Starbucks offers a variety of delicious drinks for any day of the year.
Although many people think their drinks do not contain much protein, Starbucks has many drink options with a significant amount of it.
Quick Answer: What are the best Starbucks protein drinks?
If you want the most protein from a Starbucks drink, look for their newer Protein Lattes and Protein Cold Foam options (availability varies by location and season).
Beyond that, the highest-protein options on the regular menu are typically milk-based drinks, such as lattes, mochas, hot chocolate, and tea lattes, as most of the protein comes from the milk.
Keep in mind that your protein total changes most based on size and milk choice; dairy milk typically retains higher protein levels, while many non-dairy options lower them.
While these drinks are not substantial enough to be a protein supplement, they still offer a decent amount of protein in each serving.
In this article, I'll review all the high-protein Starbucks drinks. Additionally, I'll cover the ingredients in each one.
Let's begin!
1. Pistachio latte
The pistachio latte is a newer favorite that is sure to become a classic with time. It first appeared on the menu in the winter of 2021 as a seasonal delight.
Following numerous positive reviews and requests, the drink was reintroduced for an extended period.
This delicious latte contains 12 grams (0.42 ounces) of protein in a standard grande-size drink. The protein comes from two key ingredients:
- Condensed nonfat milk forms the base of the drink.
- Pistachio butter gives the drink its tasty, earthy flavor.
Keep in mind that if you switch to non-dairy milk, it can significantly lower the protein content, so if protein is your goal, dairy (and often soy) tends to be the most reliable option.
Additionally, the pistachio butter comprises a small number of crushed pistachio nuts.
You can also order the pistachio latte as an iced coffee. The iced pistachio latte contains the same ingredients found in the hot version of this coffee, including nonfat milk and pistachio butter.
However, the iced latte contains only 9 grams (0.31 ounces) of protein, compared to the 12 grams (0.42 ounces) in the hot latte.
To learn more about what makes hot and cold lattes similar and different, check out my article on the best latte temperature.
2. Starbucks Reserve latte
The Starbucks Reserve latte is similar to a traditional one, but it is brewed with the company's proprietary blend.
According to Starbucks, this blend is designed to evoke intense flavors that represent a sense of inspiration and connection to the world around us.
Crafted with the Starbucks Reserve brand of espresso and steamed milk, this latte is simple in its components yet extravagant in flavor.
It retains a sweet, earthly, and nutty taste.
In terms of protein content, this drink has a total of 12 grams (0.42 ounces) per grande-size cup.
This amount is included in the milk. The amount of this protein will change depending on the overall size of the cup that you order.
You can order the Starbucks Reserve iced latte if you prefer to drink your coffee cold.
This is the same recipe used for the hot drink, except it is served over ice.
Additionally, one less gram of protein in a grande serving sets the total of this version at 11 grams (0.38 ounces).
3. Cinnamon dolce latte
If you want a Starbucks protein drink with a hint of spice, then the cinnamon dolce latte is perfect for you.
This drink combines sweet sugars and fragrant spices for a flavorful drink combination.
The cinnamon dolce latte contains 12 grams (0.42 ounces) of protein per grande serving.
While this drink contains a decent amount of protein, it also has a significant amount of sugar.
It contains 40 grams (1.41 ounces) of sugar per average serving, but this can be reduced by adjusting the size and removing the whipped cream.
4. Skinny cinnamon dolce latte
If you're looking for a drink with the same spice flavors as the original cinnamon dolce latte but still packed with the same amount of protein, then you can order the skinny cinnamon dolce latte.
Made with the same milk as the regular, the skinny cinnamon dolce latte has 12 grams (0.42 ounces) of protein in a grande serving.
Additionally, it has less sugar and fat than the cinnamon dolce latte. The values can be seen in the following table:
| Nutrition value | Cinnamon dolce latte | Skinny cinnamon dolce latte |
| Protein | 12 grams (0.42 ounces) | 12 grams (0.42 ounces) |
| Sugar | 40 milligrams (0.0014 ounces) | 17 milligrams (0.00059 ounces) |
| Fat | 14 grams (0.49 ounces) | 0 grams |
While the original cinnamon dolce latte has whipped cream, the skinny cinnamon dolce latte does not.
Regardless, both contain the same amount of protein. This Starbucks drink can also be ordered hot or iced.
5. Starbucks Reserve hazelnut bianco latte
Made with the same espresso from the Starbucks Reserve collection, the Starbucks Reserve hazelnut bianco latte is a nutty twist on the traditional latte.
This latte has 13 grams (0.45 ounces) of protein in every grande serving. This amount is taken from the milk used in the mixing process.
However, this milk is slightly different from the one used in the Starbucks Reserve latte, as it is infused directly with hazelnut-praline flavors.
This beverage is also available as an iced latte. However, like many other iced drinks on their menu, this drink does have slightly less protein.
Instead of 13 grams (0.45 ounces), the Starbucks Reserve iced hazelnut bianco latte only has 10 grams (0.35 ounces) per grande serving.
6. Pumpkin spice latte
A classic and highly anticipated fall favorite, the pumpkin spice latte has been one of the most popular seasonal drinks.
