Latest news with #StratoFrappuccino
Vancouver Sun
6 days ago
- Business
- Vancouver Sun
Protein coffee is gaining momentum, with Tim Hortons and Starbucks joining the fray
Ordering a 'proffee' at your local café may still elicit quizzical looks, but protein coffee is gaining momentum. In March, Tim Hortons launched a new range of high-protein dairy beverages, including a latte containing 20 grams of the nutrient in a medium-sized cup. Now, Starbucks is entering the fray. The coffee giant announced at a leadership conference in Las Vegas on June 10 that it's testing protein coffee at select locations in the United States. According to Food & Wine , Starbucks' proffee exploration includes a banana-flavoured cold foam carrying 15 grams of protein (roughly the same amount as two extra large eggs ). On June 12, NBC News reported Starbucks was rolling out a protein vanilla latte that week in select stores. The tests follow the release of a chilled protein coffee drink in the U.K. in July 2024. Discover the best of B.C.'s recipes, restaurants and wine. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of West Coast Table will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. There's no confirmed official launch date for the protein coffee beverages, which the company presented as part of a broader innovation strategy. Alongside a layered, limited-edition Strato Frappuccino and croissants baked in-store, protein coffee is part of the company's effort 'to build a relevant, hype-worthy global menu that will resonate with customers' in the wake of a sales slump. 'It's time for us to lead again,' CEO Brian Niccol reportedly told Starbucks employees at the conference. 'We're going to lead in warm, welcoming coffeehouses. We're going to lead in innovation. Innovation to our menu.' In addition to protein coffee, NBC News reports that Starbucks may expand its offering of functional beverages by introducing mushroom-infused brews . The rise of protein coffee is part of a wider protein craze . Though experts highlight that most people in countries like Canada meet their protein needs without going to extra lengths like adding it to their morning coffee, the nutrient is vital for people taking GLP-1 drugs such as Ozempic because it helps maintain muscle during weight loss. Axios reports that Starbucks considered various consumers for its protein cold foam, including 20-year-old men, 50-year-old women and people taking GLP-1 agonists. 'I was watching people coming to our stores. They would get three shots of espresso over ice. And in some cases, they pull their own protein powder out of their bag, or in other cases, they have a protein drink, like a Fair Life, and they'd pour that into their drink. I'm like, well, wait a second, we can make this experience better for them,' Niccol told Axios. 'The good news is now I think we're right on trend, and we can do it, I think, arguably better than anybody else.' Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark and sign up for our cookbook and recipe newsletter, Cook This, here .
USA Today
11-06-2025
- Business
- USA Today
Starbucks menu upgrade: Protein cold foam, new croissants undergo testing
Starbucks menu upgrade: Protein cold foam, new croissants undergo testing Show Caption Hide Caption Starbucks to cut 13 drinks from menu amid restructuring Starbucks cuts 13 drinks from menu, streamlining operations and improving service, with more reductions expected in coming months. Straight Arrow News Protein-packed coffees and raspberry-filled pastries could soon be coming to a Starbucks near you. The Seattle-based coffee giant is testing out new menu items amid its 'Back to Starbucks' strategy, led by CEO Brian Niccol. The former Chipotle chief executive has emphasized the importance of providing customers the 'right vibe' after a slump in sales. "It's time for us to lead again," Niccol told a crowd of Starbucks employees during the company's Leadership Experience 2025 event on June 10. "We're going to lead in warm, welcoming coffee houses. We're going to lead in innovation. Innovation to our menu." USA TODAY had an early look at the new food and drink products during the Las Vegas event. Most of the items are undergoing Starbucks' 'Starting Five' program, in which five U.S. Starbucks locations try out new products and offer feedback before a broader launch. Because testing is ongoing, the products sampled by USA TODAY may change before the final iterations launch nationwide. Protein cold foam Starbucks is testing out a new protein cold foam option that would add roughly 15 grams of protein to its drinks through the addition of an unsweetened protein powder. Starbucks offered samples of a banana protein cold foam on June 10, but the protein can be added to any cold foam flavor. Other retailers, including coffee chain Dutch Bros, already offer high-protein offerings as consumers ‒ especially Gen Z ‒ show growing interest in health and building muscle. The number of high-protein drinks jumped 122% between 2020 and 2024, according to Innova Market Insights, which analyzes food and beverage industry data. "It's on trend. It's delicious," Niccol said about the protein cold foam. Starbucks did not share a date for the new cold foam's release, but Niccol said it would hit stores 'very soon.' New bakery items Starbucks is updating its classic croissant and adding two new bakery items to its stores: a raspberry croissant filled with jam and a double chocolate cookie topped with flaky sea salt. 'We're going to get back to fresh-baked food,' Niccol said. Starbucks 1971 Roast A new coffee, dubbed the Starbucks 1971 Roast, is set to roll out at coffee houses in the U.S. and Canada this winter. The dark roast is a blend of beans from Sumatra, Colombia and Brazil. Strato Frappuccino Starbucks is celebrating the 30th anniversary of its Frappuccino with a new offering: the Strato Frappuccino. Strato – or 'layer,' in Italian – adds a cloud of cold foam on top of any Frappuccino flavor. The drink sampled by USA TODAY at the Starbucks Leadership Experience in Las Vegas featured a Coffee Frappuccino topped with brown sugar cold foam and cinnamon. Unveiled earlier this year, the Strato Frappuccino will be available at Starbucks stores nationwide this summer. In addition to the Brown Sugar Strato Frappuccino, Starbucks will also offer a Salted Caramel Mocha Strato Frappuccino and a Strawberry Matcha Strato Frappuccino.
