Protein coffee

Protein coffee: protein and coffee in one cup

Many athletes drink coffee every day and also take a protein shake. Protein coffee, also known as whey coffee or protein coffee, combines the two. The powder contains whey or plant-based protein and instant coffee, often enhanced with a flavor such as caramel, nougat, or chocolate. Protein contributes to an increase in muscle mass and to the maintenance of muscle mass. In addition, protein contributes to the maintenance of normal bones.

In this collection you will find Wheypresso Protein Coffee by German Elite Nutrition in Classic, Caramel, and Double Chocolate, ESN Flexpresso, Barista Whey by Vit4ever in Classic, Caramel, and Nougat, and Vegan Barista Whey in Classic and Matcha.

What is protein coffee?

Protein coffee is a protein powder in which instant coffee has already been incorporated. In most products, the powder consists mostly of protein and about 6 to 8 percent coffee. A 30-gram serving usually provides between 20 and 23 grams of protein. The difference compared to stirring regular protein powder into your coffee: the ratio of coffee to protein is fixed, the powder is made to dissolve well, and the flavor is tailored to coffee.

Whey or vegan protein coffee

Wheypresso, Flexpresso, and Barista Whey are made with whey protein from milk, sometimes as a blend of concentrate and isolate. They are vegetarian, but not vegan. Those who do not use milk choose Vit4ever's Vegan Barista Whey, based on plant-based protein, in the Classic and Matcha flavors. The matcha variant uses green tea instead of coffee, for those who prefer that flavor.

How much caffeine does it contain?

Because it contains real coffee, protein coffee contains caffeine. For Wheypresso and Barista Whey Classic, the label states 80 mg per serving, approximately the same as a cup of filter coffee. Other flavors often contain slightly less coffee. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) states approximately 400 mg of caffeine per day as a guideline for healthy adults. So also count your regular coffee, tea, and energy drinks. Due to the caffeine, these products are not intended for children or for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Prepare hot or cold

You can drink protein coffee in two ways. Cold, shake one serving with 250 to 350 ml of water or milk and optionally ice cubes, for a creamy iced coffee. Hot, use water or milk at a maximum of approximately 60 degrees. Whey protein begins to curdle at higher temperatures, similar to milk that curdles, and then lumps form. So do not pour boiling water on the powder. With a blender and some ice, you can make it into a kind of frappé.

When do you drink protein coffee?

Protein coffee fits moments when you already drink coffee: at breakfast, on the way to the gym, or in the afternoon. Many users replace their morning coffee with it, so they get protein right away. Due to the caffeine, you probably won't choose it for late in the evening. Ultimately, your total daily protein intake counts, so you can decide the time yourself.

Flavors and sugar

Within the collection, the products differ mainly in sweetness. Barista Whey Classic contains little sugar and lets the coffee flavor take center stage. Caramel and Nougat are sweeter and reminiscent of a caramel latte or mocha. Wheypresso is available in Classic, Caramel, and Double Chocolate. Most products are sweetened with sweeteners such as sucralose. Compare the label for sugar and kilocalories per serving if you are consciously paying attention to that.

Allergens and lactose

Whey-based protein coffee contains milk and is not suitable for those with a milk allergy. Some products, such as Wheypresso and Barista Whey, contain added lactase, but remain dairy products. Always check the label if you have lactose intolerance. Vegan Barista Whey contains no milk. If you eat completely plant-based, also check out our vegan protein collection.