How to Find the Best Protein Powder for Hot Drinks
📌 Overview and Key Takeaways
This is a Nutrition Coach’s guide on how to find the best protein powder for hot drinks.
Discover which protein powder to add to coffee and hot cocoa.
Protein Powder for Hot Drinks
Can I Add Protein Powder to Hot Drinks?
Yes, you can add some protein powders to hot drinks.
The only types of protein powder that consistently pair well with coffee, hot cocoa, matcha, and similar beverages are whey, casein, and collagen.
Egg White Protein Powder coagulates (forms solid clumps) when added to hot beverages, so I would not recommend putting it in your morning coffee.
Similarly, most plant-based protein powders tend to clump in hot beverages or leave an unpleasant, chalky aftertaste.
In my experience, Collagen Protein Powder is by far the best protein powder for hot drinks.
What Are the Best Hot Drinks With Protein Powder?
Hot coffee, cocoa, matcha, chai, and golden milk all pair well with protein powder.
I have found that lattes taste best, especially if you mix the powder with the milk beforehand.
Unflavored Collagen Protein Powder can also be added to hot soups and sauces.
How Do I Mix Protein Powder in Hot Drinks?
Depending on your protein powder, mixing protein powder in hot beverages can be challenging.
Here are several tips to help you get started:
- Avoid high heat. Do not add protein powder directly to boiling water, as doing so is likely to cause clumping.
- Slowly add hot liquid. Put the protein powder in a mug, and slowly pour in your hot drink while stirring constantly.
- Make a slurry. Before adding your hot beverage, mix the protein powder with a small amount of room temperature liquid (like water or milk) to create a smooth paste.
- Use a blender. If you have a blender or Electric Mixer, you can use it to break up any clumps that form.
Note that successfully making high protein hot drinks requires some trial and error.
Do not get discouraged if it does not work perfectly the first time; simply adjust your approach and try again.
Daily Protein Intake Calculator
What Is the Best Protein Powder for Hot Drinks?
Not all protein powders are created equal.
As you might have noticed, many protein powders contain numerous ingredients, some of which can ruin hot drinks.
Added gums, for example, create a slimy, gel-like texture when heated.
Heat can also intensify the bitter, chemical aftertaste of artificial sweeteners (Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol, 2007).
As a best practice, avoid protein powders with lots of food additives.
⚠️ Here is a list of the most common food additives in protein shakes and powders:
- acacia fiber
- acacia gum
- acesulfame potassium
- artificial flavors
- ascorbic acid
- aspartame
- calcium carbonate
- carrageenan
- cellulose gum
- dextrin
- dicalcium phosphate
- dipotassium phosphate
- erythritol
- gellan gum
- guar gum
- gum arabic
- inulin
- locust bean gum
- maltitol
- maltodextrin
- mono- and diglycerides
- ‘natural’ flavors
- rice bran extract
- rice dextrin
- rice hulls
- rosemary extract
- silica
- silicon dioxide
- sodium alginate
- soluble corn fiber
- sorbitol
- soy lecithin
- sucralose
- sunflower lecithin
- tocopherols
- tricalcium phosphate
- xanthan gum
- xylitol
- zinc oxide
As a general rule, if you cannot find it in nature or make it at home, it is probably a food additive.
Sources
- American Journal of Physiology-Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology (Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol). Artificial sweeteners and salts producing a metallic taste sensation activate TRPV1 receptors. 2007.
Editorial Guidelines
This article was written by a Certified Nutrition Coach and reviewed by a Registered Dietitian. We rely on peer-reviewed research and trusted medical sources, and regularly update our content to ensure accuracy and clarity.
Frequently asked questions
Who Is Drink Wholesome for?
Drink Wholesome makes protein powder for sensitive stomachs, GERD, IBS, and other gut issues. It’s suitable for most food sensitivities, including lactose intolerance, and won’t cause side effects like bloating, constipation, and reflux.
Why Is Drink Wholesome Good for Sensitive Stomachs?
Drink Wholesome is the best protein powder for sensitive stomachs because it’s additive, dairy, and gluten-free. It’s also made from minimally-processed protein sources like egg whites and almonds. Other protein powders are made from ultra-processed protein concentrates and isolates, which look nothing like real food.
What’s the Difference Between Protein Powder and Meal Replacement Powder?
Drink Wholesome makes gut-friendly Protein Powders and Meal Replacement Powders. Protein powder is high in protein and low in everything else, whereas meal replacement powder contains fats, carbs, fiber, and protein because it’s intended to replace the nutritional value of a balanced meal.
What’s the Difference Between Almond, Collagen, and Egg White Protein?
We make three types of stomach-friendly Protein Powder: Collagen Protein Powder, Egg White Protein Powder, and Vegan Almond Protein Powder. As long as you get protein from a variety of sources, any type of protein can help you meet your total daily protein needs. In other words, for someone with a balanced diet, there is no advantage to consuming one type of protein over another. Order Samples to see which type you like the most.
Ask Nutrition Coach
If you’re wondering which Drink Wholesome product is best for you, ask our Certified Nutrition Coach. For personalized medical advice, consult your healthcare provider.
High Protein Blueberry Pancakes
PREP TIME
5 min
COOK TIME
5 min
SERVES
2
Ingredients
- ¼ cup Drink Wholesome
- ⅓ cup flour
- 2 egg whites
- ¼ cup plant milk
- 1 tbsp nut butter
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 cup blueberries
Instructions
In a blender, combine the egg whites, milk, ¼ cup blueberries, and almond butter. Pour the mixture into a small mixing bowl and add the protein powder and flour. Whisk until smooth. Pour ⅓ cup batter onto a heated and greased (or non-stick) pan to form pancakes. Cook each side for 2-3 minutes. This recipe makes 4-5 pancakes. Then, in a small saucepan, heat ¾ cup blueberries and the maple syrup over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 8 minutes. Plate the pancakes and spoon blueberry jam on top.
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