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What is the highest protein option at Starbucks? A guide to drinks, food, and custom orders

3 min read

Since launching its new line of protein beverages in September 2025, Starbucks now offers certain drinks with up to 36 grams of protein in a grande size. This shift significantly expands the options for customers asking what is the highest protein option at Starbucks, moving beyond just food items to include their signature lattes and cold foams.

Quick Summary

This guide explores the top high-protein choices at Starbucks, detailing the new protein-boosted drinks and analyzing the protein content of popular food items. It provides strategies for customizing orders to maximize protein intake while considering sugar content, offering a full breakdown for a nutrition-conscious visit.

Key Points

  • New Protein Drinks Take the Lead: The highest single-item protein option at Starbucks is a grande Protein Matcha (hot or iced), with up to 36g of protein, thanks to recent menu updates.

  • Food Boxes Remain Solid: The Eggs & Cheddar Protein Box is the highest-protein food item on the menu, containing 22g of protein.

  • Customization is Key: Customers can add protein to almost any drink by requesting protein-boosted milk or adding a flavored protein cold foam for an extra boost.

  • Combine for Maximum Protein: For the highest overall protein intake, pair a protein-boosted latte or matcha with a food item like the Eggs & Cheddar Protein Box or a breakfast sandwich.

  • Mind the Sugar: Opt for sugar-free versions of protein drinks, like the Sugar-Free Vanilla Protein Matcha or Latte, to control calorie and sugar intake.

  • Review Nutritional Details: Always check the Starbucks app or website for the most current nutritional facts to make informed dietary choices.

In This Article

Navigating the Starbucks menu for high-protein options has become much easier thanks to recent menu innovations. While previous years focused heavily on food boxes and breakfast wraps, Starbucks' new line of protein-enhanced drinks has introduced beverage options that pack a significant protein punch, with some reaching up to 36 grams per serving. This guide will break down the top contenders across both the beverage and food menus, highlighting customization strategies and providing a nutritional comparison.

The New Starbucks Protein Lineup

The most substantial protein boosts now come from Starbucks' dedicated protein beverages, made possible by their new protein-boosted milk and flavored Protein Cold Foams. These menu additions are crafted with premium whey protein and are available year-round.

Protein Lattes and Matchas

The Protein Lattes and Protein Matchas are at the top of the list for beverages, with a grande size offering between 27 and 36 grams of protein. The Protein Matcha and Sugar-Free Vanilla Protein Matcha provide the highest protein in this category.

Protein Cold Foam Drinks

For cold beverage fans, Starbucks now offers dedicated Protein Cold Foam options, which can also be added to many other cold beverages for an approximate 15-gram protein boost. Examples include the Iced Vanilla Cream Protein Latte (26g protein in a grande), Iced Banana Cream Protein Matcha (24g protein in a grande), and Chocolate Cream Protein Cold Brew (19g protein in a grande).

High-Protein Food Menu Choices

Before the protein drink revolution, food items were the primary source of high protein at Starbucks. They remain solid choices, especially when paired with a protein-boosted beverage.

Protein Boxes

The Eggs & Cheddar Protein Box is a leading food option with 22 grams of protein from components like cage-free hard-boiled eggs and white cheddar cheese.

Breakfast Sandwiches and Wraps

Breakfast items like the Egg, Pesto & Mozzarella Sandwich (21g protein) and the Spinach, Feta & Egg White Wrap (20g protein) offer substantial protein content. The Turkey Bacon, Cheddar & Egg White Sandwich provides 17g of protein.

Comparison Table: Top High-Protein Options

To find a comparison of top high-protein options, including drinks and food, their protein and calorie content, and key components, please see {Link: Starbucks Website https://about.starbucks.com/stories/2025/starbucks-new-protein-lattes-and-cold-foam-drinks-now-available/}.

How to Maximize Your Protein Intake

To significantly boost protein, combine a protein-enhanced drink with a high-protein food item. For instance, pairing a grande Sugar-Free Vanilla Protein Latte (27–29g) with a Spinach, Feta & Egg White Wrap (20g) can yield up to 49 grams of protein. The highest protein combination involves a grande Protein Matcha (up to 36g) and an Eggs & Cheddar Protein Box (22g), totaling up to 58 grams.

Customization Strategies for a Healthier Profile

Managing sugar intake is also important. Opt for sugar-free protein drink options or request sugar-free syrups. While Protein Cold Foam adds about 15g of protein, consider the plain or sugar-free vanilla versions to minimize sugar. Pairing a sweetened drink with a lower-sugar food option or choosing a lower-calorie food like the Turkey Bacon, Cheddar & Egg White Sandwich (17g protein, 230 calories) can help create a balanced meal.

Conclusion: Your Top Protein Options

The grande Protein Matcha (hot or iced) is the single item with the highest protein at Starbucks, offering up to 36 grams. Among food items, the Eggs & Cheddar Protein Box provides the most at 22 grams. By combining a protein-boosted drink with a food item, you can achieve a total protein intake nearing 60 grams. Making informed choices and utilizing customization options allows you to align your Starbucks order with your dietary goals. For the most current nutritional details, consult the Starbucks app or website.

Frequently Asked Questions

To see a list of frequently asked questions regarding the highest protein options at Starbucks, including information on drinks, customization, food items, and sugar content, please visit {Link: Starbucks Website https://about.starbucks.com/stories/2025/starbucks-new-protein-lattes-and-cold-foam-drinks-now-available/}.

Frequently Asked Questions

The highest protein drinks are the Grande Protein Matcha (hot or iced) and the Grande Sugar-Free Vanilla Protein Matcha (hot or iced), both offering up to 36 grams of protein, introduced in September 2025.

You can add approximately 15 grams of protein to any cold drink by asking for protein cold foam, or you can substitute the standard milk for protein-boosted milk in drinks that include milk for an extra 12–16 grams of protein in a Grande.

The Eggs & Cheddar Protein Box, containing hard-boiled eggs, cheese, and a honey peanut butter spread, offers 22 grams of protein, making it the highest protein food item.

Other high-protein food items include the Egg, Pesto & Mozzarella Sandwich (21g protein), the Spinach, Feta & Egg White Wrap (20g protein), and the Turkey Bacon, Cheddar & Egg White Sandwich (17g protein).

Yes, Starbucks' new protein-boosted milk and protein cold foams are made with premium whey protein, blended with 2% milk.

For those on a low-sugar diet, it's best to choose the sugar-free protein options, such as the Sugar-Free Vanilla Protein Latte or Sugar-Free Vanilla Protein Matcha, to avoid added sugar.

The highest protein combination would be a Grande Protein Matcha (up to 36g) paired with an Eggs & Cheddar Protein Box (22g), for a total of up to 58 grams of protein.

References

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Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.