Can You Mix Protein with Coffee? Tips for the Best Protein Coffee

Protein, Caffeine, & Coffee: Can You Mix Protein and Coffee? Here's What to Know!

The caffeine in coffee can give you a remarkable energy boost. Simultaneously, protein is an essential component of vibrancy, building muscle, and healthy function in your daily life. So can you mix protein and coffee to make the ultimate energy-boosting drink? Does the combo of coffee and protein offer health advantages? In this guide, we will cover it all! 

Is it OK to mix protein with coffee?

Yes, it is definitely okay to add protein to your coffee. In fact, if you drink lattes with 2% milk, you can expect to get about 8 grams of protein per cup. Flavored coffee can also be a great way to mask the flavors of protein powders without adding unnecessary calories in black coffee. Adding more protein to your coffee with protein shakes and powders can also be an excellent way to avoid the use of excessive sugar or creamers. 

Many protein powders already have a sweet and creamy taste! If you mix coffee with protein powder or a pre-made protein shake-type drink, you can get the energy benefits of caffeine as well as protein in one easy step. 

With this in mind, you shouldn't be drinking coffee with every serving of protein, as coffee contains caffeine, which as a stimulant, should always be enjoyed in moderation. Consumption of 200 mg of caffeine daily is considered safe for most healthy adults. 

Pro Tip: opt for a Medium or Light Roast to ensure that excessive tannins from coffee do not interfere with the bioavailability of the protein you add. 

What protein shakes go with coffee?

There are plenty of different protein powders and shakes that complement the flavors of coffee surprisingly well. Some of the best protein shakes or powders that go with coffee include chocolate, vanilla, or caramel-flavored variations. 

Protein powders and shakes usually contain anywhere from 20 to 40 grams of protein. So, select a protein powder or drink that helps you achieve your daily protein consumption goals. Here are a few different types of protein powders and drinks that are known to go well with coffee: 

• Collagen peptide mixes
• Muscle Milk (shakes and powder)
• Ka’Chava All-in-One 
• Clean Simple Protein Powder (eggnog flavor) 
• Level-1 Nutritional Powder 
• Naked Vanilla Latte Protein Coffee

Is protein coffee any good?

Yes! It can be if you make it yourself to suit your unique tastes. Protein powders can go very well with the taste of coffee. Adding protein shakes or protein powders to your morning coffee can be a great way to get an added protein boost if you don't like eating cheese, meat, or eggs first thing in the morning. 

Starting your day off with 30 g of protein and 30 minutes of cardio can be beneficial for weight loss and overall health. Some people add protein shakes or protein powders to their coffee simply because they don't have enough time to cook a meal before heading to work or hitting the gym.

Does caffeine block protein absorption? No, and it may actually help.

No, caffeine does not block protein absorption. According to an article from Medicine.net, when you add protein powders to your coffee, the heat from coffee can denature the protein just enough to improve digestion, promote weight loss, and ensure that certain nutrients are absorbed into your body more rapidly.

Adding protein to your coffee can have benefits like:

• Improving Your Exercise Performance
• Promoting Weight Loss by Reducing Carbohydrates
• Help You Meet Your Daily Protein Needs 
• Improve Cognitive Function 
• Enjoy a Healthier Flavor Boost 

Does a protein shake taste good in coffee?

While this will depend on your unique flavor preferences and palette, many people feel that protein shakes taste great when added to coffee! One great way to do this is to prepare two shots of espresso in a 20 oz cup over ice. Then, add a full protein shake to the coffee and stir. This makes a delicious iced protein coffee drink! You can also dilute the drink slightly with 2% milk or a shot of espresso. You may also want to add other flavors, use flavored coffee, or drop in some vanilla extract. Mix and match ingredients until the flavor is to your liking!

Protein Coffee for Workouts and Weight Loss

You can easily make a protein drink using coffee to help improve your muscle building, weight loss, and health results. Instead of creamer, syrups, or sugars, add a scoop of flavored protein powder or a protein shake to the coffee you are already drinking for an array of benefits! 

Let's go over a few ways that you can easily make protein coffee drinks for weight loss, workouts, and a healthier lifestyle overall! 

Why Protein is Essential and How Much Protein is Needed Daily 

Protein is an essential part of a healthy diet. proteins are made up of chemicals that work together as building blocks known as Amino acids. your body implements these amino acids to repair muscles, build muscles, strength, and bones, create hormones, and more. Protein is also an important energy source. If you are trying to build muscle or get in shape, some experts even recommend consuming 1 gram of protein per pound of body weight every day. Other leading health sources recommend making protein intake approximately 30% of your daily calorie intake for optimal weight loss.

Can you drink coffee before working out? 

Absolutely! Drinking coffee before working out can give you a noticeable energy boost. Just be sure that you are getting enough protein, electrolytes, vitamins, minerals, and nutrients as well. It is also important to stay hydrated before and after working out by drinking water. 

Caffeine Before the Gym: Here's What to Know

Consuming caffeine before you go work out at the gym can be a great way to improve your performance. However, you should keep things in balance and moderation. Healthy adults should not consume more than 400 mg of caffeine each day. 

Tips for Drinking Coffee Before Hitting the Gym for Hydration

Hydration is about more than just drinking water or coffee. You should also be eating a balanced diet. If your stomach is empty, staying hydrated may be more difficult. So, eat a light meal with plenty of protein before enjoying your coffee and/or hitting the gym. If you aren't hungry enough to eat a light protein-packed meal, consider adding protein powder or a protein shake to your coffee before working out. This allows you to get the benefits of protein and coffee all at once! After your workout, be sure to get enough water, vitamins, minerals, and nutrients as well for a healthy and balanced approach. 

Does coffee block protein absorption?

No, coffee does not block protein absorption in general, but there are some caveats to be aware of. While the heat of the coffee may denature protein and make it easier to absorb, there are certain absorption blockers to be on the lookout for. Similarly to how some antacids, proton pump inhibitors and H₂ blockers, can interfere with protein digestion, tannins (which may be found in strong dark coffee and black tea) can impact protein digestion. Darker roasts are thought to have more tannins, so if you are mixing coffee with protein, opt for a medium or light roast to prevent interference from excessive tannins, in terms of actual protein digestion.

What coffee goes best with protein drinks?

Many kinds of coffee can go well with protein mixes. However, this flavored coffee from One Great Coffee is a top-rated option. Not only is it made with 100% pure Arabica coffee beans, but it comes freshly roasted in an array of delicious flavors that complement all sorts of protein powder mixes and pre-made shakes.

*Disclaimer: This article offers general information and discussions about health-related subjects. The information and other content provided in this article, blog, website, or in any linked materials are not intended and should not be regarded, or used as a replacement for, medical advice or treatment. This blog does not constitute healthcare advice. If you or any other person has a medical concern, you should consult with your healthcare provider.