(NewsNation) — Starbucks is packing on the protein in its menu starting at the end of this month.
The coffee chain announced it will be offering Protein Cold Foam and a new line of lattes with protein-boosted milk in the U.S. and Canada. The new options come in a variety of flavors, including sugar-free and unsweetened choices.
“As we continue to get back to Starbucks, we’re focused on modernizing our menu with innovative, relevant, and hype-worthy products that will resonate with our customers,” Tressie Lieberman, Starbucks’ global chief brand officer, said in a news release.
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“Our new protein beverages tap into the growing consumer demand for protein in an innovative, premium, and delicious way that only Starbucks can deliver.”
A 2025 IFIC Food & Health Survey found that 70% of Americans are trying to consume more protein. Also, protein is the top nutrient most Americans are looking to consume for the fifth straight year.
Starbucks making other changes for better customer service
Starbucks’ protein-inspired menu additions come as the chain is also looking to enhance customer service.
The company announced earlier this month it’s launching a new operating model called Green Apron Service, touting improved efficiency.
Baristas have a goal: no custom order should take longer than four minutes to make.
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“It’s centered on putting enough partners on the roster in the stores and then deployed correctly so they can provide that customer connection, that experience, that frankly Starbucks really was founded on,” said Starbucks CEO Brian Nicco.
Starbucks is also installing Smart Queue technology for its coffeehouses to make operations easier. The technology uses an algorithm to guide the process so customers in the café aren’t watching mobile orders being filled before they’re helped.
