New Blended Cold Brew Beverages Now Available at Starbucks
The blended drinks keep coming!
Starbucks, the creator of the craziest frozen beverages (we’re looking at you unicorn frappuccino), has just launched a new blended beverage, only it’s not the technicolored, sugary concoction you might expect. Promoted as, dare we say, healthy, Starbucks’ new plant-based Protein Blended Cold Brew beverages are now available in two flavors, Almond and Cacao.
So, what are they?
Well, think of a frappuccino that takes the caffeine buzz from cold brew, packs in some plant-based protein, incorporates rich flavors from cacao or almond butter, adds a touch of sweetness from a natural sweetener blend of bananas and dates, and is blended with alternative milk options.
The two flavors vary slightly in ingredients:
Almond: Starbucks cold brew with almond milk, 12 grams of plant-based protein, almond butter, banana date fruit blend, and ice.
Cacao: Starbucks cold brew with coconut milk, 10 grams of plant-based protein, cacao powder, banana date fruit blend, and ice.
The good, the bad, and the spendy…
The Good: They provide a good source of protein without loading in heavy amounts of refined sugar. Plus, they’re vegan and dairy-free, though it’s important to remember that they’re being made in the same area as other drinks that do contain dairy, so cross-contamination is possible.
The Bad: Even though it’s a “natural” source of sugar, these blended beverages still pack a punch of sugar and carbs, ringing in at around 36 total carbs for the cacao flavor and 30 grams for almond. Plus, the protein gives the drink a bit of a grainy texture (though that can be common with protein drinks).
The Spendy: Ordering a grande size of one of these drinks is going to set you back $5.95, a bit of an increase over the grande coffee Frappuccino at $4.25.
Will you give these blended protein drinks a try?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
I tried the almond one today. I was really hopeful it would be good, but it was not. Maybe it was not made correct. I could not finish it. Threw it away.
I agree! I really like almond butter and wanted to like this drink, but really did not! Further, not only did it cost more than I was expecting, but for any fellow WW members the Grande Almond Protein Blended Cold Brew has 10 points!! So aggravating that I tracked after since I didn’t even like it… SAVE YOUR MONEY AND YOUR POINTS!
I will only drink these with rewards! That is what they are for lol. Add an extra shot of espresso, sugar free vanilla, venti size. A nice Friday treat.
I would be curious about the calories in one of them. I currently order a tall cold brew coffee black and ask for it blended in my own cup. When it’s blended it expands and fills my 30oz cup pretty easy. I’ll add to it a splash of cream and 100% Stevia. Super low cal and totally delicious!!
Blended?!!? What is this you say? This sounds like something I would like! Tell me more 😊
Yea it was pretty chalky had an after taste. It started to grow a little but I don’t think I’ll get another. I did like the idea but it wasn’t spot on
I’ll steal my bf’s money to get coffee lol. He doesn’t know
That escalated quickly…
I had one this morning and it was pretty awful. Few sips was all I could handle and tossed it.
I love Starbucks but this I did not it felt like I was drinking cold sand
OT – Hello Collin and team! Have you had any reports about the hip2save app running extremely slow? It’s been moving at snail pace for me for about a week or so now. Seems to be the only app I’ve had an issue with, so I don’t think it’s my phone..? Not sure, just thought I would mention it! As always, thanks for all you do. 🙂
Mine too!! Ridiculously slow!!
I’m sorry to hear it’s running slow for you also Rebecca. 🙁 I’ve passed this along to the app team, appreciate you sharing your feedback!
Oh no! I’m sorry to hear it’s running slow for you. I’ve passed this feedback along to our app team!
I have been having the same problem app is crashing a lot
Mine is slow 2.
I was so hopeful,.. It was gritty, and the after taste was bad .I had to put a tactic in my mouth..I really don’t think it would be worth that extra money. but at least I tried it For me it’s one and done ..
Agree- gritty and chalky. Overall bad.
36 g of carbs for me is 2 days worth of meals and snacks lol. Although Starbucks doesn’t have too many keto-friendly drinks anyway.
Lol!!
I love things like this! Can’t wait!
I ordered the almond one. I was so excited about it. Two sips in, and after having my coworker taste to make sure I wasn’t crazy and it went in the trash. It was awful. Tasted fermented or something. My co worker said it was like gritty chicken brother. Was super disappointed. 😫
Good idea I guess, but way too much sugar/carbs for me.
Hahahahhah
I work at Starbucks and one of the employees said it tastes better if you add a banana (and remove the protein powder—which probably defeats the purpose). All I know is they are very thick and don’t easily rinse out of the blenders! 🙂
I was looking forward to the new drink, but sadly, it was HORRIBLE! I asked the drive thru cashier if they were good and her response should have been a sign. One sip and it was soooo bad! Ended up dumping it down the drain at work. It didn’t taste like banana, date or anything remotely almond, except the grittiness.
Same here.
I ordered the cacao yesterday and it didn’t taste good but I finished it because I spent so much on it. I won’t be ordering it again though.