Coffee connoisseurs are even sneaking it into their morning mugs. Nearly half (47%) of Americans believe that daybreak is the best time to get their protein fill, a recent survey <\/a>from the financial services company Empower found. <\/p>\n No wonder Starbucks muscled its way into the protein-packed marketplace. The coffee conglomerate launched protein cold foams and lattes and protein-boosted milks to its permanent menu<\/a> on Monday, with 15 to 36 grams of the essential macronutrient stuffed into each grande 16-ounce beverage.<\/p>\n Alex Carlton from Queens tries her first Iced Triple Espresso with Banana Protein Cold Foam at a Starbucks in Long Island City on Sept. 29, 2025, the day the coffee chain launched protein offerings to its permanent menu. Brian Zak\/NY Post<\/p>\n \u201cConsumers are prioritizing protein in the morning, are open to paying a premium for protein-enhanced drinks, and younger generations are driving that shift \u2014 all pointing to protein coffee as a trend with strong tailwinds,\u201d Rebecca Rickert, head of consumer insights at Empower, told The Post.<\/p>\n Though \u201cproffee\u201d is a convenient way to beef up protein intake to meet daily goals, experts warn that it\u2019s not a magic bullet for weight loss or significant muscle gain.<\/p>\n \u201cThese products should not be substitutes for meals that ideally would include fruits, vegetables and whole grains that offer fiber and a range of phytochemicals, nutrients which these products often lack,\u201d registered dietitian Sotiria\u00a0Everett<\/a>, a clinical assistant professor at\u00a0Stony\u00a0Brook\u00a0Medicine, told The Post. <\/p>\n How much protein do you need?<\/p>\n \u201cUnderstanding your personal protein needs is key to determining whether you\u2019re getting enough \u2014 or possibly too much \u2014 especially if you\u2019re adding protein powders to your routine,\u201d Everett said.<\/p>\n The Recommended Dietary Allowance<\/a> for protein\u00a0is 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight \u2014 or 0.36 grams per pound. For a 150-pound person, that\u2019s 54 grams of protein daily.<\/p>\n \u201cThis requirement increases for athletes, individuals on calorie-restricted diets and certain other populations,\u201d Everett noted.<\/p>\n Starbucks\u2019 new protein beverages boast 15 to 36 grams of the essential macronutrient in every 16 ounces.<\/p>\n Some nutritionists suggest 90<\/a>, 100<\/a>, even 120<\/a> grams of protein a day, paving the way for protein proliferation.<\/p>\n This TikTok-fueled meaty movement<\/a> is divisive \u2014 excessive protein, for one, can increase the risk of developing kidney stones<\/a>. Protein metabolism generates uric acid, which can form crystals that accumulate to become kidney stones<\/a>.<\/p>\n And too much red and processed meat can raise the risk of heart disease<\/a> and colorectal cancer<\/a>.<\/p>\n RELATED: Best protein powders, per experts<\/a><\/p>\n What \u2018proffee\u2019 offers<\/p>\n Eating protein at each meal \u2014 and in snacks \u2014 can help you meet your nutritional needs.<\/p>\n One ounce of beef, chicken or fish can contain<\/a> 7 grams of protein, while 8 grams might be found in 8 ounces of milk or half a cup of black beans.<\/p>\n One downside to \u201cproffee\u201d is that some protein blends are laden with calories and sugar that can undermine the sense of satiety, or feeling of fullness, that protein provides.<\/p>\n For example, there are 24 grams of protein, 36 grams of sugar and 430 calories in a grande Starbucks Iced Banana Cream Protein Matcha<\/a>. You get less sugar if you order one of the \u201cno added sugar\u201d options.<\/p>\n Thunder CoffeeMilk<\/a> \u2014 an Aussie-style blend brewed with milk and not water \u2014 boasts 9 grams of protein per 11-ounce can. The coffee also clocks in at 220 calories and 26 grams of sugar (including 11 grams of added sugar).<\/p>\n You can try making healthier versions at home.<\/p>\n Naked Nutrition<\/a>\u2018s protein coffee powder<\/a> \u2014 which can be added to water or milk \u2014 contains 20 grams of protein, 150 calories and 5 grams of sugar in the standard serving size, about two scoops.<\/p>\n Ascent<\/a>\u2018s newly launched Pumpkin Spice Iced Coffee + Protein<\/a> offers 20 grams of protein, 100 calories and 1 gram of sugar per single-scoop serving.<\/p>\n How to \u2018proffee\u2019 the right way<\/p>\n No matter how much protein you devour, experts recommend eating it throughout the day instead of all at once because your body cannot effectively store\u00a0amino acids the same way it stores fat and carbohydrates.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re an enemy of espresso and other brews, fish, chicken, eggs and some whole grains are good sources of protein. Getty Images\/iStockphoto<\/p>\n That\u2019s where \u201cproffee\u201d can help.<\/p>\n \u201cCoffee is typically something we consume in the morning; therefore, having coffee with some protein in the morning may lead to a balanced distribution of protein throughout the day,\u201d Everett said.<\/p>\n \u201cSpreading protein intake throughout the day may help support energy levels and maintain lean muscle mass.\u201d<\/p>\n But be careful starting the day with a mug o\u2019 muscle \u2014 coffee stimulates the release of gastrin, a hormone that increases stomach acid production.<\/p>\n Java on an empty stomach can trigger a more significant release of this acid, potentially spurring symptoms like heartburn and reflux<\/a>.<\/p>\n And it may not move the needle much at the gym.<\/p>\n \u201cCaffeine and protein both have potential benefits \u2014 caffeine can enhance performance<\/a> and protein supports muscle repair,\u201d Everett noted.<\/p>\n \u201cHowever, drinking protein coffee before a workout may not lead to significant results.\u201d<\/p>\n![\"Thunder](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/protein-coffee-handouts-thunder-coffeemilk-112414363.jpg\")
<\/a>You can get your \u201cproffee\u201d fix with cans from Thunder CoffeeMilk.<\/p>\n