As the fall season settles in, you might want to consider stepping up your protein intake. Your daily Starbucks run could be the key to achieving this, thanks to the company's announcement of the introduction of high-protein drinks across its U.S. and Canadian outlets beginning September 29. These protein-packed drinks aim to fill the growing demand for protein in a uniquely innovative, appealing, and flavorful way. 

Both the high-protein lattes and the protein-rich cold foams, promising up to 36 grams of protein, were confirmed by Starbucks to be permanent additions to its menu. Tressie Lieberman, Starbucks' global chief brand officer, highlighted that as the company continues to reinvent itself after the pandemic, they aim to modernize their offerings with relevant, trendy new items that will connect with their customers.

Starbucks' new protein-filled offerings will be prepared through a blend of 2% dairy milk and the accurate proportion of flavorless protein powder. At present, Starbucks has not clarified whether the protein milk is specially prepared or created in everyday batches. However, they have confirmed that the protein powder will be dairy-based. The protein-infused cold foams, however, can only be crafted with dairy milk and are not open for customization with plant-based milk alternatives.

When it comes to flavor, Starbucks describes the protein-laden cold foam as a creamy, frothy topping that adds a delightful texture and taste to its range of coffees, teas, and Refreshers. Patrons can choose to couple it with any of the existing cold foam flavors, including seasonal delights like pumpkin and pecan, alongside a new banana variant. If you're someone who likes to dodge excessive sweetness, an unsweetened variant will also be added to the café menus.

With standard 16-ounce lattes made with 2% milk boasting around 14 grams of protein, Starbucks is driven to amplify this figure. Lattes crafted with protein-enriched milk will feature between 27 to 36 grams of protein for a grande size. Customers can also request the protein-enhanced milk in any other beverage currently on offer.

High-protein diets have taken the wellness community by storm, with many creators even adding protein shakes to their morning beverages. The move by Starbucks seems to be a nod to this trendy nutritional shift.

Earlier this year, the company had made a maiden move into this space, testing the waters with the protein cold foam, an initiative of its in-house Starting 5 development program. Under this program, Starbucks aims to incubate new offerings in select outlets, garnering customer feedback before deciding on a nationwide launch. Another concept under this program, the Coco Matcha and Coco Cold Brew, proved successful in preliminary trials and was launched on a larger scale last week.

While chalky taste and grainy texture are common challenges in crafting palatable high-protein drinks, various brands have cracked the code. With its wide-reaching influence and commitment to creating invigorating beverages, it's interesting to see if Starbucks will be the next to join this club.