The holidays are here and so are seasonal treats at Starbucks! Many college campuses have at least one Starbucks nearby, making it an easy and convenient choice for college students in between obligations, and a surprising amount of their eats and treats can help you meet your protein intake goals while on-the-go. Consuming an adequate amount of protein is important for overall health, but athletes must be especially mindful about consuming enough each day. The more active we are, the more important protein becomes, as this macronutrient helps athletes by repairing and strengthening muscle tissue.
Related: 6 Benefits of a High Protein Diet for Athletes
Luckily for coffee lovers, you don't have to forgo your daily caffeine fix to meet your fitness goals. Here is a list of Starbucks holiday treats that are high in protein that you can indulge in while still hitting your macros.
High-Protein Starbucks Drinks:
Eggnog Latte (17g) – Espresso with steamed eggnog, topped with a sprinkle of nutmeg
Caramel Brulée Latte (17g) – Espresso with steamed milk, caramel brulee sauce, topped with whipped cream and caramel brulee bits
Toasted White Chocolate Mocha (15g) – Espresso with steamed milk, white chocolate, topped with whipped cream and sugar sparkles
Peppermint Mocha (13g) – Espresso with steamed milk, mocha sauce and peppermint syrup, topped with whipped cream and dark chocolate shavings
Chestnut Praline Latte (12g) – Espresso with steamed milk, caramelized chestnuts and spices, topped with whipped cream and spiced praline crumbs
Related: Athlete-Approved Recipe: Iced Blended Protein Matcha Latte
* Macronutrients were calculated based on a grande-sized drink. A standard grande-sized drink at Starbucks is 16 fl. oz.
High-Protein Starbucks Meals:
While Starbucks does not have any high-protein seasonal foods, you can still add one of their year-round items to get in that extra protein:
Turkey, Provolone & Pesto on Ciabatta (30g) – Turkey breast, provolone cheese, dry-roasted red peppers, and basil pesto on a ciabatta roll
Ham and Swiss on Baguette (24g) – Ham and swiss cheese with Dijon butter on a toasted baguette
Spinach Feta and Egg White Wrap (20g) – Egg whites, spinach, feta cheese, and sun-dried tomato cream cheese in a whole-wheat wrap
Related: Cooking with the Crew: 4 Vegetarian Recipes to Fuel Your Offseason Workouts
Crispy Grilled Cheese on Sourdough (21g) – Blend of Cheddar and mozzarella cheese and Parmesan butter spread on sourdough bread
Egg White & Roasted Red Pepper Egg Bites (12g) – Egg whites with Monterey Jack Cheese, spinach, fire-roasted red peppers cooked “sous vide”
High-Protein Starbucks Snacks:
In a rush to class and need a quick and easy bite? Starbucks has great snack options to fit in your macros while on the go:
Eggs and Gouda Protein Box (26g) – Two hard-boiled eggs with gouda and multigrain crackers with dried apricots, apples, peanut butter spread, and salt and pepper
Egg and Cheese Protein Box (23g) – Two hard-boiled eggs, sliced tart apples, cheddar and grapes with multigrain muesli bread and honey peanut butter
Related: Need a Pick-Me-Up? 5 Easy Meals or Snacks for Athletes
PB&J Protein Box (20g) – Peanut butter and jam on honey wheat bread, with string cheese, apples, carrots, chocolate-covered raisins, and greek yogurt dip ranch dip
Starbucks offers an array of food and drink options that can help you reach your daily protein goals on the go. Even better–you can still enjoy the treats of the season with these high-protein options!
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* Originally published on December 21, 2022, by Kelly Wick