Is the protein coffee trend actually good for you?

An unrecognizable woman is adding a protein powder in a cup of coffee. | Photo Credit: Johnce Dalgona coffee was one of the food trends that took off during the COVID-19 lockdown, popularising a whipped version of the traditional Parsi pheteli (beaten) coffee. Around the same time, proffee — a combination of protein powder and coffee—emerged as a home-made drink and has since become popular among gym-goers.How is it done?For proffee, the coffee needs to be brewed ahead and cooled before being mixed with protein powder. Hot coffee can make the powder clumpy, resulting in a less-smooth drink. The two can be mixed with a stirrer or frother. Proffee drinkers say there is no fixed recipe; variations include milk and flavoured syrups.For those who want it readymade and save themselves from the task of brewing and mix, there are brands in India that sell proffee. A quick online search on e-commerce sites list brands like TrueBasics, Horlicks, Sleepyowl, Earthful for proffee. Most of them claim to be sugar free and offers choice of flavours like hazelnut, vanilla, chocolate etc.The purposeYou get caffeine and protein in one glass instead of having coffee first and breakfast later. Nutritionist Dr Lovneet Batra categorises proffee as a drink of convenience. “If you drink coffee and add your protein to it, many consider it an easy ‘high-protein breakfast.’ From a nutrition standpoint, I don’t recommend it because it is an acidic combination. Even if one works out, caffeine comes as a pre-workout and protein as post-workout, so mixing them is just a matter of convenience.”Hyderabad-based independent fitness coach Bilon Aristotle agrees that proffee is convenient, but says the combination can serve a purpose. “Caffeine and protein serve different, complementary jobs — one for alertness, one for satiety and muscle maintenance. Combining them into a single occasion is efficient rather than gimmicky. It’s a legitimate way to front-load protein earlier in the day, particularly for people who otherwise skip breakfast.”But does it work during or after a workout? Businessman Ranjit Raja, who has trained consistently for over a decade and competes in bodybuilding shows, prefers to keep the two separate. He opts for either a banana or a plain protein shake after training. “That’s how I started and I have been following the same routine. Since I compete in the under-65 category, I need to maintain lean muscle. Post-training, I prefer real food such as steamed sweet potato or eggs.” Each to his own.Chennai-based fitness and nutrition coach Raj Ganpath breaks down the role of each ingredient. Protein, he says, is not something the body needs only after a workout but throughout the day. It is one of the three macronutrients, alongside carbohydrates and fats, and the amount required varies according to individual needs and goals.Caffeine, meanwhile, works well as a pre-workout, he says, helping with alertness, mental sharpness and exercise performance. It can also help mobilise fat for energy.As for consuming protein before a workout, Raj says it can help limit muscle breakdown, particularly when training in a fasted state. “You want protein around your workout — some before training and some after is a good idea.”Having explained the role of coffee and protein separately, Ganpath gives proffee a thumbs up, with one caveat: “Not if you are working out late in the evening, as caffeine is also known to interfere with your sleep cycle.” Published - September 03, 2026 02:03 pm IST