We Tried Starbucks’ Protein Drinks—Here’s Our Review

The day is finally here: Starbucks just launched their protein-packed menu today, starring different varieties of protein cold foam and lattes. The cold foam gets its protein from added whey protein, and the lattes are high in protein thanks to “protein-boosted milk,” which is a blend of 2% milk and whey protein. 

Some of these new drinks, like the new Protein Matcha, are boasting up to 36 grams of protein per 16-ounce grande cup. And a serving of the protein cold foam will add approximately 15 grams of protein to any iced drink you add it to, and the plain and sugar-free vanilla flavors contain no added sugar.

Myself and EatingWell’s news, trending and updates editor Abby Abesamis Demarest were given the exclusive opportunity to be among some of the first to try the new drinks. Starbucks provided three different new beverages for us to taste before the release. Here’s our honest review on the unsweetened protein cold foam, a flavored protein cold foam and a protein latte—spoiler alert: there’s one drink that you should definitely order.

Starbucks’ New Protein Drinks: Review

The three listed drinks are what Demarest and I tried ahead of the launch:

• Cold Brew with Plain Protein Cold Foam
• Iced Banana Cream Protein Matcha, no classic syrup
• Iced Sugar-Free Vanilla Protein Latte

These are all drinks you will be able to order starting today, but note that the first two drinks are customizations (you will have to specify cold brew with unsweetened protein cold foam, and for the matcha, no classic syrup if you’re looking for a lower-sugar option). 

When we compared notes, it became clear which drink was the winner. Drum roll, please… It’s the Starbucks cold brew with unsweetened cold foam! This combination is definitely worth the extra couple seconds it will take to order.

“This ended up being my favorite drink of the bunch,” Demarest shares. “The cold foam had a subtle sweetness that complemented the cold brew well. My mom said it got better with each sip.”

I fully agree. I genuinely think Starbucks’ cold brew is the superior iced beverage, and the added cold foam is just the cherry on top. I can see myself ordering this again and again, and it can be a more regular drink in the rotation because it has no added sugar. This is the one we absolutely recommend trying for taste and nutrition.

Something to note: While my drinks did not give a protein powder taste, Demarest said she got hit with a chalkiness at the first sip for both protein cold foam drinks. We went to two different locations, so the flavor could be location-dependent via how these drinks are blended. 

Our second favorite was the Iced Sugar-Free Vanilla Protein Latte. We agree that this tasted just like the chain’s iced vanilla latte, so it being sugar-free with added protein is definitely a bonus. Sorry, Iced Banana Cream Protein Matcha, you just didn’t stick out to us.

“The banana flavor was subtle but slightly artificial tasting,” Demarest said, which I completely agree with. 

While Demarest enjoyed the drink once the foam dissolved in the matcha, I honestly couldn’t finish this one. It was oddly sweet even without the classic syrup, and to me, the matcha and banana didn’t complement each other. But if this flavor combination sounds heavenly to you, go for it! Just know that this drink has added sugar, so it should be enjoyed in moderation.

Overall, I am looking forward to trying some more protein combinations, especially with the hot beverages. And you can now customize any drink that uses regular milk or cold foam with the protein options for just $1 more… pumpkin spice protein latte, anyone?