What’s Brewing With ‘Proffee’ - The Latest Protein Health Fad?

If you haven’t read, heard or seen all the emphasis on protein intake these days, you’ve clearly been living under a rock. Be it fitness influencers, nutrionists, gym instructors, and health food vloggers, everyone and their neighbours are talking about protein intake. It has quite literally become the health buzzword of the hour.

Don’t mind us as we get into a bit of food science here again, because if you didn’t already know, protein is an important building block in our body when it comes to muscles, bones, blood, cartilage and skin. It is a vital macronutrient that helps the body repair cells and also make new ones. Protein-rich meals help boost metabolism, which in turn can help burn more calories, not to mention that it also aids in the very significant job of muscle recovery.

Pour me a cuppa

Now, coming to proffee, a portmanteau of ‘protein’ and ‘coffee’, this is a drink made by blending protein powder with coffee, and is an offshoot of this health trend of protein loading. While the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) of protein for a healthy adult with minimal physical activity is currently 0.8g protein per kg of body weight per day, the fact is many are often unable to consume this in the form of meals. This is why many reach for protein powders post their exercise sessions as well; and proffee is just another convenient way to sneak some protein in. But why coffee and protein?

We spoke to integrative nutritionist and gut health coach, Payal Kothari, who is the founder of INUEN & Gutavatar and author of The Gut, to get her take on this buzzing new health fad. “Proffee is an interesting trend that merges two popular components of modern diets—coffee for energy and protein for muscle recovery. While it can be a convenient way to boost protein intake, it’s essential to choose high-quality ingredients (grass-fed) and be mindful of individual tolerance to caffeine and protein powders.”

The pros of proffee

Kothari shares that proffee can be beneficial for those looking for a quick, protein-packed energy boost. It can be great for active individuals, fitness enthusiasts, and busy professionals who struggle to meet their protein intake. “Proffee may support muscle repair, enhance satiety, and provide sustained energy without sugar crashes. Some of my clients have tried proffee, particularly those focused on fitness and weight management, and some of them love the energy boost and sustained fullness it offers,” she says. She adds that consuming proffee in the morning can replace a traditional breakfast for those who prefer a light yet protein-rich start, while pre-workout consumption provides both energy and muscle fuel.

Now, proffee can be had as a hot or cold/iced drink and can be made either as black coffee or a milk-based coffee, depending on your personal preference. While black coffee with protein powder will mean lesser calories, adding milk or a dairy alternative can create a creamier texture. In fact, some international brands are already doing premixes of proffee where protein is added to the coffee blend, and all you have to do is just mix the sachet with milk or water in a shaker bottle or blender.

The flip side

The truth is that while proffee works for some, it may not for others. Kothari shares that a portion of her clients have found that it upsets their digestion, especially if the protein powder contains artificial ingredients or dairy-based proteins that don’t suit them. “My advice is to take small quantities first like 80ml, if you are a beginner,” she says.

She also cautions that those sensitive to caffeine should avoid it in the afternoon or evening to prevent sleep disturbances. Potential side effects of proffee also include digestive issues (like bloating or discomfort from artificial ingredients in protein powders), caffeine jitters, acidity, and possible dependence on stimulants for energy.

Overconsumption of protein powders can also burden the kidneys in those with pre-existing conditions. Kothari clarifies, “People with caffeine sensitivity, acid reflux, or kidney issues (who need to moderate protein intake) should be cautious. Pregnant women and those with adrenal fatigue may also want to avoid the excessive caffeine that comes with proffee.”

Before you reach for that existing protein powder you have at home, hold on just a minute and read this. Kothari shares that not all protein powders mix well with coffee or hot liquids in particular. She says that while whey protein, collagen peptides, and some plant-based proteins blend smoothly, others may clump. So, it’s best to choose a high-quality, clean protein without artificial additives or excessive sweeteners. In short, it will take a little bit of experimenting to see what really works.

In place of proffee

If you’re not completely sold on this health trend, fret not. We asked Kothari for some other alternatives to this combination. “Instead of proffee, a well-balanced smoothie with whole food protein sources—like Greek yogurt, nuts, seeds, or plant-based proteins—offers a more nutrient-dense option.” She points out that a wholesome breakfast with eggs, nuts, or dal chilla can also provide sustained energy without the potential downsides of coffee and processed protein powders.

But we’ve got to admit, the idea of proffee is so smart and just a really convenient way to include more protein in our diets. So, could there be other sneaky ways like this to include protein in our meals, we wonder? “Absolutely!” says Kothari, “You can increase protein intake by adding hemp seeds, chia seeds, or nut butter to smoothies, incorporating dal or paneer (cottage cheese) into meals, making high-protein pancakes or chillas, and using Greek yogurt instead of regular curd. Even swaps like replacing rice with quinoa or adding sprouts to salads can significantly boost protein intake.”

“While proffee can be a quick and convenient option, it shouldn’t replace real, whole foods,” she advises. “The key is to listen to your body—if it works for you, enjoy it mindfully. But if it causes digestive discomfort, acidity, or dependency on caffeine, it’s worth exploring other wholesome protein-rich options. Always prioritise clean ingredients and a well-balanced diet over quick trends,” Kothari signs off.

Well, it’s time to wake up and smell the coffee, or…proffee, if you please!