Starbucks has announced new details of its latest beverage development that taps into the growing consumer obsession with protein-packed diets, this time in the form of foam.
"In late Q4, we'll introduce Protein Cold Foam," CEO Brian Niccol said on the company's third quarter earnings call on Tuesday. "It taps into what has become one of our most popular modifiers -- cold foam, which grew 23% year-over-year. Protein Cold Foam with no added sugar is an easy way to add 15 grams of protein to virtually any cold beverage, and customers can also add the flavor of their choice."
Niccol went on to share his excitement for the forthcoming fall menu, saying that "like many customers," he loves the fan-favorite Pumpkin Spice Latte, which is set to hit menus Aug. 26.
"Quickly thereafter," he added, "you'll see us innovating with our Protein Cold Foam and our protein platform."
The Seattle-based coffee company first shared the news of its Protein Cold Foam innovation in June at its 2025 Leadership Experience conference.
The company said at the time that it was reimagining its beverage and food offerings to build a more modern and hype-worthy global menu in an effort to resonate with customers.
Starbucks also introduced its new approach for testing menu items in the U.S. -- the Starting Five process -- in which it will consider employee and customer feedback before a national launch.
One relevant health trend-informed product quickly drawing online attention from protein and coffee consumers, which will be using this test-to-market model, is a new banana-flavored protein cold foam.
While the protein foam currently being tested contains 15 grams of protein, the company suggested that it may continue to evolve.
At the time of publication, Starbucks confirmed to ABC News there were no additional details.
Editor's note: This article was originally published June 20, 2025.
