Review: Starbucks Matcha Protein Latte (Hot & Iced)
When Starbucks rolled out its protein line, the Matcha Protein Latte definitely stood out. Matcha already has a natural earthiness and creamy quality, so pairing it with protein was either going to make it a thick, chalky mess—or something surprisingly smooth. Luckily, it leaned toward the latter.
Visually, the iced version was pretty but heavy. The protein powder weighed it down so it didn’t layer as cleanly as most of Starbucks’ drinks. The hot version fared better, presenting like a typical latte, just slightly thicker.
The first sip surprised me. I expected grassy matcha, but it was mellow and subtle, blended with a creamy, almost milkshake-like texture. The banana cream protein variation (which I tried separately) had that strong banana, but this one leaned on the natural matcha flavor while still keeping it approachable for anyone new to matcha.
Sweetness is subtle—it’s not a sugar bomb. The hot version feels richer, a little heavier, while the iced one has a refreshing chill that makes it more of a casual sip. Both are filling, thicker than a regular latte, but not unpleasantly so.
If you’re into matcha, this feels like a solid “protein upgrade” rather than a gimmick. I’d get it again, especially iced, since it balanced flavor with drinkability the best. The hot one felt more like a meal-in-a-mug.
👉 Best for: anyone wanting to dip their toes into matcha without getting hit with bitter, grassy notes—or anyone who wants protein in their drink without feeling like they’re choking down chalk.