What is the new TikTok ‘Proffe

Tik-Tok’s new drink trend combines coffee with a protein shake. Image via Instagram @2drinkiconic

What is the new TikTok ‘Proffee’ trend and why are experts concerned?

Mixing up your coffee and protein shake has everyone on a buzz lately. But is this latest TikTok ‘proffee’ trend really healthy?

What is the new TikTok ‘Proffe

Tik-Tok’s new drink trend combines coffee with a protein shake. Image via Instagram @2drinkiconic

TikTok has introduced yet another trend, this time it’s called “proffee” — a combination of coffee and a protein shake. However, some health experts are concerned about this one. 

HOW TO MAKE ‘PROFFEE’

Proffee is made by adding protein powder into your morning brew. The protein coffee has been trending on TikTok with around 354 900 views under #proffee on the multi-media platform. The next big thing since TikTok introduced us to the South Korean Dalgona Coffee.

One of the most popular methods of making proffee sees TikTokers getting an espresso from Starbucks in a large cup of ice, then pouring in bottled flavoured protein shakes into the expresso. Some people also add a little caramel syrup for sweetness.

Many mention using proffee for weight loss. However, according to Insider, the only difference between proffee and a latte is that it packs on 22 to 30g of protein compared to four to nine grams that are found in standard coffee drinks.

So, is proffee good for you…or not?

HEALTH EXPERTS WEIGHT IN ON ‘PROFFEE’

According to Today, coffee — in its purest form — has multiple health benefits however, it becomes less healthy when creamers, sugar and artificial sweeteners are added. Is Proffee good for you? It is, if you are adding it to coffee that is already healthy. 

“For example, coffee (fair trade organic is even better) with no added sweeteners and a half scoop of a high quality protein powder can be a good option for upping your morning protein game. If you want to add protein to your coffee, first make sure your coffee is healthy then add a high quality powder,” according to Today. 

In a more serious health outlook, Mens Health reported that doctors and experts are concerned that proffee may cause  irregular heart rhythms and excess sugar intake. 

“If you’re taking a few shots of espresso, that could be a lot of caffeine. It’s like having three cups of coffee,” said Andrea Chernus of Chernus Nutrition to Daily Mail

“Depending on how your body metabolises coffee, it may stay in your system longer. That can affect your heart rate, cause arrhythmias and it may not be so great for the heart to be pounding down shots of expresso,” she continued. 

That is just coffee, there is also concern with the protein shake. 

“Protein with added sugars or some sort of artificial flavourings or sweeteners, unfortunately, can push up sugar levels and carbohydrate levels. These different nutrition fads might not be a one-size-fits-all for everyone and it might prevent someone from doing these different fads who might be harmed,” said Dr Frederick Davis, the Associate Chair of Emergency Medicine at Long Island Jewish Medical Centre according to Mens Health. 

Ideally you need to be cautious of the kind of coffee and the protein shake that you are mixing. You also need to be conscious of your sugar intake, therefore adding in that extra caramel syrup may not be the best idea. 

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