Have you ever considered mixing your protein powder with coffee? Well, this is one of the ways of taking your supplements. You will not only boost your protein levels in the body but also get some caffeine boost, which will make you active for a long.
This combination has a marvelous taste, and you will look forward to taking your protein supplement. Mixing coffee with protein powder is also a good substitute for a creamer if you want to limit your fat intake.
I will guide you through a step-by-step process of mixing protein powder with coffee and highlight some benefits of this mixture.
Quick Summary
- It is okay to mix the protein powder in coffee because you will have a protein boost and caffeine fix in just one simple drink.
- For the coffee-protein powder mix, add cold almond milk and a protein powder to the blender and blend for a few minutes. Add some iced coffee and stir before enjoying.
- Scientifically, there are no proven side effects in mixing protein powder with coffee.
- Whey protein powder and vegan protein powder can be mixed with your coffee.
Benefits Of Mixing Protein Powder In Coffee
Personally, I found three benefits when adding protein powder to coffee.
Firstly, you can get your caffeine fix and protein boost in one simple drink. I tend to have very little time after my morning run to get ready for work and into commute mode. Not having to worry about two separate things makes this a lot easier.
Secondly, I actually really like the taste.
By using chocolate or vanilla flavored protein powder as coffee creamer, I can create some more interesting combinations.
And finally, if you want to limit your fat intake by not using a creamer, then a scoop of protein powder may just be the answer you're looking for.
How Does Caffeine Influence Protein Absorption?
There is very little evidence that caffeine influences the rate of protein absorption. The few claims that we were able to find were not backed up by any scientific or clinical studies.
However, my dietitian was able to point me to a study that took this issue one step further. Essentially, through some clinical trials, an analysis was made on the actual impact of caffeine on protein synthesis in muscles [1].
The results of this study showed no negative impacts on lean mass development. This means that most people shouldn't experience issues with protein absorption if they were to add whey protein in coffee.
But does that mean there are no negatives to this approach?
Are There Any Downsides?
At this stage of my research process, I was at a point where everything seemed to indicate no real issues of blending a hot coffee protein shake to start the day.
However, I did stumble across some scientific information that highlighted concerns that you should take into account.
Essentially, there is evidence that the structure of proteins may slightly change when exposed to high temperatures [2]. The technical term is "denaturation" of the protein, but this is only an issue for a few types of amino acids.
Severe heat treatments may slightly affect nutrition and amino acids that are particularly sensitive to heat.
- Frankie Smith, Health Clinician
So, the main nutritional concern is high temperature. Fortunately, there are some ways to avoid that problem, and it doesn't have to involve drinking cold coffee.
How To Mix Coffee And Protein Powder Together?
Here are 4 simple tips you can follow that may make your morning cup of coffee a good protein booster.
1 - Wait For Your Brew To Cool Down
As mentioned above, high temperatures may impact the protein structure. What I generally do is start by adding some cold almond milk. I then wait for about another 5 minutes before I add the protein powder.
2 - Use A Blender For A Creamy Effect
If you like the more creamy effect of a latte, then you can achieve something similar without the need for any milk. With a simple stick blender, you may be able to create a pleasant and frothy effect, dependent on how many scoops of whey protein you're adding.
3 - Add Flavored Protein Powder
One thing I love doing is adding flavored protein in coffee. The one thing I would advise, though, is not to try it with fruity flavors, as it just tends to make it a rather disgusting experience.
4 - Consider A Refreshing Iced Coffee
Yes, I did say above you won't have to resort to drinking cold coffee. However, I did start experimenting with this last summer. To my surprise, iced coffee is actually quite refreshing after you've done some exercise.
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Best Protein To Mix With Coffee
I would generally suggest that you try using whey protein powder to mix with coffee. The reason I like it is that it does create a slightly creamy effect, which means you can avoid using milk altogether.
However, if you're dairy intolerant, then adding vegan protein powder in coffee is also a good option. Hemp and rice protein are 2 options you may want to consider, with hemp having the benefit of providing all essential amino acids.
FAQs
Is it okay to drink coffee after a protein shake?
Yes, it is okay to drink coffee after a protein shake. However, you want to avoid drinking very hot coffee, as it may have an impact on the structure of the proteins.
Can I put protein powder in hot drinks?
Yes, you can put protein powder in hot drinks, but you may want to avoid very hot temperatures. Freshly boiled water may have a negative impact, so letting it cool down a bit or adding some milk may be a good option.
Is it bad to mix protein powder with coffee?
No, it isn't bad to mix protein powder with coffee. The two substances may have very positive effects by helping you become more mentally focused during your exercise, and providing nutrients to speed up the recovery.
Is Mixing Coffee With Protein Powder A Good Idea?
Yes,
Doing so may change the structure of some of the proteins. At the same time, you won't need to sip on cold coffee either. Just wait a few minutes for the temperature to go down a bit.
If you've had some good experiences with protein coffee, then leave a quick comment on one of our social media pages.
References:
- https://oaktrust.library.tamu.edu/handle/1969.1/156127
- https://www.livestrong.com/article/528865-can-i-heat-whey-protein/
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