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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Table of Contents
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 protein coffee 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. 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 and stick with ones like vanilla, chocolate, caramel, or other flavors that would pair well in coffee.
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 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 may want to stir in a bit of sweetener like stevia, monkfruit, or Purecane with the protein powder.
How to make proffee:
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.
- Mix together the powder and milk. If you don’t have a milk frother, you can vigorously stir with a spoon. It just won’t be quite as frothy.
- Add over your hot or cold coffee. I tested this recipe with cold brew but I’m sure iced coffee would work just fine too.
That’s it! Making proffee is really just as simple as whisking protein powder in coffee!
What should I eat with my protein 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!
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How to Make Proffee (Protein Coffee)
Recommended Products
- Lower Calorie Vanilla Protein Powder
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. )
- 1/4 cup milk of your choice (dairy milk, almond milk, soy milk, oat milk, etc.)
- 6 ounces fresh brewed hot coffee or cold brew coffee
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:
save this protein coffee recipe on pinterest:
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.
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
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?
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