Its tasty mixture of spices, like cloves and cinnamon, brings a sense of comfort every time it's chilly outside.
This drink contains 14 whole grams (0.49 ounces) of protein in a grande serving. The protein in this drink comes from:
- Condensed skim milk and cream make up the base of the drink.
- A pumpkin puree mixture is used to give it a fun fall flavor.
The pumpkin spice latte contains approximately 50 grams (1.76 ounces) of sugar, although this amount may vary depending on the ordered size and whether a whipped topping is added.
It is available if you want to try this Starbucks drink in an iced version. However, it has a little less protein at only 11 grams (0.38 ounces) in a grande serving.
7. Chestnut praline latte
The chestnut praline latte is another seasonal holiday favorite with a good amount of protein.
Made with a mix of salty and sweet flavors, the chestnut praline latte offers a range of flavors that make it a delicious choice.
With 12 grams (0.42 ounces) of protein in a grande serving, this drink contains a substantial amount of protein, primarily due to the inclusion of dairy products.
The ingredients responsible for the protein in this delicious drink include:
- Steamed milk to mix the coffee for the latte.
- Whipped cream on top of the drinks for added sweetness.
Since this drink is a seasonal winter offering, it may not be available all year round.
However, when available, the drink will surely be a protein-packed treat when served.
8. Starbucks blonde vanilla latte
If you want a cup of coffee with protein without the strong taste of coffee getting in the way, consider the Starbucks blonde vanilla latte.
Starbucks blonde coffee is a unique blend of coffee that is roasted less than its other types.
This results in a unique and fresh flavor that isn't too overpowering. Instead, the coffee has a sweet taste that resonates.
This drink only uses three core ingredients:
- Steamed milk
- Specially roasted Starbucks blonde espresso
- Vanilla syrup for an extra hint of sugar
This delicious latte contains 12 grams (0.42 ounces) of protein in a grande serving.
9. Caffé mocha
The caffé mocha is a chocolate-flavored coffee drink made with a variety of delicious ingredients, including:
- Freshly brewed espresso
- Rich cocoa powder
- Steamed milk
- Sweetened whipped cream to serve as the top garnish
This Starbucks protein drink contains 14 grams (0.42 ounces) of protein from the various dairy-based ingredients used in the drink's base and topping.
This drink is a delightful treat. However, it should be noted that it also contains a significant amount of sugar from the various syrups and whipped cream used in its preparation.
If you're looking for a different option, try the skinny mocha, which offers the same delicious taste, protein content, and lower sugar content.
10. Skinny mocha
Like the traditional caffé mocha, the skinny mocha has all the same flavors but contains slightly more protein.
With 14 grams (0.42 ounces) of protein in a grande serving, this mocha has the exact amount of protein compared to the classic caffé mocha.
This higher protein comes from the milk used as the drink's main component.
Additionally, the skinny mocha has much less sugar and fat than the standard caffé. The values are compared in the following table:
| Nutrition value | Caffé mocha | Skinny mocha |
| Protein | 14 grams (0.49 ounces) | 14 grams (0.49 ounces) |
| Sugar | 35 milligrams (0.0012 ounces) | 15 milligrams (0.00052 ounces) |
| Fat | 15 grams (0.52 ounces) | 1.5 grams (0.05 ounces) |
The skinny mocha is a sweet and creamy drink with a high protein content.
11. White chocolate mocha
If you prefer a lighter and sweeter drink but do not want to skip out on chocolate entirely, try the white chocolate mocha.
This drink contains 15 grams (0.52 ounces) of protein in a single grande serving. This is one more gram than the caffé mocha and the skinny mocha.
This amount comes from dairy products such as condensed milk and whipped cream.
The white chocolate mocha also contains cocoa butter and coconut oil in the white chocolate mocha sauce.
12. Hot chocolate
Another warm winter favorite that qualifies as a Starbucks protein drink is the famous hot chocolate, a massive hit with those who aren't fans of coffee.
This drink has all the flavors of a mocha with just a tiny amount of caffeine because of these ingredients:
- A sweet chocolate-flavored sauce
- Vanilla syrup
- Steamed milk
- A dollop of whipped cream coated in even more chocolate
This drink has 14 whole grams (0.49 ounces) of protein in a grande serving. The amount comes from two main dairy components of the drink: the milk and the whipped cream.
The milk is used to mix the cocoa-based mocha sauce and syrups, adding that distinctive chocolate flavor.
The whipped cream sits on top of the drink to add an extra bit of sweetness and an extra bit of protein.
Dairy products comprise most of the drink, so a lot of protein is packed in a single mug.
13. Toasted white hot chocolate
Like the delicious traditional hot chocolate, Starbucks offers a different and sweeter twist on the classic beverage.
This drink is known as toasted white hot chocolate, which uses white chocolate in the base instead of the regular chocolate mocha sauce.
Like the original, the toasted white hot chocolate contains a decent amount of protein. With 15 grams (0.52 ounces) of protein in a single grande-size cup, this drink has one extra gram.
