diff --git a/nix/pkgs/default/default.nix b/nix/pkgs/default/default.nix
index 38771517..79510f50 100644
--- a/nix/pkgs/default/default.nix
+++ b/nix/pkgs/default/default.nix
@@ -10,6 +10,7 @@
 # Options (keep sorted)
 , default-features ? true
 , features ? []
+, profile ? "release"
 }:
 
 let
@@ -73,6 +74,8 @@ craneLib.buildPackage rec {
     pkgsBuildHost.rustPlatform.bindgenHook
   ];
 
+  CARGO_PROFILE = profile;
+
   inherit env;
 
   passthru = {