More protein, less caffeine
Starbucks Caramel Protein Matcha
The Caramel Protein Matcha quietly has more protein and less than half the caffeine of the Caramel Protein Latte. Here is how all four versions compare, where it ranks among Starbucks matcha drinks, and how to whisk one up at home.
Quick answer. The Starbucks Caramel Protein Matcha is matcha green tea, protein-boosted milk and caramel flavor. A Grande Iced Caramel Protein Matcha has 31 g of protein, 270 calories, 24 g of sugar and about 65 mg of caffeine (about $7.57 on average). The Iced Sugar-Free Caramel Protein Matcha keeps all 31 g of protein for 210 calories and 10 g of sugar. It has been on the year-round menu since January 2026.
- Size in this answer: Grande
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 24 g
- Protein: 31 g
- Caffeine: 65 mg
- Average US price: $7.57
Checked October 2026. Prices are average US prices and vary by store.
Matcha or Latte? The Quick Decision
If you are choosing between the two caramel protein drinks, this is the table that matters:
| Grande (iced) | Protein | Calories | Sugar | Caffeine | Flavor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iced Caramel Protein Matcha | 31 g | 270 | 24 g | 65 mg | Earthy green tea + caramel |
| Iced Caramel Protein Latte | 29 g | 280 | 31 g | 150 mg | Espresso + caramel |
- Pick the matcha for slightly more protein, less sugar and a gentler caffeine lift, good for afternoons.
- Pick the latte if you want coffee flavor and more than twice the caffeine. See the Caramel Protein Latte page.
All 4 Caramel Protein Matchas
| Grande (16 oz) | Calories | Sugar | Protein | Caffeine |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iced Caramel Protein Matcha | 270 | 24 g | 31 g | 65 mg |
| Iced Sugar-Free Caramel Protein Matcha | 210 | 10 g | 31 g | 65 mg |
| Caramel Protein Matcha (hot) | 310 | 32 g | 28 g | 65 mg |
| Sugar-Free Caramel Protein Matcha (hot) | 240 | 16 g | 28 g | — |
Best overall macros: the Iced Sugar-Free Caramel Protein Matcha, tied with the Iced Sugar-Free Vanilla Protein Matcha as Starbucks’ best protein-per-calorie drink (31 g for 210 calories). Iced versions carry 3 g more protein than hot.
How It Stacks Up Against Other Starbucks Matcha
| Grande matcha drink | Calories | Sugar | Protein | Caffeine |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iced Matcha Latte | 190 | 25 g | — | 65 mg |
| Matcha Latte (hot) | 220 | 29 g | — | 65 mg |
| Iced Protein Matcha | 260 | 23 g | 31 g | 65 mg |
| Iced Caramel Protein Matcha | 270 | 24 g | 31 g | 65 mg |
| Protein Matcha (hot) | 300 | 30 g | 28 g | 75 mg |
| Iced Banana Protein Cream Matcha | 400 | 38 g | 23 g | 55 mg |
Every Starbucks matcha latte is made with matcha, milk and classic syrup, so even the plain versions are sweet. The caramel protein version adds only about 80 calories over a plain Iced Matcha Latte while adding 31 g of protein. See every matcha, chai and tea drink on our Starbucks tea menu, and the full protein ranking on our Starbucks nutrition page.
What does it taste like?
Grassy, slightly bitter matcha softened by creamy milk and a buttery caramel sweetness. The protein milk makes it a bit thicker and richer than a regular matcha latte. Matcha fans who find caramel too sweet usually prefer the sugar-free version.
Ordering tips
- Less sweet: go sugar-free, or ask for fewer pumps.
- More caramel: ask for caramel drizzle in the cup (adds sugar).
- More protein: on the iced version, add protein cold foam.
- Dairy note: the protein is whey, so these drinks are not dairy-free.
How to make Iced Caramel Protein Matcha
Ingredients
- 1 ½ teaspoons (about 3 g) matcha powder
- 2 tablespoons (1 oz / 30 ml) hot water, about 175°F (80°C)
- 1 cup (8 oz / 240 ml) ultra-filtered 2% milk, cold
- ½ scoop (about 15 g) unflavored or vanilla whey protein
- 1 ½ tablespoons caramel syrup (regular or sugar-free)
- 1 cup ice (for iced)
- Optional: 1 teaspoon caramel sauce for the cup
Instructions
- Whisk the matcha. Sift the matcha into a small bowl, add the hot (not boiling) water and whisk in a quick zigzag for 20 to 30 seconds until smooth and frothy with no lumps.
- Make the protein milk. Shake or blend the cold milk with the protein powder and caramel syrup until fully smooth.
- Build it iced. Drizzle caramel sauce inside a 16 oz glass if using, add ice, pour in the protein milk, then pour the matcha over the top.
- Or make it hot. Gently heat the protein milk to about 140°F (60°C), stirring (do not boil), then pour it over the whisked matcha in a mug.
- Stir and serve. Stir before drinking so the matcha and caramel are evenly mixed.
Tips, swaps and storage
- Never use boiling water on matcha; it turns bitter. Aim for about 175°F.
- Sift the matcha to avoid clumps; a small frother works if you do not have a bamboo whisk.
- Culinary vs. ceremonial matcha: culinary grade is cheaper and stands up well to caramel and milk.
- Sugar-free: sugar-free caramel syrup and unflavored protein.
- Dairy-free: soy milk with pea or soy protein (thicker texture).
- Storage: whisked matcha separates and dulls quickly, so make it fresh. Protein milk can be mixed ahead and refrigerated up to 2 days.
Watch: Iced Caramel Protein Matcha Review
Caramel Protein Matcha FAQs
What is the Starbucks Caramel Protein Matcha?
Matcha green tea with protein-boosted milk and caramel flavor, served hot or iced. Starbucks added it to the year-round menu in January 2026.
How much protein is in the Caramel Protein Matcha?
31 g in a Grande Iced Caramel Protein Matcha and 28 g in a Grande hot Caramel Protein Matcha. The sugar-free versions have the same protein.
How many calories are in it?
A Grande has 270 calories iced and 310 hot. The sugar-free versions have 210 calories iced and 240 hot.
How much caffeine is in the Caramel Protein Matcha?
About 65 mg in a Grande, hot or iced. That is less than half the 150 mg in a Grande Caramel Protein Latte.
Is the Caramel Protein Matcha sweet?
Yes. Starbucks matcha drinks are sweetened, and the regular iced version has 24 g of sugar in a Grande. The Iced Sugar-Free Caramel Protein Matcha has 10 g, mostly from the milk.
Caramel Protein Matcha vs. Caramel Protein Latte: which should I get?
Choose the matcha for more protein (31 g iced vs. 29 g) and less caffeine (65 mg vs. 150 mg). Choose the latte if you want a coffee flavor and a bigger caffeine boost.
Is it dairy-free?
No. The protein comes from whey added to the milk, so it contains dairy.
Does Dunkin’ have a protein matcha?
Dunkin’ has its own protein drinks, but recipes and nutrition differ from Starbucks. Check the Dunkin’ app for current options.
Nutrition is from starbucks.com for Grande sizes (October 2026); Starbucks notes protein may vary because drinks are handcrafted. Prices are average US prices. Homemade protein totals are estimates. starbukmenu.com is not affiliated with Starbucks Corporation.
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