Is it okay to put Ensure in your coffee?

November 9, 2025 •

4 min read

According to Ensure's own website, their shakes can be warmed and mixed into other foods, making the popular "Proffee" a viable and safe option. So, is it okay to put Ensure in your coffee? The simple answer is yes, with the right techniques to avoid clumping and preserve nutritional value.

Quick Summary

Mixing Ensure into coffee, a combination affectionately known as "proffee," is safe and can increase protein intake. It is important to use proper mixing techniques, especially with hot coffee, to prevent clumping. Ensure comes in various formulations, impacting flavor and nutritional content when added to coffee.

Key Points

Safety Confirmed: Yes, it is safe to add Ensure to coffee, with the manufacturer providing recipes for both hot and iced versions.
Clumping Prevention: To avoid clumping with hot coffee, don't add cold Ensure directly; instead, temper the mixture by slowly incorporating it or using a frother for a smoother texture.
Nutritional Boost: Adding Ensure transforms coffee into a more nutritionally complete beverage, providing extra protein, vitamins, and minerals that traditional creamers lack.
Consider Sugar Content: Be aware that many Ensure products contain sugar, which will increase the calorie and sugar content of your coffee.
Many Variants Available: Different Ensure products, like Ensure Max Protein or Plant-Based, can be used for varying nutritional boosts and flavor profiles.
Alternative to Meal Replacement: While Ensure can be a great snack, it’s not always a replacement for a balanced meal; consult with a professional if using it for this purpose.
Consult a Professional: It is advisable to speak with a healthcare provider before adding Ensure to your daily routine, especially if you have underlying health concerns.

Can You Safely Add Ensure to Hot Coffee?

Yes, you can safely add Ensure to your hot coffee, provided you use the right method to prevent clumping. The key is to avoid adding the cold, milk-based liquid directly into a piping hot beverage. High heat can cause the proteins in Ensure to denature and coagulate, resulting in an unappealing, lumpy texture. Abbott Nutrition, the maker of Ensure, advises against boiling the product to protect its heat-sensitive nutrients.

To create a smooth, creamy result, there are a few simple methods you can follow:

The Tempered Pour: Start by pouring a small amount of coffee and a little Ensure into a mug. Whisk vigorously to combine before adding the rest of the hot coffee. This gradual introduction of heat minimizes the risk of clumping.
The Cool-Down Technique: Allow your coffee to cool slightly before mixing. Once it reaches a lukewarm temperature, you can stir in the Ensure more easily and with less chance of clumping.
The Frother Method: For the smoothest and creamiest texture, use a handheld milk frother or an immersion blender. Blend the Ensure with a splash of coffee before pouring in the rest. This technique is particularly effective for creating a latte-like consistency.
For Iced Coffee: This is the easiest method. Simply pour the Ensure over ice, add cold brew or chilled coffee, and stir well. The cold temperatures prevent any clumping issues entirely.

Benefits and Considerations of 'Proffee'

Adding Ensure to your coffee can be more than just a flavor enhancer. For individuals looking to boost their nutritional intake, it offers several key advantages. The added protein can provide a feeling of satiety, potentially reducing hunger and supporting weight management goals. It also turns a regular coffee into a more complete, balanced snack with essential vitamins and minerals.

Nutritional Boost

Ensure is fortified with a range of vitamins and minerals. Depending on the specific product, you can get a significant boost of nutrients like Vitamin D, calcium, and antioxidants in your morning cup. It can be an especially convenient way to get extra calories and nutrition for those with poor appetite, recovering from illness, or who have specific dietary needs.

Side Effects and Considerations

While generally safe, there are some aspects to consider before making 'proffee' a daily habit. Ensure contains sugar, with some formulas having a moderate to high sugar content, so this can increase the overall sugar intake of your beverage. Certain ingredients or sweeteners might also cause digestive discomfort or bloating in some individuals. It's always best to consult with a healthcare professional before adding any new supplement to your daily routine.

Ensure vs. Traditional Coffee Creamers

Choosing between Ensure and a traditional creamer depends on your specific nutritional goals. While both add flavor and creaminess, their nutritional profiles are drastically different.


Feature	Ensure	Traditional Creamer
Primary Function	Complete nutritional supplement, protein boost	Flavor enhancer, whitener
Key Nutrients	Protein, vitamins, minerals, calories	Fat, sugar, flavorings
Calories	Significantly more (e.g., 220-240 per 8oz)	Varies widely, often high in fat/sugar
Protein Content	Moderate to high (e.g., 8-30g)	Negligible (typically <1g)
Added Sugar	Present in most formulas, check label	Often high, especially in flavored varieties
Ingredient Complexity	Complex, fortified with vitamins/minerals	Simpler, often contains oils, sugars, emulsifiers

Other creative uses for Ensure

Beyond 'proffee,' Ensure is a versatile ingredient in many recipes. The manufacturer's website and various hospice cookbooks highlight its use in everything from sauces to desserts.

Protein Smoothies: Blend Ensure with fruits like bananas or berries for a nutrient-packed smoothie.
Puddings and Desserts: Use Ensure as a base for creamy desserts like pudding or crème brûlée.
Soups: Add Ensure to soups to enrich them with extra protein and calories.
Overnight Oats: Mix Ensure into overnight oats for a complete and balanced breakfast.

Conclusion

Putting Ensure in your coffee is not only acceptable but can also be a safe and effective way to add nutrition to your morning routine. Whether you're seeking a protein boost, extra calories, or a complete snack, "proffee" offers a convenient solution. The key to success is using the right mixing technique to prevent clumping, especially with hot coffee. By considering your individual nutritional needs and being mindful of sugar content, you can safely enjoy a more fortified and flavorful cup of coffee. As always, consulting a healthcare provider can offer personalized advice to ensure this fits your health goals.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult a healthcare professional before making any significant changes to your diet, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions.

Source

Abbott Nutrition: The manufacturer of Ensure provides recipes and warming instructions on its websites.

External Link

For more Ensure recipes recommended by nutritionists, explore the official Ensure website: https://www.ensure.com/recipes

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can mix Ensure with hot coffee. The key is to prevent clumping by allowing the coffee to cool slightly or by tempering the mixture. Whisking or using a frother also helps achieve a smooth, creamy consistency.

'Proffee' is a term for coffee mixed with a protein supplement, such as Ensure Max Protein. The combination creates a high-protein, energy-boosting beverage.

Yes, Ensure can clump if added directly to piping hot liquid. The high heat can cause the milk proteins to curdle. Mixing it with a small amount of cooler liquid first or using a blender helps prevent this.

Yes, vanilla, chocolate, and café mocha are popular flavors that blend well with coffee. Some people prefer unflavored Ensure to avoid altering the coffee taste significantly.

Yes, mixing Ensure into your coffee is an easy and convenient way to increase your daily protein intake, especially if you are looking to build muscle or feel fuller longer.

According to the manufacturer, boiling Ensure can damage some of its heat-sensitive nutrients. Gentle warming, such as in a microwave on low power or in a hot water bath, is recommended to preserve its nutritional value.

Yes, Ensure can be used as a coffee creamer substitute. However, it's a more nutritionally dense option, providing more protein, vitamins, and calories than standard creamers.