13 High-protein Starbucks drinks to help you hit your macros

13 Starbucks Drinks Ranked From Most To Least Protein

1. White Chocolate Mocha (15g of protein)

Back when I was in school, the White Chocolate Mocha was the drink I kept circling back to.

The 53 grams of sugar and 150 mg of caffeine made it feel like a full-day commitment, not just a quick coffee break.

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, and the Venti goes up to 19 grams.

That is close to what I'd expect from a full scoop of whey powder.

The downside is the sugar. Even if you're only thinking in everyday carb targets, 53 grams of simple carbs from one mocha is a lot for a single drink.

2. White Hot Chocolate (15g of protein)

There are still times when I want a drink without caffeine at all.

The White Hot Chocolate is the one I reach for then, especially when I want something hot, sweet, and cozy.

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 other reason is sugar, and that is the bigger issue for me.

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 it turns into a White Chocolate Mocha.

3. Mocha (14g of protein)

I’m a big fan of the Caffè Mocha because it gives me two things I actually want: dark chocolate and espresso.

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

It contains 7 to 14 grams of protein, depending on size, and the sugar is noticeably lower than the white versions.

A Grande has 14 grams of protein and 35 grams of sugar, which is almost half as much sugar as the White Hot Chocolate and White Chocolate Mocha.

Drink Starbucks Mocha Whenever You Want At Home!

4. Hot Chocolate (14g of protein)

Hot Chocolate has less sugar than White Hot Chocolate, and the flavor leans more dark chocolate than creamy candy sweetness.

It is a simple mix of steamed milk, mocha sauce, and whipped cream.

With up to 17 grams of protein, it still feels rich, just not nearly as sweet as the white chocolate version.

However, keeping protein high and sugar low isn’t an issue by switching out for sugar-free mocha.

Make Starbucks Hot Cocoa At Home - Just Add Water!

5. Latte (13g of protein)

The latte is probably Starbucks’ most familiar coffee order, and I can see why.

The steamed milk softens the espresso, so the drink ends up velvety and only lightly sweet.

It doesn't have a very strong espresso flavor, and a venti can contain up to 16 grams of protein.

Most of the 23 grams of sugar comes from the milk, and that is also where the protein comes from.

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)

The Vanilla Crème is basically 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 contains up to 16 grams of protein when made with the default 2% milk.

I like the velvety mouthfeel and mild vanilla aroma, and it adapts easily whether I want it hot or iced.

7. Latte Macchiato (12g of protein)

The Latte Macchiato has a good balance of protein, sugar, and caffeine.

I like it before training because it gives me a solid caffeine hit without feeling as heavy as some of the sweeter drinks.

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.

8. Pistachio Latte (12g of protein)

The Pistachio Latte was a risk for me because I am not much of a pistachio person.

Still, it surprised me with a buttery sweetness that works well with the brown sugar syrup.

The pistachio syrup is interesting on its own, but the salted brown butter topping is what makes the drink stand out.

While the protein content is quite nice, I’d recommend getting half the pumps of syrup as it’s also very sweet.

9. Matcha Tea Latte (12g of protein)

The Matcha Tea Latte is one of Starbucks’ better-known non-coffee drinks, and I can see why it has its own following.

I first tried this drink by accident, and now I order it regularly both hot and iced.

The mix of Japanese green tea, matcha, milk, and sugar gives it an earthy flavor and around 12 grams of protein with 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)

I spent years as a latte person, but eventually I wanted more espresso to come through.

The Flat White was the drink that pulled me toward it.

It is made with steamed milk and espresso like a latte, but the milk-to-espresso ratio is different.

Instead of the thicker foam cap you get on a latte, the flat white finishes with only a thin layer.

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

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

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

The iced version has 4 grams of protein and 5 fewer grams of sugar in the Grande size, since the ice takes up some of 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!

12. Iced Caramel Macchiato (10g of protein)

When I was a barista, this one was always fun to make because of the caramel drizzle on top and around the cup, so I eventually tried it myself.

I probably should not have, because I have a hard time resisting an Iced Caramel Macchiato once I taste it.

The cold milk, espresso, and buttery caramel sauce make it taste almost dessert-like.

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.

Can't Make It To Starbucks? Get This Drink At Home!

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13. Chai Tea Latte (8g of protein)

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

The black tea, cinnamon, clove, and other spices with steamed milk and foam give it a warm, spiced flavor that feels comforting without being heavy.

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.

Ordering it without water makes it richer and adds protein through the extra milk.

I have a few good modifications to try below if you want an even thicker Chai Tea Latte.