Tag: Protein Coffee

An Easy Way to Boost Protein in Your Daily Coffee

Posted on by Qahwa World

Dubai – Qahwa Word

Protein is essential for maintaining the body’s structure, supporting muscles, tissues, and overall health. As protein-focused eating habits continue to gain attention, many people are searching for simple ways to increase their intake without overhauling their diets. One surprisingly effective option may already be part of a daily ritual: coffee.

Milk is a common addition to coffee, but the small amount typically used limits its nutritional contribution. For those looking to turn their coffee into a more protein-rich drink, ultra-filtered milk offers a practical alternative. This type of milk is processed in a way that concentrates protein while reducing lactose, resulting in a more nutrient-dense option than standard milk.

Even a modest splash of ultra-filtered milk can noticeably increase the protein content of a cup of coffee. In addition to its nutritional advantages, it also improves texture. The higher protein level gives coffee a fuller body, smoother consistency, and a richer, creamier taste that pairs well with a wide range of roasts.

Expanding beyond basic coffee

Ultra-filtered milk is especially useful in drinks that rely heavily on milk. Beverages such as lattes, cappuccinos, and other espresso-based drinks allow for a larger quantity of milk, making them an ideal vehicle for added protein. Its ability to foam well also makes it suitable for milk foam and cold foam toppings.

It can be used in whipped coffee preparations, blended iced drinks, and flavored foams, offering versatility without sacrificing creaminess. In many cases, it can replace heavier dairy ingredients, simplifying recipes while maintaining a smooth finish.

Outside of coffee, the same milk can be incorporated into smoothies alongside yogurt and fruit, providing another easy way to increase protein intake during the day.

Dairy-free options

For those following a plant-based diet, soy milk stands out as a reliable protein-rich alternative. While other plant-based milks are popular for flavor, soy milk offers a balance of creaminess and protein that works well in both hot and cold coffee drinks.

With the right milk choice, coffee can serve not only as an energy boost but also as a convenient addition to a protein-conscious routine.

How to Add More Protein to Your Coffee with the Right Milk

What is the story behind “Functional Coffee” invading major coffee shops?

Posted on by Qahwa World

Dubai – Qahwa World

The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) published an investigation into the growing popularity of coffee beverages containing added ingredients that target specific health benefits, known as “Functional Coffee,” noting its shift from specialized health food stores to major coffee shop chains.

Functional Coffee is defined as coffee beverages to which additional ingredients are added, such as mushrooms (like Lion’s Mane, Reishi, and Chaga), protein, or collagen, aiming to provide consumers with benefits beyond the traditional caffeine boost.

The investigation indicates that consumers are seeking these additions to support clear focus, stable energy levels, or benefits related to skin and gut health.

In the context of this spread, Ellie Brecher, the nutritionist consulted by the BBC, affirms that Functional Coffee “is moving from specialized wellness corners to the mainstream,” as people have become “more interested in well-being, stress support, and energy stability.”

This transition is reflected in increased demand, where the health food chain Holland & Barrett nearly doubled its range of mushroom coffee drinks over the past year, while major stores like Marks & Spencer began selling Lion’s Mane latte beverages in their cafes.

The trend is not limited to that; coffee giants like Starbucks started selling protein-rich coffee in their US stores.

Furthermore, the Black Sheep Coffee chain launched its “Functional Wellness Latte” range, with Lion’s Mane latte sales being their best-seller, as customers add functional ingredients to approximately 15% of their total orders.

These striking figures confirm the findings of the food research company Tastewise, which found that the number of mushroom coffee drinks on UK cafe menus grew by 30% over the last year.

Regarding the product characteristics, the journalist who conducted the experiment reported that Lion’s Mane mushroom has a “subtle” flavor, and the Functional Coffee was not significantly different from a regular latte, despite her expecting the opposite.

As for the cost, these additions require an extra charge; at Black Sheep Coffee, adding Lion’s Mane mushroom costs about 99 pence (one British Pound), and collagen costs about £1.09.

In the context of health benefits, the investigation indicates that research on the effect of Lion’s Mane mushroom on brain function is “promising”; however, nutritionist Penny Suresh from the British Dietetics Association warns that the doses in commercial beverages are often “too low” to mimic the effects reported in research trials.

Nutritionist Ellie Brecher concludes her advice by stating: “If it makes you feel good and you have the budget for it, then go ahead and enjoy it… but remember the key is that it is an addition and not a magic solution.”

Functional Coffee Trend: The Rise of Mushroom & Protein Drinks in Major Cafes

For her part, in a special interview with “Qahwa World” commenting on these developments, Dr. Amani Adam said: “We have spent long years drinking coffee in the same traditional way. Although the global coffee market is growing from 2.2% to 4.3% annually, the more important thing is that health awareness is growing alongside it… because coffee has become part of a fast lifestyle filled with pressures and tension.”

She added: “From here, the role of Functional Coffee emerged – which has become a real solution to many problems associated with coffee drinking habits… such as tension, anxiety, and digestive and sleep disorders.”

She continued: “This vision is not new to us. For 4 years, I have seen the market moving in this direction, and that is why I started thinking about an awareness platform to clarify the benefits of coffee—especially Functional Coffee.”

She explained that the issue is not just ‘a healthy addition, nothing more.’ “Coffee itself contains more than a thousand bioactive compounds! This provides a huge opportunity to benefit from its chemical composition… transforming it from a regular caffeine dose… into a means to support focus, improve mood, and help the body perform better.”

According to Dr. Amani, this opened the door for powerful alternatives… such as Mushroom Coffee, which truly changed the concept of coffee for many people.

She concluded her statement by saying: “I believe that now is the appropriate time to understand the true role of coffee in our lives, and I thank Qahwa World for being among the first platforms to highlight everything new and important in the world of coffee.”