A Taste Test of Protein Beverages at Starbucks and Dunkin'—The Surprising Winner

Recently, popular chains Starbucks and Dunkin' have brought protein-infused drinks into their lineups, tapping into the growing trend of enhanced beverages.

Having jumped on the 'proffee'—protein shake mixed with coffee—craze years ago, I was eager to explore these new selections.

While I usually craft my own protein-enhanced coffee at home, I couldn't resist examining if these newcomers could surpass my recipe.

So, I embarked on a taste-testing journey to compare the offerings.

Starbucks Delivers a Mixed Bag

Starbucks unveiled its line of protein-rich beverages in late 2025.

In addition to protein-enhanced milk lattes, they introduced flavors like vanilla, brown sugar, and banana-packed cold foam.

To usher in the new year, Starbucks added caramel protein beverages, specifically a matcha and a latte version, each packing a protein punch of at least 27 grams in a standard grande size.

During my visit, I sampled two—a matcha and a caramel protein latte.

The Matcha Surprise

The iced matcha, combining milk, classic syrup, matcha, and protein powder, delivered a surprising 36 grams of protein.

Priced at $6.45, it was an unexpected delight. It tasted like an ordinary iced matcha without the protein powder's distinctive flavor.

The Caramel Disappointment

Next, I tried the iced caramel protein latte, costing $6.95, which included milk, espresso, caramel syrup, and protein powder, creating a 27-gram protein blend.

I anticipated a delicious twist on the Starbucks caramel macchiato, integrating sweetness with a protein kick.

Instead, the initial caramel aroma was overshadowed by an unpleasantly artificial aftertaste.

I compared this to store-bought protein beverages and found the lingering powdery taste surprising and disappointing for the price.

On to Dunkin'

Dunkin' launched a protein menu featuring five new drinks, such as a strawberry refresher and almond matcha latte, all using protein-fortified milk.

With beverages offering 15 grams of protein in either hot or iced formats, I matched my Starbucks experience by selecting two similar options: an iced almond matcha and a caramel-chocolate protein latte.

Dunkin's Almond Matcha—A Tangy Twist

For $7.99, I purchased Dunkin's medium-sized almond iced protein matcha latte containing 15 grams of protein.

It combined matcha, cane sugar, toasted-almond flavor, and green tea with protein-enhanced milk.

However, its unexpectedly sharp, tangy flavor, likely from the almond, was distracting from the usual matcha taste.

Dunkin's Caramel-Chocolate—A Sweet Revelation

Conversely, Dunkin's caramel-chocolate protein latte, also 15 grams of protein and priced at $7.59, captured my attention.

The familiar ensemble of espresso, caramel-chocolate syrup, and protein milk, with additions like brown sugar, transformed this into a delightful experience.

Resembling a dessert, it lacked any hint of synthetic sweetness, a definite upgrade.

The Verdict: Dunkin' Takes the Lead

Despite Starbucks' outstanding protein matcha, Dunkin' clinched the top spot with its delectable caramel-chocolate latte.

Nonetheless, the premium cost doesn't justify a frequent purchase.

Instead, crafting my own 'proffee' at home with quality ingredients such as bourbon vanilla paste and espresso feels worthwhile.

However, after a demanding workout, the Dunkin' latte would be the perfect indulgence.