Starbucks Protein Lattes: new high-protein drinks hit US stores

A selection of Starbucks’ new Protein Lattes and Protein Cold Foam drinks, showcasing the variety of flavours now available as part of the company’s high-protein beverage range in US stores. Credit: Starbucks

Starbucks has taken a step into the functional beverage space with the US launch of its new Protein Lattes and Protein Cold Foam drinks. The offerings, announced earlier this month, are now available across stores nationwide.

Protein beverages tap into growing consumer demand

The new protein menu reflects Starbucks’ broader strategy to modernise its menu with innovative, relevant options that appeal to evolving consumer tastes. “Our new protein beverages tap into the growing consumer demand for protein in an innovative, premium and delicious way that only Starbucks can deliver,” said Tressie Lieberman, Starbucks’ global chief brand officer. Her comments referenced the company’s turnaround plan under CEO Brian Niccol, who took the helm in September 2024.

The Protein Lattes and Cold Foam drinks are designed to provide a significant protein boost, with up to 36 grams of protein per grande (16-ounce) beverage. The lineup includes:

• Iced Banana Cream Protein Matcha – a green tea latte with unsweetened matcha and classic syrup, topped with Banana Protein Cold Foam (24 g protein per grande).
• Iced Vanilla Cream Protein Latte – an iced latte topped with Vanilla Protein Cold Foam (26 g protein).
• Chocolate Cream Protein Cold Brew – a Cold Brew coffee layered with Chocolate Protein Cold Foam and sweetened with vanilla syrup (19 g protein).

For those looking to add protein to other drinks, Starbucks offers Protein Cold Foam in a variety of flavours, including banana, vanilla, sugar-free vanilla, chocolate, matcha, salted caramel, brown sugar, and limited-time seasonal options such as pumpkin and pecan. Adding Protein Cold Foam to a favourite beverage provides around 15 grams of extra protein (additional $2 charge, prices vary).

Protein Lattes made with protein-boosted milk

The new Protein Lattes are made with protein-boosted milk, crafted daily by Starbucks baristas by blending 2% milk with premium whey protein. Flavours include:

• Sugar-Free Vanilla Protein Matcha – unsweetened matcha with protein-boosted milk and sugar-free vanilla syrup (28–36 g protein per grande).
• Sugar-Free Vanilla Protein Latte – espresso, sugar-free vanilla syrup, and protein-boosted milk (27–29 g protein).
• Protein Matcha – unsweetened matcha with classic syrup and protein-boosted milk (28–36 g protein).
• Vanilla Protein Latte – espresso with protein-boosted milk and sweet vanilla (27–29 g protein).

Customers can also substitute protein-boosted milk in any hot or iced milk-based drink for an additional $1, adding 12–16 grams of protein per grande.

With these launches, Starbucks is signalling a clear focus on functional beverages, responding to a growing trend for high-protein, performance-oriented drinks in the US market. The expansion sits alongside other measures in the company’s “Back to Starbucks” strategy, which has included rationalising store footprints and workforce adjustments to better align with evolving consumer expectations.