In a nutshell, because it’s easy to do. 

There’s no real benefit to combining coffee and protein supplements, at least for most coffee lovers. The only exceptions? Those who experience acid reflux after enjoying a cup of coffee may find that the supplements (which are usually alkaline) counter the acidity of coffee.

However, protein powder must be mixed with something, and putting it into a morning cup of coffee is a simple way to get the job done. Or so it would seem.

Here’s the problem. Powders like collagen powder aren’t water-soluble. Even those that are may not mix easily with coffee or other liquids, so you may end up with more of a clumpy mess than a delicious cup of joe. Putting the coffee and protein powder into a blender and turning it into a foamy, delicious beverage is the best way to get the job done.

Unless you like milkshakes.

Protein shakes have become an important segment of the supplement market, and TikTokers who have popularized “proffee” often make it by blending their coffee with one of those shakes. That’s understandable.

Admittedly, not all protein shakes taste great. Many of them do, though, and blending them with coffee can be a win-win, combining caffeine, protein, and extra flavor (especially if that flavor is chocolate!) in a beverage with a creamier texture.

A coffee protein shake provides a fast pick-me-up and the longer-term energy benefits of a protein supplement. The benefits are even greater if you’re about to work out.

It’s easy to make “proffee” with a packaged protein shake by simply blending the shake with your favorite type of coffee.

But making your own shake from scratch lets you choose your favorite ingredients and flavors – along with other nutrients you might want to add.

Here are some of our favorite recipes.

These shakes can be much more than their name implies.

A straightforward milkshake with coffee and protein powder blended in sounds great. But why stop there? You can turn them into drinks that Starbucks would be happy to serve, delicious fruit-and-coffee protein smoothies, or supercharged glasses of protein-laden ingredients.

This is just a sample of the many coffee protein shake recipes (and smoothie recipes) you can create with just a few minutes of prep time. The total time for completing each recipe is less than five minutes. Most make two eight-ounce serving sizes.

The majority of coffee protein shakes will be gluten-free, but look for certification on the protein powder package to be sure. For a dairy-free shake, use a plant-based protein powder. And you can look for powders with added vitamin A, vitamin C, or essential minerals if you want to get extra nutrients from a healthy coffee protein shake.

To add texture (and extra protein), simply mix in chia seeds or ground cashews. 

Simple Mocha Protein Shake (courtesy of omnivorescookbook.com)

Using milk instead of almond milk adds extra calcium.

Blend together until smooth:

• One cup low-fat milk or unsweetened almond milk
• One cup brewed coffee (or instant coffee if desired)
• One scoop vanilla protein powder
• Honey or other sweetener to taste

Serve over ice cubes.

Supercharged Coffee Protein Cold-Brew Shake (courtesy of fitfoodiefinds.com)

This high-protein shake combines protein powder with two ingredients (banana and peanut butter) that provide their own protein power; the banana also contributes extra potassium. The shake contains a whopping 13 grams of protein per serving.

Blend together until smooth:

• ¼ cup cold brew coffee concentrate
• ½ cup unsweetened almond milk
• ¼ cup chocolate protein powder (you can use vanilla if preferred)
• 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
• One large frozen banana

Almond Butter Coffee Protein Shake (courtesy of asweetpeachef.com)

You have a peanut allergy, or simply don’t like peanut butter? Try this one with almond butter.

Blend:

• One cup unsweetened almond milk (dairy milk can be used instead)
• One scoop chocolate protein powder
• One tablespoon brewed coffee (or 3-4 coffee beans)
• One tablespoon almond butter
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 5-8 ice cubes

Espresso Banana Smoothie (courtesy of jennifermeyering.com)

This is for those who want a deeper coffee flavor. It makes a great breakfast smoothie, too.

Blend together:

• 8 ounces unsweetened almond milk
• 2 teaspoons instant espresso powder
• 5 ounces vanilla Greek yogurt
• One banana
• 2 teaspoons honey
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon 
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• One cup ice

Keto Coffee Protein Shake (courtesy of keyketomama.com)

There are only two net carbs in this recipe, and the healthy fat helps keto dieters.

Blend:

• 6 ounces brewed coffee
• One scoop low-carb protein powder
• One tablespoon coconut oil (or butter)
• 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
• One tablespoon cocoa powder

Iced Coffee Protein Shake (courtesy of simplyhappyfoodie.com)

Great after a workout or on a hot afternoon.

Blend together:

• ¾ cup almond milk
• One cup iced coffee with ½ cups ice cubes
• One scoop chocolate protein powder
• One frozen banana
• One tablespoon honey (as sweetener)

If you don’t have time to fuss with a blender, and don’t like the taste or consistency of protein powder mixed into coffee, there’s another possibility: protein coffee creamers.

Choices like Super Creamer contain either whey or pea protein (depending on which of the eight flavors you choose), they’re zero-carb, sugar-free and low-calorie, and they contain the MCT oil favored by keto dieters. They’re the simplest way to add protein to your morning (or mid-day) cup of coffee.