Earlier this month, Starbucks announced the arrival of new protein lattes and protein cold foam on its menu, starting September 29th. While I am a huge Starbucks fan, I’ll admit I initially felt that this announcement may end up going the way of the olive-oil-infused Oleato product line, which was discontinued from cafe menus shortly after its release. With recent news of Starbucks attempting to simplify its menus, this step initially felt like a move in the wrong direction.
Upon first browsing this announcement, it felt like a quick push by the brand to hop on the “proffee” trend as Americans try to get more protein in their diets. To my surprise, my initial judgments about the new Starbucks protein drinks were entirely wrong. Here’s why I think these new protein drinks are more than just a short-lived trend and why I think they may be a menu item that’s here to stay.
What I thought before trying
The new product line consists of three new protein cold foam drinks joining the menu: the Iced Banana Cream Protein Matcha, the Iced Vanilla Cream Protein Latte, and the Chocolate Cream Protein Cold Brew. While these first sounded delicious upon reading the news release from Starbucks, I wondered if these
Traditional cold foam at Starbucks is smooth and creamy, so I was curious if the additional protein mixed into the cold foam would change the enjoyability of this coffee topping. Upon trying the Starbucks Protein Cold Foam, I found that the opposite was true. You could hardly tell any additional protein had been added to the cold foam, and the texture was just as smooth and creamy as the regular cold foam.
At about 19 to 26 grams of protein (per Grande size), I’m pretty impressed at how good this coffee tastes. The light hint of vanilla flavor in the Iced Vanilla Cream Protein Latte felt just right and not too sweet. After all, the person ordering a coffee with extra protein probably isn’t looking to consume excess sugar, too.
In addition to the three new flavors of protein cold foam drinks, the new protein menu also includes four protein lattes: Sugar-Free Vanilla Protein Matcha, Sugar-Free Vanilla Protein Latte, Protein Matcha, and Vanilla Protein Matcha, all available either iced or hot. Instead of cold foam, these beverages contain a protein-boosted milk, designed to add even more protein to your morning brew. While I didn’t try any of these varities, I was impressed to hear that a Grande can pack in anywhere from 27 to 36 grams of protein.
Why protein coffee at Starbucks may be here to stay
National coffee brands like Starbucks always have new menu drops, and I understand that not every item can stay on the menu forever. Experimental options like olive oil-infused coffee need to find the right market to thrive in. The difference, however, is that the concept of protein coffee appeals to a larger group, making it easy to get extra protein in a coffee you were probably already going to order.
Unlike protein shakes that can often have a “chalky” or “powdery” texture, the new Starbucks protein drinks are smooth and delicious. Even the Chocolate Cream Protein Cold Brew, which sounds like it would be too sweet, was perfectly balanced (and ended up being my favorite one of the selection). This drink tasted like the perfect fusion of cold brew and a chocolate protein shake.
