Author: Oleksandr Maksymenko (Certified Sports Nutritionist, MSc)
Almost every morning, coffee is a must-take for many people. However, many prefer to take it to another level by adding a scoop of protein powder to their coffee, but they find it difficult to select the best option since the market is flooded with a lot of protein powders.
In this article, we'll be talking about the best protein powders to mix with coffee. You will learn the pros, cons, and other reasons why you should select a particular product or not. To those seeking to augment their protein intake during breakfast, or those exploring new coffee options, please continue reading.
In a hurry?
In a hurry?
In a hurry and can’t keep reading? How about you check out the XTEND Pro Whey Isolate (Vanilla Ice Cream).
XTEND Pro Whey Isolate adds an energizing boost to your morning coffee while providing essential proteins and amino acids for muscle growth, with premium whey isolate and third-party testing for quality and safety.
Top 5 Best Protein Powders to Mix With Coffee Reviewed
1. XTEND Pro Whey Isolate (Vanilla Ice Cream) – Top Pick
For those who relish starting their day treating themselves to a cup of coffee - why not amp it up with some added protein powder like XTEND Pro Whey Isolate, Not only does it give you an energy boost, but it also provides your muscles with a dose of protein and effectively increases satiety levels.
The secret behind this best protein powder for coffee effectiveness lies in the usage of high-quality whey isolate which distinguishes itself by containing more protein yield and lesser carbs/fats than concentrate-based forms of whey proteins available out there.
- Best for: Build muscle, Recovery, Cutting
- Suitable for Vegans: No
- Protein Source: Whey
- Serving size: 32.4g (Approx 1 scoop)
- Price per serving: ~ $ 1.21
- Protein-by-Weight Ratio (%): 77%
- Proteins: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fat: 0 g
- Added Sugar: 0 g
- Company Founded: 2002
- Recommended by Athletes: Janet Layug, Sadik Hadzovic, and Thoren Bradley
With each scoop delivering approximately 25 grams worth of vitalizing proteins and 7 grams of BCAA - it is a great way to turn your energizing coffee drink into a source of amino acids for muscle growth!
The product's third-party testing (NSF and Informed-Sport certification) further ensure its quality and safety. The product is also gluten free. Although whey protein is supposed to be gluten free by nature, traces of gluten can get into the product during the manufacturing process. For people with a high sensitivity to gluten, this can be a problem.
Additionally, its fantastic flavor consisting of vanilla ice cream allows you to get an amazing coffee drink with the taste of an Italian Affogato dessert where vanilla gelato topped with a shot of espresso! With a smooth and creamy texture to savor, incorporating XTEND Pro Whey Isolate powder in your morning coffee will provide you with an indulgent and tasteful experience. You are enjoying the best coffee flavored protein powder!
Photo by @calolohea
More so, there's a 60 days money-back guarantee on this product making it flexible for you to return it if you have a change of mind about it.
As for the price, there's good news for you. This product is moderately priced at ~ $1.21 per serving. Regardless, the subscription service offers up to a 30% discount, giving great value for the money! Investing in XTEND Pro Whey Isolate remains a very sound decision given the superior ingredients, third-party testing, perfect taste and affordable price.
Positives:
Outstanding taste and flavor for your coffee drink
NSF and Informed-Sport certification
Great value for the money plus 30% subscription discount
Gluten free
Could be better:
Not sourced from grass-fed cow’s dairy
The sodium content could be lower
2. Kaged Whey Protein Isolate (Vanilla) – Runner-Up
Kaged whey protein isolate is another protein powder with a vanilla flavor we have on this list, it's almost similar to the first product we talked about but differs in some ways, yet it's still a product you would love to mix with your coffee.
- Best for: Build muscle, Recovery, Cutting
- Suitable for Vegans: No
- Protein Source: Whey protein isolate
- Serving size: 1 scoop (31 g)
- Price per serving: ~ $ 1.36
- Protein-by-Weight Ratio (%): 80.6%
- Proteins: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fat: 0 g
- Added Sugar: 0 g
- Company Founded: 2014
- Recommended by Athletes: Kris Gethin
This product contains ultra-pure whey protein isolate which reassures the user of high-quality intake with ease of absorption. Kaged whey protein isolate contains 25 grams of protein and 6 grams of BCAA - just 1 gram less than XTEND pro whey isolate protein. In addition to that, it contains 12g of EAAs.
Kaged uses digestive enzymes and ultrafiltration technology for increased absorption. This can be helpful for those who experience bloating after taking whey protein, enzymes can alleviate these unpleasant symptoms.
