Starbucks recently shared a never-before-seen product at its 2025 Leadership Experience conference. The new product aligns with Starbucks’ broader innovation strategy and consumers’ growing demand for higher-protein foods. As it’s still in the testing phase, it will only be available at select stores across the United States.
Protein has become a ubiquitous buzzword in today’s food landscape, with 71 percent of Americans reportedly trying to consume more protein in 2024. This trend has now extended to our morning coffee routine, with Starbucks testing a new protein cold foam.
For the first time, Starbucks is experimenting with a protein cold foam to add extra nutrition to each sip of morning coffee. The protein cold foam was unveiled at Starbucks’ Leadership Experience (LE) 2025 event, where attendees had the opportunity to try this innovative new product.
Starbucks announced several new innovations at the LE 2025 convention, including new menu items and operational updates like the “Green Apron Service” and the “Starting Five” program. The Starting Five program utilizes select coffeehouses in the U.S. to test out new products before a national launch, gathering feedback from customers and partners to shape the final product.
The new protein cold foam is a response to the growing consumer demand for protein-rich options. Made with a bespoke protein powder and Starbucks’ neutral cold foam base, the protein cold foam adds around 15 to 18 grams of protein to your drink—equivalent to a cup of cooked chickpeas or two eggs.
One standout from the LE tasting event was the Banana Protein Cold Foam, which was added to the classic Iced Caffe Latte. Despite initial skepticism about the combination of banana and protein in a latte, the Banana Protein Cold Foam impressed attendees with its fresh, creamy taste and real banana flavor. The protein cold foam is customizable with various flavorings, allowing customers to personalize their drink to their liking.
As the Banana Protein Cold Foam is still in the testing phase, it is only available at select Starbucks locations. Customers will have to wait for it to graduate from the Starting Five program to become a permanent menu item. In the meantime, those looking to increase their protein intake can enjoy this innovative addition to their morning coffee routine.
