The Birth of High Protein Vietnamese Coffee (Cà Phê Sữa Đá)
I still remember my first time trying Vietnamese coffee. Honestly, I think everyone remembers their first time... The way that bold, in-your-face coffee flavour smacks you like a tonne of bricks, then smooths out into creamy sweetness from the condensed milk. It’s sensory whiplash in the best possible way. Addictive doesn’t even begin to cover it!
I’ve lost count of the number of nights I’ve lain awake, buzzing with caffeine, because I caved and ordered one too late in the day... I'm sure I'm not the only one who struggled with this blue pill red pill decision. But totally worth it every single time.
Introducing Vietnamese coffee into our Whey Protein Elixir range felt like destiny, equal parts comfort, energy and nostalgia. It’s taken us years (literally) to get this flavour right, but the struggle was worth it. And now? We’re ridiculously excited for you to try it!!
But before you dive into a cup full of this magic, let’s back up: what exactly is Vietnamese coffee?
What is Vietnamese Coffee (Cà Phê Sữa Đá)?
Vietnamese coffee isn’t your standard latte or flat white. It’s bold, unapologetic and made to leave a lasting impression.
Coffee was introduced into Vietnam by the French during the mid-19th century. One of the earliest documented acts: a French Catholic priest brought an Arabica tree into northern Vietnam in 1857 (1).
It's clear though, that locals truly made it their own. With fresh milk hard to come by at the time and often spoiling due to the tropical climate, condensed milk became the default substitute, which gave Vietnamese coffee its signature sweetness and creaminess. Today, Vietnam is the world’s second-largest coffee producer overall (2), with around 97% of its output being Robusta coffee (3), which is exactly what we've used in our Vietnamese Coffee Protein!
How is Vietnamese Coffee traditionally made?
It's traditionally brewed using a small metal drip filter called a phin. Hot water slowly drips through finely ground coffee, creating a rich, strong and concentrated brew. For cà phê sữa (hot milk coffee) or cà phê sữa đá (iced milk coffee), the coffee is usually dripped directly into a glass containing sweetened condensed milk, allowing the bold brew to mix naturally with the creamy sweetness. If preferred, it can also be enjoyed black (cà phê đen) (4).
Arabica vs Robusta beans, what are the differences?
Unlike the smoother, fruitier Arabica beans you’ll find in most specialty drinks, Robusta is stronger, more bitter, higher in caffeine and has a distinctive earthy, nutty flavour. It’s what gives Vietnamese coffee its punch (5).
We've sourced our robusta beans directly from Vietnam for its authentic kick and flavour in our protein. We hope it brings you a new source of comfort and energy, as well as the taste of home with a side of gains for our Vietnamese friends 🤎
Our Vietnamese Coffee Whey Protein Elixir will be available to purchase in all sizes on 1 October 2025 at 10AM AEST!
Click here to shop!
References Sourced
- Heritage Line (n.d.) The history of Vietnamese coffee and how to brew your own. [online] Available at: https://heritage-line.com/magazine/the-history-of-vietnamese-coffee-and-how-to-brew-your-own
- Vietnam Airlines. (2025). Vietnamese Drip Coffee: A Slow-Brewed Cultural Experience. Available at: https://www.vietnamairlines.com/vn/en/useful-information/travel-guide/vietnamese-drip-coffee#:~:text=Coffee%20cultivation%20in%20Vietnam%20began,Vietnamese%20coffee%20gains%20international%20recognition
-
Rmit.edu.vn. (2024). Vietnam’s coffee sector faces headwinds in global market. [online] Available at: https://www.rmit.edu.vn/news/all-news/2024/aug/vietnams-coffee-sector-faces-headwinds-in-global-market#:~:text=RMIT%20academics%20Dr%20Devmali%20Perera,declining%20output%20and%20rising%20prices.
- Flavor365 (n.d.) A deep dive into the phin: your ultimate guide. Available at: https://flavor365.com/a-deep-dive-into-the-phin-your-ultimate-guide
- Food & Wine and Provencher, L. (2025). What Are the Differences Between Arabica and Robusta Coffee Beans? [online] Food & Wine. Available at: https://www.foodandwine.com/arabica-and-robusta-coffee-differences-11737998
