Overview

• Speaking at Fast Company’s Innovation Festival, Brian Niccol said Starbucks will introduce a protein cold foam later this year that provides about 15–18 grams of protein.
• The company is expanding high‑protein beverages in the U.S. and Canada and growing its gluten‑free lineup to reach health‑minded customers.
• Niccol cited customers bringing protein powders or Fairlife drinks to mix with espresso as a demand signal Starbucks intends to address directly.
• Cold foam sales grew 23% year over year in Q3, positioning the topping as a prime platform for the protein strategy, according to company disclosures.
• The food overhaul is part of the “Back to Starbucks” plan that trims roughly 30% of menu items, pilots artisanal baked goods, renovates up to 1,000 stores, and allocates $500–600 million for additional labor to improve service.