Discover the New Protein Lattes and Drinks at Starbucks Now on the Menu

Starbucks Introduces Protein-Infused Beverage Line Amidst Strategic Changes
Starbucks Unveils New Protein-Enhanced Drinks
In an effort to modernize its offerings, Starbucks has launched an innovative range of protein-enriched beverages. As of September 29, customers can indulge in the new Protein Lattes and Protein Cold Foam drinks, designed to cater to the growing consumer demand for protein-rich options. These new products represent Starbucks’ commitment to evolving its menu with contemporary and appealing choices.
Features of the New Protein Drinks
The newly introduced items include lattes made with protein-boosted milk and drinks featuring flavored protein-rich cold foam. Starbucks’ customers can also personalize their favorite drinks by adding flavored cold foam for an extra $2 or opt for protein-boosted milk in any hot or iced beverage for an additional $1. Prices may vary by location.
Starbucks’ Strategy for Innovation
According to Tressie Lieberman, Starbucks Global Chief Brand Officer, these innovative drinks are part of the company’s “Back to Starbucks” strategy, which involves menu modernization to resonate with customer preferences. This strategy was initiated by CEO Brian Niccol in September 2024.
Job Cuts and Store Closures in Strategic Revamp
While introducing new products, Starbucks has also announced a significant reduction in its workforce. On September 25, the company revealed plans to cut approximately 900 jobs and close over 400 locations. These changes are aimed at optimizing underperforming stores and enhancing customer and partner experiences.
Diverse Flavors in Protein Cold Foam and Lattes
The new lineup includes an array of flavors for both Cold Foam drinks and Protein Lattes:
- Iced Banana Cream Protein Matcha: Unsweetened matcha and classic syrup topped with Banana Protein Cold Foam, offering 24 grams of protein per grande size.
- Iced Vanilla Cream Protein Latte: Creamy iced latte with Vanilla Protein Cold Foam, providing 26 grams of protein.
- Chocolate Cream Protein Cold Brew: Cold Brew Coffee with layers of Chocolate Protein Cold Foam and vanilla syrup, containing 19 grams of protein.
Customers can also choose to add Protein Cold Foam in flavors such as banana, vanilla, chocolate, and other options, enhancing any drink with about 15 grams of extra protein for a $2 charge.
Starbucks’ Protein Lattes
Starbucks’ baristas create protein-boosted milk by blending creamy 2% milk with premium whey protein, available in the following latte varieties:
- Sugar-Free Vanilla Protein Matcha: Unsweetened matcha with sugar-free vanilla syrup and protein-boosted milk, containing 28 to 36 grams of protein per grande.
- Sugar-Free Vanilla Protein Latte: Espresso and sugar-free vanilla syrup with protein-boosted milk, offering 27 to 29 grams of protein per beverage.
- Protein Matcha: Classic syrup with unsweetened matcha and protein-boosted milk, delivering 28 to 36 grams of protein.
- Vanilla Protein Latte: Espresso paired with protein-boosted milk and sweet vanilla, providing 27 to 29 grams of protein.
Customers can substitute protein-boosted milk in any hot or iced beverage for an additional $1, adding 12–16 grams of protein to the typical grande latte.
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