You’ve seen protein sneak into your cereal, your pancake mix, even your pasta. Now it’s coming for your coffee. And Starbucks, the undisputed king of caffeinated trends, is leading the charge.
Beginning September 29, Starbucks will roll out a brand-new protein-focused line across the U.S. and Canada, blending creamy flavor with muscle-friendly nutrition. It’s the company’s first formal step into the world of protein drinks, and if you’re someone who tries to hit your macros before noon, this could be your new go-to.
This isn’t just a scoop of powder tossed into your drink. Starbucks developed a proprietary protein blend specifically for cold foam and milk-based beverages, aiming for texture, taste, and nutritional value that feels more like a natural part of the menu than a gym shake in disguise.
What’s Coming
Protein Cold Foam will be available in flavors like vanilla, chocolate, matcha, salted caramel, brown sugar, and the surprising newcomer: banana — making a comeback nearly two decades after Starbucks last featured the flavor in 2006.
Seasonal options like pumpkin and pecan are expected to join the rotation as fall kicks in. Each grande-sized drink with cold foam will contain anywhere from 19 to 26 grams of protein—without altering the core beverage underneath. For perspective, that’s equivalent to 3-4 large eggs’ worth of protein.
Alongside that, Protein Lattes made with a new 2% milk enriched with unflavored protein will offer 27 to 36 grams of protein per grande. Customers can also substitute this protein milk for regular milk in any milk-based drink, adding 12 to 16 grams of protein without changing their usual order.
Why Now?
Consumer data has been hinting at this shift for a while. According to recent surveys, nearly 3 in 4 Americans are trying to consume more protein. Whether it’s for satiety, strength, or just another excuse to feel “healthy-ish,” the demand is real and Starbucks is responding.
The launch follows successful trials at select Starbucks locations as part of its internal “Starting Five” testing program, which fast-tracks promising concepts into broader release. The company’s strategy seems clear: take something people already do every morning and give it a subtle nutritional upgrade without making it feel like a detour to the health food aisle.
On a practical level, this solves a real problem. If you’ve ever left the house debating between breakfast and coffee, this new lineup might help you cheat the system. Grab your caffeine, get your protein, and still feel like you’re treating yourself. No word yet on whether they’ll expand beyond, but if the buzz is any indication, protein might be sticking around the Starbucks menu for a while, making morning routines just a little stronger.
Sources: Starbucks, All Recipes