Copycat Starbucks Cacao Protein Blended Cold Brew [vegan + gluten-free]
A homemade version of Starbucks’ Cacao Protein Blended Cold Brew. Vegan, gluten-free, and no added sugar with the most creamy, delicious texture. A healthy, energizing frozen beverage!
Where are my Starbucks lovers at?! ?
Starbucks can be quite polarizing depending on whose opinion you ask. You either love it or you hate. But me? I am more neutral on the ‘Bucks. In a pinch…it’s fine. I go for a Nitro Cold Brew or an Americano. But if a local coffee shop is an option, I always opt for that instead. 
However… Last year, Starbucks came out with a one of the healthiest things that’s ever graced their menus and it happened to be ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS as well.Cacao Protein Blended Cold Brew
Did you have a chance to try the Cacao Protein Blended Cold Brew? There was also an Almond version and they were both awesome.
These protein smoothies were creamy and rich with a sweet coffee, chocolate flavor. Full of plant-based protein, healthy fats, and only sweetened with bananas and dates. Here’s how Starbucks described it…This handcrafted beverage is made with plant-based protein and cold brew, then blended with almond milk, cacao and a banana date fruit blend for sweetness. It’s a part protein, part Cold Brew and all delicious.Basically amazing.
The issue?
I recently found out that they discontinued this line of drinks! I was so bummed about this news since this was one drink I would actually GO to Starbucks for.
So after one too many cravings struck since the weather has gotten warmer, I decided to make my own homemade version! It came out so close to the real thing (or as I remember it!) and I wanted to share it with you all ASAP so you can enjoy it all summer long. 
PrintCopycat Starbucks Cacao Protein Blended Cold Brew
A homemade version of Starbucks’ Cacao Protein Blended Cold Brew. Vegan, gluten-free, and no added sugar with the most creamy, delicious texture. A healthy, energizing frozen beverage!
Ingredients
1 frozen banana
4 medjool dates, chopped
1 cup ice
2/3 cup almond or coconut milk
½ cup cold brew or ice coffee
2 tbsp cocoa powder
1 scoop chocolate vegan protein powder
¼ cup almond butter
Instructions
Place all ingredients in a high speed blender. Blend on high until creamy and smooth.
Vegan and gluten-free just like the original and less sugar, fat, and calories as well. This makes for such an awesome afternoon snack or post-workout protein shake. It’s got everything you need to fuel your body…and it tastes great, too! 
[Tweet “Copycat @Starbucks Cacao Protein Blended #ColdBrew #vegan #glutenfree”]
Are you a Starbucks fan? What’s your go-to coffee order? Did you ever try a Cacao Protein Blended Cold Brew from Starbucks?Talk soon,
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Normally not a Starbucks fan, I like my coffee milder. I think that the Starbucks blend are usually quite bitter. But Thanks for the recipe. I wish you would have had one for the almond flavor. I LOVE the almond flavor.)
You could definitely just eliminate the cocoa powder, use a neutral flavor protein, and add more almond butter for the almond one! :)
I bet this would still be good without the protein powder, right? It sounds so good. And, by the way, I’m kind of neutral on Starbucks, too. Unfortunately, one of the few things I like there is their Frapp, which has like 10 million calories! Sounds like this might be a good alternative. Pinning! Thanks so much for sharing at the Weekend Blog Hop at My Flagstaff Home. –Jennifer
It might not be as creamy or thick but you could definitely give it a try and see! :)
Congratulations! Your post will be featured this week at the Weekend Blog Hop at My Flagstaff Home. Be sure to stop by again from Thursday to Sunday! –Jennifer
Thank you Jennifer! I am honored to be featured!
Yum, I pinned this one and cannot wait to try it.
Have a great weekend,
Kippi
kippiathome.com
Thanks Kippi! Enjoy!!
Thanks for sharing at the What’s for dinner party!
Thanks Helen!
I”m with you, I prefer a local independent coffee shop. But I would visit Starbucks for this, it looks delicious and I love your rendition.
Thanks Liz!! Let me know if you try this!! SO good.
I would love a cup of this cold brew! Thanks so much for sharing with us at Full Plate Thursday and hope you are having a great week.
Miz Helen
Thanks for sharing at the What’s for Dinner party.
Looks great! Thanks for sharing at the What’s for Dinner party! Some of your other links are sending the reader to you main blog page, not the recipe. Just wanted to let you know.
Thanks for stopping by Helen!
This was my favorite drink a couple summers ago! When they discontinued it, I tried making my own and though it was decent, it didn’t compare. I just used choc protein powder, homemade almond milk, and cold brew(which I froze as ice cubes, so I didn’t have to water down with ice). Just came across your recipe and can’t wait to try. Thanks!!
Ahh so happy you found this! You’ll have to let me know what you think when you try it. :)