Protein Cold Foam (Starbucks Copycat)
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This protein cold foam is inspired by Starbucks but made with just two simple ingredients. It’s lower in calories and has no added sugar but it’s still creamy, tasty and packs 10 grams of protein.
Starbucks recently launched their protein cold foam in a few different flavors, and as soon as I tried it, I knew I had to recreate it at home.
I’m no stranger to making protein coffee, but figuring out how to make a cold foam that stays nice and fluffy with added protein took a lot of testing.
Table of Contents
Why I Love This Protein Cold Foam Recipe
This recipe has become a regular in my morning routine because it makes my coffee feel a little extra special without any fuss. Here’s why I love it:
- Quick and easy: Ready in a few minutes, which means I can whip it up even on busy mornings before school drop-off.
- Protein boost: Turns my cold brew into something that has a little protein to get me through my morning workout.
- Better-for-you: No heavy cream, syrups or mystery ingredients – you know exactly what’s in this one!
- Budget-friendly: It’s way cheaper than Starbucks and saves me a trip through the drive-thru (total win on busy mornings).
Ingredients Needed
You only need two simple ingredients to make this protein cold foam. It’s quick, creamy and the perfect topper for your morning cold brew.
- fat-free milk – I tested this recipe multiple times with different types of milk from whole milk to heavy cream and almond milk! Fat-free (also called skim) milk froths up the best! It whips up to be perfectly light and airy. You can totally use another type of milk, but just realize they might not froth up as nicely.
- vanilla whey protein powder – I’ve tested this recipe with a variety of protein powders and vanilla whey gave me the best results in terms of consistency and flavor. My personal favorite for this recipe is Truvani vanilla whey protein powder (use code EATINGBIRDFOOD for 10% off). I’ve also used Clean Simple Eats vanilla whey protein powder (use code EBF for 10% off) and it works well, but I like the subtle vanilla flavor of the Truvani better.
How to Make Protein Cold Foam
Step 1: Add your milk and protein powder to a small blender bottle or cup and stir or shake to combine until no clumps remain. Using a handheld frother, froth the mixture until it becomes a voluminous creamy foam.
Step 2: Once it’s nice and fluffy, spoon the foam over your cold brew, iced coffee, iced latte or even an iced matcha. Sip and enjoy!
My Tips for the Best Protein Cold Foam
- Use cold milk: Cold milk froths better than room temp, especially if you’re using a handheld frother.
- Choose the right milk and protein powder: I tested this recipe with a few different combos, and fat-free milk and whey protein gave the best results. Plant-based milks or vegan proteins can still work, but the foam might not get quite as thick and may be grainy.
- Serve right away: Protein foam tends to settle as it sits, so froth it fresh and spoon it over your coffee right before drinking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Almond or oat milk will work, but the foam won’t be quite as thick or creamy as it is with fat-free dairy milk.
You can, but results vary. Whey protein froths best and gives that silky Starbucks-style texture. Plant-based powders can work too, but they tend to make the foam slightly grainier or less stable.
A handheld frother works great and gives you control over the texture. A milk frother with a cold foam setting also works if you have one.
It’s best made fresh since protein foam tends to deflate as it sits. You can mix the milk and protein powder ahead of time, then froth right before adding to your coffee.
Definitely! Vanilla is classic, but chocolate, caramel or pumpkin whey protein powder are all delicious options depending on your mood or the season.
More Coffee Drinks
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Protein Cold Foam
Ingredients
- ¼ cup fat-free milk
- 12-13 grams vanilla whey protein powder, about ½ scoop – I used Truvani Whey vanilla protein powder
Optional add-ins:
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract or sugar-free vanilla syrup, for extra flavor
Instructions
- Add the milk and protein powder to a small blender bottle or cup. Shake or stir to combine the two and get rid of any clumps. Then froth with a handheld frother until the foam is thick and creamy – this shouldn't take more than 30-60 seconds.¼ cup fat-free milk, 12-13 grams vanilla whey protein powder
- Spoon or pour the foam over cold brew, iced coffee, or your favorite chilled drink and enjoy.
Notes
- Milk tip: I tested this recipe with several types of milk, and fat-free milk froths up the best. It creates that light, airy texture just like Starbucks.
- Protein powder: Whey protein gives the creamiest, most stable foam. Plant-based protein powders can work, but the texture might be a little thinner or grainier.
- Sweetness level: If your protein powder isn’t very sweet, you can add a drizzle of vanilla syrup or a few drops of maple syrup to your cold foam. You can also sweeten your cold brew or iced coffee if needed.
- Flavor ideas: Try swapping in different protein powder flavors. Mocha, caramel, or pumpkin spice whey protein powers will all taste amazing.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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