I wish I’d known during all those years of chugging questionable coffee-protein powder concoctions that Starbucks had so many high-protein drink options. 

I had no idea I could actually hit my macros by sipping on tasty espresso drinks.

These 2-in-1 solutions help supply me with both the energy and protein I need to reach my goals. 

Not to mention, they’re delicious. I’m going to share my 13 favorite high-protein Starbucks drinks so no one else has to suffer!

1. White Chocolate Mocha (15g of protein)

Starbucks White Chocolate Mocha

White Chocolate Mocha Nutritional Breakdown 

(Hot - Without Modification)

Nutrients

Short

(8 fl oz)

Tall

(12 fl oz)

Grande

(16 fl oz)

Venti

(20-24 fl oz)

Calories

230

340

430

530

Total Fat

11 g

15 g

18 g

21 g

Sugar

27 g

40 g

53 g

67 g

Protein

7 g

11 g

15 g

19 g

Caffeine

75 mg

75 mg

150 mg

150 mg

When I was in school, the White Chocolate Mocha was basically my lifeblood. 

Between the 53 grams of sugar and 150 mg of caffeine, it’s a drink that kept me going all day and night. 

The protein content is quite good, too - so much so, that I now order sugar-free versions of it, even when watching my carbs. 

The Grande size of this espresso protein drink contains 15 grams of protein, up to 19 grams for the Venti size.

That's a considerable amount of protein, almost like a full scoop of whey powder.

On the flip side, 53 grams of sugar is too much. Although you are recommended to consume over 200 grams of carbohydrates daily, 53 grams of simple carbs from just one mocha is a lot.

Tips from a Barista: 
  • I recommend asking for half the amount of white chocolate pumps as the drink normally calls or. As the white chocolate is quite sweet, it’s still very tasty without all the sugar.

2. White Hot Chocolate (15g of protein)

Starbucks White Hot Chocolate

White Hot Chocolate Nutritional Breakdown 

(Hot - Without Modification)

Nutrients

Kids 8 fl oz

Short

(8 fl oz)

Tall

(12 fl oz)

Grande

(16 fl oz)

Venti

(20-24 fl oz)

Calories

240

240

350

440

540

Total Fat

11 g

11 g

15 g

19 g

22 g

Sugar

28 g

28 g

41 g

55 g

68 g

Protein

8 g

8 g

12 g

15 g

19 g

Caffeine

0 mg

0 mg

0 mg

0 mg

0 mg

While it’s not a common occurrence, there are times when I want a drink without caffeine.

The White Hot Chocolate is my pick of choice in these cases, especially when I want a hot and cozy drink. 

This popular Starbucks hot chocolate drink has a lighter, less bold taste than the regular hot chocolate and comes with 15 grams of protein.

The second reason is much more valid, and that is sugar.

Not only that, but I find it to be a great ‘base drink’ to try different flavors with, so it’s never the same experience twice.

Add a couple of espresso shots, and you now have yourself a White Chocolate Mocha.

Tips from a Barista: 
  • Add raspberry or peppermint syrup for a whole different hot white chocolate!

3. Mocha (14g of protein)

Starbucks Mocha Frappuccino

Caffè Mocha Nutritional Breakdown 

(Hot- Without Modification)

Nutrients

Short

(8 fl oz)

Tall

(12 fl oz)

Grande

(16 fl oz)

Venti

(20-24 fl oz)

Calories

200

290

370

450

Total Fat

9 g

13 g

15 g

18 g

Sugar

18 g

27 g

35 g

45 g

Protein

7 g

11 g

14 g

18 g

Caffeine

90 mg

95 mg

175 mg

185 mg

I’m a huge fan of the Caffè Mocha, seeing as it features 2 of my favorite things: dark chocolate and espresso.

It’s rich, creamy, and packed full of vibrant dark chocolate flavors. 

There contain 7 to 14 grams of protein (short to Venti cup), and the sugar content is significantly lower.

A Grande size has 14 grams of protein and 35 grams of sugar, almost 50% less than White Hot Chocolate and White Chocolate Mocha.

