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Head-to-head evidence comparison — which supplement is right for you?
Caffeine wins 2 of 3 categories. Both are solid choices — the best pick depends on your specific goals.
Verdict
Likely helps
28 of 34 studies with measurable effects showed benefit.
Top outcomes
Verdict
Mostly mechanism / observational
Top outcomes
Shared outcomes (1)
Outcomes where both Caffeine and Pea Protein have evidence — compare verdict strength side-by-side.
100-200mg
Morning, 30-60 minutes before exercise
Pill/capsule for precise dosing
20-40g per serving (aim for ~2-3g leucine; ~0.7-1g protein/lb bodyweight total daily)
any
Pea protein isolate (often blended with rice protein)
15-45 minutes
30-60 minutes
30-60 minutes
30-60 minutes
4-12 weeks
Acute-days
Acute
Effect of Acute Caffeine Intake on the Fat Oxidation Rate during Exercise: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Nutrients (2020) · Meta analysis · n=2020
A subsequent meta-analysis was performed using the random effects model to calculate the standardized mean difference (SMD).
The effects of caffeine intake on weight loss: a systematic review and dos-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Critical reviews in food science and nutrition (2019) · Meta analysis · n=606
Thirteen RCTs with 606 participants were included in the meta-analyses.
Effect of Caffeine and Nitrates Combination on Exercise Performance, Heart Rate and Oxygen Uptake: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Nutrients (2024) · Meta analysis · n=95
The meta-analysis revealed that caffeine and nitrates supplementation (CAF+nitrates) did not enhance performance in time trials (TTs) over the CAF alone (g = -0.06; 95% CI = -0.46 to 0.35; p = 0.78) or nitrates alone (g = 0.29; 95% CI = -0.12 to 0.70; p = 0.17).
Effects of Whey and Pea Protein Supplementation on Post-Eccentric Exercise Muscle Damage: A Randomized Trial.
Nutrients (2020) · Rct · n=92
No significant pea-vs-whey difference in recovery outcomes
Resistance training increases myofibrillar protein synthesis in middle-to-older aged adults consuming a typical diet with no influence of protein source: a randomized controlled trial.
The American journal of clinical nutrition (2025) · Rct · n=27
Increased muscle protein synthesis with training + pea protein
Real ileal amino acid digestibility of pea protein compared to casein in healthy humans: a randomized trial.
The American journal of clinical nutrition (2022) · Rct · n=15
Pea protein is well digested, though slightly below casein
Based on multiple meta-analyses showing 3-6mg/kg optimal dosing. Performance benefits plateau around 200-300mg with increased jitteriness at higher doses.
AI-estimated from published studies. Interpret as directional guidance.
Caffeine has a higher evidence score (9.5/10 vs 5.5/10) and wins in 2 of 3 categories.
For speed up recovery, Pea Protein has a higher relevance score (52 vs 45).
No known interactions between Caffeine and Pea Protein have been documented in our database. However, always consult a healthcare provider before combining supplements.