When heard that Starbucks was introducing the Protein Blended Cold Brew, I was immediately interested. (It’s almost as exciting as the release date for this year’s Pumpkin Spice Lattes!) I’m always trying to add more protein to my diet—and what better way than to get more energy from my morning coffee?
The new beverages are offered in Almond and Cacao, and boast over 10 grams of protein with less calories than a Clif bar. Plus, it’s plant-based! It sounded too good to be true. I rushed to the nearest Starbucks to see for myself.
Ordering the Starbucks Protein Blended Cold Brew
I approached the counter at my local Starbucks and requested both flavors of the drink. Since I’d be ordering two, I asked if the barista could keep them small—but for now, it’s only available in the grande size. Each one was $5.95, substantially more than my average coffee run. Plus, it took more than five minutes for the barista to measure out all the obscure ingredients and blend everything together. After so much time and money invested in the mysterious new Protein Blended Cold Brew, my expectations were high. It better be good, I thought!
How the Drinks Look
As soon as I got home, I peeled the lids off of both drinks and took a peek. From the top, they looked almost identical—the darker shade of the almond flavor is barely perceptible, especially with a ring of foam gathering around the edge of both plastic cups as the drinks slowly melted.
The cacao one appeared foamier and grittier, with flecks of cacao powder visible in thick waves that barely moved when I dropped the green straw down into the cold brew, watching it gradually sink like quicksand. The almond one had a slightly thicker appearance, more like almond butter.
They both looked delicious—and neither looked anything like my typical cold brew. I couldn’t wait to take a sip.
Starbucks
Flavor #1: Cacao
I decided to try the lighter-colored drink first, anxious to see if it had the same chocolate taste as a mocha. The first thing I noticed was the texture as it hit my tongue, which was unlike anything else I’ve ever had from Starbucks. It wasn’t quite thick enough to feel like a milkshake, but it wasn’t as light and airy as a Frappuccino either. Instead, it was like a smoothie—but much grittier.
The blend felt like sand on my tongue, but despite the strange mouthfeel, the taste itself wasn’t bad. There was a strong flavor of cold brew, which wasn’t surprising. However, the chocolate flavor wasn’t as rich and dark as I’d anticipated. Instead, it had the artificial sweetness of Cocoa Puffs.
I took a couple more sips. I actually sort of liked the way the coffee mixed with the underlying flavor of banana. It didn’t make me want to go on a run like the protein-packed name suggests! This drink was gooey with sweetness—a little too sugary for anyone expecting a pre-workout boost. (But these protein-packed snacks would be perfect!)
Starbucks
Flavor #2: Almond
Next, I dove into the darker of the two drinks. Since I hadn’t loved the fake-tasting cacao flavor, I had a feeling this one could win me over. I expected the rich and nutty taste of almond butter, but I was again surprised!
This Protein Blended Cold Brew delivered the same notes of coffee as the first one I tried, but without the mask of the cacao, the banana flavor was unleashed. In fact, it tasted like a banana smoothie! I was left wondering if the almond milk and almond butter that Starbucks advertised were actually in there… or if this was just the “plain” version of the first drink I’d tried.
Psst… Here’s what’s actually in your favorite Starbucks drinks.
Taste of Home
The Verdict
I was personally not a fan of the gritty texture and heavy banana flavor, which seemed out of place in a coffee drink. It was also pretty pricey.
However, after drinking only a few sips of both, I could agree that both drinks were filling. If you’re running out the door without grabbing breakfast, this is definitely a blended beverage that will keep you from feeling hungry until lunch. If you love bananas, give it a go. (And try these recipes, too!)
Starbucks Copycat Recipes You Can Make at Home
Inspired by: Starbucks Chai Tea Latte
My family loves this comforting chai tea latte recipe, especially on cold days instead of cocoa or when they're feeling under the weather. I simplified this
chai tea recipe by using the filter basket of our coffeepot. It's delicious and great after dinner! —Julie Plummer, Sykesville, Maryland
Get Our Recipe for Chai Tea Latte
Molly Allen for Taste of Home
You can make Starbucks cranberry bliss bars any time you please with this step-by-step copycat recipe. It makes an entire pan of bars that taste just like the real deal. —Molly Allen, Hood River, Oregon
Inspired by: Starbucks Egg BitesYou can substitute Gruyere cheese for the Swiss and ham for the bacon, or add in small-cut veggies to these copycat Starbucks egg bites. I also like to bake these in small Mason jars for fun single-portion presentations. Serve with avocado slices and fresh fruit for a healthy breakfast. —Maria Morelli, West Kelowna, British Columbia
Inspired by: Starbucks Caramel FrappuccinoI love caramel frappuccinos from Starbucks, but they get too expensive. I now make my own, and they are just as good. If you blend the milk with all the other ingredients, it gets too foamy—instead stir it in with a spoon after all the ice is crushed. —Heather Egger, Davenport, Iowa
NANCY MOCK FOR TASTE OF HOME
The flaky layers of laminated dough and a sweet, cheese filling in the center make this Danish a natural to pair with hot coffee or tea. It’s as delicious for breakfast as it is for a late-night snack. —Nancy Mock, Colchester, Vermont
Inspired by: Starbucks Roasted Ham, Swiss and Egg SandwichOn a busy morning, these freezer breakfast sandwiches save the day. A hearty combo of eggs, Canadian bacon and cheese will keep you fueled through lunchtime and beyond. —Christine Rukavena,
Taste of Home Senior Editor
Inspired by: Starbucks Cold Brew CoffeeCold brewing reduces the acidity of coffee, which enhances its natural sweetness and complex flavors. Even those who take hot coffee with sugar and cream might find themselves sipping cold brew plain. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Or if you rather buy it at the store, our Test Kitchen team found the very
best options to kick start your mornings.
