Protein Cold Foam (Starbucks Copycat)
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This protein cold foam is made with just two simple ingredients and tastes just like Starbucks, but it’s cheaper and so easy to make at home. It’s creamy, lightly sweet, and adds a nice boost of protein to your morning coffee.
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.
It took a little testing to get the perfect consistency and flavor, but I finally nailed it and can’t wait to share this recipe with you!
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 actually keeps me full until breakfast.
- Endlessly customizable: I love switching things up with caramel, mocha or pumpkin protein powder depending on the season.
- Better-for-you: No heavy cream, syrups, or mystery ingredients. Just a few simple things that taste really good together.
- Budget-friendly: It’s way cheaper than Starbucks and saves me a trip through the drive-thru (which is a 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 almond milk, and fat-free milk frothed up the best! It whips light and airy while keeping things low in calories. You can totally use almond, oat or whole milk, but they might not froth up as nicely.
- vanilla whey protein powder – I used Truvani whey vanilla protein powder (use code EATINGBIRDFOOD for 10% off) and it works perfectly. It adds sweetness and protein without clumping or getting chalky.
How to Make Protein Cold Foam
Step 1: Add your milk and protein powder to a small cup or blender bottle. Use a handheld frother to whip everything together until it’s thick, creamy, and no clumps remain. It should look light and foamy, kind of like cold whipped cream.
Step 2: Once it’s nice and fluffy, spoon the foam over your cold brew, iced coffee, 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 creamy.
- Serve right away: Protein foam tends to settle after a few minutes, 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 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. Froth with a handheld frother until thick, creamy, and no clumps remain. (You can also use a milk frother set to “cold foam” if you have one.)
- Spoon or pour the foam over cold brew, iced coffee, or your favorite chilled drink.
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, add a drizzle of vanilla syrup or a few drops of maple syrup to balance the flavor.
- Flavor ideas: Try swapping in different protein powder flavors. Mocha, caramel, or pumpkin spice all taste amazing.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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