For years, Starbucks has been a go-to for coffee lovers and a convenient stop for a quick meal. However, in recent years, the menu has evolved significantly to cater to health-conscious consumers seeking more than just a sugar-filled snack. With the launch of new customizable protein beverages and a consistent offering of protein-packed food items, navigating the menu for the maximum protein can be a challenge. This guide breaks down the best high-protein options and reveals precisely what is the highest protein item at Starbucks.
The Protein Drink Revolution at Starbucks
Historically, the highest protein items were limited to specific food boxes, but a major menu update in late 2025 introduced a new lineup of permanent protein-based drinks. This shift, driven by growing consumer demand, has dramatically increased the protein potential of a typical Starbucks order.
Starbucks now offers two main ways to get a significant protein boost in your beverage:
- Protein Lattes: Crafted with protein-boosted 2% milk, these lattes deliver a high amount of protein with minimal added sugar in some options. The grande Protein Matcha (hot or iced) is a top contender, providing 28 to 36 grams of protein, depending on the preparation.
- Protein Cold Foams: These new cold foams can be added to any cold drink, offering a significant protein increase. Starbucks Protein Cold Foam adds approximately 15 grams of protein per grande, allowing for easy customization of cold brews, iced teas, or shaken espressos.
Leading Food Items for Protein
While the new protein drinks offer an impressive boost, several food items remain high-protein mainstays on the menu. These are ideal for a satisfying breakfast or lunch on the go.
Top High-Protein Food Choices
- Ham & Swiss on a Baguette: One of the heartier lunch options, this sandwich packs a robust 24 grams of protein, making it one of the highest protein food items available.
- Eggs & Cheddar Protein Box: A fan favorite, this box provides a well-rounded meal with 22 grams of protein from two hard-boiled eggs, cheese, multigrain bread, and peanut butter.
- Impossible™ Breakfast Sandwich: For a plant-based option, this sandwich delivers a solid 21 grams of protein from its plant-based sausage patty, egg, and cheese.
- Spinach, Feta & Egg White Wrap: A lighter breakfast option with 20 grams of protein, combining egg whites, spinach, and feta in a whole-wheat wrap.
- Turkey Bacon, Cheddar & Egg White Sandwich: This item offers 17 grams of protein and is a great option for those watching their calories.
How to Maximize Protein with Customizations
If the pre-set high-protein options aren't your preference, you can still significantly boost the protein in your favorite order. Here are some pro tips for ordering:
- Add Protein-Boosted Milk: Substitute the standard milk in any milk-based drink (lattes, cappuccinos) with the new protein-boosted 2% milk for an extra 12–16 grams of protein per grande.
- Request Protein Cold Foam: Add any of the new protein cold foam flavors—including vanilla, chocolate, and matcha—to your cold brew or shaken espresso for a delicious 15-gram protein upgrade.
- Combine Food and Drink: For a truly high-protein meal, pair a food item like the Egg Bites with a Protein Latte. A Venti Caffe Latte with nonfat milk (16g protein) and Egg White Bites (12g protein) totals 28 grams of protein.
Comparison of Top Protein Items
Here is a comparison of some of the highest protein food and drink options on the Starbucks menu to help you decide what's best for your nutritional goals. Note that protein values can vary slightly by region and customization.
| Item | Protein (g) | Calories | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Protein Matcha (Grande) | 28–36 | ~300 | Hot or Iced, new menu item |
| Ham & Swiss on a Baguette | 24 | 480 | Hearty lunch option |
| Iced Vanilla Cream Protein Latte (Grande) | 26 | 390 | New beverage option |
| Eggs & Cheddar Protein Box | 22 | 460 | Features eggs, cheese, and multigrain bread |
| Impossible™ Breakfast Sandwich | 21 | 420 | Plant-based sausage alternative |
| Spinach, Feta & Egg White Wrap | 20 | 290 | Lighter, breakfast-focused wrap |
| Chocolate Cream Protein Cold Brew (Grande) | 19 | 330 | Combines coffee with protein cold foam |
| Turkey Bacon, Cheddar & Egg White Sandwich | 17 | 230 | Lower calorie breakfast sandwich |
Conclusion: Finding the Ultimate Protein Fix
With Starbucks' recent menu expansion, the title of "highest protein item" is a close contest between customized beverages and specific food offerings. For a pure, concentrated protein boost, the new Protein Lattes, such as the Protein Matcha with up to 36 grams, are the clear winner. However, for a balanced, full meal that includes solid food, a combination like the Eggs & Cheddar Protein Box with an added protein customization to your drink can easily provide over 35 grams of protein. By leveraging the new protein-boosted milks and cold foams, customers can now transform virtually any beverage into a functional protein shake. Whether you prioritize a liquid meal replacement or a hearty sandwich, Starbucks has a robust selection to help you meet your nutritional needs on the go.
To make the most of your choices, use the Starbucks app to review the most up-to-date nutritional information and experiment with different customizations to find the perfect high-protein combination for your diet.
Key Takeaways
- Highest Protein Drink: A grande Protein Matcha, whether hot or iced, is one of the highest protein options, delivering up to 36 grams of protein.
- Highest Protein Food: The Ham & Swiss on a Baguette is a top food contender, offering 24 grams of protein.
- Customizable Boosts: Add Protein-Boosted Milk to any milk-based drink for an extra 12–16 grams, or add Protein Cold Foam to cold drinks for an additional 15 grams.
- Balanced Meal Option: The Eggs & Cheddar Protein Box is a solid, complete meal with 22 grams of protein from multiple sources.
- Lower-Calorie Picks: The Turkey Bacon, Cheddar & Egg White Sandwich and Egg White & Roasted Red Pepper Egg Bites offer high protein relative to their lower calorie counts.
- Best of Both Worlds: Combining a protein food item with a customized protein drink can create a powerhouse meal with over 40 grams of protein.
Comparison of High-Protein Starbucks Items
| Item | Protein (g) | Calories | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Protein Matcha (Grande) | 28–36 | ~300 | Hot or Iced, new menu item |
| Ham & Swiss on a Baguette | 24 | 480 | Hearty lunch option |
| Iced Vanilla Cream Protein Latte (Grande) | 26 | 390 | New beverage option |
| Eggs & Cheddar Protein Box | 22 | 460 | Features eggs, cheese, and multigrain bread |
| Impossible™ Breakfast Sandwich | 21 | 420 | Plant-based sausage alternative |
| Spinach, Feta & Egg White Wrap | 20 | 290 | Lighter, breakfast-focused wrap |
| Chocolate Cream Protein Cold Brew (Grande) | 19 | 330 | Combines coffee with protein cold foam |
| Turkey Bacon, Cheddar & Egg White Sandwich | 17 | 230 | Lower calorie breakfast sandwich |
Conclusion: Finding the Ultimate Protein Fix
With Starbucks' recent menu expansion, the title of "highest protein item" is a close contest between customized beverages and specific food offerings. For a pure, concentrated protein boost, the new Protein Lattes, such as the Protein Matcha with up to 36 grams, are the clear winner. However, for a balanced, full meal that includes solid food, a combination like the Eggs & Cheddar Protein Box with an added protein customization to your drink can easily provide over 35 grams of protein. By leveraging the new protein-boosted milks and cold foams, customers can now transform virtually any beverage into a functional protein shake. Whether you prioritize a liquid meal replacement or a hearty sandwich, Starbucks has a robust selection to help you meet your nutritional needs on the go.
To make the most of your choices, use the Starbucks app to review the most up-to-date nutritional information and experiment with different customizations to find the perfect high-protein combination for your diet.
