Hi! I'm Olivia 👋
I was spending too much money on sugary Starbucks lattes and gained some weight! I heard about protein coffee as an alternative and tested the top brands!
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Best (and Worst) Protein Coffees 2025
As someone who’s always on the lookout for the next big thing in health and fitness, I couldn’t help but notice the buzz around protein coffee, or as it’s now popularly known, “proffee.” I’m always up for trying out fun health trends, and this one got me really excited.
I have no appetite first thing in the morning, and I struggle to get in enough protein throughout the day. Not to mention, I hate chalky protein shakes. I decided to check out ten of the most popular brands: Here’s the lowdown on my experience with each, and spoiler alert: one of them really blew me away!
Updated March 2025
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The brands I reviewed
What I was looking for in a protein coffee and how I tested each brand.
It had to taste delicious
I needed something that ACTUALLY tasted good so I would want to drink it. How I tested for taste: I did blind taste tests of top-selling flavors mixed with water and a little creamer and rated each one.
It had to help keep me full and energized until lunch
I wanted something that would keep my full till lunch and stop me from snacking. How I tested for fullness + energy: I drank each brand at 8AM daily & tracked how long before I started getting hungry or tired.
It had to have high quality ingredients:
I wanted a quality product made from natural ingredients, with no fillers or artificial sugars. How I tested for ingredient quality: I reviewed ingredient quality and benefits with my nutritionist friend.
I wanted to easily get 20g of protein.
I wanted a minimum of 20g of protein from quality sources. How I tested for protein content: I only reviewed brands that were a minimum of 10g per scoop.
What I wanted to AVOID in a protein coffee
️ WARNING: Not all protein coffees are created equal!
Added Artifical Sweeteners
Many mass-market concentrates include added sugars or artificial sweeteners, like sucralose, to mask poor flavoring but are linked to negative impacts on gut health.
Shelf-Stable Preservatives
Concentrates with long unrefrigerated shelf life often contain chemical preservativesthat can alter flavor. Quality cold brew should require refrigeration and maintainfreshness naturally.
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👍 What I love
Most Delicious Coffee Experience: Like having a fancy coffee shop drink, but better for you. The flavors are rich and authentic - especially their caramel and vanilla options which taste like the real deal, not artificial. Zero weird aftertaste that you get with other protein drinks.
Actually Keeps You Full: The protein blend really works - I stay satisfied until lunch without the mid-morning cravings I used to get. Plus, the energy is smooth and sustained - no jitters or 2pm crash like with regular coffee.
Clean & Effective Formula: Zero sugar, all-natural ingredients, and no artificial junk. Each serving packs 20g of protein which is perfect for a breakfast replacement. I love that I can understand every ingredient on the label.
Super Easy Morning Routine: Just mix with hot or cold water/milk and you're done. It dissolves completely (no chalky texture!) and you can make it as strong as you like. I can make it while getting ready in literally 30 seconds.
Great Value: Way cheaper than my old Starbucks habit. A month's supply costs less than a week of coffee shop drinks, especially with their subscription option.
👎 What could be better
Limited Availability: Not being on Amazon is a tad inconvenient at first. You have to order directly from their website, though they do offer free shipping and the process is pretty easy overall.
Can't buy at retail stores: The product is great but sometimes I wish I could just pop into a store and grab more.
Vita Cup
4.6
4.6
Pros
Tastes like plain coffee
2nd most affordable option
0g of sugar, no stevia
No artificial ingrdeints
Good for those who like plain black coffee
You can control the sweetness you want
Made with coffee extract
Curbed appetite reasonably well
Cons
Super foamy, foam tasted bad
Only 5g of protein per scoop
Had a weird fizzy effect
Only have 1 flavor
CHECK PRICE
Protein Content
2 scoops = 5g
Artificial Ingredients
None
Sugar Content
0g
Calories
45 cals
Flavor Profile
Slightly bitter, medium roast, a bit fizzy?
Overall Taste
9.0/10
#2
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Waiting for the foam to subside lol
👍 What I love
Authentic Coffee Experience: Like having your regular morning brew, just enhanced with protein. The real coffee extract gives it that genuine taste without trying too hard to be fancy - perfect for coffee purists who don't want their drink messed with too much.
