What is the protein drink at Starbucks?

January 11, 2026 •

4 min read

According to Starbucks' official press release, the new line of protein-boosted drinks can deliver up to 36 grams of protein per grande size. So, what is the protein drink at Starbucks that's getting all the attention? The answer lies in their recent menu additions, which feature protein-enhanced cold foam and specially blended milk to give customers a protein boost in their favorite coffee and matcha drinks.

Quick Summary

Starbucks offers a variety of protein-enhanced beverages, including a line of Protein Lattes and Protein Cold Foam drinks. These feature either protein-boosted milk, which uses whey protein, or a high-protein cold foam topping. Customers can order these on the permanent menu for a significant protein addition to their daily routine.

Key Points

Protein Sources: Starbucks primarily uses premium whey protein in their Protein-boosted Milk and Protein Cold Foam to create their line of protein drinks.
Two Customization Options: You can either swap in Protein-boosted Milk for any dairy drink or add a Protein Cold Foam topping to iced beverages to increase the protein content.
Menu Offerings: The dedicated protein menu includes Protein Lattes (vanilla, matcha, and sugar-free options) and Protein Cold Foam drinks (vanilla, banana, and chocolate).
High Protein Content: A grande Protein Latte can provide up to 36 grams of protein, while a grande Protein Cold Foam adds about 15 grams.
Sugar-Conscious Choices: For those watching their sugar intake, there are specific no-added-sugar versions of the protein drinks, which use sugar-free syrup.
Not a Meal Replacement: While protein drinks offer a convenient boost, dietitians suggest viewing them as a treat or supplement rather than a replacement for a balanced, whole-food meal.
Vegan Alternatives: Vegan options may be available seasonally or in bottled format, but the primary protein additions use whey, which is dairy-based.

The Starbucks Protein Drink Lineup

Starbucks has expanded its menu to include protein-boosted beverages for customers seeking increased protein intake. These options incorporate premium whey protein into either a specially blended Protein-boosted Milk or a Protein Cold Foam. Baristas blend the whey protein into the milk or cold foam daily.

Protein-Boosted Milk

Protein-boosted Milk is made by blending 2% milk with high-quality whey protein. This serves as the base for many hot and iced protein lattes and can be added to any existing drink that uses milk for an extra charge. It can add 12–16 grams of protein per grande beverage.

Protein Cold Foam

Protein Cold Foam is a popular topping for iced coffees, teas, or Refreshers. A grande portion provides approximately 15 grams of extra protein. It is available in various flavors, including vanilla, chocolate, banana, and an unflavored, no-sugar option.

High-Protein Signature Drinks

Starbucks has integrated these protein components into several signature drinks.

Protein Latte Flavors

Vanilla Protein Latte (Iced or Hot): Espresso with protein-boosted milk and vanilla flavor. A grande has 27-29 grams of protein.
Protein Matcha (Iced or Hot): Unsweetened matcha with protein-boosted milk and classic syrup. A grande contains 28-36 grams of protein.

Protein Cold Foam Drink Flavors

Iced Vanilla Cream Protein Latte: Espresso, milk, and Vanilla Protein Cold Foam. A grande has 26 grams of protein.
Iced Banana Cream Protein Matcha: Unsweetened matcha with Banana Protein Cold Foam. A grande provides 24 grams of protein.
Chocolate Cream Protein Cold Brew: Cold Brew topped with Chocolate Protein Cold Foam. A grande delivers about 19 grams of protein.

Customizing Your Protein Drink

Customers can customize their drinks with protein in several ways:

Swap in Protein-Boosted Milk: Replace standard milk with protein-boosted milk in any milk-based drink.
Add Protein Cold Foam: Top any iced drink with flavored or unflavored Protein Cold Foam.
Order a No-Added-Sugar Version: Choose specific no-added-sugar lattes made with sugar-free syrup.

Starbucks Protein Drinks vs. Other Protein Sources

Comparing Starbucks protein drinks to other protein sources is helpful for understanding their place in a balanced diet.


