Top 10 High Protein Starbucks Drinks (2025)
The highest protein Starbucks drink is the Protein Latte it gives you up to 36g of protein in one grande cup. Starbucks added these drinks to all U.S. and Canada menus on September 29, 2025.
Going to the gym every day is hard work. And when you stop at Starbucks on the way home, you want more than just a good-tasting coffee. You want something that actually helps your body.
Here is the good news Starbucks now has drinks with real protein in them. In 2025, they launched a whole new menu made with whey protein. Some of these drinks give you up to 36 grams in one cup. That is almost as much as a chicken breast.
In this guide, you will find the top 10 high protein Starbucks drinks, what is in each one, and how to order them the right way.
High protein coffee drinks can be a simple way to get more protein in the morning especially if you are busy and skip breakfast.” Jessica Ball, MS, RD, Senior Nutrition Editor, EatingWell
How Does Starbucks Add Protein to Their Drinks?
Before we get to the list, let us quickly look at how it works.
Starbucks uses two main things:
- Protein-Boosted Milk Baristas mix regular 2% milk with plain whey powder every day. This adds 12 to 16 extra grams to any drink that uses milk.
- Protein Cold Foam A thick creamy topping for cold drinks. One serving adds 15 grams.
A regular latte with 2% milk has about 13g. Ask for protein-boosted milk instead and that same drink gives you 27 to 36g. Big difference from one simple swap
Top 10 High Protein Starbucks Drinks
Vanilla Protein Latte (27 to 36g)
This is the best option on the whole menu. It is made with protein-boosted milk and a little vanilla syrup. One grande has 27 to 36 grams, around 230 calories, and only 6 grams of fat.
To put it simply 36 grams is about the same as eating a 4 to 5 oz chicken breast (Noom, 2025).
Best for: After the gym, or as a filling morning drink
Sugar-Free Vanilla Protein Latte (27 to 29g)
Same drink as #1, but without the sugar. It uses a sugar-free vanilla syrup instead. If you are on a keto diet or trying to eat less sugar, this is the one to get. Same great amount just cleaner macros
Best for: Keto diet, low sugar eating, weight loss
Matcha Protein Latte (27 to 29g)
Unsweetened matcha green tea mixed with protein-boosted milk. One grande gives you 27 to 29 grams. A no-sugar version is also available.
Matcha has something called L-theanine. It gives you calm, steady energy not the jittery feeling you sometimes get from strong coffee..
Best for: Pre-workout drink, people who do not like strong coffee
Chocolate Protein Cold Brew (19g)
Cold brew coffee with a Chocolate Cold Foam on top. You get 19 grams per grande. It has the least on this list, but it tastes the most like a treat.
The foam is smooth and creamy not chalky or powdery (Taste of Home, September 2025).
Best for: Chocolate lovers, evening drink
Banana Matcha Drink (24g)
Iced matcha at the bottom and a Banana Cold Foam on top. It gives you 24 grams per grande. The banana makes it sweet and the matcha keeps it light.
A Starbucks developer created this combo on purpose it quickly became one of the most popular drinks from the 2025 launch.
Best for: People who like fruity and earthy flavors together
Brown Sugar Protein Latte (27 to 36g)
This is the boosted version of the popular Brown Sugar Oat Shaken Espresso made with protein-boosted milk. One grande has 27 to 36 grams.
It is a bit higher in sugar and calories. So it works better if you are eating more to build muscle.
Best for: Bulking phase, muscle gain diet
Salted Caramel Protein Latte (27 to 36g)
Protein-boosted milk with a salted caramel flavor 27 to 36 grams per grande. Sweet and salty together. It feels like a reward, not a diet drink. Great pick after a tough training session.
Best for: Post-workout treat drink
Plain Protein Latte (27 to 36g)
No syrup. No added flavor. Just espresso and protein boosted milk. This gives you 27 to 36 grams with the least sugar of any latte here.
If you track your macros closely or follow a clean eating plan, this is your best pick.
Best for: Macro tracking, clean eating
Iced Shaken Espresso with Protein Milk (25 to 30g)
Take any Iced Shaken Espresso and ask them to use protein-boosted milk instead of regular milk. That gives you around 25 to 30 grams. It tastes more like strong coffee than a latte less sweet, more bold.
