What Happens When You Add Coffee to Your Protein Shake

Protein coffee, sometimes called proffee, is a combination of coffee with protein powder or ready-made protein shakes. While a convenient way to get an energy boost while getting in some of your daily protein, combining them is no more beneficial than consuming them separately.

Benefits of Mixing Coffee With Your Protein Shake

The combination won’t necessarily provide additional health benefits compared to consuming both beverages separately, but it will still offer the benefits of each.

Pros of Protein Drinks

Using protein powder or consuming a protein drink can help you meet your body’s protein needs, especially if you’re unable to meet these requirements through food alone. Protein is important for:

• Supporting bodily processes: Protein is needed for the proper functioning of the immune system, heart, brain, skin, and muscles.
• Muscle preservation and growth: Protein helps maintain muscle mass and support muscle growth and repair after exercise.
• Energy and satiety: Protein may sustain energy and help you feel full for longer.

Pros of Coffee

Typically, the amount of coffee intake associated with health benefits is about 400 milligrams (mg) per day (three to five 8-oz cups), though the amount varies by study and by effect.

What you add to coffee makes a difference, too. Adding large amounts of cream, sugar, and other similar ingredients may offset some of the benefits of black coffee.

When consumed in moderation, coffee has several potential benefits, including:

• Nutrients and antioxidants: Coffee provides nutrients such as vitamin B3, magnesium, potassium, and polyphenols (antioxidants from plants).
• Reduced risk of disease: Drinking coffee may reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. It may lower the risk of some cancers, although coffee has not been associated with an overall cancer risk reduction. It also has metabolic benefits, such as reduced risk of type 2 diabetes and gallstones.
• Cognitive benefits: Coffee may lead to increased alertness and attention. It may also reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.
• Mood: Coffee may improve mood and reduce the risk of depression.
• Inflammation: It has anti-inflammatory effects.
• Liver health: Drinking coffee may improve liver health.

Drawbacks of Mixing Coffee With Your Protein Shake

Both coffee and protein powder can have negative effects, especially when consumed in excess, so be mindful of how much you consume of each.

Cons of Proteins Drinks

Some negatives to consider with protein powders or ready-made protein drinks include:

• Added ingredients: They may contain sugars, additives, preservatives, and other substances, depending on the product. Some protein powders may also contain ingredients that are unsafe for pregnant people, such as ginkgo or papain.
• Lack of regulation: Protein powder is classified as a dietary supplement and is not strictly regulated, so some may contain contaminants such as pesticides, toxic substances, or unsafe levels of heavy metals.
• Potential side effects: Protein powders may cause stomach issues, particularly if you have difficulty digesting lactose and consume milk-based protein powder.
• Lack of nutritional balance: Some protein powders contain much more protein than is needed, and many lack nutrients like essential vitamins, minerals, or healthy fats.
• Risk of overconsumption: Getting too much protein can strain the kidneys, particularly for those with kidney conditions.

Consult your healthcare provider before using protein powder, especially if you are pregnant, have a medical condition, or plan to use it as a meal replacement.

Cons of Drinking Coffee

Coffee typically contains caffeine. Caffeine, especially in high doses or for those who are sensitive to it, may have negative effects such as:

• Feeling jittery
• Difficulty sleeping
• Anxiety
• Increased heart rate
• Increased blood pressure
• Stomach irritation, heartburn, or acid reflux
• Decreased calcium absorption
• Increased urination
• Headache

Other potential downsides of coffee include:

• Pregnancy considerations: People who are pregnant should talk to their healthcare provider about how much caffeine is safe for them to consume, as caffeine can have effects on the fetus.
• Caffeine withdrawal: Abruptly stopping caffeine after regular use can have withdrawal symptoms such as headache, low mood, or fatigue lasting up to a few days.
• Effects of certain brewing methods: Unfiltered coffee (such as Turkish coffee and French press) contains diterpenes, a substance that can raise triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein (LDL, or “bad”) cholesterol.
• Interactions: Caffeine can interfere with some medications and supplements and may worsen some health conditions. Consult with your healthcare provider to determine if avoiding or limiting caffeine is recommended for you.

How to Prepare a Protein Coffee Drink

• If the protein drink is already in liquid form, it can be mixed with hot or cold coffee as is.
• You can also mix protein powder directly into iced coffee.
• For hot coffee, it’s best to mix the protein powder with a bit of warm water first, then add it to the hot coffee to prevent it from becoming congealed or clumpy.