Feature	Starbucks Protein Drink (Grande)	Typical Greek Yogurt (1 cup)	Typical Protein Shake (1 serving)
Protein Content	Up to 36g	~20-25g	~20-30g
Primary Protein Source	Whey	Casein, Whey	Varies (Whey, Casein, Plant-Based)
Convenience	Grab-and-go from Starbucks	Pre-packaged, requires spoon	Shaker bottle, requires mixing
Cost	Upcharge for protein addition	Varies widely	Varies, often more cost-effective per gram
Added Sugars	Can be high; sugar-free options available	Varies; many flavored yogurts are high in sugar	Varies; some powders contain sweeteners

Nutritional Considerations for Starbucks Protein Drinks

It is important to consider the sugar content, which can be high in some versions. Checking the nutritional information on the Starbucks app or website is recommended. Sugar-free vanilla options or unflavored Protein Cold Foam are available for lower sugar choices. For instance, a grande Iced Vanilla Cream Protein Latte has 26g of protein and 25g of sugar, while a grande Iced Sugar-Free Vanilla Protein Latte has 29g of protein and less added sugar.

Conclusion

Starbucks offers protein through Protein-boosted Milk and Protein Cold Foam, which use whey protein in various drinks. This allows for high-protein lattes, cold brews, and matcha options, or customization. These drinks are convenient but consider the sugar content.

Visit the official Starbucks website for the latest nutrition facts and menu details.

The Verdict: Are Starbucks Protein Drinks Healthy?

Whether a Starbucks protein drink is healthy depends on individual needs and the specific order. Whole foods like egg bites or oatmeal may be better balanced snacks. However, for a convenient protein supplement or treat, they can fit into a healthy diet, especially lower-sugar versions.

Pro Tips for Ordering

Ask for sugar-free syrups: Choose sugar-free vanilla or other sugar-free flavors.
Check the nutrition facts: Use the app to see calorie and sugar content.
Go with a lighter base: Try Protein Cold Foam on a cold brew with no syrup.
Embrace the customization: Add protein to your favorite drink, but note potential cost and nutritional impact.

Finding Vegan Protein Options

The current protein additions are whey-based (dairy), but Starbucks has offered plant-based options previously. Check with a barista or the menu for current vegan selections. The Koia® Vanilla Bean Protein Shake is a bottled vegan option sometimes available.

How Starbucks Protein Drinks Compare to Home-Made Shakes

Homemade protein shakes are often more cost-effective and customizable, especially for specific dietary needs like veganism. However, Starbucks offers convenience and bar-quality flavor.

The Final Sip

Starbucks provides significant protein boosts through whey protein in specialized milk and cold foam. This creates a variety of high-protein beverages or allows for customization. These are convenient but consider overall nutritional balance and sugar content.

Frequently Asked Questions

Starbucks uses premium whey protein, which is dairy-based, in both their Protein-boosted Milk and their Protein Cold Foam.

You can add protein in two ways: by swapping in Protein-boosted Milk for any milk-based drink, or by adding a Protein Cold Foam topping to any iced beverage.

The primary Protein-boosted Milk and Protein Cold Foam are made with whey and are not vegan. However, Starbucks has offered plant-based protein options in the past, and sometimes offers bottled vegan shakes like the Koia brand.

The sugar content varies greatly depending on the drink and customizations. Some of the pre-built protein drinks have high sugar content, while specific no-added-sugar versions are also available.

A grande Protein Latte can provide up to 36 grams of protein, while the Protein Cold Foam adds approximately 15 grams.

Dietitians advise against viewing these drinks as a meal replacement. While they can provide a boost of protein, whole foods like egg bites or oatmeal offer a more balanced and satiating nutritional profile.

For a sugar-free option, you can request a Sugar-Free Vanilla Protein Latte or Protein Matcha, which are made with sugar-free vanilla syrup. You can also add the unflavored Protein Cold Foam to a drink without added sugar.