On social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, we encounter a new health trend every day. From nutrition and exercise to skincare and morning routines, some of these trends are quickly forgotten, while others become part of millions of people's daily routines. One trend that has recently gained attention and is rapidly increasing in popularity is Proffee! This drink, a combination of protein and coffee, has become a favorite, especially for those who want a quick but balanced start to the day. But is this protein and caffeine-rich drink really healthy? What is Proffee? What details behind its aesthetic appearance and popularity should be carefully considered? We investigated for you!
What is Profee?
Proffee, a name derived from the combination of the words "protein" and "coffee," simply means adding protein powder to your coffee. While this trend, recently spreading on social media platforms like TikTok, may seem new, the idea of supplementing coffee has actually been a popular alternative for a long time. Originating among Americans who drink an average of 3 cups of coffee a day and often fail to meet their daily protein needs, the Proffee trend offers a very practical way to combine these two needs.
When Proffee first appeared, it had a highly functional purpose: to increase protein intake and make coffee consumption more balanced. However, the situation is somewhat different today; many recipes shared on social media focus more on the drink's appearance than its nutritional value . With additions like sweeteners, flavored syrups, milk foam, and chocolate sauces, Proffee, intended as a "healthy" morning drink, can unfortunately turn into a sugar-laden beverage. Therefore, it's best to be cautious and consume Proffee in its simplest form to reap its benefits!
What are the benefits of adding protein to coffee?
When used correctly, Proffee can go beyond being just a social media trend. Combining the energy-boosting and attention-enhancing effects of caffeine with the muscle-building and satiety-inducing power of protein, it can be a practical supplement, especially for busy morning routines. However, it's important to remember that whether Proffee actually works depends on how and with what it's prepared.
→ Increased energy and performance
One of Proffee's most notable advantages is that it combines the stimulating effect of coffee with the nutritional power of protein. The caffeine in coffee stimulates the central nervous system, increasing energy, improving focus, and suppressing feelings of fatigue. On the other hand, the protein powder added to the coffee not only supports muscle building but also helps prevent blood sugar fluctuations that can occur in the morning. Moreover, since it is a macronutrient that is slowly digested and provides long-lasting energy, it supports balanced energy levels throughout the day. In this way, Proffee combines the rapid energy boost from caffeine with the feeling of fullness and balance from protein, making it an ideal drink for morning routines. Especially for those who don't have time for breakfast or who prefer morning exercise, Proffee, prepared in a balanced way, can be a practical way to start the day strong in terms of both mental clarity and physical endurance.
Rapid metabolism and long-term effects.
Another potential benefit of Proffee is its ability to support metabolism and offer positive effects on long-term holistic health. The caffeine in coffee temporarily speeds up the body's calorie burning. This contributes to the body expending more energy even at rest, helping the metabolism work more actively. Protein, when consumed in sufficient quantities, supports the metabolism by protecting muscles. Because the more muscle mass in the body, the higher the basal metabolic rate. When all these effects are combined, Proffee, prepared with the right ingredients, revitalizes the metabolism while also supporting cellular regeneration. In the long term, a healthy metabolism has positive effects on the immune system, hormone balance, energy production, and even the aging process.
Weight control and fat burning
Another advantage of adding protein to coffee is that it increases the feeling of fullness and helps reduce unhealthy snacking between meals. Since protein is a macronutrient that takes a long time to digest, adding it to breakfast provides a longer-lasting feeling of fullness. This prevents sudden fluctuations in blood sugar and suppresses cravings for sweets. Combined with caffeine's fat-burning effect, Proffee can become a supportive part of a balanced diet. However, the critical point here is how the drink is prepared. If extra calorie-rich ingredients such as sugary flavors, creams, and syrups are added, Proffee can deviate from its purpose and instead become an excessive calorie load. Therefore, it can only be a supportive part of healthy lifestyle habits when prepared with an additive-free and balanced recipe.
How to prepare a healthy Profe?
The most important points to consider when preparing a proffee are the quality of the ingredients and the mixing method. Whey protein is one of the most preferred options due to its easily soluble structure and mild flavor. For those following a vegan diet, pea or soy-based protein powders are suitable alternatives. If you are preparing your proffee with hot coffee, it is recommended to mix the protein powder with a small amount of lukewarm water first to obtain a smooth consistency, as adding the protein powder directly to the coffee can cause clumping. Then, you can slowly add this mixture to your coffee and consume it. On the other hand, preparing a cold proffee is a much more practical alternative; you can quickly prepare it by mixing the protein powder with iced coffee.
If you want your protein shake to be healthy, another point you must pay attention to is your choice of sweetener. Instead of flavored syrups or sugary creamers, you can benefit from the holistic advantages of protein coffee by using sugar-free and additive-free protein powders; and by opting for natural sweeteners such as cinnamon, cocoa, or vanilla extract.
Is Profee healthy for everyone?
While Proffee is a very practical and functional beverage alternative when consumed correctly, saying it's "suitable for everyone" can be misleading. Firstly, everyone's daily protein needs are different, and how much of that need should be met with supplements depends on individual health history, lifestyle, and diet. For example, Proffee wouldn't provide any extra benefit to someone who already consumes a balanced amount of protein, eats regular meals , and gets sufficient nutrients at breakfast. On the contrary, excessive protein intake can pose risks to kidney health in the long term. Similarly, individuals with specific health conditions such as pregnancy, breastfeeding, diabetes, or high cholesterol should consult a nutritionist or doctor before consuming supplements like Proffee.
Just like with protein, everyone's physiological response to caffeine is different. For some, morning coffee means mental clarity and energy, while for others it can cause effects such as palpitations, nausea, headaches, hand tremors, or insomnia. Caffeine consumption can particularly worsen anxiety symptoms in people with these conditions. In such cases, instead of adding protein to a coffee-based beverage, alternative energy sources or different protein combinations may be preferable.
In short, Proffee, when consumed in moderation, can contribute to a healthy diet, but to reap this benefit, its ingredients must be carefully selected and individual health needs considered . It should be remembered that a healthy life is possible not by blindly following popular trends, but by listening to the body's needs, researching, questioning, and making individual choices.