Dietitian Suggests Alternatives to Chain Protein Coffee for Healthier Choices

The popularity of protein diets has surged in recent years, reaching a notable peak in 2025. Protein-rich products, from Legendary’s protein pastries to protein-enriched water, are widely available. If you enjoy coffee, you might have noticed an array of protein-infused options at major chains like Starbucks, Dunkin’ Donuts, and Dutch Bros. With so many alternatives, it can be challenging to choose one that offers the best protein benefit without overspending. A practical solution may be to skip these store-bought drinks in favor of preparing your own at home.

Tasting Table consulted Angel Luk, a registered dietitian, for insights on the trend. She explained, “Protein coffee is essentially coffee combined with protein powder, or it can come in a pre-made, shelf-stable shake format.” It’s important to note that coffee does not naturally contain protein unless you incorporate it through milk or plant-based alternatives. By adding protein powder, the fortified coffee can provide approximately 4 calories for every gram of protein included.

These beverages can be quite costly at coffee chains, but Luk recommends a straightforward approach: “I would suggest making this at home by mixing protein powder, coffee, and ice together.” For instance, Starbucks uses between 27 to 36 grams of whey protein isolate per drink, meaning you could buy similar protein powder to create your version at home. Additionally, there are numerous ways to enhance protein in your coffee.

In addition to providing extra calories and a caffeine kick, protein coffee can offer various benefits. “This might help individuals who usually skip breakfast but still want their morning coffee train their digestive systems to handle small amounts of food,” Luk elaborated. Additionally, it can assist others in meeting their protein targets more easily. According to UCLA Health, most adults require between 0.8 and 1.6 grams of protein per pound of body weight.

It’s essential to remember that different coffee chains utilize various protein sources. For example, Dunkin’ Donuts doesn’t incorporate whey protein isolate like Starbucks; they use protein milk, which is standard milk fortified with ultra-filtered skim milk. This particular formulation may be more challenging to replicate at home.

While recreating a chain coffee drink at home can be complex whether or not it includes protein, this shouldn’t discourage you. There are tips available to help make your home brew resemble the original. If your priority is primarily about adding protein and saving money, Luk’s suggestion of preparing it at home is the most practical choice. Purchasing protein powder in bulk can help reduce costs, but be sure to evaluate the type of protein and the price per ounce for the best value. Bonus: Many protein powders come in various flavors, so you can experiment with options like chocolate, vanilla, or even cookies and cream to find what pleases your palate.