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This Protein cold foam recipe is the easiest way to turn your iced coffee into a creamy café-style drink while adding a protein boost. This homemade version tastes just like Starbucks and comes together in minutes with a few simple ingredients.
Let’s Chit Chat!
I bake (and taste-test ) desserts all day, so I actively chase protein wherever I can. When Starbucks dropped their viral protein cold foam, I knew I needed a homemade version I could make every morning, creamy, silky, and actually adding a real protein boost.
I tested batch after batch like a mad scientist. Some were chalky, some fell flat, some turned into sad protein milk. But once I locked in this ratio of heavy cream + half-and-half + whey protein + vanilla syrup, it was game over!
If you’re in your “prioritizing protein but still want café-girl energy” era with me, this is going to be a staple. Try it and tell me your favorite syrup combo, I’m currently obsessed with salted honey + cinnamon cold brew 👇
Why This Recipe Works
Starbucks’ protein cold foam adds about 15–18g of protein per grande. This homemade version uses the same core ingredients, heavy cream, half-and-half, vanilla syrup, and unflavored whey protein to recreate that silky, sweet-cream texture without chalkiness, clumps, or weird aftertaste.
And yes… I did my homework!
I literally asked a Starbucks barista how they make theirs and they confirmed: it’s basically their vanilla sweet cream with added whey protein. So I came home and recreated it, because I refuse to spend $7–$8 on a drink when I have everything to make it right here in my kitchen.
Ingredients
- Heavy cream
- Half & half (or whole milk + splash of cream)
- Vanilla syrup (or sugar-free)
- Whey protein powder (unflavored or vanilla)
Love Starbucks dupes? Try my:
- Starbucks Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso
- Iced Matcha Latte (Starbucks Copycat)
- Starbucks Vanilla Bean Frappuccino
Step-By-Step to Make This Starbucks Protein Cold Foam
- Add cream, half-and-half, vanilla syrup, and protein to a small jar or cup.
- Froth with a handheld milk frother until thick and creamy.
- Spoon over iced coffee and serve immediately.
Make-ahead: mix ingredients and store chilled and froth just before serving.
Serving suggestion: Spoon this protein cold foam over iced coffee, cold brew, matcha, or iced chai for a creamy café-style finish and extra protein boost.
Pro Tips for Protein Cold Foam
- Use a frother, blender, or French press
- Use cold cream for thick foam
- Whey isolate gives best texture
- Vanilla protein = use less syrup
- Froth right before adding to your cold brew
Troubleshooting
- Foam too thin? Froth longer or add a splash more cream.
- Too sweet? Reduce syrup or use unsweetened whey.
- Not sweet enough? Add ½–1 tsp extra syrup.
- Separating? Froth right before serving & keep ingredients cold.
- No frother? Shake in a jar or pump in a French press until thick.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Starbucks Protein Cold Foam
Unsweetened whey isolate froths best and stays smooth. Plant protein can work but may be grainier. If you use vanilla protein powder, you can reduce the syrup for sweetness. I use this protein powder ( You can get $$ off if you use code LOAF at checkout!)
About 15g per serving when using 2 tablespoons of protein powder. You can add a little more or less depending on preference and goals. Just know the texture will change a bit.
Yes, use coconut or oat cream + vegan protein and use a vegan protein powder instead. The texture will be a little softer.
Yes, but foam melts a lot faster.
Yes! It’s very close in texture and flavor, rich, creamy, lightly sweet, and silky. Plus it’s easily customizable as well!
Heavy cream adds richness and body. Without it, foam won’t thicken as much. I know it has a bit more calories but it is necessary!
What flavor should I make next? Brown sugar, caramel, cinnamon roll, or peppermint mocha? Let me know below!
Starbucks Protein Cold Foam Copycat Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons half & half or milk + a splash of cream
- ½-1 tablespoon vanilla syrup or to taste if using sweetened whey protein
- 2 tablespoon unflavored whey protein powder or vanilla protein powder if using less syrup
Instructions
- In a small cup or frothing pitcher, add the heavy cream, half and half, vanilla syrup, and protein powder.3 tablespoons heavy cream, 3 tablespoons half & half, ½-1 tablespoon vanilla syrup, 2 tablespoon unflavored whey protein powder
- Use a handheld milk frother for 20–30 seconds, or shake vigorously in a sealed jar until thick, foamy, and silky.
- If the foam is too thick, add a splash of half and half, if too thin, froth again for a few seconds.
- Spoon or pour the protein cold foam over iced coffee or cold brew. Enjoy immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