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4. Hot Chocolate (14g of protein)

Starbucks Hot Chocolate

Hot Chocolate Nutritional Breakdown 

(Hot - Without Modification)

Nutrients

Kids 8 fl oz

Short

(8 fl oz)

Tall

(12 fl oz)

Grande

(16 fl oz)

Venti

(20-24 fl oz)

Calories

190

190

280

370

450

Total Fat

9 g

9 g

12 g

16 g

18 g

Sugar

18 g

18 g

27 g

37 g

46 g

Protein

6 g

6 g

10 g

14 g

17 g

Caffeine

15 mg

15 mg

20 mg

25 mg

35 mg

Hot Chocolate contains quite a bit less sugar than the White Hot Chocolate, with more of a dark chocolate flavor. 

It’s a simple recipe of steamed milk, mocha sauce, and a whipped cream top

With up to 17 g of protein, it still has a rich taste but isn’t anywhere near as sweet as its White Chocolate counterpart. 

However, keeping protein high and sugar low isn’t an issue by switching out for sugar-free mocha. 
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5. Latte (13g of protein)

Starbucks Iced Cafe Latte

Caffè Latte Nutritional Breakdown 

(Hot - Without Modification)

Nutrients

Short

(8 fl oz)

Tall

(12 fl oz)

Grande

(16 fl oz)

Venti

(20-24 fl oz)

Calories

100

150

190

250

Total Fat

3.5 g

6 g

7 g

9 g

Sugar

9 g

14 g

18 g

23 g

Protein

6 g

10 g

13 g

16 g

Caffeine

75 mg

75 mg

150 mg

150 mg

The latte is the most popular coffee order at Starbucks, and it’s easy to see why.

The velvety, slightly-sweet steamed milk melds perfectly with robust espresso to create a drink palatable for most.

It doesn’t have a very strong espresso flavor, and contains up to 16 g of protein in a venti.

The 23 g of sugar comes almost exclusively from the milk, but so does the protein. 

For a super easy way to make the most exquisite hot chocolate ever, add a pump or two of vanilla syrup! 

6. Vanilla Crème (13g of protein)

Starbucks Vanilla Creme

Vanilla Crème Nutritional Breakdown 

(Iced/Hot/Blended - Without Modification)

Nutrients

Kids 8 fl oz

Short

(8 fl oz)

Tall

(12 fl oz)

Grande

(16 fl oz)

Venti

(20-24 fl oz)

Calories

180

190

280

350

430

Total Fat

9 g

9 g

12 g

14 g

16 g

Sugar

19 g

22 g

33 g

43 g

54 g

Protein

6 g

6 g

10 g

13 g

16 g

Caffeine

0 mg

0 mg

0 mg

0 mg

0 mg

The Vanilla Crème is essentially just the vanilla version of a hot chocolate.

It’s literally vanilla syrup, milk, and whip and is a great option when avoiding caffeine or simply don’t like the taste of coffee. 

It’s very mild on the stomach, and contains up to 16 grams of protein when made with the default 2% milk.

The velvety mouthfeel, mild vanilla aroma, and versatility for various customizations are one of the biggest reasons why I love it both hot and iced!

Tips from a Barista: 
  • Adding cinnamon dolce syrup and drizzle is one of the most delicious modifications for this drink!

7. Latte Macchiato (12g of protein)

Starbucks Latte Macchiato

The Latte Macchiato has an excellent balance of protein, sugar, and caffeine.

It’s one of my favorites to have before training because of the jolt of energy it supplies, with the milk ensuring I don’t get jittery.

It contains around 12 grams of protein with a whopping 225 mg of caffeine.

It’s made by essentially pouring 3 shots (depending on size) into steamed milk, making it super easy to substitute alternative milks. 
Tips from a Barista: 
  • The Latte Macchiato button doesn’t exist in many Starbucks stores anymore, so try ordering it as the ‘Upside-Down Latte with an extra espresso shot’. 

8. Pistachio Latte (12g of protein)

Starbucks Iced Pistachio Latte with Sweet Cream Cold Foam

The Pistachio Latte was a risk for me, because I’m genuinely not much of a pistachio fan.

However, this drink turned out to be a buttery, sweet surprise that I absolutely love with the brown sugar syrup. 

The latte comes not only with an intriguing pistachio syrup, but with a game-changing salted brown butter topping.

While the protein content is quite nice, I’d recommend getting half the pumps of syrup as it’s also very sweet. 
Tips from a Barista: 
  • Try it with a pump of Toffee Nut and Brown Sugar syrups! 
  • For an excellent non-dairy alternative, the pistachio and salted brown butter topping goes fantastic with oat milk. 