The exclusion of artificial flavors will appeal to those who are driven by pure nutrition principles aligning with overall healthy living practices. While the formula is made with stevia, it also contains sucralose. So, if you are looking for a sucralose-free option, there are other options available.
Photo by @trainermike1
This product is 3rd-party tested and approved banned substance free by Informed Sport.
Overall, Kaged Whey Protein Isolate Vanilla remains one of the best protein powder to put in coffee as it constitutes an efficacious solution for people searching for ways to incorporate proteins into their daily regimes concurrently with coffee habits.
Positives:
Solid serving of protein (25g)
Third party tested ensuring its quality and safety
Contains digestive enzyme for rapid absorption
Informed Sport certificate
Could be better:
Some users say it's too sweet for their liking
Contains sucralose (for those, who care)
The sodium content could be lower
For individuals who want to maintain adequate protein levels by taking protein powder in coffee TL Whey Protein Isolate could be the solution. By using potent grass-fed whey isolate without any artificial sweeteners, flavors, or colors - this product delivers unparalleled quality and purity.
- Best for: Build muscle, Recovery, Cutting
- Suitable for Vegans: No
- Protein Source: Whey protein isolate
- Serving size: 1 scoop (32 g)
- Price per serving: ~ $ 1.75
- Protein-by-Weight Ratio (%): 88%
- Proteins: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fat: 0 g
- Added Sugar: 0 g
- Company Founded: 2015
- Recommended by Athletes: Hafthor Björnsson, Paulina Andrade and Paul Sklar
This product contains the highest amount of protein (28 g per portion) and 88% protein-by-weight ratio. Although it is slightly higher in price as compared to other products in this category, that's the reason why this wonderful product failed to overtake the competitors of our rating.
It comes in several flavors like French vanilla, milk chocolate, oatmeal chocolate, mocha, and many more which allows you to switch and try something new anytime any day. But when it comes to the mix with coffee, we recommend trying the vanilla option. Transparent Labs only uses natural vanilla flavoring, which goes really well with coffee.
This product takes pride in utilizing grass-fed whey isolate protein sourced from 100% grass fed American cattle as its main component. It contains only four ingredients (grass-fed whey protein isolate, natural flavors, stevia, and sodium chloride), making it a clean option. The product is also gluten free.
Photo by @lucasnoratgb
Like the main competitors, TL Whey protein isolate is third party lab tested which further ensures its safety and quality.
Additionally, you can save 10% and also get free shipping when you subscribe to purchase it at a predetermined frequency. More so, the offer is very flexible due to the fact that you can pause or cancel your subscription at any time. This reduces the price gap from the competition and makes this great product quite reasonable in price.
Positives:
High protein per serving (28 grams)
Sourced from grass fed American Cows
Third-party tested
Clean ingredients, gluten free
Gourmet flavor with no artificial colorings or flavorings
Could be better:
High price per serving especially for a small can
The sodium content could be lower
Want to try blending your coffee with mochaccino-style chocolate flavor? Jacked Factory Authentic ISO provides an effective option to achieve your fitness goals by mixing it with coffee at an affordable ~$1.33 per serving. There's a 15% off the original price and a free shipping within the USA subscription offer for this product making it cost efficient.
- Best for: Build muscle, Recovery, Cutting
- Suitable for Vegans: No
- Protein Source: Grass-fed whey protein isolate
- Serving size: 1 scoop (30.1g)
- Price per serving: ~ $ 1.33
- Protein-by-Weight Ratio (%): 83%
- Proteins: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fat: 0.5g
- Added Sugar: 0 g
- Company Founded: 2015
- Recommended by Athletes: Manny Ezenwa and Maddy Barry
The protein source is clean grass-fed dairy. In terms of nutritional aspects, Jacked Factory Authentic Iso acquires admirable scores since it has a low-fat profile alongside only one gram of carbohydrates per serving. This implies versatility at its best fitting into various dietary plans irrespective of whether someone follows low-fat or low-carb lifestyles.
Keep in mind that the product employs both sucralose and stevia as sweeteners, so it's not for those who prefer only natural sweeteners.
While third-party testing isn't conducted on the product-a downside- Jacked Factory's production process in Current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP)-certified and FDA-registered facility ensures stringent quality controls: verifying safety and effectiveness.
