Can you add protein powder to Starbucks drinks?

According to recent announcements in September 2025, Starbucks now offers protein-boosted milk and cold foam, officially adding protein options to their menu. This means you can add protein powder to Starbucks drinks both by customizing your order and by using your own at home or in-store.

Quick Summary

Learn how to customize your Starbucks order with new protein-boosted milk and cold foam options, or discover popular at-home and in-store hacks to add protein powder to your favorite beverages smoothly.

Key Points

• Official Options: Starbucks now offers protein-boosted 2% milk and protein cold foam as customizable menu additions for most milk-based beverages.

• DIY at Home: Making your own protein coffee allows for maximum control over ingredients, flavor, and texture, using blenders or frothers to prevent clumps.

• No Clumps, No Problem: To avoid clumping, mix protein powder with a splash of cold liquid first before adding to hot coffee, or use a blender for a smooth, frothy result.

• Protein Choice Matters: Collagen peptides dissolve most easily in hot coffee, while whey and plant-based powders are best suited for cold drinks or require special mixing for hot ones.

• Consider Safety: While generally safe, be mindful of excessive protein intake and choose products without excess sugars or artificial ingredients.

Starbucks customers seeking a protein boost now have more options than ever before, thanks to the coffee giant's official inclusion of protein-enhanced options on its menu in late September 2025. For years, fitness enthusiasts created their own 'proffee' concoctions, but now the brand offers two key customization options: protein-boosted 2% milk and protein cold foam. These additions provide an official, barista-made way to add a significant amount of protein to a wide variety of hot and cold beverages. However, customers still have the choice to bring their own protein powder or ready-to-drink shakes for even more control over ingredients and nutrition.

Official Starbucks Protein Additions

Starbucks now offers two permanent, customizable protein options available for an additional charge, which can vary by store.

Protein-Boosted Milk: Crafted daily in-store by blending 2% milk with unflavored whey protein powder, this milk can be substituted for regular milk in any beverage that uses it. This includes lattes, cappuccinos, and iced shaken espressos. When used in a grande latte, it adds an extra 12–16 grams of protein.

Protein Cold Foam: This is a creamy, frothy topping made with whey protein that adds approximately 15 grams of protein to any cold beverage, such as cold brews, iced teas, or Refreshers. The protein cold foam is available in a variety of flavors, including vanilla, sugar-free vanilla, chocolate, matcha, salted caramel, brown sugar, and a plain option. Seasonal flavors like pumpkin and pecan also become available with a protein boost during their respective seasons.

How to DIY Your Protein Starbucks Drink

If you prefer to use your own protein powder for specific nutritional needs, to control ingredients, or to save money, it's still possible to create a protein-packed drink at Starbucks. The key is to order the right base and mix carefully to avoid the dreaded clumps.

Order the Right Base

• For Hot Drinks: Order a hot espresso or a plain drip coffee and ask for it to be served with a small amount of cold milk or water in a separate cup. This allows you to create a smooth protein paste before combining it with the hot liquid. It's often best to let the coffee cool for a minute or two to prevent the powder from clumping. Alternatively, order a hot brewed coffee and use a blender at home.
• For Iced Drinks: This is the easiest option. Order an iced espresso (e.g., a double shot) or cold brew in a larger cup with extra ice. This leaves plenty of room to pour in your own pre-made protein shake or to add protein powder directly and stir or shake vigorously.

Best Practices for Mixing

1. Use a Blender: This is the most effective method for a silky-smooth, frothy texture, especially for frappe-style drinks. Add your cooled coffee, protein powder, and milk or ice, then blend on high for 30–60 seconds.
2. Make a Paste First: For hot coffee, mix the protein powder with a small amount of cold water or milk until it forms a smooth paste. Then, gradually add the hot coffee while stirring continuously with a spoon or frother.
3. Invest in a Frother: A handheld milk frother is an excellent tool for dissolving protein powder smoothly into both hot and cold beverages without needing a large blender.
4. Use a Shaker Bottle: For cold drinks, a shaker bottle works wonders. Combine the cold coffee and protein powder and shake vigorously for 30–60 seconds. Just be cautious when using with hot liquids, as pressure can build up.

Comparison of Protein Types for Coffee

Choosing the right protein powder is crucial for a great-tasting, smooth-textured result. Different types interact differently with heat.

Feature	Collagen Peptides	Whey Protein	Plant-Based Protein (Pea/Hemp)
Best For	Hot and cold coffee	Cold coffee, post-workout	Cold coffee, vegan-friendly
Mixing in Hot Coffee	Excellent, dissolves seamlessly	Can clump; best mixed with a cold liquid first	Mixes fairly well, may require a frother
Texture	Smooth and undetectable	Can be slightly thick or clumpy if not mixed correctly	May have a slightly grittier or chalkier texture
Flavor	Unflavored options are truly neutral	Comes in many flavors; can be sweet	Flavor varies; can be slightly earthy

Is it Safe to Add Protein Powder to Coffee?

