Here's how to make the viral Starbucks protein coffee easily at home
And you also save a lot of money
In the world of FoodTok, one ingredient is clearly king: protein. Those powders pop up in just about every recipe to make everything just a little bit healthier. Protein is now also on the ingredient list at Starbucks, and TikTok is obsessed with it. Those viral protein coffees? A hit. But, as we are used to from Starbucks, they are a bit on the pricey side. No stress, we got you. You can easily make these drinks at home; and this way you can save a little money for that expensive December month. Are you in?
Why protein in your coffee is the perfect boost for your day
All fitness gurus probably already know: protein is essential for your energy level and metabolism, and can even affect your mood. You get the most effect from whole meals like meat or eggs, but those coffees you drink throughout the day can, according to dietitian Vanessa Imus, just give that extra boost. “Adding protein to a carbohydrate-rich meal or drink helps slow down digestion, causing carbohydrates to break down into sugars more slowly and over a longer period.” Sounds like a little biology lesson, but this process ensures that your energy and blood sugar levels remain balanced, and your mood stays up. Your muscle mass, metabolism, and satiety also get an extra boost. To be honest, we already drink coffee anyway. And by adding some protein, we take just a little better care of our bodies. Win-win, right?
Choose your protein wisely: it makes a difference
Whatever protein you add, it always has an effect. But how much you notice it varies by type; a little research is definitely worth it. The proteins that Starbucks uses contain whey protein. There’s nothing wrong with that, but it’s not always clear what exactly is in the powders. There can easily be artificial sweeteners or fillers in there, something that not everyone finds pleasant, especially if you are consciously focused on health and nutrition. That’s why it’s smart to look for protein powders that are well tested for quality. According to dietitian Lisa Moskovitz, this gives you more certainty about how well the protein is absorbed in your body. This way, you feel a little less guilty about grabbing that extra coffee dose.
The must-haves for a homemade protein coffee
Okay, now comes the most important point: just carefully choosing your protein isn’t enough. Loose powder doesn’t make coffee. The first item on our ingredient list is of course protein, but there should definitely be some extras. The other must-have? Espresso! 1 or 2 shots is more than enough, but half a cup of strong brewed coffee works just fine. By the way, you need one scoop of your protein; no worries, you often get that with the bag of powder, which is handy. Also, half a cup of almond milk should not be missing, but feel free to choose another milk, depending on your taste. A teaspoon or two of maple syrup completes your drink, and you can also have fun varying here. In winter, this is a delicious warm coffee, but for summer you can also make it as iced protein coffee coffee. Just add some ice cubes and voilà, a refreshing variant.
How to make the perfect protein coffee
Everything is ready, time to really make that protein coffee! First things first, brew your coffee or espresso. Sounds obvious, but it’s really an essential step, so we don’t want to skip that. While the coffee is brewing, mix the milk with the protein in a milk frother or blender, until you have a smooth, frothy mixture. For the winter variant, pour the coffee directly into a mug, but for the iced version, start with ice cubes. Add the protein-milk mixture and sweeten your coffee to taste. Ready? Then it’s time to enjoy your homemade protein coffee. And to be honest: all that effort makes it even tastier. Plus, you save time and money, because those Starbucks trips are now a thing of the past. Feel free to tag us in your own creations; we love to see them!
Source: The Every Girl
