Protein Drink At Starbucks With Highest Content (2024)

Once upon a time, there was a protein drink at Starbucks that made the perfect post-workout sip. Unfortunately, it was a short-lived dream of all fitness enthusiasts as the drink was discontinued.

We’ve listed some protein-rich replacements if you still want to drop by Starbucks on your way to or from the gym.

Topics Explored

1. Important Note About Protein Drinks
2. Highest Protein Drinks At Starbucks
3. What’s Considered A ‘Higher’ Protein Drink?
4. What Starbucks Drinks Have Protein?
5. Protein Shake Hacks

---

Important Note: Does Starbucks Have Protein Drinks?

If you’re looking for Starbucks protein shakes or drinks with protein powder, it’s no longer available. The last version of a Starbucks protein drink was discontinued in 2018. 

Before that, you could order a protein drink off the menu or add protein powder to your drink.

Customers would add protein powder to the Starbucks smoothies; however, they also got discontinued. 

Starbucks’ last attempt to introduce protein drinks to the regular menu was with the Almond Cold Brew with almond butter and 12 grams of protein and the Cacao Cold Brew with banana date blend and 10 grams of protein⁽¹⁾. 

Both drinks included plant-based protein powder and were available only in a grande size. However, the cold brews were also discontinued shortly after.

---

Highest Protein Drinks At Starbucks

Since drinks with added protein are no longer available, I’ve compiled a list of regular drinks with a substantial amount of protein. Here are the highest protein drinks at Starbucks.

The protein amounts listed are for a grande size.

1. White Chocolate Mocha (15 g)

Not only does it taste great, but the White Chocolate Mocha has a significant amount of protein. The 15 grams of protein in a grande come from the 2% milk and the whipped cream. 

However, there’s also a lot of sugar, so this drink is not keto-friendly. If you want to cut some calories and sugar, ask to have it skinny. 

2. White Hot Chocolate (15 g)

RECIPE: Copycat White Hot Chocolate

The White Hot Chocolate is a surprise on the list. This sweet and cozy drink comes with 15 grams of protein due to the high milk content and whipped cream. 

But this also means there’s a lot of sugar for it to be keto-friendly. So to keep the same protein content but cut the sugar, swap the 2% milk for non-fat milk.

3. Mocha (14 g)

Another chocolatey drink on the protein drink list. A grande Mocha at Starbucks comes with whipped cream and steamed 2% milk which contributes to the high protein count. 

However, there’s also a lot of mocha sauce, so the sugar content is more than double the amount of protein.

4. Hot Chocolate (14 g)

Hot chocolate at Starbucks is made with 2% milk and mocha sauce, topped with whipped cream and a mocha drizzle. While the whipped cream and milk add a significant amount of protein, the sauce and drizzle add calories.

Skip the mocha drizzle and cut some pumps of the mocha sauce to reduce the calories.

5. Latte (13 g)

The latte at Starbucks is not as rich in protein because the only protein source is steamed milk. However, it’s also low in calories since there are no flavor syrups and sauces. 

To reduce the calories even more, ask your barista to make the drink skinny – it will still have the same amount of protein!

6. Vanilla Crème (13 g)

The delicious, hot, and creamy Vanilla Crème is made with milk, whipped cream, and vanilla syrup. A grande cup has 13 grams of protein but a substantial amount of sugar too. 

To reduce some of the sugar, ask the barista to swap the vanilla syrup for its sugar-free version. 

7. Flat White (12 g)

The Flat White at Starbucks is made with whole milk, which has the same amount of protein as the 2% milk but much more fat. This makes the drink creamy and contains 12 grams of protein and 17 grams of sugar. 

You can swap the milk for 2% or non-fat, but it will affect the drink’s texture.

8. Matcha Tea Latte (12 g)

Matcha powder on its own doesn’t contain protein, but it’s often an ingredient in protein shakes for an added energy boost. The Matcha Tea Latte at Starbucks is rich in sugar, but it also packs 12 grams of protein coming from 2% milk. 

The 3 scoops of matcha powder in a grande make the drink the perfect pick-me-up after an intensive workout.

9. Iced White Chocolate Mocha (11 g)

The Iced Chocolate Mocha is an indulgence for all the senses – and comes with a good amount of protein. The 2% milk gives a grande cup 10 grams of protein; however, the white chocolate mocha sauce drives the calorie count pretty high.

To reduce some of the calories, replace the 2% milk with a lighter version like non-fat milk.

10. Iced Caramel Macchiato (10 g)

Did you know that one of the most popular beverages at Starbucks has  10 grams of protein? The Iced Caramel Macchiato is made with 2% milk which holds the calories from fat milk; however, the vanilla syrup adds a good amount of sugar.

For a lighter version, swap the vanilla syrup for its sugar-free version, or omit the caramel drizzle.

---

What Drinks At Starbucks Have Protein?

Most dairy drinks at Starbucks have a good amount of protein.

The protein comes from animal milk, whether it is non-fat or whole milk. 

Drinks with plant-based milk have less protein, while clear drinks like iced teas and refreshers have little to no protein.

---

Starbucks Protein Shake Hacks

Starbucks protein shakes are no longer offered since 2018. But, you can still make a protein shake by following our Blender Bottle or Premier Protein hack below.

Blender Bottle 

If you have a blender bottle, take it as your to-go container on your stroll to Starbucks. Give it to your barista and ask for a cold brew made in the blender bottle. 

Once your drink is ready, add your own scoop of protein powder, close, and shake. There’s a large number of flavor combinations you can play with!

Premier Protein Hack

This hack for extra protein was made popular by TikTok. Premier is a pre-made, packaged protein drink available in several flavors like vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, and banana. 

To make this drink, ask your barista for 1 to 2 shots of espresso on ice in a Venti cup. Then, pour the Premier protein drink into the cup, stir, and enjoy!

---

Summary

Getting a protein drink at Starbucks is easier than you thought, even with the chain discontinuing its protein drinks. 

Regular menu items can have up to 15 grams of protein, or you can bring your own scoop to add to your to-go order!

---