Clean & Simple Formula: Zero sugar, no stevia, and a straightforward ingredient list you can actually understand. No weird seed oils or artificial stuff - just clean protein and coffee working together.
Customizable Strength: You can make it exactly how you like it. Whether you want it stronger or lighter, the smooth-blending formula lets you control your perfect cup without any clumping or weird textures.
Great Value Runner-Up: The second most affordable option out there for protein coffee, making it a solid choice if you're watching your budget but still want quality.
👎 What could be better
Foam Factor: The foamy texture is a bit off-putting, and honestly, it doesn't taste great. Makes the experience feel less like real coffee and more like a science experiment.
Limited Options: Only having one flavor (Original Coffee) is pretty restrictive. Would love to see them branch out with more varieties to keep things interesting.
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I was a fan of the leather details on the Regimen bag.
Chike
4.2
4.2
Pros
Tastes like a caramel coffee
No stevia after taste
1g of sugar
Has a wide variety of flavors
Creamy and smooth texture, like real coffee
Offers sample packs
Only snacked once when testing
Available on Amazon
Cons
First sip had clumps in it
Overly foamy
They use lower quality whey concentrate
Includes artificial ingredients like sucralose
A bit too sweet for me
Uses artificial ingredients like xanthum gum
Protein Content
2 scoops = 20g
Artificial Ingredients
Yes --> Xanthum Gum, Sucralose, Artificial Flavoring
Sugar Content
1g
Calorie Content
100cals
Flavor Profile
VERY sweet, caramel heavy
Overall Taste
8.8/10
#3
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I love using a frother to speed up the coffee-making process.
👍 What I love
Authentic Flavor Experience: The caramel actually tastes like real caramel coffee, not that artificial stuff. No stevia aftertaste, which is a huge plus if you're tired of that fake sweetener taste in protein drinks.
Variety & Convenience: With 12 different flavors and single-serving packets available, it's super easy to find your favorite and take it on the go. The creamy, milky texture feels like a real coffee shop drink.
Effective Appetite Control: Only needed to snack once after drinking it, which is pretty impressive. The clean ingredient list and no artificial additives make it feel like a healthy choice too.
👎 What could be better
Texture Issues: First sip had clumps and it was overly foamy - definitely not the smooth experience you want from a coffee drink. Plus, it felt too sweet for my taste.
Shipping Struggles: Long delivery times and having to pay for shipping is frustrating when you're running low. Would be nice if they offered faster shipping options.
The taste of the Chike was pretty good but on my first sip I got a mouth full of clumps.
Invigor8
4.2
4.2
Overall Grade: Excellent
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Pros
Smells and tastes like coffee
Only 1g of sugar
High protein content
Blends well, no gritty texture
Wasn't overly foamy
Contains 100mg of caffeine per serving
Contains MCTs for added focus
Cons
Almost sickeningly sweet for me
Strong stevia aftertaste
Limited flavor options (Only 2)
Contains fillers like xanthum gum and sunflower lecithin
Only of the more expensive options
Didn't control cravings as well as other brands
Protein Content
2 scoops = 25g
Artificial Ingredients
Yes --> xanthum gum, and sunflower lecithin
Sugar Content
1g
Calorie Content
120cals
Flavor Profile
Light vanilla flavor, a bit artificial tasting
Overall Taste
8.7/10
#4
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Waiting for the foam to subside lol
👍 What I love
Superior Protein Content: With 25g of protein per serving, it's one of the most protein-rich options out there. Great for those serious about their protein intake.
Smooth Mixing Experience: Blends really well with no gritty texture, and the foam level is just right. The frother-friendly formula makes preparation a breeze.
Clean Formula: Simple ingredient list without any unnecessary additives. Just 1g of sugar shows they're focused on keeping it clean and healthy.
👎 What could be better
Overwhelming Sweetness: The stevia aftertaste is really strong and some might find it sickeningly sweet. Definitely not for those who prefer a more subtle flavor.
Limited Options: Only having French Vanilla and Mocha flavors feels restrictive, especially when you're paying premium prices. No caramel option is a big miss.