This amount is due to the presence of dairy products inside and on top of the finished drink.
For the base, the toasted white hot chocolate uses the same amount of milk as the hot chocolate during preparation.
However, it also uses an additional amount of condensed skim milk in the white chocolate mocha sauce, which contributes to the creamy and sweet flavor of the drink.
The drink is also topped with their regular whipped cream and a light sprinkle of crunchy sugar toppings to give it a little extra sweetness.
With all these ingredients mixed, you get more protein than you would if you just ordered their hot chocolate.
14. White hot chocolate
The white hot chocolate is almost precisely like the toasted white hot chocolate except for a few key differences:
- No mocha-flavored syrup
- No additional sugar toppings
However, both types of white hot chocolate share the same sweet and creamy flavor that brings a sense of comfort when the weather turns cold.
Along with identical flavors, the drink includes the same amount of protein in each grande serving.
The white hot chocolate contains 15 grams (0.52 ounces) of protein, although this may fluctuate with changes in cup sizes or if you request a sprinkle of the sugar topping at an extra charge.
15. Cappuccino
As a Starbucks classic, this drink combines espresso and steamed, frothy milk to create a delicious drink for any morning occasion. It's easy to prepare and is a simple yet elegant drink.
Despite these two ingredients, this drink has a decent amount of protein. Due to the inclusion of milk, a cappuccino from Starbucks contains 9 grams (0.31 ounces) of protein.
It's very common for customers to want to change the type of milk in this coffee-based drink.
Many substitutions are available, including dairy-based and non-dairy kinds of milk.
A cappuccino is very similar to a drink known as the flat white.
Check out my article comparing flat whites to cappuccinos to learn more about what sets these two apart.
16. Flat white
The flat white is a delicious drink that Starbucks offers, which is both flavorful and simple.
This crafted drink is one of the most recent additions to the menu. However, it has quickly become a very popular pick.
The flat white is a Starbucks drink with 9 grams (0.31 ounces) of protein in a single grande serving. This protein content comes from the milk base.
Starbucks also offers an almond milk-based flat white version for those who prefer not to include dairy milk.
This will slightly lower the drink's protein content, even if the order size is increased to a larger one.
17. Caffé misto
If you're looking for a Starbucks protein drink similar to your everyday cup of coffee, try the caffé misto.
With 7 grams (0.24 ounces) of protein in a standard grande size, this classic cup is made up of only two ingredients:
- Freshly brewed coffee
- Steamed milk
The coffee is brewed and poured like a regular cup of coffee. However, the coffee is topped with a generous amount of freshly steamed milk containing all the protein.
It's a delicious drink to get your morning going, and it doesn't have any sugars, sweeteners, or extra toppings (unless you choose to add some yourself).
18. Matcha tea latte
When most people think of matcha tea, their first thought may not immediately be of it being served as a latte.
However, Starbucks offers a popular matcha tea latte, a bold drink rich in protein.
Matcha is a type of green tea that contains a high amount of caffeine.
In a Starbucks matcha tea latte, there are only three main ingredients that combine to create this refreshing drink:
- Steamed milk
- Sugar
- Freshly brewed matcha tea
A total of 12 grams (0.42 ounces) of protein in a single grande cup comes from the milk and matcha tea powder.
You can also order the matcha tea latte as an iced drink.
The iced matcha tea latte only has 9 grams (0.31 ounces) of protein, but this is still more than many other non-coffee-based drinks on the menu.
19. Chai tea latte
The chai tea latte is similar to the matcha tea latte in that it uses tea instead of coffee.
However, it has a much more pungent and aromatic use of spices such as:
- Cinnamon
- Ginger
- Cloves
- Cardamom
- Black pepper
This rich latte contains 8 grams (0.28 ounces) of protein from the steamed milk used as its base.
It's also available as an iced chai tea latte, yet it will have one less gram of protein than the original version.
More great Starbucks drinks
Ready to learn more about what kind of drinks Starbucks has?
Great!
Below, you will find all the lists I've created so far:
- Best Starbucks Caramel Drinks
- Best Starbucks Cold Brew Drinks
- Best Starbucks Decaf Drinks
- Best Starbucks Drinks for Kids
- Best Starbucks Espresso Drinks
- Best Starbucks Frappuccino Drinks
- Best Starbucks Holiday Drinks
- Best Starbucks Hot Drinks
- Best Starbucks Iced Coffee Drinks
- Best Starbucks Latte Flavors
- Best Starbucks Oat Milk Drinks
- Best Starbucks Secret Menu Drinks
- Best Starbucks Vanilla Drinks
And for even more information about Starbucks, check out the Starbucks hub here!
Conclusion
Starbucks has plenty of drinks that can add a meaningful bit of protein to your order, especially if you stick with milk-based drinks like lattes, mochas, hot chocolate, and tea lattes.
Just remember that the protein content usually comes from the milk and toppings, so your total can vary significantly depending on the size you order and the type of milk you choose.
If you want the highest-protein option when it's available, keep an eye out for Starbucks' protein-focused menu items, and always double-check the nutrition details for your exact drink in the Starbucks app.
