- Proffee, a blend of coffee and protein, is causing quite a stir on TikTok.
- Some dietitians and nutritionists say there are better ways to add protein to your diet.
- Proffee is likely healthy in moderation when you avoid additives like creamer which can be high in sugar.
Protein in your coffee, or “proffee” is buzzing on social media platforms TikTok, with advocates and influencers touting purported benefits like improved energy and weight loss.
Since the coffee hack began percolating in 2021, the hashtag #proffee has amassed more than 43,000 posts on TikTok.
“In the TikTok world, where proffee has taken off, this usually means a protein shake poured over a cold brew or iced coffee, but in actuality, it can be any type of coffee with protein added,” said Carolyn Cohen, an integrative nutritionist, functional medicine health coach, and host of the podcast “Wellness While Walking.“
The dramatic slow-motion tutorial videos, which culminate with a creamy beverage in a glass jar, make proffee seem especially enticing.
While proponents swear by the health benefits, nutrition experts say there may be better ways to add protein to your diet. Here’s what you need to know before you try proffee.
Some of the most popular benefits of proffee swirling on social media include:
- improved energy, focus, and performance
- added protein
- weight loss
However, experts offer mixed reviews on these claims. Here’s a closer look.
Better energy, focus, and performance
Noah Quezada, a registered dietitian nutritionist, told Healthline that proffee can be energizing and improve focus and performance because of the caffeine content.
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That said, it’s important to note that these studies were small in size and not conducted with proffee.
Improved metabolic health, longevity
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Patricia Kolesa, a registered dietitian with Hackensack Meridian Health shared that the recommended dietary intake is 0.8g/kg of body weight per day. In other words, a 150-pound person would need about 54 grams of protein per day.
For context,
Kolesa said the protein in shakes can contribute to this protein intake but noted that most people can get enough protein from food.
Dan Gallagher, a registered dietitian with Aegle Nutrition, told Healthline that food is often a better source of protein, but some people may require protein supplementation for health reasons.
“Protein is healthiest when it’s sourced from whole ingredients like seafood, lean beef, beans, eggs, or milk,” Gallagher said. “Maintaining a balanced diet will give all the advertised benefits and more.”
Protein supplementation isn’t always healthy because some protein shakes may contain added sugars or low-quality, processed proteins that don’t measure up to the natural proteins found in foods.
“Any health benefits of adding protein to coffee can be quickly undone by the window-dressing — the devil is in the details when it comes to proffee,” Cohen said.
Weight loss
Weight loss is one of the most commonly discussed benefits of proffee. Quezada encouraged people to proceed with caution.
“Proffee is not a miracle weight-loss drink,” Quezada said.
Still, Quezada noted some evidence suggests that caffeine and protein could help some people with weight management.
For example, a
Of course, there are no studies on proffee specifically.
“It is not a guarantee that the protein coffee itself will help someone lose weight,” Kolesa said.
She noted coffee additives like sugary syrups and creamers could negate the potential benefits of drinking proffee.
If you’re considering trying proffee, Quezada recommended incorporating the beverage with a healthy lifestyle.
Meeting weekly exercise requirements and following a nutritious diet of lean animal and plant-based protein, produce, and complex carbohydrates are proven methods benefiting overall health, he noted.
Kolesa added going this route can help some people avoid potential side effects of proffee, which may include:
- jitters
- sleep disturbance
- allergic reactions
- gastrointestinal tract issues
The exact number of cups of coffee a person can handle isn’t an exact science — it will vary based on the individual. If you notice you are jittery or having trouble sleeping, consider reducing the amount.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Pregnant and lactating people should consume less. The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology states pregnant individuals should limit caffeine intake to 200 mg, or one 12-oz cup of coffee per day.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Sugar content in syrups and certain creamers that some TikTokers are adding to their proffee beverages may not be best for people with health conditions such as:
- diabetes
- high cholesterol
- heart conditions
An older 2013 study suggested that consuming caffeine six hours before bedtime could disrupt sleep.
Kolesa recommended reading the labels of protein shakes to ensure you are not allergic to any ingredients. Some ingredients may not trigger allergic reactions but could lead to GI issues, such as stomach aches. If you notice you’re having those issues, you should stop consumption.
Despite its popularity, experts say proffee shouldn’t be considered a meal replacement or your primary source of protein.
Proffee is likely healthy to consume in moderation, along with regular exercise and a balanced diet, but it does not guarantee that it will help you lose weight or live longer.
Regular exercise and a balanced diet are often a good place to start to promote weight management and overall health.
When it comes to health, it’s best to rely on nutrition advice from professionals rather than social media influencers.
“I would approach nutrition and wellness trends on TikTok with a healthy dose of skepticism,” Gallagher said.
“Research, but be wary of what sites are advertising benefits. It’s good to question what biases sites might have, and when in doubt, research scientific studies or medical organizations specifically.”
