Proffee (Protein & Coffee): The New Health Trend Brewing on TikTok – Healthline
- Proffee, a blend of coffee and protein, is a recent TikTok trend causing a stir among experts.
- Some dietitians and nutritionists say there are better ways to add caffeine and proteins to your diet.
- Experts also believe there are ways to make proffee healthier but that it’s typically fine in moderation.
There’s a new trend brewing on TikTok. It’s called “proffee” and the hashtag #proffee has already received nearly 10 million views on the social media platform.
“In the TikTok world, where proffee has taken off, this usually means a protein shake poured over a cold brew or iced espresso, but in actuality, it can be any type of coffee along with protein added, ” says Carolyn Cohen, an integrative nutritionist, functional medicine health coach, plus host associated with the podcast Wellness While Walking .
The dramatic slow-motion videos, which end with the creamy beverage in a glass jar, create it look fun and delicious. And some TikTok users are swearing by its benefits, including weight loss. But do the health claims really shake out?
Experts spilled on what you need to know before trying this made-for-social-media beverage.
Some of the most popular purported benefits of proffee swirling around include:
- improved power, focus, plus performance
- added protein
- weight reduction assistance
But specialists offer mixed reviews upon these statements.
Energy, focus, and performance
Noah Quezada, RDN , says that proffee can be energizing and improve focus and performance because of the particular caffeine content.
That said, it’s important to note that will these studies were not done on proffee itself.
Dan Gallagher, a registered dietitian with Aegle Nutrition , states there are much better ways to get a jolt.
“Healthier sources of caffeine would be black or even green tea or simply the cup associated with coffee, ” Gallagher says.
The advantages of additional protein
Patricia Kolesa, MS, RDN of Hackensack Meridian Health notes that the recommended dietary intake is 0. 8g/kg associated with body weight per day. In other words, a 150-pound person would need about 54 grams of protein per day. For context,
Kolesa says the protein in shakes can contribute to this particular protein intake but information that most individuals can get enough protein from food. And Gallagher says food is a better protein source.
“Protein is healthiest when it’s sourced from whole ingredients like seafood, lean beef, beans, eggs, or milk, ” Gallagher states. “Maintaining a balanced diet will give all the advertised benefits and more. ”
Part of the issue is that proteins shakes can have added sugars or even low quality, processed proteins that don’t measure up to the natural proteins found in foods.
“Any health benefits of adding protein in order to coffee can be quickly undone by the window-dressing — the devil is in the particular details when it comes to proffee, ” Cohen says.
Can proffee aid with weight loss?
Weight loss is one of typically the most commonly discussed benefits of proffee. Quezada encourages people to proceed with caution.
“Proffee is not a miracle weight-loss drink, ” Quezada says.
That said, Quezada notes that some evidence suggests that caffeine and protein can aid some people in weight management.
For example, a
But Kolesa stresses that there are no research on proffee itself.
“It is not a guarantee that will the protein coffee itself will help someone lose weight, ” she states.
And she adds pouring in high fat milk, creamers in addition to sugary syrups can negate any benefits from the beverage’s protein and even caffeine.
Ultimately, Quezada stresses that meeting weekly exercise requirements together with following a nutritious diet of lean animal and additionally plant-based proteins, produce, not to mention complex carbohydrates are more proven ways for individuals to get the benefits associated with proffee.
Kolesa claims going this route can help people avoid some cons regarding drinking proffee, including:
- jitters
- increased risk for certain populations
- sleep disturbance
- allergic reactions
- gastrointestinal tract issues
The exact number of cups of coffee a person can handle isn’t an exact science — it will vary based on this individual. If you notice you are jittery or having trouble sleeping, consider reducing the amount.
But Kolesa says the
The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology suggests individuals limit caffeine intake to be able to 200 mg., or one 12-oz. cup of coffee, per day during pregnancy.
The syrups and high fat dairy and creamers some TikTokers are putting in their beverages may not be best with regard to people with diabetes, high cholesterol, or heart conditions.
“You could try using low sugar syrups or necessary protein shakes/powders, ” Kolesa suggests. “You can also try low fat creamers and milk. ”
An older 2013 review suggested the fact that consuming coffee six hours before bedtime could disrupt sleep.
Kolesa also indicates reading the labels of healthy proteins shakes to ensure you are not allergic to any ingredients. Other ingredients may not trigger allergic responses but can lead for you to GI issues, like stomach aches. In case you notice you’re getting those issues, stop using the shake.
Gallagher tells proffee isn’t off your table, but it shouldn’t be considered a meal replacement or even your primary source of health proteins or caffeinated drinks.
“If you’re looking for something tasty, this is probably worth drinking, but I would look at it essentially as the blended drink from Starbucks, ” Gallagher says. “It’s probably not some thing to have every day. ”
And he stresses it’s essential to rely on advice from healthcare providers and peer-reviewed studies, not really TikTokers, regarding dietary advice.
“I would approach nutrition and wellness trends on TikTok along with a healthy dose about skepticism, ” Gallagher suggests. “Research, yet be wary of what sites are advertising benefits. It’s good to question what biases sites might have, and when in doubt, research scientific studies or perhaps medical organizations specifically. ”