The test is part of the company’s “Starting Five” innovation program, which allows select locations to test new food and drink items before they launch nationally.
WASHINGTON — At select Starbucks stores, you may be able to get in your protein fix after the gym along with your coffee.
Starbucks is piloting a new protein cold foam topping, the company announced this week during its 2025 Leadership Experience in Las Vegas.
The banana-flavored protein foam adds about 15 grams of protein to iced latte beverages and can be customized with any cold foam flavor.
It is currently being tested in five Starbucks stores in the Chicago area as part of the company’s new “Starting Five” innovation program, which allows select locations to test new food and drink items before they launch nationally.
During the testing period, insights from the Starting Five pilot stores will help shape final versions of these new products before any potential nationwide release.
“It’s on trend. It’s delicious,” Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol said about the new topping, USA Today reported.
Starbucks did not announce an official release date for the protein cold foam, but Niccol noted it will be available “very soon.”
The program is launching as part of Starbucks’ broader “Back to Starbucks” initiative to reignite sales as customer interest in specialty coffee drinks wanes and tariffs from the Trump administration cast an uncertain shadow over the U.S. economy. The plan includes simplifying the menu by cutting 30% of items and introducing newer products.
“We’re simplifying our menu to focus on fewer, more popular items, executed with excellence. This will make way for innovation, help reduce wait times, improve quality and consistency, and align with our core identity as a coffee company,” Starbucks previously said in a statement.
The protein cold foam joins a lineup of new items coming to the Starbucks menu, including limited-edition Strato Frappuccinos, raspberry croissants filled with jam, double chocolate cookies with sea salt and croissants baked freshly in stores. A new coffee, Starbucks 1971 Roast, is also set to debut later this year.