{"title":"Best Protein Powder for Coffee","description":"\u003ch2\u003eWhat is the best protein powder for coffee?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe best protein powder for coffee mixes in smoothly, tastes good with coffee and doesn't load your cup with sugar. Vanilla is the classic choice because it tastes like a vanilla latte. A powder that's already lightly sweetened means you can skip the syrup.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat to look for:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlavor.\u003c\/strong\u003e Vanilla, unflavored or mocha all work. Vanilla is the most versatile.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNo added sugar.\u003c\/strong\u003e Coffee shop syrups already add plenty. A 0g sugar powder keeps your drink lean.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eA clean finish.\u003c\/strong\u003e Bitter sweeteners and coffee's own bitterness can add up. Monk fruit tends to taste smoother than stevia for many people.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNo gums.\u003c\/strong\u003e Gums can make hot coffee thick and slimy.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEnough protein to matter.\u003c\/strong\u003e 20g or more turns coffee into a real breakfast.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHere's Optimal Plant Protein, straight from the label:\u003csup\u003e\u003ca href=\"#source-1\"\u003e1\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/sup\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"overflow-x:auto\"\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePer serving (36g)\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eOptimal Plant Protein\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eProtein\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e26g\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCalories\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e150\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSugar\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e0g\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFlavor\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eVanilla, sweetened with organic monk fruit\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIngredients\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e4: organic pea protein, organic brown rice protein, organic vanilla, organic monk fruit\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFree of\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDairy, soy, gums, stevia and erythritol\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eIs it a good idea to put protein powder in your coffee?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor a lot of people, yes. Many people drink coffee instead of eating breakfast, which means the first protein of the day doesn't come until lunch. Adding a scoop to your coffee fixes that with no extra time. Protein also keeps you fuller than the same calories from carbs or fat, so a protein coffee can hold you longer than a sugary latte.\u003csup\u003e\u003ca href=\"#source-4\"\u003e4\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/sup\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe drink is sometimes called \"proffee,\" short for protein coffee. It's simple: coffee, protein powder and milk if you like it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eDoes hot coffee destroy protein powder?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. Heat changes a protein's shape, which is called denaturation, but the amino acids your body uses are still there. Your stomach denatures protein during digestion anyway. Cooking can even make protein easier to absorb. In one study, people absorbed about 91% of the protein from cooked eggs, compared with about 51% from raw eggs.\u003csup\u003e\u003ca href=\"#source-2\"\u003e2\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/sup\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe real problem with hot coffee is texture. Powder dropped into very hot liquid can clump. The fix is in the next section.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eHow do you mix protein powder into hot coffee without clumps?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMake a paste.\u003c\/strong\u003e Put one serving (36g) of Optimal in your mug with a splash of cold or room-temperature milk or water. Stir until smooth.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAdd coffee slowly.\u003c\/strong\u003e Pour the coffee in a little at a time while stirring.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLet it cool slightly.\u003c\/strong\u003e Coffee just off the boil is the most likely to clump. A minute or two makes a difference.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFroth it.\u003c\/strong\u003e A handheld milk frother gives you a foamy, latte-like drink in seconds.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOr blend it.\u003c\/strong\u003e A quick blend makes the smoothest hot protein coffee. Vent the lid and blend on low, since hot liquids expand in a blender.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eIs there a protein powder that dissolves in coffee?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo protein powder dissolves instantly in very hot coffee the way sugar does. Even powders labeled \"for coffee\" can clump if you dump them in. Fine powders without gums mix best. Optimal mixes smoothly with the paste method above, and it shakes easily into iced coffee and cold brew.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCollagen powders dissolve most easily in hot liquids, but collagen isn't a complete protein, so it's not a full replacement for a protein powder.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat is a good protein to add to coffee?