I’ve always been a matcha-or-coffee-first person. Eyes open, kettle on, first sip before I’ve even checked my phone. So when I kept seeing “protein before coffee” pop up in my feed, I was intrigued and curious enough to actually test it, properly, for 30 days.
The idea is simple: get protein into your system before caffeine hits your bloodstream, so you’re not running on stimulants alone first thing in the morning. I decided to make it easy on myself by turning it into something I’d actually look forward to—a blended protein coffee using HUM’s Core Strength, coconut milk, and two shots of espresso.
What I Noticed
The biggest shift, honestly, was the shakes. I’ve always been sensitive to caffeine; that slightly wired, jittery feeling about 20 minutes after my morning cup. Once I started pairing my espresso with protein, that jitteriness lessened.
It also became my go-to pre-workout. On days I trained in the morning, this blend gave me real, sustained energy without the crash I’d sometimes get from coffee alone on an empty stomach. And on the days I didn’t work out, it worked just as well as an early-afternoon treat — something that felt indulgent but was actually doing something useful for me.
By the second week, I wasn’t thinking of it as an “experiment” anymore. It was just… my drink. Creamy, a little sweet from the coconut milk, with that espresso kick layered underneath. Genuinely one of the tastiest things I’ve added to my routine in a long time.
The Recipe
Protein Before Coffee Blend Makes 1 serving
Ingredients:
- 1 scoop HUM Core Strength
- 1 cup coconut milk (I use the carton kind, not canned — smoother texture)
- 2 shots freshly pulled espresso, slightly cooled
- 4–5 large ice cubes
- Optional: a few dashes of cinnamon or a small drizzle of maple syrup
Instructions:
- Pull your two shots of espresso and let them cool for a minute or two so they don’t melt all your ice on contact.
- Add the coconut milk, HUM Core Strength, espresso, and ice to a blender.
- Blend on high for 20–30 seconds, until smooth and frothy.
- Pour into a glass, add cinnamon if you’re using it, and enjoy immediately.
The Verdict
Thirty days in, I’m not going back to coffee-on-an-empty-stomach (when not drinking matcha). The steadier energy, the pre-workout boost, the fact that it genuinely tastes like a treat rather than a chore; it’s a small habit shift that’s made a real difference in how my mornings (and afternoons) feel. If you’re someone who loves your coffee but hates the shakes, this one’s worth trying for yourself.
