When I think of “fall” and “Starbucks,” my brain quickly envisions the sweet taste of a Pumpkin Spice Latte. One thing I didn’t have on my autumn bingo card? A whole new lineup of protein-packed beverages that combine your daily caffeine fix with the nutritional benefits of cracking open a Boost. In case you missed it: Starbucks just dropped a bunch of new protein drinks and cold foam options that just might make me forgo my usual whey powder post-workout (and beyond).
Starbucks’ new protein drinks are creating quite the stir, and it isn’t hard to see why. These sips provide up to 36 grams of protein per grande-sized cup and are available at Starbucks locations in the U.S. and Canada. So, in the name of journalism, I ventured over to my local Starbucks to try the newest not-so-fall menu additions—all to give you a taste of the lineup. I definitely have my favorites, but of course, you have to read on to find out which ones I think you should add to your usual order rotation.
What are the new Starbucks protein drinks?
This fall, Starbucks launched three new protein cold foam drinks: the Iced Banana Cream Protein Matcha, Iced Vanilla Cream Protein Latte, and Chocolate Cream Protein Cold Brew. The protein stems from the frothy foam top, which is infused with whey protein isolate and and slowly mixes into the drink as you sip.
To round out the menu, Starbucks also introduced protein versions of a few classic beverages. The Vanilla Protein Latte, Protein Matcha, Sugar-Free Vanilla Protein Latte, and Sugar-Free Vanilla Protein Matcha are now available in both hot and iced options. Made with whey protein powder mixed with 2 percent milk, these lattes have a creamy texture that balances the drink out. If you want the most protein, go with one of the iced matcha lattes, which pack in 36 grams of protein per grande, plus the same earthy taste you love (with or without a hint of vanilla).
If none of these flavors appeal to you, don’t worry! You can also add protein cold foam or protein-boosted milk to just about any drink on the menu (for a slight upcharge, of course). Yep, that means your favorite Shaken Espresso, Pumpkin Cream Chai, or even Pink Drink can get a protein boost. The only downfall? If you’re an oat milk girlie like me, keep in mind that the protein cold foam and protein-boosted milk cannot be made with dairy-free alternatives, so do with that what you will.
Are Starbucks protein drinks worth trying?
Anyone who regularly mixes protein powder into smoothies, shakes, or their morning coffee should absolutely give ‘em a try. However, not all Starbucks protein drinks are created equal. I personally was not a huge fan of the hot drinks and much preferred the iced options. I’m no scientist, but there was something about the ice slowly melting into the drink that diluted it nicely, giving each one a smooth, creamy taste that wasn’t chalky or too thick. This rang especially true with the Chocolate Cream Cold Brew, which had a nice balance of coffee and chocolate flavor that’s akin to a grown-up hot chocolate (except cold).
The Iced Protein Matcha Latte also tasted incredibly similar to my usual 3 p.m. Iced Matcha Latte. To be honest, if you gave me the protein version next to the classic, I wouldn’t be able to tell them apart… but would happily reap the health benefits of that extra protein boost.
As for hot drinks—like the Hot Vanilla Protein Latte and the Sugar-Free Vanilla Protein Matcha—I’d say they were a little grainy for my taste and required some serious mixing. The flavors were decent; however, the thick texture was the downfall for me.
TL;DR
Bottom line: Would I order any of these Starbucks protein drinks again? The cold foam, absolutely. But I will personally skip the hot protein lattes and go for my usual PSL. It’s fall after all!
Sanah Faroke, Contributing Writer
Sanah is a New York City-based writer and editor with a Bachelor of Science in journalism from Boston University. She has a knack for covering all things lifestyle, including new Starbucks drinks, fun seasonal activities to try, stylish home essentials, and even the steepest deals on the internet. Beyond The Everygirl, Sanah’s work has been published at Us Weekly, Real Simple, Food & Wine, Prevention, BestProducts, Delish, PS, and more.
