Can I get a protein drink at Starbucks? Your 2025 Guide to New Menu Options

November 9, 2025 •

3 min read

According to a 2025 survey, eight in ten people are actively seeking to increase their protein intake, making the question 'Can I get a protein drink at Starbucks?' more relevant than ever. In response to this demand, Starbucks launched a permanent new line of high-protein beverages and customizations in late September 2025.

Quick Summary

Starbucks introduced a new permanent menu in September 2025, offering a variety of protein-boosted drinks and customizations using premium whey protein, including lattes and cold foams. Customers can add extra protein to their favorite beverages or choose from signature high-protein options.

Key Points

Direct Answer: Yes, Starbucks now offers a dedicated line of protein drinks and customization options using protein-boosted milk and cold foam.
Whey-Based Protein: The new protein options utilize premium whey protein, adding 15g (cold foam) or 12–16g (milk) to a grande size.
High-Protein Menu: Signature protein drinks include lattes and cold foam-topped coffees and matchas with up to 36 grams of protein in a grande.
Customization: You can add protein cold foam to any cold drink or swap in protein-boosted milk for any milk-based beverage for an extra charge.
Nutritional Balance: Nutritionists advise viewing these beverages as a treat rather than a meal replacement, noting their potential for high sugar and calorie content.
Year-Round Availability: The protein lattes and cold foam options are a permanent addition to the menu, available year-round.
Non-Vegan: Because they are made with 2% milk and whey, the new options are not suitable for those seeking vegan or dairy-free protein sources.

As of September 2025, Starbucks officially offers a variety of permanent, protein-packed drink options to help customers meet their nutritional goals. This significant menu update was driven by rising consumer interest in functional beverages. The new lineup includes signature protein lattes and customizable protein cold foams, all made with premium whey protein.

The New Protein Lattes: A High-Protein Classic

Starbucks' new protein lattes are a key part of their expanded protein menu, featuring a base of protein-boosted milk (a blend of 2% milk and whey protein). These lattes are available hot or iced and can provide approximately 27 to 36 grams of protein in a grande size. The protein-boosted milk can also be used as a substitute in any standard latte for an extra charge. Core flavors include Vanilla, Sugar-Free Vanilla, Protein Matcha, and Sugar-Free Vanilla Protein Matcha.

Customize with Protein Cold Foam

Protein cold foam is a versatile addition to cold drinks, adding flavor, texture, and about 15 grams of whey protein to any iced coffee, tea, or Refresher. Customizable protein cold foam flavors include Plain, Vanilla, Sugar-Free Vanilla, Chocolate, Matcha, Salted Caramel, Brown Sugar, and seasonal options. Signature drinks featuring protein cold foam are also available, such as the Iced Banana Cream Protein Matcha (24g protein), Iced Vanilla Cream Protein Latte (26g protein), and Chocolate Cream Protein Cold Brew (19g protein).

How to Order Your Custom Protein Drink

To get a protein-enhanced drink, you can order a signature protein beverage or customize an existing drink by adding protein cold foam (about 15g protein for roughly $2 extra) or substituting with protein-boosted milk in milk-based drinks (12-16g protein for about $1 extra). Prices may vary by location. Note that these protein options are dairy-based and not suitable for vegans or those with dairy sensitivities.

Nutritional Considerations

While the new protein drinks are a convenient source of protein, they are not always a complete meal replacement. Sweetened options can increase calorie and sugar content. Consulting a nutritionist for personalized advice is recommended. A comparison between a standard and protein version of a grande Chocolate Cream Cold Brew shows the protein version has significantly more protein (19g vs 3g) but also more calories (330 kcal vs 240 kcal). Sugar-free protein options are available for those seeking lower sugar choices.

Beyond Drinks: Other Starbucks Protein Options

Starbucks also offers food items that provide additional protein, suitable for snacks or light meals. These include the Eggs & Cheddar Protein Box (22g protein), Spinach, Feta & Egg White Wrap (20g protein), and Kale & Mushroom Egg Bites.

Conclusion

Yes, you can easily get a protein drink at Starbucks. Their permanent new protein menu, launched in September 2025, includes protein lattes and customizable protein cold foams made with whey protein. These options offer a convenient way to add protein to your routine, but it's important to consider their overall nutritional profile and remember they are best enjoyed as part of a balanced diet. Always check the Starbucks app or website for the most current nutritional information.

This article is based on information available as of September 29, 2025, regarding Starbucks' new protein beverage offerings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Starbucks offers a new permanent lineup of Protein Lattes and Protein Cold Foam Drinks, which are made with either protein-boosted 2% milk or a special whey-based cold foam topping.

Protein cold foam is available in various flavors, including sweetened options like Vanilla and Chocolate, but also in unsweetened 'Plain' and 'Sugar-Free Vanilla' versions.

No, the new protein options at Starbucks are made with whey protein and 2% milk, meaning they are not suitable for a vegan or dairy-free diet.

Protein Cold Foam adds approximately 15 grams of protein per grande, while substituting with Protein-Boosted Milk adds 12 to 16 grams of protein to a grande latte.

Adding protein cold foam costs an extra $2, and substituting with protein-boosted milk costs an extra $1, with prices potentially varying by location.

Yes, Starbucks offers both the Iced and hot Sugar-Free Vanilla Protein Latte and Sugar-Free Vanilla Protein Matcha, as well as a Sugar-Free Vanilla Protein Cold Foam.

Yes, the new core lineup of protein lattes and cold foams was added to Starbucks' permanent, year-round menu as of September 29, 2025.

In addition to the new drinks, Starbucks offers protein-rich food items like the Eggs & Cheddar Protein Box, Spinach, Feta & Egg White Wrap, and Egg Bites.