Starbucks Announces New Protein Items on their Menu!

If you’ve ever looked at Starbucks and thought, “Man, I want my caffeine and my gains,” your prayers have been answered. Launching September 29, Starbucks is rolling out its new Protein Lattes—with up to 36 grams of protein in a grande—giving health-conscious gym fanatics the chance to fuel up without feeling like they compromised their routine. Made using protein-boosted milk, these new drinks don’t just hit the caffeine sweet spot; they double down on what matters most to fitness lovers: real muscle fuel. Starbucks is clearly leaning into innovation, and these new menu drops could be the game-changer for energizing your workouts and your day.

Breaking down the Protein Drink Options:

• Protein Lattes
  • Made with protein-boosted milk (2% milk + unflavored whey protein)
  • 27–36g protein per grande (16 oz)
  • Available hot or iced in multiple latte flavors
  • Permanent menu item
• Protein Cold Foam
  • Protein-enriched version of Starbucks’ popular cold foam topping
  • Adds ~15g protein from the foam alone
  • Flavors include: banana (new), vanilla, sugar-free vanilla, chocolate, matcha, salted caramel, brown sugar, plain
  • Seasonal flavors like pumpkin and pecan
  • Works on iced coffees, teas, and Refreshers
• Customization with Protein Milk
  • Swap protein-boosted milk into any milk-based drink (shaken espressos, lattes, Refreshers, etc.)
  • Adds ~12–16g extra protein depending on the drink
  • Gives flexibility if you don’t want a full Protein Latte

How's It Taste & What to Expect?🤔

When it comes to taste, Starbucks’ new protein drinks are expected to feel like a blend between your usual latte and a light protein shake. The protein-boosted milk gives the drinks a creamier, richer texture compared to regular 2% milk, while the unflavored whey protein keeps the flavor subtle so it doesn’t overpower the coffee. In plain lattes you might pick up on a mild “shake-like” note, but once flavors like vanilla, caramel, or chocolate are added, it should taste just like your go-to Starbucks order—only with a little more body and satisfaction. The protein cold foam will add a silky, milkshake-like layer on top of iced drinks, making them feel more filling, with the new banana foam standing out as a unique, smoothie-style option. Expect sweetness in the flavored versions (salted caramel, chocolate, brown sugar), but for a leaner sip, sugar-free and unsweetened choices are also available. Overall, it’s like Starbucks took your daily protein coffee hack and polished it—familiar taste, bigger macros, and a drink that actually helps you hit your protein goals while still enjoying that coffeehouse vibe.

Are the New Drink Options a good form of Protein?

Starbucks’ new protein drinks get their boost from protein-enhanced 2% milk, which is simply regular milk blended with unflavored whey protein powder. Since whey is one of the highest-quality protein sources available, these drinks do provide a complete, full-spectrum amino acid profile, covering all nine essential amino acids your body needs for recovery, muscle growth, and overall health. Combined with the natural proteins already found in milk (both whey and casein), this creates a strong balance of fast-digesting and slow-digesting proteins, giving you a steady release of amino acids. While Starbucks hasn’t published the exact amino acid breakdown, it’s safe to say that with whey at the core, these protein lattes and cold foams deliver adequate levels of BCAAs like leucine, isoleucine, and valine, making them a legit option for gym-goers who want their caffeine to also support their gains.

Where/When to Grab it💰

Starbucks’ new protein drinks officially launch on September 29, 2025, and you’ll be able to snag them at Starbucks locations across the U.S. and Canada. Both the Protein Lattes and Protein Cold Foam are being added as part of the permanent menu, meaning they won’t be a limited-time drop—you’ll be able to find them in-store, at the drive-thru, or even order ahead on the Starbucks app just like any other drink.

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