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Ascent
4.1
4.1
Pros
Uses 100% columbian coffee
Has 100g of caffeine per serving
High protein content
Only has 1g of sugar
Creamy texture if blended REALLY well
Cons
STRONG artificial stevia aftertaste
Uses lower quality whey concentrate
Found may clumps in my drink
Uses processed ingredients like xanthum gum
Uses fillers like soy lecithin
Protein Content
2 scoops = 20g
Artificial Ingredients
Yes --> Xanthum Gum, Soy Lecithin
Sugar Content
None
Calorie Content
100cals
Flavor Profile
Naturally sweet, rich, and smooth
Overall Taste
8.3/10
#5
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👍 What I love
Protein Packed: A solid 20g of protein per serving makes it a legitimate meal replacement option. The simple natural ingredient list keeps things clean.
Creamy Experience: When it blends well, the milky texture is really satisfying. Perfect for those who want their protein coffee to feel more like a creamy
Coffee Forward: About a cup of coffee per serving means you're getting a real coffee experience, not just coffee-flavored protein. Best for those who don't actually want to taste the coffee though.
👎 What could be better
Mixing Issues: The clumping and fizzy effect are real problems that make preparation frustrating. It shouldn't be this hard to make a smooth drink.
Sweetness Problems: Really overwhelming sweetness plus an artificial stevia aftertaste makes it hard to enjoy. Would be better with a more balanced flavor profile.
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Click
3.9
3.9
Pros
Probably the best caramel tasting brand
Blended well, no clumps
Budget friendly
No artificial stevia taste
Kept me reasonably full til lunch
Cons
Only 8g of protein per scoop (yikes)
Likely the least natural ingredient list
5g of added sugar!
Sweetness was a bit overpowering for me
Questionable ingredients including seed oils
Highest carb content of all brands
Protein source is unclear
Protein Content
2 scoops = 8g
Artificial Ingredients
Yes --> Xanthum Gum, Carrageenan Gum, Sucralose, Disodium +
Sugar Content
5g of added sugar from fructose (yuck!)
Calorie Content
110cals
Flavor Profile
Naturally sweet, rich, and smooth
Overall Taste
6.5/10
#6
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Main compartment was a bit hard to keep organized.
👍 What I love
Authentic Caramel Flavor: If you love caramel, this is your drink. The most obvious and authentic caramel taste of all options, without any artificial stevia flavor.
Value Proposition: Budget-friendly pricing makes it accessible for daily use. Plus, it blends well and actually keeps you full until lunchtime.
Smooth Mixing: No clumps means easy preparation, though you'll need to stir occasionally to deal with settling.
👎 What could be better
Nutritional Concerns: Only 8g of protein per scoop plus 5g of added sugar isn't ideal for a protein coffee. The ingredient list includes questionable items like seed oils.
Settling Issues: While it blends well initially, significant settling means you'll be stirring throughout your drink. Plus, it has the highest carb content of all products tested.
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True Nutrition
3.7
3.7
Pros
Uses 100% arabica coffee
High protein content per scoop
0g of sugar
All natural, real ingredients
Cons
Didn't blend well at all
Didn't taste like vanilla at all, flavor was not great
2nd most expensive brand at over $2.5 per serving
Lingering stevia aftertaste
Highest calorie content of the brands we tried
Only has 1 flavor and it's not tasty
Protein Content
1 scoop = 27g
Artificial Ingredients
Yes --> Sucralose, Flavors, Soy Lecithin
Sugar Content
1g
Calorie Content
110g
Flavor Profile
Bland like fake vanilla flavoring
Overall Taste
5/10
#7
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👍 What I love
High-Quality Ingredients: Uses 100% arabica coffee and packs an impressive 27g of protein per scoop. The all-natural ingredient list with no fillers or seed oils is a major plus.
Clean Formula: Zero sugar and a focus on natural ingredients shows they're serious about quality. The simple ingredient list is refreshingly straightforward.
Protein Champion: Highest protein content of all options tested, making it great for those prioritizing protein intake over taste.