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePea and brown rice protein, whey and collagen are the most common choices:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePea and brown rice.\u003c\/strong\u003e Dairy-free and creamy. Works hot or iced with a little technique.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWhey.\u003c\/strong\u003e Mixes well cold, but can clump in very hot coffee.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCollagen.\u003c\/strong\u003e Dissolves easily, but it's an incomplete protein.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you take your coffee black or with plant milk, a dairy-free powder like Optimal keeps your drink dairy-free too.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat milk is best for protein coffee?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOat milk.\u003c\/strong\u003e Creamy and froths well, which makes it a favorite for lattes.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoy milk.\u003c\/strong\u003e Adds the most protein of the plant milks and foams nicely.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAlmond milk.\u003c\/strong\u003e Light and low in calories, with a nutty taste.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDairy milk.\u003c\/strong\u003e Rich, adds protein and steams beautifully.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNo milk.\u003c\/strong\u003e Water and a serving of Optimal still make a smooth vanilla coffee. It's just lighter.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eHow do you make an iced protein coffee?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIced coffee is the easiest way to start:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eShaker method.\u003c\/strong\u003e Add 1 cup of cold brew or chilled coffee, a splash of milk and one serving of Optimal to a shaker bottle. Shake for 20 seconds and pour over ice.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBlender method.\u003c\/strong\u003e Blend cold brew, milk, a serving of Optimal and a handful of ice for a frappe-style drink.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBreakfast shake.\u003c\/strong\u003e Blend cold brew, half a frozen banana, a spoonful of almond butter and a serving of Optimal.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eEasy protein coffee recipes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVanilla protein latte.\u003c\/strong\u003e Make a paste with one serving of Optimal and a splash of milk. Add a shot or two of espresso, then top with steamed or frothed milk.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCinnamon cold brew.\u003c\/strong\u003e Shake cold brew, oat milk, Optimal and a pinch of cinnamon.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMocha protein coffee.\u003c\/strong\u003e Stir a teaspoon of unsweetened cocoa into the paste before adding the coffee.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePumpkin spice protein latte.\u003c\/strong\u003e Add a spoonful of pumpkin puree and a pinch of pumpkin pie spice to the paste.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSalted caramel-style.\u003c\/strong\u003e A tiny pinch of salt and a few drops of maple syrup bring out the vanilla.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eProtein affogato.\u003c\/strong\u003e Pour a shot of espresso over a scoop of homemade protein ice cream. See the \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/best-protein-powder-for-ninja-creami\"\u003ebest protein powder for Ninja Creami\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eCan you put protein powder in a coffee maker or espresso machine?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. Never put protein powder in the water tank, filter basket or pod of a coffee machine. It can clog the machine and won't mix properly. Brew your coffee as usual, then add the powder to your cup using the paste method, or blend the finished coffee with the powder.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eCan you add protein powder to tea or matcha?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. The same paste method works for black tea, chai and matcha lattes. Vanilla is especially good in chai and matcha. Like coffee, tea contains compounds that can reduce how much plant iron you absorb from a meal.\u003csup\u003e\u003ca href=\"#source-5\"\u003e5\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/sup\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eIs protein coffee good for weight loss?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt can be, if it replaces something higher in sugar. A flavored coffee shop latte with syrup often has much more sugar than a homemade protein coffee. Higher-protein eating helps people stay full and keep muscle while losing weight.\u003csup\u003e\u003ca href=\"#source-4\"\u003e4\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/sup\u003e Watch the add-ins, though. Whipped cream, flavored creamers and syrups can undo the benefit. For more, see the \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/best-protein-powder-for-weight-loss\"\u003ebest protein powder for weight loss\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eDoes protein coffee break a fast?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. A serving of Optimal has 150 calories, so a protein coffee counts as a meal, not a fasting drink.\u003csup\u003e\u003ca href=\"#source-1\"\u003e1\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/sup\u003e If you follow time-restricted eating, many people make protein coffee their first meal of the day, which is a good way to start the eating window with protein.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eCan you drink protein coffee before a workout?