For most people, it is perfectly safe to add protein powder to coffee daily as a way to increase daily protein intake, especially for muscle repair, satiety, and energy. Heating protein powder does not destroy its nutritional value, but it can affect the texture by denaturing the proteins.

However, there are some considerations to keep in mind:

• Excess Protein: If you already consume enough protein through your diet, adding extra can lead to unwanted weight gain from excess calories or, in extreme long-term cases, potential kidney issues. The average person gets enough protein from food alone, but athletes or those with specific goals often need more.
• Sugar and Additives: Many flavored protein powders and Starbucks customizations contain added sugars and artificial ingredients. Opting for unsweetened powders or sugar-free syrups is the healthier choice. You can check the nutritional facts on the Starbucks app or website.
• Digestive Sensitivity: Some individuals may experience bloating or discomfort from certain protein types, especially whey or if consumed in high quantities. Start with a smaller amount to see how your body reacts.

Conclusion

Adding protein powder to Starbucks drinks is a convenient and customizable way to boost your daily intake. With Starbucks' new official protein-boosted milk and flavored cold foam, you can easily add protein to your favorite lattes, cold brews, and other milk-based drinks. For those who prefer to use their own powder, mixing hacks involving cold liquid or blending can ensure a smooth, clump-free experience. Whether you choose the official menu options or a DIY approach, protein coffee can offer a functional and delicious start to your day or post-workout recovery, as long as you remain mindful of your overall protein and sugar consumption.

Expert Tip: The Collagen Advantage

For those who primarily drink hot coffee and want the smoothest, most effortless experience, collagen peptides are an excellent choice because they dissolve completely and invisibly into hot liquids. Unlike some whey or plant-based options, you don't need a blender or frother to prevent a grainy texture, making it the ideal protein addition for a simple, classic hot brew.

How to Order at Starbucks with Your Own Protein Shake

1. Order Your Base: For an iced protein coffee hack, ask for a double shot of espresso over ice in a venti-sized cup to leave enough room for your shake.
2. Add Flavor (Optional): Ask for sugar-free syrup pumps like vanilla or cinnamon dolce if you want to add flavor without excess sugar.
3. Pour and Mix: Outside the drive-thru, pour your own pre-made Fairlife or Premier Protein shake directly into your cup and stir with a straw.

DIY Protein Frappuccino at Home (Starbucks Copycat)

This recipe mimics a high-protein Starbucks frappe using a blender.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup strong coffee, chilled
• 1/2 frozen banana, sliced
• 1 cup ice cubes
• 1 scoop vanilla or chocolate protein powder
• 1/4 cup milk of choice
• 1-2 tsp maple syrup (optional)

Instructions:

1. Chill your coffee beforehand. This is crucial for texture.
2. Add the chilled coffee, frozen banana, ice, protein powder, and milk into a high-speed blender.
3. Blend on high for 45-60 seconds, or until the mixture is thick, smooth, and frosty.
4. Taste, and if desired, add maple syrup for extra sweetness, and blend for another 10 seconds.
5. Pour into a glass and enjoy immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring my own protein powder for a Starbucks barista to add?

While Starbucks officially offers protein add-ins as of late 2025, some baristas may be willing to mix in your own powder if you ask politely. However, this is not a standard service, and you will likely have more reliable results by adding your own powder to a cold drink base or mixing it at home.

How do I prevent protein powder from clumping in my hot coffee?

To prevent clumping, the best methods are to either mix the protein powder with a small amount of cold water or milk first to create a paste, or use a blender or frother to dissolve the powder smoothly into the hot liquid. Letting the coffee cool slightly before adding the powder also helps.

What type of protein powder is best for coffee?

Collagen peptides are the most heat-stable and dissolve seamlessly in hot coffee without clumping, making them ideal for hot drinks. Whey protein works well in cold drinks, and plant-based options like pea or hemp protein are suitable for vegans, but both may require a blender or frother for a smooth result.

Do Starbucks' new protein drinks use plant-based protein?

No, Starbucks' new protein-boosted milk and cold foam use whey protein, which is dairy-based. For a plant-based option, you will need to use your own vegan protein powder and mix it yourself, or order an item with plant-based milk and ask for it to be blended with your own powder.

Does heating protein powder destroy its nutritional value?

No, heating protein powder (or cooking any protein-rich food) causes a process called denaturation, which alters its physical structure but does not significantly affect its nutritional value or amino acid content. However, excessive or prolonged heat can lead to a less desirable texture.

What's an easy hack for a high-protein iced coffee at Starbucks?

Order a double shot of espresso over ice in a venti cup. This leaves enough room for you to pour in a pre-made high-protein shake, like Fairlife or Premier Protein, that you have brought with you. Give it a good stir, and you have a high-protein, customized iced coffee.

Are Starbucks' new protein drinks high in sugar?

The sugar content depends on the drink and flavor. Some flavored protein options, like the matcha latte with classic syrup, may contain sugar. Starbucks does offer sugar-free vanilla protein options for both lattes and cold foam. Always check the nutrition facts on their app or website if you are monitoring your sugar intake.