What is proffee and why is it trending in 2025?

By now, chances are you’ve already heard of proffee but may not realize it. Proffee is a portmanteau term that combines “protein with coffee.” While it’s unclear who first coined this term, “proffee” began floating around social media in 2021. This year, the protein coffee or “proffee” trend seems to have resurfaced, though many brands aren’t using the exact term.

I’ve seen many coffee products emerge lately, such as Chike’s protein coffee packets, which combine protein and coffee into one drink. But what’s the appeal of consuming protein and coffee together? What are the pros and cons of mixing protein powder into your coffee? Here’s everything you need to know about consuming proffee.

What is proffee?

Though an official term, proffee refers to any combination of coffee with protein powder. Many people (and brands) call it protein coffee. While the original trend was first shown mixing protein powder into cold brew coffee, protein coffee has now evolved to include any coffee and protein combination.

While you can add protein powder to hot coffee, you’ll want to be mindful of how hot your coffee is. Adding protein powder to very hot coffee may cause the protein to slightly denature (partially unfolding due to the exposure to heat). Let your coffee cool, or leave it at room temperature before adding protein powder to avoid this.

Pros and cons of consuming proffee

Adding protein powder to coffee offers several advantages and disadvantages to consider. As with any coffee beverage, consumption in moderation is essential.

Pros

Perhaps the most obvious advantage that comes to mind is that proffee could make it easier to reach your daily protein goals. Rather than having to consume two drinks, adding protein to your morning coffee kills two birds with one stone. Getting enough protein into your diet is essential for everyone but is especially important for those on weight loss or a muscle-building journey. The benefits of protein for health and fitness are endless, from supporting enhanced muscle recovery to keeping you feeling full for longer. If you struggle to reach your protein goals with food alone, adding “hidden” protein into your coffee could help.

Adding protein powder to your coffee could also help you reduce your caloric intake coming from coffee. For those who add lots of cream and sugar to coffee, replacing these mix-ins with a healthy protein powder can help you cut calories. Again, this may be a helpful tool to help support you on a health and fitness journey. As Barista Jenna shows in her TikTok video, she shows her hack on how to bring protein powder packets into coffee shops to make your coffee on the go. Single-serving protein powder packets make it really easy to make this drink at any coffee shop and support small businesses in your area. Pre-made options like Javy’s Protein Coffee packets are also an easy option for travel.

Cons

When adding protein powder to coffee, it’s super important to pay attention to the quality of your protein powder. Many protein powders on the market contain added ingredients, so be mindful to choose a clean, limited-ingredient protein powder. Additionally, if you’re sensitive to caffeine, consuming protein coffee could leave you with anxiety or jitters. You can make your proffee with decaf or half-caff coffee to moderate caffeine consumption.

Consuming coffee is a great way to get your protein in; it shouldn’t be used as a meal replacement. Protein powders do not contain all the nutrients your body needs to thrive. Protein powder and coffee can be used to reach your daily macro goals but should be consumed in addition to well-rounded, balanced meals.

How to make cold brew proffee

Making coffee is so easy; it doesn’t even require a recipe. To make the original cold brew, add a scoop of your favorite protein powder to cold brew coffee and add milk, if desired. The exact ratio of coffee to use depends on your protein goals and preferences, but I recommend starting slowly and adding more protein powder as needed. Some recipes also use protein milk or pre-made protein shakes instead of protein powder.

To make the coffee taste even better, consider adding other “mix-ins” that you’d typically add to your coffee. For example, a dash of cinnamon, vanilla, or a splash of cream or milk can improve the taste of your proffee. To help you get started, here are the basics of how to make coffee at home.

Ingredients

• 6 to 8 ounces of cold brew coffee (or iced coffee, for a lighter taste)
• 1 scoop of protein powder of choice
• 1/4 cup milk of choice (optional)

Method

1. Add protein powder and milk to cold brew coffee.
2. Add ice to glass, if desired.
3. Use a milk frother or a hand whisk to blend well.
4. Mix until thoroughly mixed and no clumps of protein powder remain.
5. Sip and enjoy.