Is Protein Powder in Coffee is Really That Good?

Coffee and protein powder are two of the most common food staples for athletes. It’s only natural to experiment with combining the two, especially if you’re trying to keep your protein intake high.

I enjoy putting protein powder in coffee for many reasons. It offers a low-fat, high-protein creamer alternative for added flavor. 

It’s also an easy way to manage protein intake, like with Tim Ferriss’ slow carb diet and getting 20 grams immediately in the morning. Or purely when using protein powder to help build muscle.

Whatever your motives, just know that protein powder in coffee is delicious. It just depends on the type and how you use it.

Whey doesn’t work as well as plant protein powder

If you’re fixing to add protein powder to your coffee, just know that whey doesn’t work as well as plant-based products.

While I seldom use whey, the few times I’ve tried it the protein powder curdles and coagulates, mixing poorly with coffee. 

I’ve read several Reddit threads of people experiencing the same problems. But if you let your coffee cool down, whey protein with have an easier time blending.

Vegan protein powders for the win

Based on my experience, most vegan protein powders are immune to curdling, even in the hottest of coffee. 

Because it’s not a dairy-based protein isolate like a lot of whey products, plant-based protein powder doesn’t clump up to heat as whey does.

I’m not saying all vegan protein powder is delicious in coffee. But merely that plant-based options work better than whey.

Having experimented with many different plant protein powders in coffee, I narrowed it down to my top 5 favorites that I frequently purchase. 

Best protein powder to add to coffee

The criteria are simple. Protein powders that dissolve easily, complement coffee, and taste delicious are the best. Complementary flavors include vanilla, chocolate, and peanut butter.

Garden of Life – Raw Organic Fit Protein Powder Original

If you want to try a protein powder that won’t overpower your coffee, then the Original flavor of Garden of Life Raw Organic Fit is a fantastic choice. 

It’s not a 100% unflavored protein powder, as it still has a slight hint of vanilla bean, nuts, and spice (almost like a subtle eggnog flavor without the dairy). But it’s a welcome addition to coffee and its nutritional value packs a punch.

Garden of Life Raw Organic Fit contains a secret weapon called Svetol, which is a naturally decaffeinated Green Coffee Bean Extract. Combined with cinnamon and ashwagandha, this protein powder is designed to help burn fat, boost energy, curb hunger cravings, and maintain blood sugar levels.

The high-protein blend is packed with a variety of raw organic vegetables, so it’s a nutritional powerhouse. In addition to being a good source of fiber, there’s also <1 gram of sugar, making it a keto-friendly option.

Although they make a coffee-flavored version of this protein powder, it’s not the best when combined with coffee. Plus it has added caffeine which might be overkill. Instead, I prefer the Original and Vanilla flavors.

Read my Review of Garden of Life Raw Organic Fit

PB2 Performance – Peanut Protein Powder Dutch Cocoa

One of the latest upgrades from the PB line of protein powders is PB2 Performance. What makes this a top-pick protein powder with coffee is its taste and dissolvability. 

It’s available in two flavors, Madagascar Vanilla and Dutch Cocoa. Both are delicious, but Dutch Cocoa is my preference when mixing it in coffee. It has a pleasant nutty flavor with smooth chocolatey notes that meld well with a hot cup of black coffee.

What’s most notable about PB2 Performance (and other PB products) is how well they mix with hot beverages. Unlike a lot of other protein powders, PB2 fully dissolves into coffee without any separation or graininess. 

PB2 Performance is a proper peanut butter protein powder that’s made from roasted peanuts and brown rice. This combination makes for a complete protein with all essential amino acids, which is vital for muscle repair. 

Read my Review of PB2 Performance

OWYN – Plant Protein Powder Smooth Vanilla

This vanilla-flavored protein powder from OWYN (Only What You Need) is one of the best-tasting options on the market. It’s sweetened with monk fruit extract and natural sugar, so there’s no stevia or weird artificial sweeteners.

The protein powder itself is very fine and granular, so it mixes well with just about anything, including coffee. It elevates your morning Joe with a sweet vanilla flavor and a healthy protein boost. 

Also a complete protein with all essential amino acids, OWYN’s blend consists of pea, pumpkin, and chia protein. The product also contains superfood greens with broccoli, kale, and spinach, as well as probiotics for gut health. 

OWYN Plant Protein Powder is nut-free, dairy-free, grain-free, and gluten-free, making it suitable for a wide range of individuals, particularly those with allergens or dietary restrictions. 

When it comes to taste and nutrition, OWYN is one of the best protein powders with coffee and just about any other concoction you can imagine.

Read my Review of OWYN Protein Powder

Vega Sport Protein Vanilla

If you’re an athlete obsessed with muscle recovery, Vega Sport Protein should be in your pantry. It’s one of the highest-concentration protein powders with 5 grams of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) to aid in muscle recovery and rebuilding.

Vega Sport Protein also includes tart cherry, a natural ingredient that supports post-workout recovery, as well as 2 billion CFUs of probiotics to support gut health.

Available in various flavors, including chocolate, vanilla, and peanut butter, I prefer the vanilla when adding it to my coffee. The protein powder mixes well and adds a delicious vanilla bean flavor while ensuring adequate protein intake before or after my training sessions.

Although it’s not organic, it is Certified for Sport by NSF, ensuring it’s free of banned substances and safe for elite athlete consumption. I purchase it regularly because it’s a versatile sports blend that’s relatively affordable.

Read my Review of Vega Sport Protein

Benefits of adding protein powder to coffee

Adding protein powder to your coffee is a creative (and delicious!) way to avoid sugar and calories from conventional coffee creamers. Many studies support getting adequate protein intake as essential for losing weight.

In turn, dietitians will agree that protein coffee (or “proffee“) provides a low-calorie yet filling meal replacement. It offers a convenient, on-the-go breakfast option that provides sufficient protein and nutrients to fuel your day.

For athletes and active individuals who prioritize recovery, adding protein powder to coffee is an easy way to ensure you’re getting the proper amino acids to repair your muscles. 

In many ways, it’s a lifestyle choice that depends on your taste and preferences. But it’s no secret that protein coffee can be a healthy combination to support your body composition goals and your taste buds.

Tips for mixing protein powder with coffee

Here are a few tips to help get the most out of your protein coffee concoction.

• Not all protein powders are water-soluble. Certain plant protein powders are more likely to dissolve, while others like whey or collagen may clump up in coffee.
• While it requires an extra step, mixing protein powder with cold milk or water before adding it to coffee is a foolproof way to ensure a palatable consistency.
• To prevent clumping, add only a little protein powder at a time instead of a full scoop. Do this while stirring or blending continuously.
• When mixing protein powder in coffee, you can ensure a smooth, frothy mixture by using a handheld mixer or immersion blender instead of stirring it with only a spoon. 
• Avoid adding too much protein powder to coffee. Your body can only absorb so much protein in one sitting, so consuming too much can get stored as fat, which results in weight gain.
• Choose the right protein powder and flavor. Berry and tropical flavors don’t taste good when combined with coffee. Vanilla, chocolate, peanut butter, and unflavored options work best.

Do you have any tips or favorite protein powders that you add to your coffee? Let me know or leave a comment below!

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About the Author

This article was written by Tyler Tafelsky, the lead editor here at VeganProteinPowder.reviews. Tyler is an experienced writer in the health and athletic space who has tried hundreds of different plant-based nutritional products and writes about his favorites here on this blog. Learn more about Tyler by viewing his full author bio or by following him on social platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, or Instagram. You can also visit his personal site TylerTafelsky.com to learn more about what he’s up to.