• Starbucks is currently testing a new menu item: Protein Cold Foam.
  • The cold foam, which will be available in a Banana flavor, will have somewhere between 15 to 18 grams of protein.
  • We asked a dietitian about the nutrition info and to weigh in on the protein coffee trend.

Starbucks is known for its innovation within the coffee industry—the fan-favorite chain has previously launched a variety of dairy-free drinks and even olive oil coffee. Now, the company is jumping on the protein coffee bandwagon with a new Protein Cold Foam that was announced at an event early last week.

“This thing is going to be a rocket,” Brian Niccol, CEO of Starbucks, said on stage at the Starbucks Leadership Experience in Las Vegas, according to Fast Company. “It’s on trend. It’s delicious.”

It’s unclear when the Protein Cold Foam (which will first be available in a Banana flavor) will appear on menus nationwide. However, as part of an approach to new menu innovations through a program called Starting Five, select locations in the United States are currently testing the Protein Cold Foam—along with freshly-baked croissants and Strato (layered) Frappuccinos.

Eventually, customers can look forward to topping their current coffee order with a cold foam that packs somewhere between 15 and 18 grams of protein. Here’s what you need to know.

Is Protein Cold Foam healthy?

Since Protein Cold Foam has yet to hit menus (meaning there’s no nutritional information available), it’s hard to say whether it can be considered “healthy.” However, if you’re trying to ensure you get enough protein in your diet, the menu option could help you meet your goals.

“Just because something’s trending on TikTok doesn’t mean it’s the best choice for everyone,” says Keri Gans, M.S., R.D., registered dietitian and author of The Small Change Diet of protein coffee as a whole. “While I’m all for making high-protein options more accessible, there’s a risk that drinks like this continue the misconception that coffee, protein-enhanced or not, can replace a balanced meal.”

Gans adds that a Starbucks coffee topped with Protein Cold Foam is better viewed as a “protein add-on” rather than a meal replacement. She still recommends eating well-rounded meals, full of fiber, healthy fats, and important vitamins and minerals (which aren’t likely to be found in a single beverage). “That said, for someone looking to boost their daily protein—whether for muscle support, satiety, or overall health—it could be a convenient way to sneak in a few extra grams. Just don’t mistake it for a complete breakfast or lunch,” Gans says.

Protein Cold Foam nutrition info

While the Protein Cold Foam nutrition information has yet to be released, we know that it contains 15 to 18 grams of protein (which equals 60 to 71 calories). Gans says that her main concern regarding the beverage would be what gets added to it. Basically, if you’re looking to order a healthy Starbucks drink, be conscious of extra calories and sugars mixed into your beverage.

“Syrups, sweetened cold foams, and flavorings can turn what seems like a smart choice into a high-calorie, high-sugar beverage. It’s important to consider the full picture, not just the protein,” Gans explains. “One gram of protein provides 4 calories. But the calories from protein aren’t usually the issue; what’s more concerning is the added sugar and saturated fat that may come along with a drink like this.”

Related Stories