Coffee lovers, rejoice—today is your day! While you’re cashing in your freebies and discounts at Starbucks and the many other places celebrating National Coffee Day, here’s a little secret: it’s also an opportunity to sneak in some extra protein. Because protein is now on the menu at Starbucks.

How much protein is in a Starbucks beverage?

The amount of protein per drink varies, but here’s a quick rundown:

• Protein cold foam: 15–18 g
• Cold foam beverages: 19–26 g
• Protein lattes and protein-boosted milk: 27–36 g

Starbucks uses whey protein isolate, a dairy-based, unflavored protein that is gluten-free and sugar-free. 

Protein drinks to try at Starbucks

The Starbucks protein drinks come in three main flavors: vanilla, chocolate, and banana. They can be enjoyed sugar free, as a latte, or as your regular drink with protein cold foam added on top.

Keep an eye out for these high-protein drinks when you’re perusing the menu:

• Sugar-Free Vanilla Protein Matcha: Unsweetened matcha with sugar-free vanilla syrup and protein-boosted milk. The iced version has more protein (36 g), but you’ll still get a nice boost with a hot beverage (28 g).
• Vanilla Protein Latte: Espresso with protein-boosted milk and vanilla syrup. The iced latte has 2 g more protein than the hot version.
• Iced Banana Cream Protein Matcha: Unsweetened matcha balanced with milk and topped with banana protein cold foam. 
• Chocolate Cream Protein Cold Brew: Cold brew with vanilla syrup and chocolate protein cold foam.

Have your coffee and drink it too: Tips to stay on track

Protein is great, but it’s often packaged with a lot of sugar and unhealthy fats. Fortunately, companies are starting to realize that customers want more than just flavor and a quick energy jolt from their beverages, so it’s easier than ever to stay on track with your health goals. 

Follow these tips for your next Starbucks order:

• Opt for the low-sugar option: This could mean either choosing an unflavored beverage or using sugar-free vanilla in your protein cold foam.
• Choose cold, not hot (at least if you’re at Starbucks): The cold coffee options at Starbucks are usually the best value in terms of protein and calories (with no swaps or adjustments). However, if you prefer hot over cold, you can still get a decent protein-to-calorie ratio by ordering it with minimal add-ins. 
• Add a shot of protein: Swap in protein-boosted milk to any dairy drink.
• Top it off with protein cold foam: An iced latte wouldn’t be complete without the foam. Top your beverage with protein cold foam for an easy protein boost.
• Add a scoop of protein powder. This is where Shed’s protein powder comes in handy! Customize your drinks with a scoop of Clear Protein Hydration or Whey Chocolate Protein.

Starbucks is one of many companies bridging the gap between indulgence and nutrition. So this year, celebrate National Coffee Day with a side of protein!

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