Positives:
Sourced from grass-fed cows
Fair price, 15% discounts subscription offer
Solid serving of protein (25g)
Could be better:
A user says the taste is so artificially sweet
Not tested by the third party
High sodium content
Discerning consumers who demand the best protein to mix with coffee will appreciate Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey in Mocha Cappuccino flavor. This elite product incorporates a carefully curated combination of whey protein isolates and concentrates to elevate your nutritional profile. This product offers a delightful twist by incorporating the rich taste of coffee into your daily regimen
- Best for: Build muscle, Recovery, Cutting
- Suitable for Vegans: No
- Protein Source: Whey protein isolate
- Serving size: 1 scoop (30.4g)
- Price per serving: ~ $ 1.6
- Protein-by-Weight Ratio (%): 79%
- Proteins: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fat: 0 g
- Added Sugar: 0 g
- Company Founded: 1986
- Recommended by Athletes: Taylor Fritz, Cody Allen, and Maria Birova
Back in the day when Optimal Nutrition was gaining its reputation, this protein could really lay claim to the Gold Standard. But today we see that while it's still a great product, it's losing its Gold compared to its competitors.
It contains 24g of protein per serving, 5.5g of BCAA, 11g of EAAs which is lower than other products we have talked about above. Also, the product is higher in carbohydrate content, it does have both natural and artificial flavorings, that not everyone is gonna like.
Unfortunately, it's the most pricey among all the supplements in this context.
Photo by @pa_kin
Yes, it has pretty much all the features we expect from an expensive product. It contains a solid portion of protein, labeled as gluten free, tested for banned substances by Informed-Choice and Optimum Nutrition has a history of setting one of the high standards for quality. And you can even save if you opt for the big can. But still competitors perform better for less cost.
Positives:
Mocha Cappuccino taste blend well with coffee
Still a solid serving of protein (24g)
Tested for banned substances
Could be better:
High price per serving
Could be clumpy
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What Are the Benefits of Adding Protein to Coffee?
Proteins play a crucial part in maintaining optimal bodily functions by aiding in tissue growth and repair while also acting as an important building block for muscles, bones, and skin.
Adding protein powder to your breakfast beverage is a brilliant way to stimulate muscle growth while promoting quicker recovery times following exercise sessions or injuries. Also, adding proteins steadily minimizes cravings while maximizing feelings of satisfaction.. Now let's dive into the benefits of mixed coffee and protein powder in detail .
✅ Improved Workout Performance
When caffeine, a constituent of coffee combined with protein it can have an impact on your performance during workouts. Caffeine has proven benefits such as increasing alertness, focus and endurance which are all advantageous for exercise. Moreover protein plays a role in supporting muscle repair and growth ultimately optimizing your workout outcomes.
Add a protein and coffee shake 30-40 minutes before your morning workout and you'll be able to train harder and recover faster.
✅ Time Saving and Convenience
For individuals who lead lives or prefer breakfast options combining coffee with protein becomes an incredibly convenient solution. Getting both of these nutrients in one beverage saves time while providing benefits.
✅ Appetite Control
Protein has the ability to create feelings of fullness and satisfaction. When blended with coffee it may effectively help curb hunger cravings and prevent overeating, which can be quite advantageous if weight management is your goal.
✅ Balanced Energy Levels
Protein, when combined with coffee, can lead to more balanced energy levels throughout the day. Caffeine provides a quick energy boost, but it's often followed by a crash when its effects wear off.
By adding protein to coffee, you can help mitigate this crash since the protein slows down the caffeine absorption, resulting in a more gradual and sustained release of energy. This can lead to improved focus and productivity without experiencing the typical energy roller coaster associated with coffee consumption.
✅ Boosted Nutritional Value
Coffee itself doesn't provide an amount of nutrients. However if you incorporate protein into your coffee you can enhance its profile. Protein is packed with amino acids and other important nutrients that promote health and well being.
Overall, Incorporating more protein powder into your daily diet can significantly impact your overall health so mixing them with coffee is an easy way to make some positive progress towards this goal.
What Type of Protein Is Best to Mix With Coffee?
In our ranking, you'll find the best options for combining protein and coffee. As you can see, all of them are represented by whey protein. This provides the best combination of high quality, easily digestible protein and a milkshake flavor that is great for creating a coffee drink.
Milk-derived whey protein stands out as one of the most highly-regarded sources of fast-digesting nutrients available today. Whey protein delivers all essential amino acids necessary for building lean muscle mass effectively and enhances muscle recovery after intense workouts.
Protein can help with weight management as it promotes satiety, making you feel full and satisfied after a meal. This can lead to reduced calorie intake and may help in controlling appetite and cravings, which can be beneficial for those trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight. Also it helps to preserve lean muscle mass, ensuring that weight loss is predominantly from fat stores rather than muscle tissue. If you're on a weight loss journey, starting your day with a protein and coffee shake is a great idea.
