Most coffee creamers are keto diet no-nos because they have too much sugar and carbs to qualify as a keto-friendly food. But we can all agree that coffee tastes amazing with a dash of sweet, creamy goodness, right? Many keto dieters switch from traditional creamers to beefed up, healthier versions that contain super ingredients like MCT oil, coconut oil and almond milk. These can help promote weight loss and provide a healthy energy boost. But if you’re a keto-friendly coffee lover—or if you simply want to give your coffee an extra boost—there’s a new trend in town: Adding a dash of protein, like Premier Protein, to coffee for a boost of protein to your morning brew. The idea is that you’re able to add something tasty to your coffee all while staying full longer and getting a caffeine boost. We know the protein coffee trend is a popular one, but is it healthy? We took a closer look at the ingredients in premier protein specifically and spoke to an expert to find out—here’s everything you need to know.
What is Premier Protein and where can you buy it?
Premier Protein is a packaged protein drink that contains 30 grams of protein in a single serving. But with only five grams of carbs per serving, it’s keto-friendly. It’s marketed in much the same way as competing protein drinks: for use as a meal replacement, as part of a healthy diet for weight loss, or for someone who struggles to take in enough calories and is looking to gain weight.
Is Premier Protein coffee healthy?
The endless enthusiastic videos of people doctoring up their coffee with Premier Protein make it looks like can’t-miss coffee addition—but is adding Premier Protein to your coffee really a good idea? The answer depends on what you’re using it for. “In general, adding protein to your first drink or meal can lead to suppressing the appetite and a perception of an energy boost. This can lead to a lower caloric intake and subsequently weight loss or leaning in the body-building process,” says Niraj Shah, a BJC Medical Group board-certified physician in family practice, obesity medicine and lifestyle medicine. So if you’re looking for a tasty coffee creamer that will keep you in ketogenesis, Premier Protein is a solid addition to your morning coffee. But what about from a long-term health perspective? Can Premier Protein fit into a balanced diet that’s part of an overall healthy lifestyle, or is it simply just another weight loss hack? According to Shah, “using protein to suppress appetite will yield results if you’re focused on weight loss. However, research has shown that this type of approach produces only short-term results.” In a lot of ways, the Premier Protein trend may be a bit of a “quick fix.” So if you do hop on board with it, keep in mind that a healthy lifestyle also includes a well-rounded diet and plenty of exercise—Premier Protein coffee isn’t a magic bullet.
How to use Premier Protein in your coffee
Wondering how you can incorporate Premier Protein into your morning cup of coffee? The way you go about it depends on your personal preferences, but here are some simple ways to make your own Premier Protein coffee.
Add a splash to hot, black coffee for a bit of extra flavorMix equal parts with iced coffee and add whipped topping for a DIY frappuccinoMix an entire carton of Premier Protein with a prepared cold brew blend (the ones you can buy at the grocery store, like Chameleon, Starbucks or La Colombe) and use as a meal replacement—just make sure you’re getting good, well-balanced nourishment from other meals.
There’s no question that the Premier Protein coffee trend is a popular one, and it can be healthy if used in the right way, especially if you’re following the keto diet. Happy sipping! Next, try one of these 14 low-carb keto smoothies, shakes, and cappuccinos.
