for both hot and iced.
How to make hot protein coffee
- Mix together the powder and milk: In a coffee mug, combine 3 tablespoons of protein powder and ¼ cup of milk. Use a milk frother to whisk until smooth and frothy.
- Add coffee: Pour 6 ounces of hot brewed coffee over the mixture while stirring continuously.
How to make iced protein coffee
- Mix together the powder and milk: In a tall glass, combine 3 tablespoons of protein powder and ¼ cup of milk. Use a milk frother to whisk until smooth and frothy.
- Add coffee: Pour 6 ounces of cold brew coffee over the mixture while stirring continuously. Then, top with ice. I've tested this recipe with cold brew, but I'm you could swap to iced coffee as well. Cold brew is pretty strong, so swapping for iced coffee is a good option if you want it to be less strong.
And that's it! Making proffee is really just as simple as whisking protein powder in coffee!
Cold brew vs iced coffee
Cold brew coffee is made by steeping coffee grounds in cold water for 12-24 hours. It tends to have higher amounts of caffeine but is less acidic than iced coffee. Iced coffee on the other hand is hot brewed coffee that has been cooled down and served over ice.
Whether you prefer the milder taste of cold brew or the stronger flavor of iced coffee, either option provides a delicious base for your protein coffee.
You can even buy ready-to-go iced or cold brew coffee, or you can opt to make your own.
Here are some of my favorite coffee finds:
- Starbucks Unsweetened Iced Coffee - Delicious and buying unsweetened allows you to sweeten to your liking.
- Wandering Bear Cold Brew Coffee - Ready-to-go and extra strong. Just note: it has 150mg caffeine per 6 ounce serving!
- Takeya Cold Brew Coffee Maker - I'm not lying when I say I have this in my fridge at ALL TIMES. It's super easy to use-just add coffee grounds to the filter and steep for 24 hours before removing the grounds. Then you have homemade, inexpensive cold brew concentrate.
What if I don't have a milk frother?
If you don't have a milk frother, you can vigorously stir with a spoon or fork. It just won't be quite as frothy and may leave some clumps. I know it's kind of a hassle, but you could also blend it a blender to make it frothy!
Tips and tricks
This recipe can be a starting point, but then you can tweak it. If you find that your coffee is too strong or too weak after making it, here's what to do.
- If Your Coffee is Too Strong: Dilute with more milk or ice. You could even add a couple tablespoons of your favorite creamer.
- If Your Coffee is Too Weak: Add a bit extra coffee into the mixture.
What should I eat with my protein powder coffee?
As a dietitian, I'm a big advocate of breakfast… even if it's just something small. While this coffee contains some calories and protein, I would recommend pairing it with something else. Try a creamy smoothie bowl, mason jar overnight oats, or make ahead energy bites. I even love these caramel protein balls as a fun pairing!
You know I'm all about balance too. So if you're craving you're protein coffee with something more indulgent like a croissant or biscotti, go for it! Just practice mindful eating tactics by limiting distractions and really savoring each bite and sip.
Can I make this proffee ahead of time?
Sort of! You can froth together the protein powder and milk then store in the fridge the night before. When you're ready to drink in the morning, simply add your coffee and give it a good stir!
Need more hands-on help with recipes?
This proffee recipe is one I recommend all the time to my 1:1 coaching clients. In my coaching + cooking program, I help busy people with beginner cooking knowledge become confident in the kitchen. Click here to learn more about this virtual program with myself, a registered dietitian nutritionist!
How to Make Proffee (Protein Coffee)
Recommended Products
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons (weighs ~15 grams) protein powder of your choice* (I recommend using a flavor that pairs well with coffee like vanilla or chocolate. Feel free to use any type of protein powder such as whey, pea, or soy. You can also use collagen powder. The only protein powder I would NOT recommend using is egg white protein powder as it can clump up in hot liquids.)
- ¼ cup milk of your choice (dairy milk, almond milk, soy milk, oat milk, etc.)
- 6 ounces fresh brewed hot coffee or cold brew coffee (see recommended products above)
Instructions
How to Make Hot Protein Coffee:
- To a coffee mug, add protein powder and milk. Use a milk frother to whisk until no clumps are remaining and the mixture is frothy.
- While continuing to stir, pour over hot brewed coffee.
How to Make Iced Protein Coffee:
- To a tall glass, add protein powder and milk. Use a milk frother to whisk until no clumps are remaining and the mixture is frothy.
- While continuing to stir, pour over cold brew coffee. Then, top with ice.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Try these other recipes using protein powder:
- Protein Mug Cake
- Collagen Banana Bread
- Salted Caramel Protein Bites
- Protein Pancakes
- Cookie Dough made with protein powder
save this vanilla protein coffee recipe on pinterest:
Jo-Anne Ehritz says
I made this using my Keurig. I used one coffee pod, I put 3 tbsp of vanilla flavored Protein Powder in an oversize coffee cup, I added some hot water n mixed it to make the powder into a creamy pancake texture, I brewed a kcup of coffee into it. Mixed well then added 1/4 cup of soy milk and mixed it again. OMG heaven in a cup.
Mackenzie Burgess says
Hi there! This sounds AMAZING! I'm sure the soy milk gave it that extra creaminess. Glad you were able to try it out and hope you'll enjoy some more protein coffees soon! ~Mackenzie
Angela Anderson says
I made this recipe using 3 tablespoons Whey Vanilla Ice Cream flavor and 3 tablespoons Core Power Elite Vanilla milk and it was delicious. However, the recipe says 3 tablespoons (~15 grams) and I think 3 tablespoons is more like 30 grams of protein powder. Which do you mean for us to use?
Mackenzie Burgess says
Hi Angela! Thanks for the comment – when I weigh out 3 tablespoons of protein powder this generally weighs about 15 to 17 grams. It may weigh a little more depending on the density of the protein powder you use. But in general, 3 tablespoons of protein powder per coffee is a good amount to use without it being overpowering! Hope this helps!
~Mackenzie
Nijmegen says
Will the frother actually mix the protein powder in? I've put off buying one but I had to switch back to collagen powder in my coffee because the protein powder made the texture so lumpy I was forcing myself to drink it.
Mackenzie Burgess, RDN says
Hi there! YES! I consider the milk frother a must-have for this recipe. It really does make it frothy and keeps it from getting lumpy. Hope you get a chance to try this recipe. ~Mackenzie
Carol Chong says
When making protein coffee does the milk have to be warm or cold when mixing protein powder with milk before adding hot brewed coffee
Mackenzie Burgess, RDN says
Hi Carol! Generally it's best if you mix the protein powder with warm milk so it blends together easier! Hope that helps. ~Mackenzie