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Many people like the caffeine before training and the protein afterward, and a protein coffee covers both. If coffee on an empty stomach makes you feel jittery or queasy, a protein coffee can feel easier than black coffee alone. For more on timing, see \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/nutrition\/when-protein-powder-should-be-taken\"\u003ewhen protein powder should be taken\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eCan you make protein coffee ahead of time?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIced protein coffee keeps in a sealed jar in the fridge for about a day. It will settle, so shake it before drinking. For hot coffee, it's best to mix it fresh. If you like a grab-and-go option, keep a jar of cold brew in the fridge and shake in a serving of Optimal each morning.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eHow much caffeine is too much?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe FDA says up to 400mg of caffeine a day, about four or five cups of coffee, is generally not linked to negative effects for most healthy adults.\u003csup\u003e\u003ca href=\"#source-3\"\u003e3\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/sup\u003e People who are pregnant, breastfeeding, sensitive to caffeine or taking certain medications may need less. Protein powder doesn't change how much caffeine is in your cup.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eDoes coffee affect iron absorption?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt can. Compounds in coffee and tea can reduce how much plant (non-heme) iron your body absorbs from a meal.\u003csup\u003e\u003ca href=\"#source-5\"\u003e5\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/sup\u003e Optimal has 8.4mg of iron per serving.\u003csup\u003e\u003ca href=\"#source-1\"\u003e1\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/sup\u003e If you're trying to raise your iron, have Optimal in a smoothie with fruit sometimes instead of always in coffee, since vitamin C helps with absorption.\u003csup\u003e\u003ca href=\"#source-5\"\u003e5\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/sup\u003e See the \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/best-protein-powder-for-smoothies\"\u003ebest protein powder for smoothies\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy we make Optimal this way\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e26g of protein per serving (36g).\u003c\/strong\u003e 150 calories and 0g of sugar.\u003csup\u003e\u003ca href=\"#source-1\"\u003e1\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/sup\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVanilla latte flavor.\u003c\/strong\u003e Organic vanilla and organic monk fruit, with no stevia aftertaste.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFour ingredients.\u003c\/strong\u003e Organic pea protein, organic brown rice protein, organic vanilla and organic monk fruit. No gums, dairy or soy.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTested.\u003c\/strong\u003e We publish our heavy metal results from Light Labs, an independent lab.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCertified.\u003c\/strong\u003e USDA Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified and certified gluten-free.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eSources\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli id=\"source-1\"\u003efitppl. Optimal Plant Protein Nutrition Facts and ingredient list.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli id=\"source-2\"\u003eEvenepoel P, et al. Digestibility of cooked and raw egg protein in humans as assessed by stable isotope techniques. Journal of Nutrition, 1998.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli id=\"source-3\"\u003eU.S. Food and Drug Administration. Spilling the beans: how much caffeine is too much?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli id=\"source-4\"\u003eLeidy HJ, et al. The role of protein in weight loss and maintenance. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2015.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli id=\"source-5\"\u003eNational Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements. Iron: fact sheet for health professionals.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"optimal-organic-plant-protein-powder","title":"Optimal Plant Protein","description":"\u003cp\u003eOptimal Plant Protein is organic plant protein powder made with just four ingredients: organic pea protein, organic brown rice protein, organic vanilla and organic monk fruit. Each 36g serving has 26g of protein, 150 calories and 0g of sugar.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e26g of protein per serving from organic pea and brown rice protein\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSweetened only with organic monk fruit, with no stevia, erythritol or added sugar\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNo gums, natural flavors, dairy or soy\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUSDA Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified and certified gluten-free\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHeavy metal results from the independent lab Light Labs published on the product page\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVanilla flavor, 30 servings per bag\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"fitppl","offers":[{"title":"Vanilla \/ 30 Serving Bag","offer_id":49098912825625,"sku":"OPP-V-30BAG","price":69.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0852\/1757\/5193\/files\/updated-optimal-bag.jpg?v=1788114381"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0852\/1757\/5193\/collections\/updated-optimal-bag_70aafce0-3630-434f-84d4-d0a7c6f3881f.jpg?v=1794600309","url":"https:\/\/fitppl.com\/collections\/best-protein-powder-for-coffee.oembed","provider":"fitppl","version":"1.0","type":"link"}