Starbucks is entering the functional beverage arena in the U.S. with new Protein Lattes and Protein Cold Foam offerings, delivering up to 36 g of protein per grande and a flavor range spanning vanilla to banana‑cream matcha.
The new protein menu showcases Starbucks’ broader strategic step towards modernizing its menu with innovative, relevant options that appeal to advancing consumer tastes.
These protein lattes and cold foam drinks are currated to provide a significant protein boost, with up to 36 grams of protein per grande (16-ounce) beverage. The lineup includes:
- Iced Banana Cream Protein Matcha – a green tea latte with unsweetened matcha and classic syrup, topped with Banana Protein Cold Foam (24 g protein per grande).
- Iced Vanilla Cream Protein Latte – an iced latte with Vanilla Protein Cold Foam (26 g protein).
- Chocolate Cream Protein Cold Brew – a Cold Brew coffee layered with Chocolate Protein Cold Foam along with sweetened with vanilla syrup (19 g protein).
The new Protein Lattes are made with protein-boosted milk, crafted daily by Starbucks baristas by blending 2% milk with premium whey protein. Flavours include:
- Sugar-Free Vanilla Protein Matcha – unsweetened matcha with protein-boosted milk and sugar-free vanilla syrup (28–36 g protein per grande).
- Sugar-Free Vanilla Protein Latte – espresso, sugar-free vanilla syrup, and protein-boosted milk (27–29 g protein).
- Protein Matcha – unsweetened matcha with classic syrup and protein-boosted milk (28–36 g protein).
- Vanilla Protein Latte – espresso with protein-boosted milk and sweet vanilla (27–29 g protein).
These launches by Starbucks is signalling a clear focus on functional beverages, responding to a growing trend for high-protein, performance-oriented drinks in the US market.
Executive Statement
According to Tressie Lieberman, Starbucks’ global chief brand officer, their new protein beverages tap into the growing consumer demand for protein in an innovative, premium and delicious way that only Starbucks can deliver.