Proffee Power: Boost Muscle and Focus with Protein in Your Coffee
The Science Behind Protein Coffee: Does Adding Protein to Your Morning Brew Boost Benefits?
As a coach, I’ve seen firsthand how adding protein to coffee can transform results.
Many of my clients have used this strategy to support body transformations, improve body composition, and boost athletic performance.
Personally, I’ve made protein coffee part of my own daily routine because of its effectiveness.
Our Mind Performance Coffee contains protein for this very reason.
I’ve found it especially beneficial within a modified intermittent fasting diet, where preserving muscle mass is a top priority and can be harder to achieve with traditional fasting.
Protein coffee, often called "proffee," has become a rising trend among health conscious individuals, athletes, and busy professionals.
It promises the best of both worlds: the energy kick from caffeine and the nutritional boost of protein. But what does the science actually say about adding protein to coffee?
The Research on Protein + Coffee
While research is still limited, a few key studies give insight into the potential benefits of combining protein with your daily cup of coffee:
Anti-Inflammatory Effects
A recent laboratory study found that immune cells exposed to coffee polyphenols (antioxidants) combined with milk proteins were twice as effective at reducing inflammation compared to polyphenols alone. This suggests that pairing coffee with protein could enhance its health-promoting effects.
Protein-Enriched Coffee Safety
A small safety trial tested coffee enriched with whey protein, inulin, and dextrin over seven days. Participants consumed two cups daily, and the results showed that protein fortified coffee was safe to drink, with no reported adverse effects.
These findings highlight that protein and coffee can complement each other, potentially enhancing health benefits while remaining safe for everyday use.
What I Have Seen in The Field
I have studied functional medicine, sports nutrition, and applied those lessons to help athletes and clients achieve body transformation results.
I have also tested these principles on myself.
From measuring thousands of clients’ body fat and lean body mass, I have seen how protein added into coffee can be a convenient and effective way to improve lean muscle mass.
Incorporating it into nutrition programs, alongside whole food protein sources, has led to measurable increases in lean body mass. I also find that protein in coffee supports satiety and helps reduce cravings, making it easier for people to stay on track with their nutrition.
I personally drink Mind Performance Coffee in the morning daily and use it as a tool to support my energy, focus, cravings and body composition.
Benefits of Protein Coffee
Beyond the lab, nutrition experts highlight several practical benefits of adding protein to your coffee:
Convenience: A quick way to boost daily protein intake, especially for those who skip breakfast or are on the go.
Satiety and Weight Management: Protein helps curb hunger, while caffeine may increase metabolism, making this combo helpful for weight management.
Exercise Support: Having protein in coffee before or after training can aid muscle recovery and support strength goals.
Considerations and Potential Downsides
Of course, not all protein coffees are created equal. Here are some things to watch out for:
Texture Issues: Some protein powders clump in hot coffee. Blending or dissolving in cooler liquid first can help.
Calories and Additives: Some protein powders come with added sugar, sweeteners, or unnecessary fillers.
Digestive Concerns: People with dairy intolerance or sensitivities may experience discomfort with certain protein powders.
Not a Meal Replacement: While handy, protein coffee shouldn’t replace a balanced breakfast long-term.
Bottom Line
Protein coffee is more than just a social media trend. It has growing scientific backing. From boosting anti-inflammatory effects to supporting muscle recovery and satiety, adding protein to your morning brew can be both a practical and healthful choice. Just be mindful of the quality of your protein powder and remember that proffee works best as a supplement to, not a replacement for, balanced nutrition.
Takeaway: If you’re looking for a convenient, performance-boosting start to your day, adding protein to your coffee, or trying our Mind Performance Coffee blend, might just be the perfect upgrade.
Thanks for reading!
Michael Pritchatt
Owner & Founder of MPH Nutrition
About The Author
Michael is a Sports Nutritionist and Body Composition Coach with over a decade of experience helping athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and busy professionals achieve their performance and physique goals. With a background in both competitive sports and evidence-based nutrition, Michael specializes in creating practical strategies to improve energy, build muscle, lose fat, and perform at your best — in the gym and beyond.
