“Proffee” Is the Hottest New Beverage Trend—but Should You Really Be Adding Protein to Your Coffee?

These days, it seems like everything is getting a protein-packed makeover—even our favorite beverages. Protein coffee, protein water, and even protein Diet Coke have been making the rounds with the wellness influencers. 

Everywhere you look, people are obsessed with squeezing more protein into their day, as if every sip *needs* to be muscle fuel. But do we really need to be chugging our protein, or is this just another nutrition trend gone overboard? 

If you—like me—are curious about drinking your protein, read on for expert advice from dieticians who break down the benefits and risks of loading up our drinks with protein. 

First off, how much protein do you really need?

Most people assume they need way more protein than they actually do, says Kristy Del Coro, MS, RDN, LDN, a registered dietitian and culinary nutritionist. While protein is essential, the reality is that most adults meet their needs without even trying. 

The recommended daily intake is 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight—which means a 150 pound adult only needs about 55 grams of protein per day, says Bonnie Taub-Dix, RDN, a registered dietitian nutritionist, author of Read It Before You Eat It - Taking You from Label to Table, and host of the Media Savvy Podcast. That’s roughly what you’d get from a 6-ounce chicken breast and an egg, not counting the protein found in grains, dairy, beans, and nuts, Del Coro adds.

Certain groups, however, do need more protein to maintain muscle mass or support increased nutrient demands, say Taub-Dix and Del Coro. These include older adults, athletes, pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, people recovering from surgery or illness, and those experiencing significant weight loss (such as GLP-1 users). Their protein needs may range from 1.2 to 1.8 grams per kilogram of body weight.

The benefits of added protein in drinks

So, should you add protein to your glass? If you’re struggling to meet your daily protein needs, adding protein to drinks could be a simple solution.

• A simple, convenient protein boost: If you don’t get enough protein from meals—whether due to a busy schedule, dietary restrictions, or difficulty chewing—a protein shake offers a quick, grab-and-go solution to help fill the gap.
• Easier to digest: Liquids are typically absorbed faster than solid foods, making protein drinks a good option before or after workouts when digestion needs to be quick and easy, Taub-Dix says.
• No “perfect” meal time: While there’s no magic “anabolic window” for muscle growth, it’s still a good idea to space protein intake throughout the day rather than loading up all at once, Del Coro says. 

The downsides of added protein in drinks

Before you start protein-loading every sip, here’s the catch: dding protein to your drinks isn’t as beneficial (or necessary) as it seems.

• Protein powders aren’t FDA-regulated: Since protein powders aren’t regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), some products may contain heavy metals, contaminants, or misleading ingredient labels, Del Coro says. Stick to third-party tested brands for safety.
• Watch out for hidden sugar and other ingredients: Many protein drinks have added sugars and artificial sweeteners to boost their flavor, giving them a misleading “health halo,” Del Coro says. Not to mention some protein powders and ready-made drinks can also contain other ingredients like fat and additives, which you may not be expecting from a protein supplement Taub-Dix says.
• Not as satisfying as solid food: Drinking your calories is less satiating than chewing your food, Taub-Dix says. A protein-packed meal with whole foods will keep you fuller longer compared to a shake. Plus, eating slowly helps prevent overeating, while drinking makes it easy to consume extra calories without realizing it, she adds.
• Too much protein can backfire: More isn’t always better—excess protein can displace other essential nutrients, like whole grain carbs and healthy fats, Taub-Dix says. And if you're already getting enough from your food, extra protein just adds unnecessary calories, she adds.
• Can cause digestive issues: Some people experience bloating, gas, or stomach discomfort from protein powders, especially if they’re sensitive to lactose, artificial sweeteners, or certain protein sources.

How to choose the best protein for your drinks

Not all protein is created equal. Here’s how to pick a quality source that works for you:

• Go for high-quality protein: Check the Protein Digestibility-Corrected Amino Acid Score (PDCAAS), which measures protein quality based on its amino acid content and digestibility. Whey protein ranks the highest, but soy and pea protein are also solid plant-based options, Del Coro says.
• Look for third-party testing: Choose reputable brands that have been tested for heavy metals and contaminants to ensure what’s on the label is actually in the product, Del Coro says.
• Check the ingredient list: Choose products with straightforward ingredients and avoid excess sugar, fillers, and unhealthy saturated fats, Taub-Dix says. 
• Skip the powder: For a whole food-based protein boost, try blending in Greek yogurt, nut or seed butter, or even silken tofu for a nutrient-rich alternative, Taub-Dix says.

But what about collagen drinks?

Collagen may be trendy, but it’s not a complete protein—meaning it lacks some of the essential amino acids your body needs, Taub-Dix says.

Unlike eggs, dairy, beans, poultry, and yogurt, collagen drinks don’t stack up as a high-quality protein source, she says. If you’re drinking it for skin, hair, or nail health, you may be better off with a supplement while getting your protein from whole foods.

The takeaway

Protein is important, but more isn’t always better, and it’s not the only nutrient your body needs. If you’re already getting enough protein from balanced meals, there’s no need to overload your drinks with extra. A well-rounded diet is all about nutrient-rich combinations—like yogurt and berries, eggs and toast, beans and rice—that fuel your body.

So, instead of obsessing over protein alone, focus on balance. Spread your intake throughout the day, choose high-quality sources, and make sure your meals provide a mix of protein, healthy fats, and complex carbs for optimal nutrition.