The coffee giant says the protein drinks, which debuted in test markets, mark its latest push to modernize the menu and reignite customer excitement.
WASHINGTON — Starbucks customers will soon be able to get in their protein fix along with coffee orders. The coffee chain has announced Protein Cold Foam and a new line of Protein Lattes made with protein-boosted milk will be added to menus nationwide and in Canada beginning Monday, Sept. 29.
The additions deliver about 15 to 36 grams of protein per grande-sized (16-ounce) beverage, depending on the drink.
Protein Cold Foam can be added to any iced beverage, bringing around 15 grams of protein in a grande drink. Flavors will include banana, vanilla, sugar-free vanilla, chocolate, matcha, salted caramel and brown sugar, as well as seasonal offerings like pumpkin and pecan, according to the company. Iced beverages with Protein Cold Foam will also join the permanent menu.
The banana-flavored protein foam was initially released on a test run as part of the company’s new “Starting Five” innovation program, which allows select locations to test food and drink items before they launch nationally.
That program is part of Starbucks’ broader “Back to Starbucks” initiative to reignite sales as customer interest in specialty coffee drinks wanes and tariffs from the Trump administration cast an uncertain shadow over the U.S. economy.
“As we continue to get back to Starbucks, we’re focused on modernizing our menu with innovative, relevant, and hype-worthy products that will resonate with our customers,” Tressie Lieberman, Starbucks’ global chief brand officer, said in a statement. “Our new protein beverages tap into the growing consumer demand for protein in an innovative, premium and delicious way that only Starbucks can deliver.”
Protein Lattes, crafted with protein-boosted milk, are also being added to the menu, and will offer between 27 and 36 grams of protein per grande beverage. Starbucks says the new milk option, blended fresh daily with unflavored protein powder, can also be customized in other drinks such as lattes, shaken espressos and refreshers.
