Ever since coming across a comment by a Starbucks barista on the coffee chain's subreddit stating that a standard PSL (a 16-ounce grande made with two percent milk) does, in fact, have more protein than the brand's two new protein-blended cold brew drinks (Almond and Cacao), we've been wondering how all three beverages stack up. The good news: that barista wasn't wrong! The bad news: incorporating pumpkin spice lattes into your workout routine isn't, like, the best idea. But it's also not the worst. Here's the breakdown.
Both the Almond Protein Blended Cold Brew and the Cacao Protein Blended Cold Brew start with a base of cold brew concentrate, ice, and a date-and-banana blend, as well as a plant protein supplement made from rice and peas. The former also includes almond milk and almond butter, giving it 12 grams of protein per 16-ounce serving, while the latter features coconut milk and a scoop of cacao powder, bringing its protein count to 10 grams. All of the ingredients in both drinks are certified vegan—a first for Starbucks—and any sweetness comes from those dates and bananas (as opposed to added sugar).