As Protein Takes Priority for a Growing Number of Consumers, Starbucks Introduces New Protein Lattes and Protein Cold Foam Drinks

From The LifeMinute.TV Team

October 13, 2025

Protein is at the top of Americans’ nutrition wish list, and it looks like it’s there to stay. According to a 2025 IFIC Food & Health Survey, 70% of Americans say they are trying to consume protein, with 8 in 10 saying they prioritize adding protein to their diet daily. Moreover, it’s the nation’s most sought-after nutrient for the fifth straight year. 

Once the domain of athletes and gym enthusiasts, protein has evolved into an everyday essential for the mainstream consumer, and as a result, innovation is booming from grocery shelves to coffeehouse counters.

To meet this growing demand, Starbucks is introducing protein-packed beverages that are worthy of the hype. In July of 2025, the coffeehouse began testing protein beverages at five locations through their Starting 5 innovation program, gathering feedback from baristas and customers to help shape its approach to protein-driven offerings. Following positive reception, on September 29, Starbucks launched their lineup of Protein Lattes and Cold Foam beverages that deliver up to 36 grams of protein per grande, at coffeehouses across the U.S. and Canada.

Starbucks Cold Foam Levels Up
Starbucks is giving the customer favorite topper, Cold Foam, which is used in 1 out of every 7 beverages and growing 23% year-over-year, a protein-packed upgrade. Starbucks Protein Cold Foam adds about 15 grams of protein per grande to any cold beverage, including coffee, tea, or Refreshers, spanning a wide range of flavors, from classics like vanilla, sugar-free vanilla, and chocolate, to newer twists such as banana, matcha, salted caramel, and brown sugar. 

Starbucks New Protein Lattes 
Starbucks has also introduced Protein Lattes, which deliver between 27 and 36 grams of protein per grande beverage, while maintaining the delicious flavor and smooth texture customers know and love. New arrivals include the Iced Banana Cream Protein Matcha, Iced Sugar-Free Vanilla Protein Latte, and Chocolate Cream Protein Cold Brew.

Protein, Your Way
Serving as the foundation of its new lineup of Protein Cold Foams and Lattes is Starbucks Protein-boosted Milk, a blend of creamy 2% milk with premium [SK1] whey protein, made fresh by baristas daily, and containing no added sugar. Customers can customize nearly all their favorite hot and iced beverages with Starbucks Protein-boosted Milk, from Lattes, to Iced Shaken Espresso, to Coconut Milk Refreshers and more for an extra 12–16 grams of protein per grande.

With these new protein options, Starbucks is delivering on the consumer demand for protein in an innovative and delicious way that only Starbucks can.