So you are interested in adding more protein to your breakfast routine but are unsure how to do it. You’ve heard that you can add protein powder to coffee, but you’re unsure if that’s the best way to go about it. You’re also not sure what the benefits of doing so might be.
As a personal trainer, I have got many clients to follow my dietitian’s advice of having whey protein powder in coffee each morning. But you need to ensure you have the right quality and amount for your protein coffee.
This guide will discuss the benefits of adding protein powder to coffee, how to choose the right protein powder, and some tasty recipe ideas to try. So grab your favorite cup of coffee, and let’s dive in.
Key Takeaways:
– You can put protein powder in coffee to increase your daily protein consumption
– Protein powder can help you feel fuller longer and provide energy that will help you power through your day
– Make sure to choose a protein powder that mixes well with coffee and complements the flavor
– For added taste and nutrition, you can also try adding other ingredients like almond milk or cinnamon
The Benefits of Protein Powder in Coffee
Including protein powder in your morning protein coffee can have numerous benefits. Let’s take a closer look at a few.
1. Increased Protein Intake
One of the main benefits of adding protein powder to coffee is that it allows you to increase your daily protein intake easily. Protein is important for muscle growth, recovery, and overall health and wellness.
Studies showed that consuming protein in the morning can have benefits such as improved satiety and blood sugar levels.
Adding protein powder to your coffee can ensure that you are getting enough protein in your diet without having to eat a large breakfast.
Pro Tip: Be sure to add enough fluid to mix the protein powder properly and avoid clumps in your protein powder coffee.
2. Improved Focus and Sustained Energy
Another benefit of adding protein powder to coffee is improved focus and sustained energy throughout the day. Amino acids found in protein can improve cognitive functions and focus, making it a great addition to your morning cup of coffee.
According to studies, protein can also help regulate blood sugar levels and improve focus.
This can be especially helpful for those who rely on caffeine for a morning boost but often crash later in the day. Adding protein can help balance out the effects of caffeine and provide sustained energy.
3. A Tasty and Convenient Option
Incorporating protein powder into your coffee is also a tasty and convenient option for breakfast or snacks. Instead of having to prepare a separate protein-rich meal, you can easily mix it into your coffee for a satisfying and nutritious start to the day.
Pro Tip: You can make a protein shake with coffee by blending protein powder, coffee, ice, and your choice of milk or non-dairy alternative.
4. Enhanced Energy and Focus
Protein is essential for providing sustained energy throughout the day. Consuming protein in the morning, particularly with breakfast, can help keep you energized and focused until lunchtime.
This can be especially helpful for those who rely on caffeine for a morning boost but often crash later in the day. Adding protein can help balance out the effects of caffeine and provide sustained energy.
5. Improved Satiety And Feeling of Fullness Throughout The Day
Including protein in your coffee can also help improve your daily satiety and feelings of fullness. This can aid in weight loss efforts or simply managing hunger levels, preventing overeating and snacking throughout the day.
6. Aids In Muscle Growth and Recovery
Getting enough protein in your diet is important for muscle growth and recovery, particularly for those who engage in regular exercise. It can help build muscle mass and improve performance.
Pro Tip: Try soy protein powder for a plant-based option that is high in protein and also rich in iron, calcium, and fiber.
7. Can Help Regulate Blood Sugar Levels
Some studies have shown that consuming protein in the morning can help regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity. This can be particularly beneficial for those with diabetes or pre-diabetes.
8. May Improve Focus and Cognitive Function
Protein also has impacts on improved focus and cognitive function, making it a great addition to your morning cup of coffee before a busy day or tasks requiring mental focus.
Overall, incorporating protein powder into your morning cup of coffee is a simple and tasty way to boost your protein intake and reap its numerous benefits. So why not give it a try and start adding some protein to your morning cup of joe?
How to Add Protein Powder to Your Coffee
Now that we’ve discussed the benefits, let’s talk about how to add protein supplements to your coffee.
Choose a protein powder that mixes well with coffee and complements the flavor
Not all protein powders are created equal. It’s important to choose one that not only has high-quality ingredients but also mixes well with coffee and complements the flavor.
Pro Tip: Try adding a little bit at first and gradually increase the amount to find your desired taste and consistency.
Mix with a liquid or milk alternative
The protein powder will need to be mixed with some type of liquid, such as water, almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk. This will help it mix properly and avoid clumps in your protein coffee.
Experiment with different ratios and ingredients
The ratio of coffee to protein powder can vary depending on personal preference. You can also experiment with adding other ingredients like cinnamon for added taste and nutrition.
Adding the right amount of grams of protein is also important for obtaining the benefits discussed above. Aim for at least 20 grams of protein powder in coffee.
Pro Tip: Be sure you add the powder to a hot coffee to avoid clumps and ensure proper mixing.
Enjoy your protein coffee as a meal replacement or snack
Enjoy your protein-packed coffee as a meal replacement or satisfying snack. It’s a tasty and convenient option to boost your protein consumption and start the day with sustained energy and focus.
So go ahead, give adding protein powder to your coffee a try and reap the benefits for your health and fitness goals.
Pro Tip: Try a cold protein coffee shake for a refreshing summer treat.
What Kind of Protein Powder to Use in Coffee
Not all whey protein powders are created equal. It’s important to choose one that not only has high-quality ingredients but also mixes well with coffee and complements the flavor. Let’s take a look at the factors you should consider:
Flavor
It’s IMPORTANT to choose a protein powder that mixes well with coffee and complements the flavor. Some popular options include vanilla or mocha-flavored protein powders. You can also try flavor enhancers like cinnamon and cocoa powder.
Quality
Look for a protein powder that is free of artificial sweeteners and additives. Opt for one with high-quality ingredients, such as grass-fed whey or plant-based options like soy or pea protein.
Type of protein
There are various types of protein powder to choose from, including whey, casein, soy, and plant-based options such as pea or hemp protein. Consider your dietary needs and preferences when choosing a whey protein powder.
Additional ingredients
Some protein powders may contain added sugars or artificial sweeteners, so be sure to check the label and choose one that fits your dietary preferences. If desired, you can also try adding other ingredients to enhance the flavor and nutrition of your coffee, such as oat milk or cinnamon.
Additional Ingredients to Try in Your Protein Coffee
There are many ways to add even more nutrition and flavor to your protein-powered coffee. Some options to try include:
- Almond milk
- Cinnamon
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- Ground flaxseed
- Instant espresso powder or strongly brewed coffee
- Banana slices
- Rasperries
- Peanut butter or other nut butter
Get creative and experiment with different combinations to find your favorite protein-powered coffee concoction. Enjoy a protein shake as a meal replacement or snack for a tasty and convenient way to boost your protein daily.
Start Boosting Your Coffee With Protein Supplements
Overall, incorporating protein powder into your morning cup of coffee is a simple and tasty way to boost your protein, improve satiety, and enhance energy and focus.
Enjoy trying out different protein powders to find your favorite morning coffee-protein combo.
As a personal trainer, I have tested and researched many different protein supplements and mixed them with regular and iced coffee. Check out these guides to see which ones work best for a protein coffee:
They will definitely transform your morning routine.
Sources:
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3718776/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14522731
- https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/04/140429162110.htm
- https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnut.2023.1208890/full