Losing a pet is a uniquely painful experience. For many of us without children, our pets aren't just animals; they're our family. They're our confidants, our daily companions, and a source of unconditional love. So when they're gone, the silence they leave behind is deafening. I recently lost my guinea pig, Cinnamon, after almost five years together. The worst part was that I had to sit there and watch her die, completely helpless. There wasn't a single vet in a 100-mile radius who would see her. The feeling of watching a beloved friend suffer and not being able to do a single thing about it is something that will stick with me for a long time. R.I.P. Cinnamon! 💔 This kind of loss brings a complicated type of grief. It's not just sadness; it's layered with guilt, anger, and a profound sense of failure, even when there was nothing you could have done. The world keeps moving, but your little world has stopped. People, often with good intentions, might say t...
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Protein Coffee Guide: Benefits, Recipes, and My Projo Review
Living in southeast Alabama means our mornings can get pretty humid, but that doesn't stop me from needing my daily caffeine fix. Lately, though, things have changed a bit in my kitchen. I'm 44 years old, and my body just doesn't handle things like it used to. Between dealing with PCOS and managing prediabetes, I've had to get serious about my nutrition. I'm always looking for easy ways to hit my daily goals, and that's where protein coffee comes in.
My mornings are usually a zoo. We don't have kids, but with five pets, it sure feels like it. Adah, my older cat, is usually fussing at me for breakfast, while Micah, the kitten, is tearing through the living room. Then I have to check on Sugar the guinea pig and the two bunnies, Lucy and Ricky (they get a nice veggie salad in the mornings). On top of that, Noro, the neighbor's cat, shows up at the side door for his morning treat almost every single day. So, finding a way to get my protein in without having to stop and cook a big breakfast while wrangling animals has been a huge help.
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⚡ Key Takeaways
☕ Protein coffee helps balance blood sugar, which is crucial for PCOS management.
😋 I tried Projo coffee samples; they taste great but are a bit pricey for daily use.
🌱 I switched from collagen to whey or pea protein because it keeps me fuller longer.
🚫 Never mix whey protein powder directly into hot coffee, or it'll clump up.
⏳ This drink helps me get through my morning fast without crashing.
What is Protein Coffee (Proffee)?
It sounds exactly like what it is. You take your regular coffee and add protein to it. It really is that simple. This trend took off on TikTok as "proffee," and it's actually one of the few internet food trends that makes a lot of sense nutritionally.
Now, I've never been a black coffee drinker. I just can't do it. I need my coffee to taste good, so I always use a few packets of alternative sweetener and a splash of almond milk or creamer. But even with my preferred mix, I knew I needed to get more protein into my diet to help with my PCOS and prediabetes. By adding protein to the coffee I'm already drinking, I can hit my nutritional goals without having to eat a heavy meal if I'm not in the mood for food. It's just an efficient way to get those nutrients in.
You can make it a few different ways. Some people pour a pre-made protein shake (like Premier Protein or Fairlife) right into their iced coffee. Others stir in whey powder or plant-based protein. It's a great way to support your body, especially if you're trying to stick to a fasting schedule like I am.
My Honest Review of Projo Coffee
Back in September, I got my hands on some samples of Projo coffee. I'm always skeptical of functional beverages because they usually taste like chalk or chemicals. But since I was trying to be healthier for my 20th wedding anniversary which we just celebrated, I figured I'd try it out.
The Taste Test
I received two cans to try: the Vanilla Latte and the Mocha Latte. My husband tried the Mocha Latte because he loves chocolate, and I took the Vanilla Latte.
Honestly? It was delicious. I expected it to be bitter, but it had the perfect amount of sweetness. The vanilla flavor tasted natural, and it had the right amount of creaminess. It felt like a treat, not a supplement. My husband said the Mocha Lattee had a good, rich flavor and didn't have that weird aftertaste you sometimes get with canned coffees.
The Ingredients and Specs
What really caught my eye about Projo was the ingredient list. It isn't just cheap filler. It includes grass-fed SOLUGEL collagen peptides, which are great for skin and joints. The cans also pack in 25 grams of protein; that's a serious amount of protein for a coffee drink.
They also add organic coffee fruit extract. This part of the coffee plant is high in antioxidants but usually gets thrown away. Using it is sustainable and good for you. The coffee beans themselves are organic and fair trade, so you know you aren't drinking pesticides.
Is it Worth the Price?
Here's the catch. It isn't cheap. A 12-pack of the instant packets costs around $28. That's over $2 per cup just for the packet, not including the water or milk you might add. The cans are even more expensive, around $30 for a 6-pack.
As much as I loved the taste and how it made me feel, I can't afford to drink it every single day right now. For now, I treat it like a special weekend drink. If you've got the budget, though, I 100% recommend it. It's high quality and super convenient.
The Health Benefits (PCOS & Fasting Focus)
I talk a lot about my health because it affects everything I do. When you have prediabetes and PCOS, your body doesn't handle insulin very well. Dealing with blood sugar spikes is sadly a daily reality for me.
Why Protein with Coffee Matters
It's not about using coffee as a meal replacement, as I know coffee's just a beverage. But, if I'm going to drink it, I might as well make it work for me. Consuming protein helps stabilize glucose levels.
