The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for daily protein intake is 0.8g per kg of body weight. However, most fitness and nutrition professionals recommend that you get anywhere from 0.8-1.2g per kg of body weight, depending on your goals.
When’s the last time you took a minute to calculate your daily average protein intake? If it’s been a while, I highly recommend using a smart tracking tool to track your intake and analyze the results.
If you’re like so many, you’re probably undereating on protein, by a lot more than you might think. Unless you’re super intentional about adding high-quality protein sources to your diet, it can be tough to fulfill those requirements day in and day out, but if you have fitness and health goals, it’s so important that this is a priority for you.
That’s exactly why I’m pumped to be writing this article for you today where I’m talking all about the best protein to add to coffee. Love coffee? Want to increase your protein intake? Then, you’re going to become just as obsessed as I am with this protein coffee hack, affectionately referred to as “proffee.”
Why Add Protein to Your Coffee?
Before we get into which protein powder stands alone as the best for adding to coffee, let’s first discuss why you would want to do such a thing in the first place.
First, you’re going to have your coffee anyway, right? So why not make it worthwhile? Meaning, let’s spike it with some protein so that you’re setting yourself up for a day of hitting your macros like a champ. This is especially important for those who aren’t really breakfast people.
Even if you’re not hungry first thing in the morning, your body can still benefit from getting some protein in to kick start the anabolic effect of repairing and rebuilding your body. Add in the fact that the caffeine in your coffee will give you a little boost, and you’ve got the perfect start to your day.
Additionally, protein in your coffee might be able to provide you with the following benefits:
- Help to curb hunger throughout the day
- Boosted metabolism for additional calorie burn throughout the day
- Reduction in the need for sweet, sugary creamers and syrups in your coffee
- Improved cognitive function
- Improved digestion
- Weight management
- Decreased cortisol levels
If you’re like me, you’re like already all in and excited about this, so let’s talk about how to make it next.
What's The Best Protein Powder To Add To Your Coffee?
I’ve tried a number of different protein powders over the years, and have also tried several in coffee lately trying to perfect my beloved morning mug. I look forward to my cup of coffee every morning, so there’s no chance I’m going to sacrifice on taste, it just isn’t worth it for me.
However, I discovered that 1st Phorm Level-1 whey protein powder is legit the best protein to add to coffee. Why? Because it tastes amazing, mixes easily, and adds a sweet and creamy essence to my cup of joe that I’m literally drooling over every morning.
1st Phorm Level-1 Protein
It’s no surprise that I find Level-1 to be the best option for protein coffee, I’ve been using their supplements for a couple of years now and am always reaching for them over anything else I try. 1st Phorm’s supplements are just flat out better than anything else out there right now. They put in the research, time, and work to create a product that they stand behind 110%. Seriously, if you aren’t happy with any of their products, they’ll actually give you 110% of your money back. That’s some serious belief in a brand’s products!
Read my detailed level-1 protein review if you're interested in learning more about this product, which is also rated #1 on our best protein for pregnancy list. The high quality ingredients used to create Level-1 are really that good.
Not only does 1st Phorm use only the best ingredients and the most efficient processing (low-temperature, sustained assimilation, etc.), but they create the best flavors, too. When you consume Level-1, you’ll never get that yucky protein after taste. Here’s a peek at what kinds of delicious flavors you can expect:
Benefits of Level-1
- 24g of protein per serving
- Sustained assimilation (similar to that of whole food proteins)
- Helps prevent muscle breakdown
- Promotes muscle repair and growth
- Tons of awesome, coffee-worthy flavors
- Can be used in a ton of recipes or on its own as a meal replacement shake
- Helps you to hit your protein goals
- No gas, bloating, and other common gastrointestinal issues
- It’s low in fat, calories, and carbs, which can help you lose weight when paired with a proper nutrition plan
- Comes in a vegan variety, too!
Alternatives
I know we aren’t all going to agree on the best protein to add to coffee and that our needs and preferences will vary, so here are a couple of alternatives to 1st Phorm that I also find to be great in coffee.
Cira Nutrition Bright Whey
Cira is a relatively new supplement brand that’s making a positive impact on the market. Although there are currently only two flavors available, Cira’s Bright Whey is awesome for using in coffee. You can choose between Cookies and Cream and Cinnamon Swirl, both of which offer 25g of whey protein per scoop and just 1g of sugar. It mixes in well and the taste is great, too!
Clean Simple Eats
Clean Simple Easts is a supplement and nutrition brand that takes pride in offering products that contain clean ingredients that you can feel great about. There are no artificial ingredients, they are naturally sweetened, and the use only grass-fed whey. CSE has a huge selection of tasty protein powders, including the following flavors (all of which can be amazing in coffee!):
- Simply Vanilla
- Chocolate Brownie Batter
- Eggnog
- Snickerdoodle
- Caramel Toffee
- Strawberry Cheesecake
- Smores
- Bananas Foster
- Pumpkin Pie
- Chocolate Peanut Butter
- Maple Donut
- Mint Chocolate Cookie
- Coconut Cream
- Cake Batter
- Peaches and Cream
- Vegan flavors are available, too! And these protein powders are super easy to mix in with coffee and to use for baking as well.
How to Make Protein Coffee (Proffee)
Making protein coffee is really so simple, but there are a few tips, tricks, and hacks that you should be aware of so that you can get the best results.
First, it’s important to note that mixing protein powder with cold coffee tends to work best. However, if you’re like me and you look forward to that first hot cup of coffee every morning, don’t worry, I’ve got you covered.
Protein Coffee Recipe
What you need:
- Protein powder of choice (I use Level-1)
- Hot, fresh coffee (a given)
- Creamer (if you wish)
- Mixer/Blender
How To Make It
Step 1
Pour about ¼ of a cup of coffee into your mug
Step 2
Add ½ - 1 scoop of protein powder + creamer if you use it (I use about a tablespoon of Sugar-free creamer).
Step 3
Using your mixer, allow the coffee and the protein powder to fully mix together (you’ll get a good froth here, too).
Step 4
Pour the rest of your coffee on top.
Step 5
Sip, savor and enjoy getting an appreciable amount of protein in right at the start of your day.
Wrapping Up: Grab Your Protein and Make Some Coffee!
At the end of the day, the best protein to add to coffee is the one that you enjoy the most. For me (and thousands of others), it’s 1st Phorm’s Level-1 protein. If you buy one tub of Level-1 and use a half scoop in your coffee each day, you’ll have well over 30 days worth of protein coffee to enjoy. In fact, you’ll likely have at least 2 months’ worth, which is certainly worth the investment.
Protein coffee is not only a hot trend, it’s something that can actually bring a ton of value to your day, which is something that I and the rest of the FHM team are all passionate about!
The reason Level-1 is the best protein that you can add to coffee is because 1st phorm uses the best high quality ingredients to make their protein.