You can do this through the Starbucks app or just ask at the counter.
Best for: People who like strong coffee with a nutrition boost
Any Cold Drink Plus Protein Cold Foam Plus (15g)
This is an official menu option not a secret hack. You can add Protein Cold Foam to any cold drink cold brew, iced tea, lemonade, anything. It adds 15 extra grams right away (protein.starbucks.com).
You do not have to change your favorite drink at all. Just add the foam on top.
Best for: Anyone who wants a boost without changing their usual order
All 10 Drinks — Quick Comparison
| Drink | Protein | Calories | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vanilla Protein Latte | 27–36g | 230 | Best overall |
| Sugar-Free Vanilla Latte | 27–29g | ~180 | Keto / low sugar |
| Matcha Protein Latte | 27–29g | ~220 | Caffeine-sensitive |
| Brown Sugar Protein Latte | 27–36g | ~270 | Bulking |
| Salted Caramel Latte | 27–36g | ~260 | Post-workout treat |
| Plain Protein Latte | 27–36g | ~200 | Clean eating |
| Iced Shaken Espresso + Protein Milk | 25–30g | ~200 | Espresso lovers |
| Banana Matcha Drink | 24g | ~220 | Fruity + matcha fans |
| Chocolate Cold Brew | 19g | ~200 | Chocolate lovers |
| Any drink + Protein Cold Foam | +15g | +60 | Flexible add-on |
Easy Ways to Boost Protein in Any Starbucks Drink
You do not have to order from the special menu. Here are three simple ways to get more from any drink:
- Use 2% dairy milk. Oat and almond milk have almost no protein less than 1 gram per serving. Regular 2% milk naturally gives you 12 to 13 grams in a grande.
- Ask for protein-boosted milk. You can request this in the app or at the counter. It adds 12 to 16 extra grams to any latte or shaken espresso.
- Add Protein Cold Foam. Any cold drink can get this topping. It adds 15 grams and makes your drink thick and creamy.
Want to customize your own drink and track the exact macros? Use our free Starbucks Calorie Calculator to get instant nutritional information for any order.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the highest protein drink at Starbucks?
The Protein Latte with protein-boosted milk has the most up to 36 grams per grande. Confirmed directly on Starbucks’ website at protein.starbucks.com.
Does Starbucks put protein powder in their drinks?
Yes. Starbucks mixes plain whey powder into 2% milk every day to make protein boosted milk. You can ask for this in any drink that uses milk.
Which milk at Starbucks has the most protein?
2% dairy milk has the most about 12 to 13 grams per grande. Almond milk has less than 1 gram. If your goal is more protein, always pick dairy or soy over plant-based options.
Are these drinks good for you?
They can be. The plain or sugar-free versions are the healthiest picks. But as dietitian Jessica Ball, MS, RD points out some flavored versions are still high in added sugar, so they work best as an occasional drink rather than something you have every single day.
When did Starbucks start selling these drinks?
Starbucks launched the full protein lineup on September 29, 2025 National Coffee Day. They are now a permanent part of the menu at all U.S. and Canada stores.
Want to Read More?
- Best Starbucks Drinks for Weight Loss
- Starbucks Keto Guide: Every Low-Carb Option
- Highest Caffeine Starbucks Drinks Ranked
- Best Milk Options at Starbucks for Every Diet
Final Thoughts
Starbucks has come a long way from just being known for sweet seasonal drinks. Since September 2025, they have a real menu built for people who care about what they eat and drink.
The best high protein Starbucks drink is the Vanilla Protein Latte up to 36 grams, great taste, and a reasonable calorie count. But any drink on this list will help you hit your goals without giving up your coffee routine.
Next time you are at Starbucks, try swapping your regular milk for protein-boosted milk. It is the easiest way to turn any drink into a high protein order.
Sources: Starbucks protein.starbucks.com · Noom Nutritionist Review Oct 2025 · Taste of Home Sep 2025 · Axios Launch Report Sep 2025 · FatSecret Nutrition Database Feb 2026 · EatingWell / Jessica Ball MS RD