Coffee shops are increasingly offering coffee with protein, collagen, and other additives. Not long ago, you could change the flavor of your drink with syrup, an extra espresso shot, or a different milk. Now, protein and collagen—once mainly associated with sports nutrition—are taking their place, reports infohub.kz.

This trend has been visible since last year. Social media increasingly buzzed with discussions about dietary supplements, vitamins, and various additives. 'Natural sources' of nutrients were especially prized. Collagen was sought in familiar foods, and jellied meat underwent a rebranding from unappetizing meat jelly to a top 'superfood.'

Fitness influencers insist you shouldn't forget protein, which must always be topped up. Now the craze for all things 'healthy' has reached coffee.

Coffee shops in Kazakhstan promptly joined the trend. As Vitaliy Kalinin, operations director at Drinkit, said, vanilla protein, creatine, and marine collagen appeared on the menu at guests' request.

"We noticed that the trend toward healthy eating and guests' requests for beneficial additives is quite high. So we decided to experiment. We first introduced the option to add protein, as probably the most understandable, logical supplement, and then we started experimenting and adding other beneficial additives," he said.

The company has not yet disclosed how many such drinks are sold. However, interest is particularly high among those who visit the coffee shop before or after a workout.

Why protein in coffee?

In June 2025, Starbucks began testing protein in drinks amid growing interest in protein and healthy eating in the US. Reuters linked this trend to the popularity of weight-loss drugs based on 'Ozempic.' People taking it and similar medications are trying to get enough protein to preserve muscle mass.

Meanwhile, the head of Starbucks said that guests were already bringing their own protein powders and drinks and adding them to coffee. Debates about the benefits of such ingredients continue, but demand remains. As with any supplement, moderation is key.

What are the risks of excess 'protein coffee'?

Doctors note that uncontrolled intake of supplements can put extra strain on the body. One Russian man even lost a kidney. In an August review, scientists also emphasized that the daily protein norm depends on age, physical activity, and health status. Therefore, going heavy on protein coffee should only be done after consulting a specialist.

Earlier, Kursiv LifeStyle wrote about why coffee is getting cheaper, but not everywhere.