👎 What could be better
Texture Problems: Really struggles with blending, which is a daily frustration. The vanilla flavor doesn't taste authentic.
Cost & Convenience: At $2.30 per serving plus shipping, it's on the pricier side. Only having one flavor option feels limiting for the price point.
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High Protein Iced
3.7
3.7
Pros
Blended well with a frother
Tasted okay (not like coffee) but not too sweet
High protein content per scoop
Kept me full until lunch
Cons
Tastes like chocolate milk not coffee
Uses lower quality whey concentrate
Texture was a bit thicker than I wanted
Lingering stevia afertaste
The tub is huge and take up a lot of space.
The tub is huge and take up a lot of space.
Protein Content
1 scoop = 18g
Artificial Ingredients
None
Sugar Content
1g
Calorie Content
100cals
Flavor Profile
Like milk chocolate, thicker consistency
Overall Taste
6.5/10
#8
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👍 What I love
Balanced Formula: Strikes a decent balance with 18g protein, just 1g sugar, and 100 calories. The taste isn't overly sweet, which is refreshing in thiscategory.
Satisfying Results: Keeps you full until lunch and blends well with a frother, making it a reliable meal replacement option.
Simple Implementation: No complicated preparation needed - just blend and go.
👎 What could be better
Coffee Identity Crisis: Tastes more like chocolate milk than coffee, and the flavor is pretty forgettable. The traditional protein shake texture doesn't help its coffee credentials.
Practical Concerns: The tub is bulky and takes up too much kitchen space. Plus, the high caffeine content might be too intense for some, causing jitters.
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Naked Protein
3.4
3.7
Pros
No stevia
Solid natural ingredient list
Good for those who want a shake vs. coffee
Reasonable price per serving
Uses real coffee
Cons
Uses low quality Whey concentrate not isolate
Tastes more like chocolate milk than coffee
Didn't dissolve well even with a frother
Thick consistency almost muddy
Has 5 grams of added sugars
High calorie at 150cals
Better for those looking to bulk vs. lean out
Protein Content
2 scoops = 20g
Artificial Ingredients
None
Sugar content
5g of added sugar
Calorie Content
150cals
Flavor Profile
Thick chocolate milk, no coffee taste
Overall Taste
5/10
#9
👍 What I love
Smart Design: Great bottom compartment design for storage, and the stevia doesn't leave that typical lingering aftertaste that plagues many protein drinks.
Value Proposition: Reasonably priced per serving, making it an economical choice if you're okay with a more protein-shake-like experience.
Honest Marketing: Lives up to its "naked" name - they're upfront about this being more of a protein shake than a coffee drink.
👎 What could be better
Coffee Experience: Looks and tastes more like chocolate milk than coffee. The thick, almost muddy consistency and poor dissolution make it feel like a traditional protein powder.
Nutritional Balance: 5g of sugar (3g added) and 150 calories per serving is on the higher end, plus limited flavor options don't help its case.
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3.3
3.7
Pros
Blended well with a frother
High protein content
Cons
Worst brand I tasted
Includes palm kernel which is connected to heart disease
Overly sweet and artifical tasting
Took almost a week to arrive
They charge $10 for shipping
Most expensive when you factor in shipping
Made me very jittery
Only has one flavor
Had stevia aftertaste
Protein Content
2 scoops = 20g
Artificial Ingredients
Yes --> Sucralose, Xanthum Gum, Silicon Dioxide, Modified Stevia
Sugar Content
1g
Calorie Content
120cals
Flavor Profile
Artificial, overly sweet
Overall Taste
3/10
#10
👍 What I love
Smooth Mixing: The one bright spot - it does blend well with a frother without any clumping issues, making preparation straightforward.
Protein Content: Packs a solid 20g of protein per serving, which is on the higher end of the spectrum compared to other options.
👎 What could be better
Taste & Quality: The worst-tasting option I tried, with an overly sweet and artificial flavor. The use of sprayed coffee and palm kernel oil (linked to heart disease) is concerning.
Cost & Convenience: $10 shipping fee makes it the most expensive option, plus it takes nearly a week to arrive. Only 15 servings per container in bulky packaging that's hard to store feels like poor value.