Starbucks Just Went Full Protein, Here’s What’s Worth Trying

If you told me last year that Starbucks would launch drinks with 30 grams of protein, I would’ve laughed. This is the same brand that gave us cookie crumble Frapps and pink drinks. not gym shakes.

But here we are in 2025.

This month, Starbucks dropped seven new protein-packed drinks, from matcha lattes to chocolate cold brews. And honestly? They sound kind of amazing.

Here’s what’s new, what’s healthy, and which one might actually replace your morning shake.

The Coffee Chain’s Healthiest Era Yet

Starbucks has made its name on sugar-topped Frappuccinos and holiday nostalgia. But this fall, the biggest news on its menu isn’t pumpkin spice, it’s protein.

In October 2025, the coffee giant launched seven new drinks that blend the familiar flavors of espresso, cold brew, and matcha with protein-boosted milk and cold foam. Each delivers between 19 and 36 grams of protein per grande, pushing Starbucks firmly into the functional beverage market.

“Our new protein beverages tap into the growing consumer demand for protein in an innovative, premium, and delicious way,” said Tressie Lieberman, Starbucks’ global chief brand officer, in a Starbucks Stories article announcing the new protein lineup

It’s a smart move: searches for “protein coffee” have doubled since 2023, and the wellness-meets-indulgence niche is one of the fastest-rising beverage categories worldwide.

The Seven Drinks Defining Starbucks’ Protein Lineup

Starbucks didn’t just drop one protein drink, they launched a full lineup.

Built around two upgrades, Protein Cold Foam and Protein-Boosted Milk, the new drinks hit every craving: creamy, chocolatey, even banana. Each packs at least 19 grams of protein, with some topping 30.

New Protein Cold Foam Drinks

These are all iced drinks that use the flavored Protein Cold Foam as their star ingredient.

1. Iced Banana Cream Protein Matcha

A green-tea latte with 24 grams of protein, topped with Banana Protein Cold Foam. Beverage developer Sakthi Vijayakumar says the combo came from “how matcha and fruit flavors naturally complement each other.” Think tropical energy meets Zen calm.

2. Iced Vanilla Cream Protein Latte

A protein-packed remix of the espresso classic. Each grande has 26 grams of protein and a thick layer of Vanilla Protein Cold Foam for that dessert-like texture, the “macro-friendly vanilla latte” Starbucks fans didn’t know they needed.

3. Chocolate Cream Protein Cold Brew

At 19 grams of protein, this is the richest option for chocolate lovers. Layers of Chocolate Protein Cold Foam and a hint of vanilla syrup make it feel indulgent without the sugar bomb.

Protein Milk Drinks

These use Starbucks’ new Protein-Boosted Milk, which replaces regular milk in the drink base and delivers up to 36 g of protein per grande.

1. Sugar-Free Vanilla Protein Matcha

Available hot or iced, this drink delivers 28 to 36 grams of protein thanks to protein-boosted milk. Unsweetened matcha and sugar-free vanilla syrup create a smooth, low-carb alternative that still feels like a treat.

2. Sugar-Free Vanilla Protein Latte

Also served hot or iced, it packs 27 to 29 grams of protein per grande. Starbucks calls it “a smooth drink with no added sugar” — espresso meets minimalism.

3. Protein Matcha

A high-protein twist on the fan-favorite Matcha Latte, combining unsweetened matcha, classic syrup, and protein-boosted milk. Expect 28 to 36 grams of protein, plus that signature green tea calm.

4. Vanilla Protein Latte

The simplest and most versatile of the bunch — 27 to 29 grams of protein, hot or iced, with espresso, vanilla, and protein-boosted milk. You can add either Protein Cold Foam or Protein-Boosted Milk to any drink, creating endless custom combos.

Two Ways to Customize with Protein

Starbucks has made the “protein upgrade” modular, you can now add protein to dozens of drinks using two new options.

1. Starbucks® Protein Cold Foam

Adds ~15 grams of protein per grande. It’s a creamy topping that can go on cold coffee, tea, or Refreshers.

Available flavors:
Banana, Vanilla, Sugar-Free Vanilla, Chocolate, Matcha, Salted Caramel, Brown Sugar, Plain (no sugar).
Seasonal flavors: Pumpkin, Pecan (limited time).

→ Add to any drink for about $2 (prices vary).

2. Starbucks® Protein-Boosted Milk

Adds ~12–16 grams of protein per grande latte.

Blended fresh daily from 2% milk + premium whey protein.

→ Can be substituted in any hot or iced milk-based beverage for about $1.
Not available as a creamer or in dairy-free drinks.

Quick Reference: Starbucks’ Protein Drinks at a Glance

Why Starbucks Is Betting on Protein

I never thought I’d see the day when Starbucks became part of my post-workout routine, but here we are.

After years of oat milk this and sugar-free that, it makes total sense they’d jump on the protein trend. Everyone’s trying to make their coffee “do” something now, keep you full, help recovery, make mornings easier. Starbucks just found a way to make it taste like dessert.

I told a friend, “Protein’s the new pumpkin spice,” half-joking… but I kind of meant it. Searches for “protein coffee” have doubled since 2023, and clearly Starbucks noticed.

This isn’t just about caffeine anymore, it’s about optimization. These drinks blur the line between your latte and your protein shake, and honestly? I’m here for it.

So, which one would you try first — the Banana Cream Matcha or the Chocolate Cold Brew?

Drop it in the comments, or check out what else is new in the Starbucks Hub