Overview

• The permanent additions follow tests through the Starting Five program, including a banana protein cold foam piloted at five stores earlier this year.
• A grande Protein Latte delivers about 27 to 36 grams of protein, while adding Protein Cold Foam contributes roughly 15 grams, bringing iced drink totals to about 19 to 26 grams.
• Protein Cold Foam will come in banana, vanilla, sugar-free vanilla, chocolate, matcha, salted caramel, brown sugar and plain, with seasonal pumpkin and pecan options and sweetened, sugar-free and unsweetened choices.
• Baristas will blend 2% milk with unflavored protein powder in-store to create protein-boosted milk, which customers can use to customize milk-based drinks and add roughly 12 to 16 grams of protein per grande.
• Analysts say the move targets growing demand for protein and functional beverages and could lift traffic as cold foam usage expands, while nutrition experts warn of a health halo and question whether most consumers need added protein.