Starbucks to launch protein lattes on National Coffee Day
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Starbucks is launching new protein options on Sept. 29, 2025, which is National Coffee Day. Photo: Victor J. Blue/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Starbucks is joining America's protein craze by marking National Coffee Day with the Sept. 29 rollout of new Protein Lattes and Protein Cold Foam.
Why it matters: Americans are hungry for protein, with 70% saying they try to consume more, according to the 2025 IFIC Food & Health Survey.
Driving the news: The company said Tuesday it will launch new protein options nationwide, after first unveiling a protein test in June as part of its "Back to Starbucks" plan.
- The move builds on the turnaround plan's strategy to modernize its menu and appeal to health-conscious customers.
The big picture: Restaurant brands like Dutch Bros Coffee and Smoothie King have added more protein to their products to cater to changing consumer appetites and meet surging demand.
- Eating a high-protein diet is important to maintain muscle for people taking appetite-suppressing injectable treatments like Ozempic and Wegovy, research shows.
- Nearly 18 million Americans are expected to be taking versions of GLP-1 drugs by 2029, according to investment bank UBS.
Flashback: Starbucks had protein smoothies in the past, launching its Vivanno shakes in 2008. They were discontinued in 2018.
- The company also launched a protein drink in the U.K. last year.
Starbucks' protein cold foam, new lattes
Zoom in: The Protein Cold Foam will come in a variety of flavors including a new banana flavor, vanilla, sugar-free vanilla, chocolate, matcha, salted caramel, and brown sugar, as well as seasonal flavors.
- The cold foam and new Protein Lattes made with "Protein-boosted Milk" will have approximately 15 to 36 grams of protein per 16-ounce grande beverage, Starbucks said.
The intrigue: The company says its protein-boosted milk will be "crafted fresh daily by Starbucks baristas, blending creamy 2% milk with unflavored protein powder."
- Customers will be able to customize beverages with protein-boosted 2% milk in any drink where milk is part of the recipe, Starbucks said.
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