Your Guide to Starbucks' New Protein Lineup
In a significant menu update in late 2025, Starbucks introduced a permanent lineup of protein-rich beverages and customization options. This addressed the long-standing customer demand for more ways to incorporate protein into their coffee routines.
New Signature Protein Drinks
Starbucks' new menu features several signature drinks utilizing new protein ingredients. These are offered in both hot and iced variations where applicable.
- Protein Cold Foam Drinks: These beverages are topped with a cold foam made with premium whey protein, adding about 15 grams of protein in a grande size. Examples include the Iced Banana Cream Protein Matcha (24g protein), Iced Vanilla Cream Protein Latte (26g protein), and Chocolate Cream Protein Cold Brew (19g protein).
- Protein Lattes: Made with Protein-Boosted Milk, a mix of 2% milk and premium whey protein. A grande can provide 27 to 36 grams of protein. Options include Vanilla Protein Latte, Protein Matcha, Sugar-Free Vanilla Protein Latte, and Sugar-Free Vanilla Protein Matcha in both hot and iced versions.
Customization: Two Ways to Add Protein
Starbucks offers two key customization options to add protein to existing drinks:
- Protein Cold Foam: This foam can be added to any cold beverage like iced coffee, tea, or Refreshers. It adds approximately 15 grams of protein to a grande and comes in various flavors.
- Protein-Boosted Milk: Substitute regular milk with Protein-Boosted Milk in any drink for an extra cost (typically $1-$2). This adds an extra 12–16 grams of protein in a grande latte.
At-Home and Ready-to-Drink Options
Starbucks also has ready-to-drink (RTD) protein coffee beverages available in stores. These bottled drinks, like the Starbucks® Protein Drink with Coffee in flavors such as Caffe Latte, contain around 20g of protein and use milk protein powder.
What are the Protein Sources? Does it taste chalky?
Starbucks utilizes premium whey protein isolate for its in-store drinks, chosen for its smooth texture and neutral taste. This helps avoid the chalky texture sometimes associated with protein powders. Reviews generally indicate the protein blends well without a chalky aftertaste.
How Starbucks Protein Options Compare to Regular Drinks
Below is a comparison highlighting the protein content of new protein options versus classic drinks (grande size, based on Starbucks data, values may vary):
| Feature | Classic Iced Vanilla Latte | Iced Vanilla Cream Protein Latte | Classic Cold Brew | Chocolate Cream Protein Cold Brew |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Protein (g) | ~12 | ~26 | <1 | ~19 |
| Calories | ~190 | ~390 | 5 | ~330 |
| Sugars (g) | ~28 | ~25 | 0 | ~26 |
| Customization | Standard milk options | Made with Vanilla Protein Cold Foam | Add syrups/cream | Made with Chocolate Protein Cold Foam |
| Primary Use | Standard coffee drink | High-protein caffeine boost | Simple, smooth coffee | Protein-packed coffee with sweet flavor |
Conclusion
Starbucks has significantly expanded its menu to definitively answer the question, "Does Starbucks have a protein drink option?". The 2025 permanent additions of Protein Lattes and Cold Foam options, along with customization, allow customers to easily add substantial protein to their beverages. These options, using high-quality whey protein, reflect Starbucks' response to the demand for functional drinks. For detailed nutrition information, refer to the official Starbucks menu or app.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What exactly is Protein-Boosted Milk at Starbucks? A: Starbucks' Protein-Boosted Milk is a blend of 2% dairy milk and premium whey protein, prepared fresh by baristas daily. It can be used as a substitute for regular milk in most milk-based beverages for an extra protein boost.
Q: Can I get a protein drink that has no added sugar? A: Yes, Starbucks offers specific options designed with sugar-free syrup. The Sugar-Free Vanilla Protein Latte and Sugar-Free Vanilla Protein Matcha both utilize sugar-free vanilla syrup and protein-boosted milk.
Q: How much protein can I get in a single drink? A: Depending on the drink and customizations, a grande-sized protein beverage can offer a significant amount. A Protein Cold Foam drink adds about 15 grams of protein, while some Protein Lattes provide up to 36 grams of protein.
Q: Do the new protein drinks taste chalky? A: No, most customer and reviewer feedback indicates a smooth, creamy texture with no chalkiness. This is because Starbucks uses a premium whey protein isolate intended to blend seamlessly.
Q: Is Protein Cold Foam available on any drink? A: Yes, Protein Cold Foam can be added to any cold beverage, including iced coffee, iced tea, and Refreshers, for an additional charge. Flavors include vanilla, chocolate, and banana, plus seasonal options.
Q: How much extra does it cost to add protein? A: The cost can vary by location. Adding Protein Cold Foam is typically an additional $2, and substituting Protein-Boosted Milk costs around $1.
Q: Can I get a vegan protein drink option? A: Currently, Starbucks' in-store protein offerings are made with whey protein and 2% dairy milk, so they are not vegan. While non-dairy milks can be used in other areas of the drink, the core protein boost is dairy-based.
Q: What is the protein source in the new Starbucks drinks? A: Starbucks uses premium whey protein isolate, which is a dairy-based protein. It's used in both the Protein Cold Foam and Protein-Boosted Milk.
