What is the most protein drink at Starbucks? A Complete Guide to High-Protein Options

November 6, 2025 •

3 min read

As of September 2025, Starbucks introduced a permanent lineup of new Protein Lattes and Protein Cold Foams, with some drinks offering up to 36 grams of protein in a grande size. For those asking what is the most protein drink at Starbucks, these new offerings and customizable options provide the clearest answer yet.

Quick Summary

The most protein-rich beverages at Starbucks are the new Protein Matchas, both hot and iced, and the Sugar-Free Vanilla Protein Matcha, which can contain up to 36 grams of protein per grande. The high-protein content is achieved through whey protein-boosted 2% milk and protein cold foams. Various customization options allow customers to further increase the protein content of many drinks.

Key Points

Highest Protein Drink: The hot or iced Protein Matcha and Sugar-Free Vanilla Protein Matcha can contain up to 36 grams of protein in a grande size.
Source of Protein: Starbucks uses a blend of 2% milk and premium whey protein, as well as a separate whey protein-based cold foam, to boost their drinks.
Customization for More Protein: You can add Protein-Boosted Milk as a substitute in many drinks or add a flavored Protein Cold Foam to any cold beverage for more protein.
Sugar-Free Options: For high protein with less sugar, the Sugar-Free Vanilla Protein Latte and Matcha are the best official menu choices.
DIY Hacks Still Work: Many customers use personal protein powders or pre-made protein shakes (like Premier Protein or Fairlife) to customize their drinks for high protein.
Nutritional Profile: Be aware that some of the higher-protein drinks also contain significant amounts of sugar and calories, so check the nutritional information.

Starbucks significantly enhanced its menu for customers seeking a protein boost with the introduction of a permanent lineup of Protein Lattes and Protein Cold Foams in September 2025. These additions make it easier to find high-protein options, with some drinks rivaling the protein content of dedicated protein shakes.

The New Official Highest-Protein Drinks

Starbucks infuses premium whey protein into its 2% milk and cold foam to create these new high-protein beverages. The leading contenders for the highest protein content are the matcha-based lattes.

Top Tier: Up to 36 Grams of Protein

The Hot or Iced Protein Matcha and the Hot or Iced Sugar-Free Vanilla Protein Matcha are among the highest in protein, potentially offering between 28 and 36 grams in a grande size, depending on preparation.

High Protein: 27-29 Grams of Protein

Espresso lovers can opt for the Hot or Iced Vanilla Protein Latte or the Sugar-Free Vanilla Protein Latte, each providing 27 to 29 grams of protein in a grande size.

Protein with Cold Foam: 19-26 Grams of Protein

For cold drinks, the Iced Vanilla Cream Protein Latte contains 26 grams of protein, and the Iced Banana Cream Protein Matcha has 24 grams. The Chocolate Cream Protein Cold Brew offers around 19 grams. Adding Protein Cold Foam to any cold drink can add about 15 grams of protein.

How Starbucks Adds Protein to Your Drink

Starbucks uses two primary methods to add protein:

Protein-Boosted Milk: This milk, a blend of 2% milk and whey protein, is prepared daily in-store. It can replace regular milk in many drinks, adding 12–16 grams of protein in a grande latte.
Protein Cold Foam: This frothy, whey protein-based topping is available in various flavors and adds about 15 grams of protein to any cold beverage in a grande size.

Comparison of High-Protein Starbucks Drinks (Grande Size)

Here's a comparison of several protein-enhanced drinks:


Drink (Grande)	Protein (g)	Calories	Sugar (g)	Key Notes
Iced/Hot Protein Matcha	28–36	300 (hot), 300 (iced)	30	High protein from both matcha and boosted milk.
Iced/Hot Sugar-Free Vanilla Protein Matcha	28–36	240 (hot), 240 (iced)	16	Highest protein with less sugar.
Iced Vanilla Protein Latte	29	270	34	Espresso-based classic with a protein boost.
Iced Vanilla Cream Protein Latte	26	390	25	Topped with Vanilla Protein Cold Foam.
Chocolate Cream Protein Cold Brew	19	330	26	Protein cold foam over classic cold brew.

Beyond the Menu: DIY Protein Hacks

For those who prefer more control over their protein sources, or who enjoyed classic customization, bringing your own protein supplement remains an option.

Common DIY Starbucks Protein Hacks:

Espresso + Shake: Order espresso over ice and mix with a store-bought high-protein shake.
Matcha + Protein Shake: Combine an iced matcha latte with your own protein shake.
Protein Powder Addition: Stir your own protein powder into your drink, which is easier with iced beverages.

The Health and Nutrition Perspective

While convenient, the new protein drinks vary in sugar and calorie content. For instance, a grande Iced Vanilla Protein Latte contains 34 grams of sugar and 270 calories. Opting for sugar-free versions or customizing your order can help manage sugar intake. The Iced Sugar-Free Vanilla Protein Matcha offers a high protein boost with relatively less sugar (16 grams in a grande).

Conclusion

The top contenders for the most protein drink at Starbucks are the new Protein Matchas, offering up to 36 grams of protein in a grande size, followed by the Protein Lattes with 27 to 29 grams. These new menu items utilize protein-boosted milk and cold foam for easy protein enhancement. DIY methods with personal supplements or pre-made shakes are still viable alternatives for those seeking maximum protein and ingredient control. Starbucks' expansion into functional beverages provides more high-protein choices for consumers.

Visit the official Starbucks website for the latest menu and nutrition information.

Frequently Asked Questions

The high protein content comes from two new ingredients: Protein-Boosted Milk, which is 2% milk blended with whey protein, and Protein Cold Foam, a creamy topping also made with whey protein.

Substituting with Protein-Boosted Milk can add an extra 12-16 grams of protein to a grande latte, while adding Protein Cold Foam contributes about 15 grams to a cold grande beverage.

No, the new protein options at Starbucks are made with premium whey protein isolate, which is dairy-based.

The grande Iced Sugar-Free Vanilla Protein Matcha is a top contender, delivering up to 36 grams of protein with only 16 grams of sugar.

You can substitute Protein-Boosted Milk in any beverage that normally contains milk. Protein Cold Foam can be added to any cold coffee, iced tea, or Refresher.

Yes, many customers still use this hack, bringing a pre-made, high-protein shake (like Premier Protein or Fairlife) to mix with espresso ordered over ice in a larger cup.

A grande Chocolate Cream Protein Cold Brew has approximately 19 grams of protein, provided by the Chocolate Protein Cold Foam layered over the coffee.