9. Matcha Tea Latte (12g of protein)

Starbucks Iced Matcha Tea Latte with Raspberry Syrup

Matcha Tea Latte Nutritional Breakdown 

(Hot - Without Modification)

Nutrients

Short

(8 fl oz)

Tall

(12 fl oz)

Grande

(16 fl oz)

Venti

(20-24 fl oz)

Calories

110

190

240

320

Total Fat

3.5 g

5 g

5 g

9 g

Sugar

14 g

24 g

5 g

43 g

Protein

6 g

10 g

5 g

16 g

Caffeine

30 mg

55 mg

5 mg

110 mg

Green tea is probably the most popular substitute for coffee, so it's no surprise that the Matcha Tea Latte is one of the best-selling non-coffee items at Starbucks.

I originally tried this drink by accident, and today, I frequently order it both hot and iced. 

The combination of Japanese Green Tea, matcha, milk, and sugar creates a deliciously earthy beverage and provides 12 grams of protein and 32 grams of sugar.

I enjoy the fact that it’s not completely caffeine free, and still offers a nice dose of energy to the tune of 80 mg. 

10. Flat White (12g of protein)

Starbucks Flat White

Flat White Nutritional Breakdown 

(Hot - Without Modification)

Nutrients

Short

(8 fl oz)

Tall

(12 fl oz)

Grande

(16 fl oz)

Venti

(20-24 fl oz)

Calories

50

170

220

290

Total Fat

5 g

9 g

11 g

15 g

Sugar

8 g

13 g

17 g

22 g

Protein

6 g

9 g

12 g

15 g

Caffeine

130 mg

130 mg

195 mg

195 mg

I was a total latte aficionado for years, but eventually started to crave a stronger espresso flavor.

That’s when I discovered the flat white, which was exactly what I was looking for. 

It’s very similar to a latte as it’s made with steamed milk and espresso, but the milk-to-espresso ratio is different. 

Instead of the ample milk foam on top like with a latte, the flat white is finished off with just a thin layer. 

A Flat White contains about 50 mg more caffeine because it is more concentrated, but the protein and sugar content is about the same. 

11. Iced White Chocolate Mocha (11g of protein)

Starbucks Iced White Chocolate Mocha

Iced White Chocolate Mocha Nutritional Breakdown 

(Iced - Without Modification)

Nutrients

Tall

(12 fl oz)

Grande

(16 fl oz)

Venti

(20-24 fl oz)

Calories

310

420

560

Total Fat

15 g

20 g

24 g

Sugar

36 g

48 g

70 g

Protein

8 g

11 g

15 g

Caffeine

75 mg

150 mg

225 mg

This drink features nearly identical ingredients as White Chocolate Mocha plus ice, making it a popular drink choice during summer.

However, the iced version has 4 grams of protein and 5 fewer grams of sugar (in the Grande size. as the ice takes up a bit of volume in the cup. 

Regardless, it’s a refreshing way to cool off with a sweet drink after the gym to get that glucose working on recovery! 
Tips from a Barista: 
  • Try it with 1 pump of hazelnut syrup, 1 pump of caramel syrup, and 2 pumps of white chocolate mocha sauce. I know it sounds like a lot, but it’s a complex, rich sweetness that goes perfectly with the white mocha. 

12. Iced Caramel Macchiato (10g of protein)

Starbucks Iced Caramel Macchiato

Iced Caramel Macchiato Nutritional Breakdown 

(Iced - Without Modification)

Nutrients

Tall

(12 fl oz)

Grande

(16 fl oz)

Venti

(20-24 fl oz)

Calories

180

250

350

Total Fat

5 g

7 g

9 g

Sugar

24 g

34 g

49 g

Protein

7 g

10 g

13 g

Caffeine

75 mg

150 mg

225 mg

When I was a barista, this drink was so fun to make with the caramel drizzle on the top and bottom that I one day had to give in and try it.

I almost wish I hadn’t, because I’m completely useless against resisting the Iced Caramel Macchiato.

The cold milk, espresso, and buttery caramel sauce create a dessert-like beverage that I’d love to drink every day. 

