Starbucks is set to support health-conscious customers aiming to increase their protein intake with a newly launched lineup of beverages available at U.S. locations starting today. The coffee chain has debuted an assortment of protein-packed lattes and cold foam drinks, offering up to an impressive 36 grams of protein per grande (16-ounce) serving.
To put this into perspective, the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for protein suggests that individuals should consume .36 grams of protein per pound of body weight each day. For example, a person weighing 150 pounds is recommended to intake around 54 grams of protein daily. However, this is just a baseline, and individuals may need more based on their unique health goals and lifestyle. The USDA offers a comprehensive calculator to help people assess their personal protein needs.
The boost in protein content within these new beverages is achieved through the incorporation of whey protein into milk and a selection of protein-infused cold foams. This protein-enhanced cold foam can be added to nearly any existing drink on the Starbucks menu, with the option for zero-sugar alternatives.
These protein drinks are a welcome addition as part of Starbucks’ year-round offerings aimed at nutrition. The brand has rolled out four new protein lattes and three varieties of cold foam drinks, each crafted to help patrons meet their daily protein objectives.
Here is a detailed look at the new beverage lineup:
- Protein Cold Foam Drinks
- Iced Banana Cream Protein Matcha
- Iced Vanilla Cream Protein Latte
- Chocolate Cream Protein Cold Brew
- Protein Lattes
- Sugar-Free Vanilla Protein Matcha (available iced or hot)
- Sugar-Free Vanilla Protein Latte (available iced or hot)
- Protein Matcha (available iced or hot)
- Vanilla Protein Latte (available iced or hot)
Customers can customize their drinks furthermore by adding protein cold foam or opting for protein-boosted milk. The protein cold foam adds an extra 15 grams of protein to any grande cold coffee, iced tea, or refresher. Flavors of the protein cold foam range from banana and vanilla to chocolate, matcha, salted caramel, and brown sugar, along with a plain variant and sugar-free vanilla that contain no added sugars. For the fall season, Starbucks is also serving limited-time flavors like pumpkin and pecan.
In addition, the protein-boosted milk is a blend of 2% milk and whey protein and can be substituted in any hot or iced beverage containing milk.
Looking ahead to next year, Starbucks plans to expand its protein offerings with a ready-to-drink version of its protein coffee drinks, which will be made accessible at grocery and convenience stores across the U.S.
This rollout of high-protein beverages aligns with Starbucks’ broader strategy to innovate and modernize its menu, catering to evolving consumer demands. Tressie Lieberman, Starbucks’ global chief brand officer, emphasized this direction by stating, “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. Our new protein beverages tap into the growing consumer demand for protein in an innovative, premium, and delicious way that only Starbucks can deliver.”
