Is Protein Coffee Good Before or After a Workout? What Science Says

By Valerie van der Linden

Last Updated Nov 18, 2025

If you’re hitting the gym or going for a morning run, protein coffee can be a shortcut to hitting your protein goals — but is protein coffee good before or after a workout? Protein coffee, also called proffee, combines the energy of caffeine with the muscle-repair benefits of protein, making it a versatile fitness beverage. Let’s explore ideal protein coffee timing and how to get the most out of your protein coffee with Javvy.

Key Takeaways:

Protein coffee can be beneficial both before and after a workout.

Pre-workout protein can help fuel your body, while post-workout protein supports recovery.

Javvy protein coffee contains clean ingredients and 10 grams of whey protein for easy fuel.

What Is Protein Coffee?

Protein coffee (aka “proffee”) is simply coffee with real protein added. You get the clean lift of caffeine plus a satisfying protein boost in one cup, for steadier energy and a more filling sip.

Caffeine works to boost energy, alertness, and exercise performance.

Protein supports muscle repair, growth, and recovery.

The combination makes it appealing for both pre- and post-workout consumption.

What Are the Benefits of Protein Coffee Before a Workout?

Consuming protein coffee before your workout can benefit your body in several key ways, such as:

Energy Boost: Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system, improving focus, endurance, and strength during your workout.

Enhanced Performance: Studies show caffeine can increase exercise capacity and reduce perceived effort, working to support your overall athletic performance.

Protein Availability: While protein doesn’t directly fuel exercise, having amino acids in your bloodstream may help reduce muscle breakdown during intense training.

Tips for Protein Coffee Before a Workout

If you’re planning to make protein coffee part of your pre-workout prep, keep the following tips in mind for optimal results:

Drink protein coffee 30-60 minutes before exercise.

Keep consumption moderate to avoid any caffeine jitters or digestive discomfort.

Consider a light carbohydrate snack if exercising for over an hour to sustain energy.

What Are the Benefits of Protein Coffee After a Workout?

When your workout winds down, protein coffee can play a significant role in your post-workout recovery regimen:

Muscle Recovery: Protein intake post-exercise stimulates muscle protein synthesis, repairing and building muscle tissue.

Satiety and Energy: Provides both fuel and fullness after an intense session.

When your body is entering recovery mode, a cup of protein coffee may help fuel that process.

Tips for Protein Coffee After a Workout

For ideal results, keep these tips in mind for post-workout proffee:

Aim to drink your post-workout proffee within 30-60 minutes of finishing exercise for optimal recovery.

Pair with carbohydrates if your workout was long or intense to replenish glycogen stores.

Pre vs. Post Workout Protein Coffee: Which Is Better?

So, is pre or post-workout protein coffee better? The answer is that it depends on your goals:

Pre-Workout: Pre-workout protein consumption is generally best for energy, focus, and performance.

Post-Workout: Post-workout protein consumption is best for muscle recovery, satiety, and replenishing nutrients.

Some people choose to enjoy two small servings of protein coffee: one before exercise for energy, and one after for recovery. See what feels best for your body and go from there.

Javvy: Protein Coffee You Can Count On

We started Javvy to make coffee that actually fuels your day (workouts included).

Our Protein Coffee begins with 100% real Arabica for a smooth, low-acid sip, then adds 10g premium whey protein, ~80 mg caffeine, and no added sugar so you get focus now and meaningful nutrition for later.

Pre-workout, it’s an easy lift thanks to clean caffeine and MCTs for quick fuel. Post-workout, that protein helps you hit your goals, supporting recovery and keeping you satisfied.

Whenever you choose to drink your protein coffee, we have a flavor lineup you’ll actually look forward to, spanning from French Vanilla to Mocha, Caramel, and more.

Final Thoughts

Protein coffee is versatile and can be consumed before or after workouts, depending on your goals. Pre-workout proffee can help boost energy and performance, while post-workout proffee lends itself to muscle recovery and satiety.

By choosing the right protein type, timing your intake, and pairing it with carbs when necessary, you can maximize the benefits of your coffee while supporting your fitness routine. Fuel your routine today with Javvy.

FAQs

Can I drink protein coffee both before and after a workout?

Yes, as long as your caffeine intake isn’t excessive and it fits within your protein goals.

Which protein is better for pre-workout: whey or plant-based?

Whey absorbs faster, which may be slightly more effective, but plant-based options also work well.

Can protein coffee replace a full meal post-workout?

It can serve as a quick meal replacement if paired with carbs or fruit to make it more balanced.

Will caffeine interfere with recovery?

No, moderate caffeine before or after exercise does not impair recovery and may enhance performance.

Sources:

The Neurophysiology of Caffeine as a Central Nervous System Stimulant and the Resultant Effects on Cognitive Function | PMC

Caffeine and exercise: metabolism, endurance and performance | PubMed

Effect of Amino Acid Supplementation on Muscle Mass, Strength and Physical Function in Elderly | PMC

Article The anabolic response to protein ingestion during recovery from exercise has no upper limit in magnitude and duration in vivo in humans | Science Direct

Protein for exercise and recovery | PubMed

How Does Caffeine Give Us Energy? | Tufts