When I add protein to my coffee, it helps balance out the caffeine and any natural sugars. This is super important for managing my prediabetes. Plus, since I'm in my 40s now, I need to protect my muscle mass. You lose muscle as you age, and protein is the only way to keep it. It's just an easy win for my health without changing my routine too much.
Why I Switched to Whey and Plant Protein
I used to use collagen powder all the time. It dissolves easily and doesn't taste like anything. But lately, I've switched to regular whey protein or a plant-based option like pea protein.
Here's why. Collagen is great, but it didn't keep me full. I do alternate fasting to help with my health issues. It's really good for keeping my blood sugar balanced and helping me maintain my weight, or lose weight when I'm actually working out regularly along with the fasting (and we know how hard that habit is to keep up!).
When I use whey or pea protein, I'm getting a complete protein that's much more satiating. It helps me get through my morning fast without feeling like I'm starving (yes, I know it technically breaks a fast, but I do "dirty fasting" and use it to help me go longer without a full meal). It holds me over until I'm ready for my first real meal.
How to Make Protein Coffee at Home (Without the Clumps)
I learned this the hard way. Do not, and I repeat, do not dump a scoop of whey protein powder directly into a mug of hot coffee. It'll cook the protein instantly, and you'll end up with chunky, gross curds floating in your cup. It's nasty.
The "Slurry" Method
If you want to use powder in hot coffee, you've got to temper it first.
Put your scoop of whey or plant protein powder in a mug.
Add a little bit of cold water or milk. Just enough to cover the powder.
Stir it really well until it's a smooth paste or liquid (a slurry).
Then slowly pour your hot coffee into the slurry while stirring.
Add your sweetener and creamer/almond milk as usual.
This stops the protein from shocking and clumping. It works every time.
Best Powders to Use
For hot coffee, if you're like me and want that fullness factor, stick to a high-quality whey isolate or a fine pea protein. They mix a bit better than the cheaper concentrates.
For iced coffee, you can use anything. I like to use a shaker bottle to mix my cold brew and protein powder first, then pour it over ice. Or, I just pour a Premier Protein shake over ice and add a shot of espresso. It tastes just like an iced latte but with 30 grams of protein and hardly any sugar.
Ordering Protein Coffee at Starbucks
Sometimes I'm running errands, and I just want to grab a coffee. Starbucks actually has some good options now, so you don't have to ruin your diet just because you're out.
They recently launched a whole menu of protein drinks. They've got Protein Cold Foam now, which they can add to any cold drink. It comes in flavors like Banana, Chocolate, and Vanilla.
They also have Protein Lattes. These use a special "protein-boosted milk." A Grande can have up to 28 to 36 grams of protein if you order it right.
If you want to keep it simple and lower in sugar, here's my go-to order:
Ask for a Cold Brew or an Iced Americano.
Ask for a splash of almond milk.
Ask for two pumps of sugar-free vanilla syrup and your preferred sweetener packets.
If they have the protein powder available, ask them to blend it in, or just order the high-protein latte if it's on the menu.
Be careful with the fancy new drinks, though. Some of them still have a lot of sugar from the syrups. Always check the nutrition info on the app before you order.
Making It Work for You
Getting enough protein doesn't have to be complicated. Whether you buy fancy Projo cans, mix up a slurry in your kitchen, or hit the drive-thru, adding protein to your coffee is a small change that makes a big difference.
For me, it's about having the energy to keep up with my life. Between the pets, working full-time, taking care of the house, and trying to stay healthy, I need all the help I can get. Since I started doing this, I feel better knowing I'm doing something good for my body right at the start of the day. It helps me stick to my fasting goals and keeps the hunger away until I'm ready to eat.
If you're struggling to hit your protein numbers or just want to support your health goals, give it a try. Just remember to mix it right so you don't end up chewing your coffee!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does heat destroy the protein in coffee?
A: Generally, no. While high heat can "denature" protein (change its structure), it doesn't destroy the nutritional value. Your body still absorbs the amino acids. However, very high temperatures (boiling) might reduce the effectiveness of some specific bioactive peptides in collagen. Since coffee is usually brewed around 195°F to 205°F and cools down quickly, it's perfectly safe and effective to mix your collagen or protein powder into it.
Q: Can protein coffee help with weight loss?
A: Yes, it can be a helpful tool. Protein is the most satiating nutrient. By adding protein to your coffee, you help ensure your body gets the nutrients it needs, which can prevent cravings later in the day. It also boosts your metabolism slightly because your body uses more energy to digest protein. Just watch out for added sugars in flavored creamers or powders.
Q: Is it okay to drink protein coffee every day?
A: For most people, yes. It's a convenient way to boost your daily protein intake. However, it shouldn't replace whole food meals entirely. Real foods like eggs, yogurt, and meat provide other nutrients that powders might miss. Also, if you've got kidney issues or specific health conditions, you should always check with your doctor before adding large amounts of protein supplements to your diet.
Q: What's the best time to drink protein coffee?
A: The best time is typically in the morning or around a workout. Drinking it in the morning helps stabilize blood sugar for the day. If you exercise, drinking it within an hour of your workout (before or after) can help with muscle recovery and energy. Since it contains caffeine, try to avoid drinking it late in the afternoon so it doesn't mess up your sleep.
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