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Starbucks is testing a new banana-flavored protein cold foam
Starbucks is piloting a new menu item that will give people a boost of protein with their morning latte. The coffee chain is testing a new protein cold foam at five locations across the U.S., CNN reported. The foam is banana-flavored and paired with the coffee chain's iced latte beverage, a Starbucks spokesperson confirmed with CBS MoneyWatch. Protein drinks and snacks have ballooned in popularity in recent years — a trend celebrities like Khloé Kardashian are looking to cash in on with products like Khloud, a protein popcorn. Protein shakes are now a $6 billion sector, according to Beverage Digest. Starbuck's foray into protein beverages is part of a larger push to reimagine its menu. The company, according to its website, is piloting an array of new products at select U.S. locations known as the Starting Five. Current products being tested include a Strato Frappuccino and croissants baked in-store. The company says it will test these food and beverage options through its Starting Five program before launching them at the national level. To make way for new menu items, Starbucks will pare down its food and beverage offerings by 30% by the end of Fiscal Year 2025. "By simplifying our menu, we're helping to create a more intentional, thoughtful experience for our customers — one where every drink is handcrafted with precision and care," the company posted online. The menu redesign comes at a time of financial tumult for the coffee chain. Sales remained relatively flat through 2024 and the start of 2025. "Our results do not reflect the strength of our brand," said Rachel Ruggeri, chief financial officer in the company's 2024 Fiscal Year results. In an effort to boost sales and lure people back to its retail locations, CEO Brian Niccol unveiled the "Back to Starbucks" restructuring plan in September 2024. The ongoing initiative involves a series of upgrades to its operations and appearance — such as a new dress code for baristas that highlights the the coffee chain's "iconic green apron." An accused woman skips her pedicure, kills her ex-husband LAPD chief speaks out about deployment of military forces to anti-ICE protests Sneak peek: The Day My Mother Vanished
USA Today
28-05-2025
- Business
- USA Today
Starbucks to introduce 4 new Frappuccino beverages in July: Here's a sneak peek
Starbucks to introduce 4 new Frappuccino beverages in July: Here's a sneak peek Show Caption Hide Caption Starbucks workers at roughly 100 locations strike over new dress code Over 1,200 Starbucks workers went on strike over a newly enforced dress code. They say the company should provide stipends to pay for new clothes. June is almost here, which means the official beginning of summer is on the horizon. Starbucks will be introducing four new Frappuccino beverages in July, but this week offered USA TODAY a sneak peek at the flavors. The flavors will include: Salted Caramel Mocha Strato Frappuccino Strawberry Matcha Strato Frappuccino Brown Sugar Strato Frappuccino Firework Frappuccino The first three flavors listed are blended beverages layered with cold foam, according to a Starbucks spokesperson, while the Firework Frappuccino is a "festive twist" on the Summer-Berry Refresher. Starbucks has not yet given a specific release date for the beverages, however the Firework Frappuccino is expected to arrive "just in time for the 4th of July," according to Starbucks. These new drink offerings come as the coffee chain cut several Frappuccinos and other drinks from its menu back in March. Starbucks summer menu available now The coffee chain announced its summer menu earlier this month, with the items available nationwide beginning May 20. The summer menu features a new Iced Horchata Oatmilk Shaken Espresso and returns fan-favorite Summer-Berry Starbucks Refreshers and a new Strawberries & Cream Cake Pop. The Iced Horchata Oatmilk Shaken Espresso features Starbucks Blonde Espresso paired with oatmilk and an horchata flavored syrup, which is a fusion of cinnamon, sweet vanilla and subtle nutty notes reminiscent of the rice milk that makes up a traditional horchata, according to Starbucks. The Summer-Berry Refreshers return after initially being introduced in 2024. The drinks feature a "sweet and summery blend" of raspberry, blueberry and blackberry flavors shaken with ice and water, poured over raspberry flavored pearls. The refreshers can be ordered with lemonade in the Summer-Berry Lemonade Refresher or with coconut milk in the Summer Skies Drink. The drinks are available for a limited time, while supplies last this summer. Gabe Hauari is a national trending news reporter at USA TODAY. You can follow him on X @GabeHauari or email him at Gdhauari@
