Attention Protein-Obsessed People: Dare Has Released A Protein Iced Mocha & We Taste Tested It

It feels as though everyone's become protein-obsessed in the past year. Now, everyone is finding creative ways to hit their macros and protein goals so they can maximise their gains and keep fit. From protein water to endless cottage cheese TikTok recipes (and a cottage cheese shortage), it seems like no snack, sip or supermarket aisle has been spared from the high-protein rebrand. And Dare Iced Coffee is hopping on the bandwagon, releasing a protein version of its best-selling iced mocha.

The Dare Protein Iced Mocha is follows the success of the Dare Protein Double Espresso, which launched in November 2024. This new and improved version of the OG mocha keeps the same flavour we know and love, with the added bonus of contributing to your daily protein intake. Available in two different sizes, the 500mL bottle contains 30 grams of protein, and the 750mL bottle (to be released in May), has 45 grams of protein in it, which is pretty wild.

The functional beverage trend is on the rise, and isn't slowing down in popularity any time soon. According to Zion Market Research, the global functional beverages market size had a value of around USD $175.5 billion in 2022, and is projected to reach approx. USD %339.6 billion by 2030.

Patrick Davis, iced coffee marketing manager at Bega Group, said that protein is "driving huge growth in the functional beverage space".

"So we asked the question: what happens when you take Australia’s favourite Dare flavour and make it the strongest version of itself?” he said.

Davis said that giving mocha, the fan favourite, a protein boost allows it to shine in a new way. The brand hasn't changed anything we know and love about the flavour beside adding in a whole lot of extra protein, so you’re essentially getting the same rich, chocolatey caffeine hit — just with macros that would make your PT proud.

As a certified Dare mocha lover (I used to drink the OG like it was water back in high school), I believe myself to be a worthy contender to put the new and improved to the test and see if it truly does hold its ground against the original.

Dare Protein Iced Mocha: Road Test

After a long and busy day, I thought it would be a great idea to whip out the protein iced mocha to battle off the 3pm sleepies.

Dare I say (ha, get it?), that was a great idea on my part.

The Dare team wasn't lying when they said this tastes exactly like the original mocha; I couldn't tell a difference in flavour. It has the same velvety chocolatiness with a hint of nuttiness coming from the shot of coffee. IDK what to tell you other than that it's a tasty mocha through and through.

The only thing distinguishing the two is that the protein version is slightlyyy thicker, but that's literally it. However, the Dare Protein iced Mocha isn't so thick that it you feel heavy and gross afterwards, like some other protein drinks I've tried.

I thoroughly enjoyed sipping on this, it's a great treat to battle off the mid-afternoon slump. As someone who's trying to be more conscious with the nutrients I'm fuelling my body with — including hitting a protein goal rather than stuffing myself with pasta three times a day — I see this not only as a good coffee hit, but an aid for days I need a little boost to get all the protein I need.

It's not a replacement; I'm not gonna start exclusively drinking Dare Protein Iced Mochas to bulk and become a gym junkie, but I'll be opting for this one next time I feel like grabbing an iced coffee from the supermarket. Dare I say, it's a 10/10 from me.

Image: Dare / Bratz