Starbucks released a new protein-based menu last week, and the items mostly succeed.

Because people are starting to become more aware of how important protein intake is, many companies have recently started to come out with protein-boosted menu items or to advertise how much protein is in specific items. Even chains that do not typically offer the healthiest options see added protein as a way to increase their revenue and attract more customers.

At Starbucks, this new line of protein-centered items includes drinks and several cold foam flavors. The drink options include an Iced Banana Cream Matcha, an Iced Vanilla Cream Latte, and a Chocolate Cream Cold Brew. The new cold foam flavors are more diverse, offering all of the flavors that come with the drinks and some additional and seasonal flavors. 

The drinks can have anywhere from 19 to 26 grams of protein per grande, which is a more than sufficient supplement for someone looking to hit their protein goals. Starbucks also offers sugar-free options for the matcha and latte.

What is a standout about this new line of protein-based products is that it is hard to tell that they have added protein.

The Iced Vanilla Latte tasted almost exactly like the drink without the protein supplement. Though it is not a perfect match because the whey protein powder is added to the milk and cold foam, the difference is barely noticeable. The same goes for the Chocolate Cream Cold Brew. 

The Banana Cream Matcha, though, is a different story. It is not the protein that ruins this drink, but the imbalance of flavors. The banana flavor is prevalent in the cold foam but not so much in the actual drink, which does not taste like a typical Starbucks matcha. 

The noticeable difference is the cold foam, which does taste different than the regular, but not by much.