Inspired by: Starbucks Everything BagelWho has time to make from-scratch bagels? You do, with this easy recipe! The chewy golden bagels offer a hint of honey and will win over even the pickiest eaters. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Inspired by: Starbucks Salted Caramel MochaYou can easily indulge in a coffeehouse-quality drink at home anytime. With whipped cream and a butterscotch drizzle, this mocha treat will perk up even the sleepiest person at the table. —
Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Jamie Thrower for Taste Of Home
Inspired by: Starbucks Iced CoffeeWhen my sister introduced me to iced coffee, I wasn’t sure I’d like it. Not only did I love it, but I decided to start making my own iced coffee recipe. This easy version is a refreshing alternative to hot coffee. —Jenny Reece, Lowry, Minnesota
Inspired by: Starbucks Iced Lemon LoafMy family always asks for this love-me-tender lemon loaf cake. Sometimes, I shake things up and make cupcakes with the batter. So awesome for brunch! —Lola Baxter, Winnebago, Minnesota
Inspired by: Starbucks Honey Oatmilk LatteWe combine rich molasses, golden honey and a host of spices to create this warm and comforting beverage.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Inspired by: Starbucks Berry Trio ParfaitHomemade granola layered with fresh fruit and yogurt makes a superb breakfast. Sometimes I skip the parfait step to enjoy it on a hikes or picnics.—Donna Speirs, Kennebunk, ME
Inspired by: Starbucks Pumpkin Spice LatteEach sip of this spiced-just-right beverage from our very own baristas tastes like a piece of pumpkin pie! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Inspired by: Starbucks Double Chocolate BrownieCoffee granules enhance the chocolate flavor in these amazingly fudgy brownies. Add chocolate chips to the batter and you’ve got some seriously irresistible treats. —Sarah Farmer, Waukesha, Wisconsin
Inspired by: Starbucks Caffe MochaWhen I'm sipping this delicious coffee, I almost feel as if I'm visiting my favorite coffeehouse. —Jill Rodriguez, Gonzales, Louisiana
Inspired by: Starbucks Toasted Coconut Cold BrewCold-brew lattes are all the rage at coffee shops, but they're so easy to make at home. This coconut cold-brew version is ridiculously refreshing and it's vegan! —Natalie Larsen, Columbia, Maryland
Inspired by: Starbucks Pumpkin BreadSkip the line and bake Starbucks pumpkin bread in your own kitchen. This copycat recipe may be even better than the original! —
Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Inspired by: Starbucks Hot ChocolateEach winter in early February my friends and I gather for an outdoor show called Mittenfest. We skip the Bloody Marys and fill our thermoses with these hot cocoas instead.
Inspired by: Starbucks Banana Walnut & Pecan LoafThis quick bread is a family favorite, so I always try to have ripe bananas on hand for this recipe. I'm sure your family will love this tasty, nutty bread as much as mine does. —Susan Jones, La Grange Park, Illinois
Inspired by: Starbucks Peppermint MochaMake spirits bright with a minty mocha to share under the mistletoe or around the piano. I’ve also stirred in coffee liqueur instead of peppermint. —Lauren Brien-Wooster, South Lake Tahoe, California
Inspired by: Starbucks Iced Black Tea LemonadeI have always loved iced tea with lemon, and this irresistible thirst-quencher takes it one step further. The lemonade gives this refreshing drink a nice color, too. —Gail Buss, New Bern, North Carolina
Inspired by: Starbucks Blueberry SconeI love serving this blueberry scone recipe to visiting friends and family. I always make sure a have a few in the freezer. Just pop a frozen scone in the microwave for 20 seconds or so. —Joan Francis, Spring Lake, New Jersey
Taste of Home
Skip the drive-thru and head straight to your kitchen to shake up this coffee drink. You only need four ingredients!
Get Our Recipe for Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso
Inspired by: Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese MuffinI first made this recipe back in 1987 and have since made it many times over the years because it's my children's favorite muffin recipe.
—Wendy Stenman
Inspired by: Starbucks Peppermint White Hot ChocolateMy soothing white hot chocolate is a great warm-up after a wintry day spent sledding or ice skating. Or include it as a festive addition to brunch or an afternoon tea party. —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon
Inspired by: Starbucks Chocolate Chip CookieMy take on the classic cookie is inspired by a bakery in California called Hungry Bear. It's big, thick and chewy—truly the best chocolate chip cookie recipe. —Irene Yeh, Mequon, Wisconsin
Updated: Jul. 13, 2022
