All the Reasons to Drink Coffee Before Your Workout
- Protein coffee (proffee) is a pre-workout drink that combines protein and coffee.
- Blending protein powder with coffee is more than a trend—it’s a science-backed way to boost your energy, support muscle recovery and get more from your workouts.
- Learn recipe tips on making the best protein coffee, including the best protein and coffee combo and how to avoid clumps and curdling.
Thanks to social media apps like TikTok and Instagram, we’ve seen many coffee trends come and go. They start by making a splash and then quietly disappear. But the best ones? They earn a permanent spot in your routine—just like your daily cup of coffee.
Protein coffee (also called “proffee”) is one of those stick-around trends. This viral combination blends the energizing caffeine from coffee with the fuel from protein to create a functional drink that powers your day—and your workout.
Read on to learn some of the amazing benefits protein coffee offers, from supporting weight management to muscle recovery. You’ll also discover the best time to have caffeine before your workout and other recipe tips.
Protein Coffee Benefits
Protein and coffee each bring something unique to the table. Protein is the MVP of the plate, an essential macronutrient that supports satiety and muscle performance.[1] Coffee is the MVP of the cup, beloved by millions for boosting energy and focus.
So, it’s only natural to wonder what happens when you combine them. Spoiler: it’s pretty beneficial. Here’s how protein coffee supports your workout and weight management goals.
Boosts Protein Intake
According to the Recommended Dietary Allowance, adults 18 or older should consume 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight.[2] The total amount depends on several factors, such as age, sex, muscle mass and activity level.
By combining protein with coffee, you get your caffeine fix and the benefits of protein in one fell swoop (or sip). Depending on the protein powder you choose, a single serving could provide you with 20-30 grams of protein.[3] It’s a tasty and convenient way to make a dent in your protein goals—no bland chicken or egg whites required.
Increases Your Focus
You might already be familiar with the way coffee switches on your brain. It binds to receptors in your brain reserved for chemicals that make you sleepy.[4] This is how it makes you feel awake in no time. Coffee helps improve focus for a workout by providing a quick burst of alertness and mental clarity. This is thanks to its caffeine content.
When you have coffee before your workout, its caffeine stimulates your central nervous system. This increases the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine. Your brain activity goes up, which may enhance concentration and focus. This helps you stay motivated during your workout session and could give you that extra edge to push through and achieve your fitness goals.
Supports Your Metabolism
You might already be familiar with the way coffee switches on your brain. It binds to receptors in your brain reserved for chemicals that make you sleepy.[5] This is how it makes you feel awake in no time. Coffee helps improve focus for a workout by providing a quick burst of alertness and mental clarity. This is thanks to its caffeine content.
When you have coffee before your workout, its caffeine stimulates your central nervous system. This increases the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine.[6] Your brain activity goes up, which may enhance concentration and focus. This helps you stay motivated during your workout session and could give you that extra edge to push through and achieve your fitness goals.
Soothes Sore Muscles
Protein coffee works a double shift by boosting your energy levels and metabolism. Both protein and coffee are thermogenic, which triggers a process called thermogenesis. By generating more heat in your body, you burn more calories and support weight management.[7]
That’s not all. As a nervous system stimulant, caffeine signals the release of specific neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and norepinephrine.[8] The stimulation can lead to an increase in heart rate. It can also support the breakdown of stored fats in fat cells, releasing fatty acids into the bloodstream.[9] As a result, the body may use these fatty acids as a fuel source. This could promote fat oxidation and make it easier to stay in shape.
When your metabolism is firing as it should, this could help support weight management. A faster metabolism helps you burn calories and sustain more energy throughout the day.[10]
More From Bulletproof
Powers Your Training
Whether you prefer high-intensity exercise or cardio, coffee helps you push harder and exert more power.
By stimulating the central nervous system, caffeine can help you feel more energized and focused. This allows you to push through intense workouts with greater intensity and motivation.
Caffeine increases chemicals that can stimulate the breakdown of stored fats for energy. By promoting fat use during exercise, caffeine may help with glycogen recovery.[11]
The Best Way to Drink Your Coffee Before Your Workout
Enjoy your protein coffee 30 to 60 minutes before you hit the gym. By then, your body will start to absorb its caffeine. If you like to eat before you exercise, try these pre-workout meals.
For an extra boost, try Intermittent Fasting before your workout. Fasting also slows down mTOR, a protein that tells cells to grow.[12] Combine fasting with your coffee and workout routine to maximize your muscle-building potential.
Then, consume protein coffee within 15 minutes of finishing your workout to support muscle recovery. This will help slow a cortisol spike that keeps you from building muscle. Try them both in this protein-packed sweet potato smoothie.
Protein Coffee Tips
Protein and coffee are the ultimate energy and muscle-recovery duo. Now that you’re in on the buzz, use these tips to make your cup work harder for you.
Choose the Right Coffee
Not any coffee before your workout will do. A large hazelnut soy latte with extra whip has loads of calories, fillers and artificial flavors. High-quality coffee has clean-sourced caffeine to fuel your workout and support your metabolism.
Our clean coffee is carefully roasted and tested for toxins, so you get the benefits of caffeine without the crash.
Choose the Right Protein
Whey protein powder and collagen protein are two of the best choices for coffee.
- Whey protein is the gold standard. It contains all nine essential amino acids and is quickly absorbed, making it a top pick for bodybuilders and anyone looking to boost muscle performance.[13]
- Collagen protein is a great option if you want wellness benefits in every sip. As the body’s most abundant protein, collagen helps support healthier skin, bones, muscles and joints.[14] Bonus: it’s flavorless and won’t change the taste of your brew.
How to Add Protein to Coffee
Collagen protein is the easiest option; simply stir it into hot or cold coffee and watch it dissolve. Whey protein, on the other hand, requires more finesse. Since whey protein is derived from milk, it can clump or curdle when added to hot coffee.
Use these tips to avoid kitchen mishaps:
- Mix with a blender or hand frother
- Mix the whey with water first to form a slurry
- Add the whey to your mug or shaker cup before pouring in coffee
Curdling with whey protein is another possibility. This is when milk protein separates and becomes lumpy—yes, it’s as unpleasant as it sounds.
Guarantee smooth sips only by cooling down your coffee before adding the protein. This is why iced coffee makes the perfect base for protein.
Sign up for early access to sales, product launches, the latest Bulletproof news and more!