I’m a Food Editor & Former Barista—These Are the 2 Starbucks Protein Drinks to Try (& 1 to Skip)

• What It Is: espresso, protein-boosted milk, vanilla syrup
• Protein (grande, hot): 27 grams
• Price (tall): $6

I wanted to start with a plainer option to see how prominent the protein flavor would be. The vanilla latte was very frothy and had a different mouthfeel than the standard; the difference in consistency was far greater than that of taste. The vanilla flavor was like vanilla protein powder, more than that of vanilla-flavored sweetener or syrup (although mine had both). If someone served this to me without telling me it was a protein latte, the texture would give me pause, but I wouldn’t be mad at the flavor, so it’s close enough to the regular kind if you want to discreetly upgrade your usual.

• What It Is: matcha powder, classic syrup, milk, ice, banana protein cold foam
• Protein (grande): 24 grams
• Price (tall): $6

This one was my favorite of the lot, and by a mile. The banana in the cold foam was super subtle, but still complemented the matcha’s earthy, floral qualities really well. I’d argue that if you’re a matcha newbie (or a matcha hater), this is a great gateway drink to broaden your palate. I loved the silky consistency of this pick, and I didn’t detect any protein powder-like film on my tongue between sips. Needless to say, I’d order this verdant beauty again.

• What It Is: cold brew, vanilla syrup, ice, chocolate protein cold foam
• Protein (grande): 19 grams
• Price (tall): $6

I didn’t like this one at all (and yes, I tossed it before taking a photo—my bad!). It was very bitter, a touch chalky and didn’t really give coffee or protein drink. If you’re someone who likes black coffee, this would certainly give you a boost of protein that you wouldn’t get otherwise, even by making your usual cold brew a latte. But if you’re here for the chocolate notes, you’ll likely be disappointed. Skip this one in favor of one of the others (and thank me later).