Do They Sell Protein Drinks at Starbucks? Yes, Now On The Menu

January 10, 2026 •

2 min read

In a significant menu expansion, Starbucks officially introduced a new lineup of Protein Lattes and Protein Cold Foam beverages in September 2025 across the U.S. and Canada. This permanent addition, made with premium whey, caters to customers seeking to incorporate more protein into their daily routine with their coffee.

Quick Summary

Starbucks offers a permanent menu of protein-enhanced beverages, including Protein Lattes made with protein-boosted milk and Protein Cold Foam options. Customers can choose from several signature drinks or customize any milk-based beverage for an additional protein boost.

Key Points

New Permanent Menu: Starbucks launched a permanent lineup of Protein Lattes and Protein Cold Foam beverages in fall 2025 across the US and Canada.
High Protein Lattes: These are made with 'Protein-boosted Milk' (2% milk with whey protein) and provide between 27-36 grams of protein in a grande size.
Customizable Protein Cold Foam: Customers can add Protein Cold Foam (approx. 15g protein per grande) to any cold beverage, available in various flavors including plain and sugar-free vanilla.
Smooth Texture: The protein is integrated to avoid a gritty or chalky taste, offering a smooth and creamy texture, similar to regular lattes.
Packaged Options Available: In addition to handcrafted beverages, Starbucks also carries a bottled, plant-based protein shake, the Koia Vanilla Bean Protein Shake.
Sugar-Free Choices: Sugar-free vanilla options are available for both the Protein Lattes and the Protein Cold Foam.

Starbucks Adds Permanent Protein Drinks to the Menu

Recognizing customer demand for convenient protein options, Starbucks launched a permanent line of protein-packed beverages in fall 2025. The offerings fall into two main categories: High Protein Lattes and Protein Cold Foam Drinks, allowing for nutritional customization.

The New High Protein Lattes

These lattes feature 'Protein-boosted Milk,' a blend of creamy 2% milk and whey protein prepared fresh daily. Available hot or iced, options include the Iced Vanilla Protein Latte, Protein Matcha, Sugar-Free Vanilla Protein Latte, and Sugar-Free Vanilla Protein Matcha.

Customizing with Protein Cold Foam

Starbucks also offers a Protein Cold Foam containing about 15 grams of whey protein per grande serving. This foam can be added to any cold drink and comes in permanent flavors like Vanilla, Sugar-Free Vanilla, Chocolate, Banana, and Plain, plus seasonal varieties.

Grab-and-Go Options

For quick protein, Starbucks provides packaged options like the Koia® Vanilla Bean Protein Shake, a dairy-free, plant-based choice.

Protein Drink Comparison Table


Drink Name	Main Ingredients	Protein per Grande	Notes
Iced Vanilla Protein Latte	Espresso, Protein-boosted Milk, Vanilla	27-29 grams	Classic and smooth, available hot or iced.
Iced Vanilla Cream Protein Latte	Espresso, Milk, Vanilla Protein Cold Foam	26 grams	A decadent, layered drink with protein in the topping.
Protein Matcha	Unsweetened Matcha, Protein-boosted Milk, Classic Syrup	28-36 grams	Vibrant and creamy, available hot or iced.
Chocolate Cream Protein Cold Brew	Cold Brew, Vanilla Syrup, Chocolate Protein Cold Foam	19 grams	A lighter, less milky option for cold brew lovers.
Koia® Vanilla Bean Protein Shake	Plant-based protein, vanilla flavor	Not grande, varies by packaging	Dairy-free, grab-and-go option.

Taste and Customer Reaction

Initial feedback highlights the smooth texture, free from the typical grittiness of protein powders. The 'Protein-boosted Milk' mimics standard latte texture, while flavors like chocolate and banana cream have been popular.

Ordering for Specific Dietary Needs

Sugar-free choices include the Sugar-Free Vanilla Protein Latte and Sugar-Free Vanilla Protein Matcha, as well as plain and sugar-free vanilla Protein Cold Foams. For dairy-free needs, the packaged Koia shake is an option since in-house protein uses dairy.

Conclusion

Starbucks has successfully integrated protein into its menu with permanent latte and cold foam options. This offers convenient and tasty ways to add protein to coffee, moving beyond at-home solutions. The menu expansion reflects Starbucks' response to wellness trends.

For more information on the official protein offerings, visit the Starbucks website Starbucks Official Protein Page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Starbucks officially added a permanent lineup of protein beverages to its menu in September 2025. These include both Protein Lattes and Protein Cold Foam drinks, available year-round.

'Protein-boosted Milk' is a custom blend of creamy 2% milk and premium whey protein, batched fresh daily by baristas. It is used to create the High Protein Lattes on the menu and can be substituted into other milk-based drinks.

The protein content varies by drink and size. A grande Protein Latte contains approximately 27 to 36 grams of protein, while the Protein Cold Foam drinks offer between 19 and 26 grams.

The in-house protein options utilize dairy-based 'Protein-boosted Milk' and whey protein in the cold foam. However, a dairy-free, packaged option is often available, such as the Koia Vanilla Bean Protein Shake.

Yes, Starbucks offers both a Sugar-Free Vanilla Protein Latte and a Sugar-Free Vanilla Protein Matcha. Plain and Sugar-Free Vanilla Protein Cold Foams are also available for customization.

You can add 'Protein-boosted Milk' as a substitute in any hot or iced beverage that calls for milk. Protein Cold Foam can also be added as a topping to any cold beverage.

According to reviews and official announcements, the drinks are specifically formulated to avoid a chalky or gritty texture. The premium whey protein is blended to create a smooth, creamy texture that integrates well with the other ingredients.