Starbucks protein drinks have hit the menu!

So… why is everyone talking about protein?

Protein isn’t just a fitness trend anymore. It seems like everyone’s obsessed.

We know it supports muscle repair, immune function, hormone production and even the health of our skin, hair and nails.

Without it, you might feel hungry soon after meals, experience lower energy or be slower to recover after exercise.

So it makes sense that protein has been on everyone’s minds (and in their drinks).

That’s why at Starbucks Australia, we’re making it a whole lot easier – and more enjoyable – to get your hit of protein.

Personalise your protein

You already know we love personalisation at Starbucks Australia. But in an all-new innovation, you can now add protein foam or protein-boosted milk to almost any drink on the menu.

With more control over every cup, it’s never been easier to give your coffee, tea, Iced Shaken Espresso or Frappuccino® a protein-powered boost.

What kind of protein is in Starbucks drinks?

Not all protein is created equal, especially when it comes to what you add to your cup.

That’s why we picked Uprotein; to offer an equally delicious and nutritious protein foam for your favourite iced drinks.

Uprotein is an Australian company focused on high-quality protein for athletes and everyday Aussies alike.

The good stuff: Uprotein’s 100% whey

Naturally derived from milk, 100% whey is a ‘complete’ protein, meaning it’s rich in the nine essential amino acids your body needs.

It also includes leucine, the key trigger for muscle repair and growth, and is rapidly absorbed, so your body can use it when it needs it most.

As Muriel Moes Marketing & Nutrition Manager at Uprotein puts it, whey is one of the most effective and reliable ways to optimise your protein intake.

Easy ways to get more protein in

You know that protein is a must-have in your diet, but how to add it in on the daily? Easy! It all starts at your local Starbucks Australia store…

Now available: high protein coffee

Eating more protein doesn’t have to mean giant slabs of steak or protein shakes that taste like chalk.

At every Starbucks Australia cafe, you can now order your morning cappuccino, midday Iced Shaken Espresso or afternoon latte with an added dose of protein – no sacrifices on flavour necessary.

Let’s see how!

Make the simple swap to protein milk

You already love customising your drink with MILKLAB Oat, Almond, Soy or Coconut milk.

Now there’s another option in the mix: protein-boosted dairy milk.

Big gains from little swaps

When you opt for protein-boosted milk in your Starbucks beverage, you’ll enjoy a total of up to 27.5g of protein depending on which size you order.

Considering most adults need around 0.8g per kilo of body weight per day, that small swap makes a big difference.

Top your coffee off with protein foam

Milk isn’t the only way you can add extra protein to your Starbucks order.

Adding protein cold foam to your favourite iced drink adds between 17.7–18.5 grams of protein to your coffee of choice. That’s a pretty meaningful boost to your intake!

Choose from 10 different protein foam flavours

The whey in our protein cold foam is unflavoured, so your Frappuccino® or matcha still tastes exactly as it should.

But if you prefer a little extra indulgence, choose from a range of flavoured protein foams including:

• Vanilla
• Caramel
• Salted Caramel
• Hazelnut
• Chocolate
• Matcha
• Strawberry
• Brown Sugar
• White Chocolate
• Chai

Why this protein actually works in coffee

Most protein powders aren’t designed for coffee. They’re typically made for shakes or water-based drinks, so if you add them to coffee, you get clumping, curdling or a gritty texture.

That’s where Uprotein’s 100% whey is different.

Made for smooth sipping

The instantised whey protein in Starbucks Australia drinks has been made specifically for dispersibility and solubility; a fancy way of saying that it blends smoothly into beverages without separating or curdling.

It’s also free from unnecessary fillers or added colours. So you can say goodbye to strange aftertastes and weird textures.

More reasons to love Starbucks protein drinks

The benefits don’t stop there.

The 100% whey protein in Starbucks Australia drinks also contains plant-based digestive enzymes, helping reduce bloating.

Hydrolysed whey and whey isolate work together for fast, efficient absorption, and it’s proudly Australian-made in Sydney!

Getting in the right amount of protein across the day

Muriel notes that it’s not usually your total protein intake that’s a tricky target, but rather spreading it out across the day.

Start the day off right

Breakfast is often the most protein-light meal of the day…which can mean you’re hungry again sooner than you’d like, and reaching for the carb-heavy stuff not long after.

Sound familiar?

Good news: it’s an easy fix. Add to your protein intake at breakfast by starting with your Starbucks coffee – whether that’s protein-boosted milk, protein cold foam or both.

Snack smarter, not harder

The same story goes for snacks.

Without enough protein, they don’t quite fill us, and suddenly you’re back rummaging for something else an hour later.

So if you’re snacking between meals, go for something that’ll stabilise your energy levels without a major overhaul of your diet – think protein milk and protein cold foam added to your favourite sip from Starbucks Australia.

Bonus: protein-rich Starbucks Australia foods

Want something to go with your protein-boosted drink? We’ve got you:

• Roast Chicken and Herb Mayo Sandwich: the chicken offers a solid hit of lean protein for longer satisfaction.
• Egg, Chive and Parmesan Bagel: eggs offer a complete protein source.
• Spicy Bean and Veg Burrito: perfect for a plant-based diet, legumes offer both protein and fibre.

From your morning coffee run to your afternoon pick-me-up, every drink at Starbucks Australia now comes with an optional boost. Swap in protein-boosted milk or top it off with a flavoured cold foam. It’s the same taste you know and love, just with a little extra goodness in it.

Try our new protein options today!