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Starbucks introduced Protein Lattes and Protein Cold Foam in the U.S. and Canada on September 29, 2025. Starbucks lists approximate protein amounts for the drinks, but there’s no firsthand tasting evidence here, so this guide sticks to what the company says about ingredients, protein, ordering and launch pricing. Menus and prices can change; check your local Starbucks before ordering.
What are Starbucks’ protein drinks?
The coffeehouse menu additions are Protein Lattes, made with protein-boosted milk, and Protein Cold Foam, a topping for cold drinks. Starbucks describes the milk as creamy 2% milk blended with whey protein, prepared daily by baristas, with no added sugar. The company says the milk can replace milk in drinks whose recipes already include dairy milk; it is not offered as a creamer.
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Protein Cold Foam is a separate add-on, not a milk substitution. At launch, Starbucks named plain, banana, vanilla, sugar-free vanilla, chocolate, matcha, salted caramel and brown sugar flavors, as well as seasonal pumpkin and pecan. Those launch flavors do not establish what is available now.
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Starbucks’ published figures are approximate and generally use a grande as the comparison size. The amount can change with size, recipe and customizations; these are company-reported figures, not independent laboratory results.
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| Drink named at launch | Approximate protein per grande, as stated by Starbucks |
|---|---|
| Sugar-Free Vanilla Protein Matcha, hot or iced | 28–36 g |
| Protein Matcha, hot or iced | 28–36 g |
| Sugar-Free Vanilla Protein Latte, hot or iced | 27–29 g |
| Vanilla Protein Latte, hot or iced | 27–29 g |
| Iced Banana Cream Protein Matcha | 24 g |
| Iced Vanilla Cream Protein Latte | 26 g |
| Chocolate Cream Protein Cold Brew | about 19 g |
The ranges for the matcha and latte options mean the stated amount is not a single fixed number. Consider size and requested changes when comparing drinks, and check the nutrition details for the exact order you plan to place.
Can you add protein to another Starbucks drink?
Protein Cold Foam
Starbucks says a grande serving of Protein Cold Foam adds approximately 15 g of protein. At launch, the company said it could be added to cold coffee, iced tea or Refreshers. It does not make a drink hot, and Starbucks described it as a topping rather than a way to replace milk.
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Protein-boosted milk
Starbucks said protein-boosted milk adds about 12–16 g of protein to a grande latte when substituted for the usual dairy milk. The company said it is only available in beverages whose recipes already contain dairy milk, so it cannot be added to every drink.
What did the add-ons cost at launch?
Starbucks’ September 2025 announcement listed protein-boosted milk at $1 and Protein Cold Foam at $2, with prices varying by store. These were launch prices, not a guarantee of today’s local price. Check the app or ask the store before ordering, especially if you are budgeting for a customization.
To compare orders sensibly, use the same size and account for any add-on charge. Protein grams alone do not tell you whether a drink suits your taste or how it fits your overall nutrition preferences.
How to choose an order
- For a hot drink: The launch list included hot Protein Lattes and Protein Matcha options.
- For a cold drink: Cold foam can be added to eligible cold beverages; named launch drinks included iced lattes, matcha and cold brew.
- To avoid added sugar in the milk: Starbucks says its protein-boosted milk has no added sugar. Sugar-free vanilla options were also listed at launch; that does not establish the total sugar content of the finished drink.
- To manage cost: Check whether the order uses a paid milk substitution or foam add-on, and confirm the current local price.
- To compare protein: Use Starbucks’ approximate figures for the same size, then account for customizations that may change the recipe.
Are the bottled Starbucks Coffee & Protein drinks the same thing?
No. In February 2026, Starbucks announced a separate ready-to-drink Coffee & Protein line for grocery retail, with a stated launch date of March 23, 2026. Starbucks described each serving as having 22 g of complete protein, 5 g of prebiotic fiber, five vitamins and minerals, and 2 g of sugar. The company said the product was developed through the North American Coffee Partnership, its joint venture with PepsiCo. These are company-stated product figures; this bottled line is distinct from a barista-made Protein Latte or a cold-foam customization. Retail availability may vary.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
