Key Takeaways
- Starbucks is introducing a never-before-seen product to menus starting Sept. 29.
- The new product aligns with Starbucks’ broader innovation strategy and consumers’ growing demand for higher-protein foods.
- After a successful testing phase, it will now be available in the U.S. and Canada in different flavors.
It seems as though we can’t go anywhere lately without hearing the buzzword, protein. It has infiltrated every waking moment, whether in our daily cereal, on-the-go snack bars, or easy dinners. To say protein is having a moment is putting it mildly. In fact, one survey highlights that 70 percent of Americans are trying to consume more protein this year. And now, even our trusty cup of joe is getting in on the trend.
For the first time, Starbucks is releasing Protein Cold Foam and Protein Lattes to pack extra nutrition into each sip of morning coffee.
Starbucks Is Launching New Protein Cold Foam and Protein Lattes
Starbucks
Starbucks unveiled many innovations at its Leadership Experience (LE) 2025 convention over the summer, from the obvious, like new drinks, to behind-the-scenes operations, like its “Starting Five” program, which utilizes select coffeehouses in the U.S. to test products the brand hopes to roll out. One such add-on that was tested drew inspiration from the growing hype and consumer demand for all things protein. Now, it has graduated from its testing phase and will join the official menu in coffee shops nationwide (and in Canada) starting Sept. 29.
Starbucks’ Protein Cold Foam—a “bespoke protein powder” mixed into a neutral cold foam base—is a frothy topper that adds a creamy layer of flavor to your drink of choice, from cold coffee to hot tea. It will come in a variety of flavors, including a new banana flavor, vanilla, sugar-free vanilla, chocolate, matcha, salted caramel, brown sugar, and even plain. Plus pecan and pumpkin for fall, of course. The enhanced cold foam will have a permanent spot on the roster, offering about 19–26 grams of protein in your grande cup.
Along with the cold foam, Starbucks is adding a variety of Protein Lattes to its lineup as well, made with its new protein milk and packing 27–36 grams per grande.
Beyond the flavored cold foams and featured lattes, customers can add protein-boosted 2% milk (made with unflavored protein powder) to any milk-based beverage. In a grande-size drink, the enriched milk adds 12–16 grams of protein.
My Honest Review of Starbucks’ Banana Protein Cold Foam
Andrea Lobas
I got to try the Banana Protein Cold Foam early at LE 2025. Here’s the full scoop (pun intended).
I was admittedly skeptical at first to try an Iced Caffè Latte with banana-flavored cold foam. Not only did banana seem like an unexpected choice, but I wasn’t so sure I needed additional protein in my latte. I’m happy to report that I was more than pleasantly surprised. While some protein drinks have that signature artificial aftertaste, the Banana Protein Cold Foam tasted fresh and creamy, and made for a perfectly smooth beverage topper. The banana flavoring, which is a proprietary powder mix-in, complemented the latte in the most lovely way. It was slightly sweet yet light—and most importantly—tasted like real banana.
So, if you’re looking for new ways to bump up your protein intake beyond the usual chickpeas, yogurt, or scrambled eggs, hit up the Starbucks drive-thru later this month for your caffeine and protein all in one. It’s sure to change your whole morning routine.
