From cereal to pasta, protein infused foods are taking over the shelf. As consumers want to maximize their protein intake, food brands need to embrace that particular category. Starbucks Protein Cold Foam opens the door to a whole new coffee experience.
Some people are faced with a beverage dilemma. Coffee can be the instant pick me up to kick start the day. On the other hand, protein provides sustained energy. Finding a way to bring both items to the cup is the solution that people have been thirsty to sip.
Many Starbucks drinkers have “hacked” their signature drink to find that creative combination. While people can shake that protein solution in their cars, Starbucks wants to put the concept directly into the cup. No extra effort will be required.
Announced during the Starbucks Leadership Experience in Las Vegas, the iconic coffeehouse is testing a protein cold foam through its Starting Five program. While the exact version has yet to be decided, the current testing version is a banana cold foam.
During a small tasting for media, Starbucks showcased an Iced Caffe Latte with Banana Protein Cold Foam. One of the biggest takeaways from this beverage is the banana flavor. As many people can appreciate, capturing a real banana flavor takes a delicate balance.
When enjoyed on its own, the cold foam has just a touch of sweetness, but the banana flavor is front and center. The flavor is just like that perfect banana what is neither too ripe or too green.
Additionally, the protein cold foam does not have a chalky taste that can occur with a sub-par protein. Although Starbucks did not reveal its protein powder, it is clear that the ingredient is well-blended into the cold foam. It is light, airy, yet still has a luscious mouthfeel.
During discussions with the Starbucks team, the banana foam could be use one of many possibilities for the protein cold foam. There were mentions of a chocolate flavor. Basically, the cold foam has the potential to be transformed into a multitude of flavors.
For this testing through the Starting Five, the Iced Caffe Latte is the starting point. The reasoning is clear. This beverage is coffee forward yet is unsweetened. That customizable based allows guests to enjoy the drink how they choose. From a touch of sugar or a pump of flavor, there are many ways to turn that Protein Cold Foam and beverage into a personalized statement.
An additional part of the customization is how people will drink this cold foam topped beverage. From the first sip of just the foam to mixing all the layers together, it is a version of choose your own adventure. Every beverage is unique and feels special to the person drinking it.
When will the Starbucks Protein Cold Foam come to all the coffeehouse? Unfortunately, that specific date is undetermined. One aspect is clear, protein infused food and beverages are here to stay. Starbucks is ready to make its play, and others will soon follow.