Protein Power Hour: Starbucks says Friday at 8 a.m. is the busiest time for Protein Drinks

What time of the week are most Starbucks customers looking for an extra protein boost? New Starbucks data shows that customers across U.S. company-operated coffeehouses purchase the most Protein Drinks on Fridays at 8 a.m.  Since Starbucks introduced Protein to its menu in September 2025, customers can now customize 90 percent of beverages with Protein-boosted Milk or Protein Cold Foam to elevate their favorite Starbucks handcrafted beverages with the flavor they love and the function they need. 

Friday Morning Protein Favorites 

Leading the list of most-ordered Friday morning handcrafted protein beverages is the Vanilla Protein Latte. A grande protein beverage with Protein-boosted Milk offers 27 to 36* grams of protein with a smooth texture and sweet vanilla flavor. When customizing, the top choice customers make on Friday mornings is Vanilla Protein Cold Foam, which adds 15g* of protein.  

Starbucks cold foam is a creamy, frothy topping that enhances cold coffee, tea or Refreshers with added texture and flavor, creating a layered, indulgent drink. Cold foam’s popularity continues to rise, with double-digit percentage growth in fiscal 2025 and Q1 fiscal 2026 across U.S. company-operated coffeehouses. 

Easy tips to add protein to your favorite Starbucks beverage: 

• Level-up your Caffè Latte with Protein-boosted Milk: Order the Friday favorite Vanilla Protein Latte adds 27 to 36 grams* of protein (also try it with sugar-free vanilla!).
• Order the Friday favorite customization and add Protein Cold Foam to Cold Brew:  Protein Cold Foam adds 15 grams* of protein to your favorite cold coffee beverage.
• Try Protein Cold Foam on a favorite Matcha beverage: The Iced Banana Cream Protein Matcha offers a vibrant option that’s creamy with tropical flair and offers 24 grams*of protein.
• Swap standard milk for protein-boosted milk in an Iced Shaken Espresso: When ordering, ask your barista to use Protein-boosted Milk or select the option in the Milk section of the Starbucks app. Adds to 12-15 grams* of protein.
• Try the Iced Caramel Protein Latte (also available with sugar free caramel!) for 29 grams*of protein.

With Daylight Savings and the official start of the spring season here, longer days are inspiring customers to reach for functional fuel that fits real life from baseball games and road trips to keeping up with busy spring calendars. As the company gets Back to Starbucks, protein drinks are another way Starbucks is modernizing its menu with offerings that fit evolving customer tastes and meet the rising demand for protein in a way that is innovative, premium and uniquely Starbucks. 

*Grams of protein are approximate. Protein amounts for beverages assume grande size. Customizations cost extra.