The no-cook protein lunch
Starbucks Cheese Trio Protein Box
Starbucks has trimmed its protein boxes down to two cheese boxes. Here is exactly what is in the Cheese Trio, how it compares with the Apples & Cheese Trio, what happened to the egg boxes, and how to pack four at home.
Quick answer. The Cheese Trio Protein Box pairs Brie, Gouda and aged sharp cheddar with olive oil and sea-salt crackers and dried apricots and cranberries. It has 520 calories and 20 g of protein and costs about $6.77 on average. For more protein and much less sugar, the Apples & Cheese Trio Protein Box has 22 g of protein, 470 calories and 15 g of sugar.
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 15 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Average US price: $6.77
Checked October 2026. Prices are average US prices and vary by store.
What’s in the Box
| Component | Why it is there |
|---|---|
| Brie | Soft, buttery, mild cheese |
| Gouda | Nutty, slightly sweet semi-hard cheese |
| Aged sharp cheddar | Tangy and firm; a big share of the protein |
| Olive oil and sea-salt crackers | Crunch and carbs to round out the meal |
| Dried apricots and cranberries | Sweet-tart contrast (and most of the sugar) |
Nutrition: Cheese Trio vs. Apples & Cheese Trio
| Per box | Cheese Trio | Apples & Cheese Trio |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 520 | 470 |
| Protein | 20 g | 22 g |
| Sugar | 40 g | 15 g |
| Total fat | 24 g (14 g saturated) | — |
| Carbohydrates | 59 g (5 g fiber) | — |
| Sodium | 710 mg | — |
| Protein per 100 calories | 3.8 g | 4.7 g |
| Avg. price | $6.77 | — |
The takeaway: the Cheese Trio is a satisfying snack-lunch, but its 40 g of sugar (mostly dried fruit) is a lot for a “protein box.” The Apples & Cheese Trio is the better pick if you are watching sugar or want the most protein.
What Happened to the Egg Protein Boxes?
The Eggs & Cheddar, Eggs & Gouda, Cheese & Fruit and Cheddar & Uncured Salami Protein Boxes are no longer on the US menu as of October 2026. If you miss the egg boxes, these are the closest high-protein swaps:
| Instead of… | Try | Protein |
|---|---|---|
| Eggs & Cheddar Protein Box | Apples & Cheese Trio Protein Box | 22 g |
| A grab-and-go egg breakfast | Egg bites (see the egg bites page) | Varies by flavor |
| A warm protein lunch | Chicken Bacon Protein Pocket | 20 g |
More high-protein Starbucks food and drinks
For the full ranking of high-protein items, from the Bacon, Sausage & Egg Wrap to the iced protein matchas, see the Starbucks nutrition page and the food menu. Pair a box with a protein drink like the Caramel Protein Latte (27 to 29 g) for a 40 g+ protein meal.
DIY Cheese Trio Protein Boxes (Makes 4)
Portioning the cheeses yourself lets you control the sugar, the cheese mix and the protein.
Ingredients
- 8 oz (225 g) total cheese: about 3 oz aged sharp cheddar, 3 oz Gouda and 2 oz Brie
- 24 olive oil or sea-salt crackers (about 2 oz / 60 g)
- ½ cup (75 g) dried apricots
- ½ cup (60 g) dried cranberries
- Optional protein boost: 4 hard-boiled eggs or ½ cup roasted almonds
Instructions
- Portion the cheese. Cut each cheese into slices or cubes and divide evenly among 4 containers (about 2 oz per box: ¾ oz cheddar, ¾ oz Gouda, ½ oz Brie).
- Add crackers. Place 6 crackers in each box, in a separate compartment or small bag so they stay crisp.
- Add fruit. Divide the apricots and cranberries among the boxes (about 2 tablespoons of each per box).
- Seal and chill. Close the containers and refrigerate. Take one out 10 to 15 minutes before eating so the Brie softens.
Tips and swaps
- Less sugar: swap the dried fruit for fresh apple slices (toss with lemon juice to stop browning) or grapes.
- More protein: add a hard-boiled egg (about 6 g) or a small handful of almonds per box.
- Egg box home version: 2 hard-boiled eggs, 1 oz cheddar, apple slices, a few grapes and a small multigrain roll with peanut butter.
- Gluten-free: use rice or seed crackers.
- Storage: keep crackers separate so they stay crisp; Brie is best eaten within 3 to 4 days of cutting.
Video note: we did not find a YouTube video for this exact box, so we have not embedded one.
Cheese Trio Protein Box FAQs
What is in the Starbucks Cheese Trio Protein Box?
Brie, Gouda and aged sharp cheddar cheese, olive oil and sea-salt crackers, and a mix of dried apricots and cranberries.
How much protein is in the Cheese Trio Protein Box?
20 g of protein in 520 calories. The Apples & Cheese Trio Protein Box has 22 g of protein in 470 calories.
Why does the Cheese Trio box have 40 g of sugar?
Most of it comes from the dried apricots and cranberries. If you want less sugar, the Apples & Cheese Trio version has 15 g.
How much is a Starbucks protein box?
The Cheese Trio Protein Box is about $6.77 at average US prices; protein and lunch boxes range from about $5.72 to $8.11 depending on the item and store.
Does Starbucks still sell the Eggs & Cheddar Protein Box?
No. As of October 2026, the Eggs & Cheddar, Eggs & Gouda, Cheese & Fruit and Cheddar & Uncured Salami boxes are no longer on the US menu. The two current boxes are the Cheese Trio and the Apples & Cheese Trio.
Is the Cheese Trio Protein Box vegetarian?
Starbucks notes the cheeses are made with vegetarian enzymes, and the box contains no meat. Check the label if you have specific dietary needs.
What crackers are in the Starbucks protein box?
Starbucks describes them as olive oil and sea-salt crackers; the brand is not listed on the menu.
How long does a homemade protein box last?
Up to 4 days in the fridge if you keep crackers in a separate compartment. Add any eggs within 4 days of boiling them.
Nutrition and contents are from starbucks.com (October 2026). Prices are average US prices and vary by store. starbukmenu.com is not affiliated with Starbucks Corporation.