With 13 g of protein, it’s not a bad choice, however I recommend ordering it upside-down so the espresso shots sit at the bottom. 
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13. Chai Tea Latte (8g of protein)

Starbucks Iced Chai Latte with Vanilla Syrup and Pumpkin Cream Cold Foam

Chai Tea Latte Nutritional Breakdown 

(Hot - Without Modification)

Nutrients

Short

(8 fl oz)

Tall

(12 fl oz)

Grande

(16 fl oz)

Venti

(20-24 fl oz)

Calories

120

190

240

310

Total Fat

2 g

3.5 g

4.5 g

6 g

Sugar

21 g

32 g

42 g

53 g

Protein

4 g

6 g

8 g

10 g

Caffeine

50 mg

70 mg

95 mg

120 mg

I think of the Chai Tea Latte as an iconic Starbucks drink.[3]

The black tea infused with cinnamon, clove, and other spices in combination with steamed milk and foam just makes me feel more intellectual. 

It doesn’t have quite as much protein as the other options, with just 8 grams in a Grande, because there’s less milk and more water. 

However, ordering it without water makes it super luxurious and adds protein thanks to the extra milk. 

I have some seriously delicious mods to try below for an even more superior Chai Tea Latte. 


Tips from a Barista: 
  • For an extra energy boost, add an espresso shot or two for a delicious Dirty Chai
  • Ask to steam in some cinnamon for a spicier taste 
  • Add a splash of oat milk, brown sugar syrup, and whipped cream for my version of a Gingerbread Cookie. 

What Defines a ‘High’ Level of Protein In a Drink?

It depends on many factors. What a sedentary adult and a bodybuilder consider a high protein level is certainly not the same amount. It's not even close.

On average, a healthy adult should consume 1 to 2 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight[4]. 

If that average is 100 grams daily, that means that a tenth of that is being provided by a Starbucks drink - pretty significant! 

Next time anyone questions my Starbucks obsession, I’m just going to tell them it’s for my fitness goals. 


How To Order High-Protein Starbucks Drinks

Each of these drinks are ordered the same way as anything else at Starbucks, whether in person, via the app, or the drive-thru.

After choosing a drink and size, then indicate any extra/substitute cream, syrups, sauces, or flavors.

For example, “I’d like to order a Venti Chai Latte with no water and brown sugar syrup”

Starbucks Barista Preparing Coffee

Related Starbucks High-Protein Drink Questions

Does Starbucks have a protein Frappuccino?

No, Starbucks does not have a protein Frappuccino. Frappuccinos are generally much higher in sugar, too. 

Are Starbucks protein drinks considered healthy?

Starbucks protein drinks aren’t necessarily ‘healthy’, considering most of them have a substantial sugar content. With some of the drinks like the Latte, that sugar can be reduced by not having any syrups.  

What should bodybuilders order at Starbucks?

Bodybuilders don’t all have the same goals, so it depends if it’s a low-cal drink or a high-protein drink.

At Starbucks, it’s challenging to find a drink with both low calories and high protein. 

With that in mind, a green tea is best for low-cal, and a latte is best for high protein.  

Can you mix coffee with a protein shake?

Yes, you can mix coffee with a protein shake, making high-protein drinks both tasty and useful.


Summary - Hit Your Macros With Starbucks!

I’m not going to put my gains in jeopardy by choosing drinks without a good amount of protein in them!

That’s why I stay true to this list of 13 high-protein drinks at Starbucks.

They’re designed to suit any taste, any craving, and just about any macros. 

My favorite of them all is the Pistachio Latte, because it’s high in protein, and even higher in complex, vibrant flavors! 

References:

1. https://www.healthline.com/health/blood-sugar-spike
2. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322827

3. https://www.starbucks.com/menu/product/466/hot
4. https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/are-you-getting-too-much-protein

ShayAnne Weeks

Author

ShayAnne Weeks
Shay is a fun-loving content writer and DJ who enjoys traveling the world whenever, wherever possible. The lifeblood that makes it all attainable has always been a strong cup (or 3) of coffee.

My favorite drink? I'd go with... A Café Cubano con Leche

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3 thoughts on “13 High-Protein Starbucks Drinks To Help You Hit Your Macros”

  1. Hi Veronica! Thank you for your comment. Unfortunately, Starbucks has discontinued the Almond and Cacao Blended Protein Cold Brew drinks. I have updated this page to reflect the change for 2023.

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