Starbucks Is Launching Protein Cold Foam and Lattes

• Starbucks is launching Protein Cold Foam and Protein Lattes nationwide on Sept. 29 as permanent menu items.
• Cold Foam drinks will offer 19 to 26g of protein; lattes will pack 27 to 36g thanks to new protein-boosted milk.
• Dietitian notes that added sugars remain high, and unsweetened options are better for daily routines.

Today, Starbucks announced its newest menu items set to release at the end of the month, and for those looking to add more protein to their routine, this one’s for you.

That’s right: Starbucks just entered the protein chat with two different high-protein options. Firstly, the anticipated Protein Cold Foam will be available to top your favorite drinks, from coffee to matcha, starting on September 29. But that’s not all, because the breakfast chain is also releasing Protein Lattes on the same day.

The cold foam will come in a variety of flavors, including unsweetened and sugar-free options, per the press release. These include a new banana flavor, vanilla, sugar-free vanilla, chocolate, matcha, salted caramel and brown sugar—and you can also opt for plain Protein Cold Foam if you’re focused on texture and nutrients alone.

These aren’t just seasonal items; There will be Protein Cold Foam beverages and Protein Latte varieties added to the permanent menu. The cold foam drinks will boast between 19 to 26 grams of protein per grande cup, depending on the flavor. And the Starbucks Protein Lattes will deliver 27 to 36 grams of protein for grande drinks, thanks to the protein-boosted milk.

Because protein-boosted milk is being added to the dairy options at Starbucks, customers will also be able to swap it for their milk preference in any hot or iced drink, like iced shaken espresso and refreshers. In the press release, Starbucks says these drinks are being added to the menu to provide more high-protein options, as eight out 10 Americans are prioritizing protein in their daily eating patterns, per a 2025 survey. 

We asked our senior nutrition editor Jessica Ball, M.S., RD to comment on the protein trend, from her thoughts on the drinks to the importance of protein and other nutrients. Here’s what she has to say.

“While it’s important to get enough protein in your day, most Americans don’t have trouble meeting their daily needs. Plus, these drinks will likely still be very high in added sugar (Starbucks’ standard grande Vanilla Latte has 35 grams, for example), which is something most of us eat too much of,” shares Ball. “So while this could be helpful if you need something more filling when you’re on the go, it’s not the best choice for a daily drink. Instead, focus on consuming a protein-rich balanced breakfast, like overnight oats, a yogurt and berry smoothie or toast with avocado and an egg.”

And if you’re looking to include a Starbucks protein coffee in a more regular routine, consider opting for their unsweetened or sugar-free choices instead of their sweetened flavored beverages. While waiting for these high-protein drinks to drop, try our highly-rated High-Protein Whipped Iced Coffee that only takes five minutes to make at home. Our version is full of flavor and has only two grams of added sugar!