Gym rats and workaholics alike can rejoice — a new beverage that packs a protein punch and a burst of caffeinated energy will be released soon in Baton Rouge.
Projo, a combination of protein drink and coffee, is the creation of University alumnus Mike Young.
Young said the drink boasts 28 grams of protein, as well as the caffeine equal to about two cups of coffee.
Young moved to Houston after college to work in the oil and gas industry, but he said he always harbored a dream to start his own company.
Young said he created the drink mostly by accident.
“I start my day by mixing some coffee and protein, and for about four years I did that every morning,” Young said. “Then one day it dawned on me that there might be a need out there for this kind of convenient product.”
Young shared his idea with friend Jeff Jenkins and discovered Jenkins also enjoyed coffee and a protein shake in the mornings.
After trying the two together, Jenkins was convinced there was potential for the product.
The company launched in August 2010 with sales in a few Houston stores and product information on its website.
Young said the product is aimed at a “health-conscious person.”
“One of the main benefits for the drink is as a metabolic stimulator,” Young said. “A lot of people skip breakfast, which is a mistake if you’re trying to lose weight.”
Rene Daigle, club director and sales coordinator of Spectrum Westside gym, said he thinks the shake would be beneficial as a preworkout drink.
“Taking protein before a workout can help in building muscle, so I can see how a protein drink with extra energy would be a plus,” Daigle said.
Kyle Evans, business senior, said he hits the gym five to six times a week, but he avoids caffeine when he can.
“I don’t like drinking a lot of caffeine because I don’t think it’s very good for you,” Evans said.
Brandon Harvey, elementary education senior, also said he’d avoid Projo as a preworkout drink, but he could see drinking Projo in addition to a meal for added protein.
Daigle said he thinks the drink would help those looking to get in better shape as a meal replacement.
“It would be good for people trying to get in shape to have it for breakfast,” said Daigle. “I’ve heard of people who put protein powder in their coffee in the mornings, and this would be similar.”
The beverage is currently only sold in Houston, but Young plans for Projo to be available in Baton Rouge soon.
“It should be in Louisiana and Baton Rouge specifically by the end of the year,” Young said.
 
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Contact Andrew Price at [email protected]