However, it's not just about the beneficial properties of whey protein itself.
When you make a coffee drink, you expect the great texture and flavor typical of milk shakes or coffee with milk. Whey protein makes for a flawless coffee drink that will brighten your morning or revitalize you in the middle of the workday.
How to Find the Best Protein Powder to Mix With Coffee?
As you go about selecting a top-notch protein supplement that pairs seamlessly with your daily caffeine fix, there are a few additional points worth taking into account.
1. Go for Flavors that Complement Your Coffee
When picking a protein powder to mix with your coffee, opt for flavors that go together. Vanilla, mocha and chocolate are options as they enhance the taste of your coffee. Avoid overpowering flavors that might overshadow the natural coffee flavor.
2. Check the Protein Content and Quality
Make sure the protein powder you select has a protein content per serving. In our list, you'll find products that feature a solid amount of high-quality whey protein isolate per serving (24-28 g) from reputable brands. The best options are also third-party tested to ensure quality and purity.
3. Examine Ingredients and Nutritional Profile
In a perfect world, you only want protein and maybe a natural flavoring to brighten the taste of your drink. In reality, however, protein powders contain other ingredients.
Choose proteins that are low in carbohydrates and fat. This will ensure that there are no extra calories either, making the drink suitable for any purpose, the carbohydrate and fat content of the diet is very easy to manage.
Determine if the lack of artificial flavors and sweeteners is important to you. They are generally safe, but many people prefer natural products. Also pay attention to sodium content, the lower the better in most cases (most people already consume too much salt with their diet).
4. Consider Mixability and Texture
A smooth drinking experience is key when enjoying your coffee blended with protein powder. Choose a protein powder that mixes seamlessly with coffee leaving no lumps or gritty texture. User reviews can provide insights regarding the mixability of protein powders.
5. Take into Account Your Dietary Needs and Restrictions
In selecting a coffee protein powder that matches your tastes while also providing key nutrients necessary for physical health - it is important to keep specific dietary factors in mind, If you have intolerance or adhere to a vegan diet consider choosing a protein powder that's free, from dairy or derived from plants. It's important to review the list of ingredients to make sure that it is safe for you to consume.
FAQ
Does Protein Powder Mix Well With Coffee?
Yes, protein powder mixes well with coffee. Use a blender or shaker bottle, add the powder gradually to prevent clumping, and choose a protein powder with good solubility.
Is It Ok to Mix Whey Protein With Coffee?
Yes, it's okay to mix whey protein with coffee. Whey protein blends well and can be easily added to your coffee for a protein boost. Just ensure you choose a flavor that compliments your coffee or opt for unflavored whey protein.
What Is the Best Flavor Protein to Add to Coffee?
There is no direct answer to this question as it depends solely on personal preferences and goals. You can select from available options like. Vanilla, chocolate, mocha, and caramel, test them out to discover your favorite.
Conclusion
When it comes to selecting the best protein powder to mix with your coffee, XTEND Pro Whey Isolate available in Vanilla Ice Cream flavor is our top pick, this product not only supplies you with necessary nutrients but also makes your coffee delicious. However, choosing the best might be subject to individual preference, taste, and goal but you are advised to choose a product that is highly soluble, delicious, and suits your health.
We hope this piece guides you in selecting the best protein to mix with coffee. We encourage you to share it with your loved ones as it will be beneficial to them. If you need any clarification or further information kindly leave a comment. We are always available to assist you in the comments below.
Also read:
References:
- Benefits of Protein //WebMD: https://www.webmd.com/ diet/benefits-protein
- Effectiveness of whey protein supplements on the serum levels of amino acid, creatinine kinase and myoglobin of athletes: a systematic review and meta-analysis //Biomedcentral: https://systematicreviewsjournal. biomedcentral.com/articles /10.1186/s13643-019-1039-z
- Differential effects of rapid or slow body weight loss on muscle weight and protein degradation pathways in rat skeletal muscle //Biomedcentral: https://jissn.biomedcentral.com /articles/10.1186 /1550-2783-12-S1-P58
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Experience: 7 years
Specializing in: Weight management, Fitness / Sports nutrition
Oleksandr is a professional fitness nutritionist, certified by FPA (Fitness Professional Association). Oleksandr adheres to the principles of evidence-based dietetics and instills in his clients a healthy relationship with food - without strict prohibitions on favorite foods and regular disruptions. His main task – not only get a result for you, but also maintain it for many years, enjoying tasty and delicious food.
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