Food & Beverage

Starbucks understands the protein assignment

Photo: Starbucks

October 1, 2025

Understanding more customers are looking to add more protein to their diets Starbucks has added a line of protein-boosted lattes, milks and cold foam drinks to the menu.

The 2024 Food & Health survey by the International Food Information Council reported that the number of people hoping to consume more protein rose from 59% in 2022 to 71% in 2024.

Starbucks is the U.S. and Canada are hoping to help fill that desire with protein-boosted drinks and customization options made with premium whey. Some options contain up to 36 grams of protein per 16-ounce grande size, according to a company press release.

Protein-enhanced drinks include:

• Iced Banana Cream Protein Matcha: Made with unsweetened matcha and classic syrup, topped with Banana Protein Cold Foam. A grande contains 24 grams of protein.
• Iced Vanilla Cream Protein Latte: An iced latte topped with Vanilla Protein Cold Foam. A grande contains 26 grams of protein.
• Chocolate Cream Protein Cold Brew: Starbucks signature Cold Brew Coffee with vanilla syrup, topped with Chocolate Protein Cold Foam. A grande contains 19 grams of protein.
• Sugar-Free Vanilla Protein Matcha: Available hot or iced, this drink combines unsweetened matcha and sugar-free vanilla syrup with protein-boosted milk. A grande contains 28 to 36 grams of protein.

Starbucks also highlighted that later next year, it plans to launch a ready-to-drink version of the protein beverages in grocery and convenience stores.