Starbucks Coffee & Protein RTD Launches Nationwide March 23 Through PepsiCo Partnership

Starbucks will bring a protein-forward ready-to-drink to U.S. grocery, convenience and online shelves on March 23 when Starbucks Coffee & Protein debuts in 12-oz bottles priced at a suggested $3.99. The launch, developed through the North American Coffee Partnership with PepsiCo, introduces two flavors at rollout - Classic Caffè and Caffè Mocha - and marks a broad push into functional RTD coffee in retail channels.

Each 12-oz Coffee & Protein bottle delivers 22 grams of complete protein, 5 grams of prebiotic fiber, 2 grams of sugar and a blend that contains five vitamins and minerals, with total calories not specified in the product statements. Brian Smith, Senior Director, Brand Marketing, North American Coffee Partnership, framed the launch around morning routines: “Consumers are looking for wellness solutions that fit seamlessly into their morning routines.” Smith added that “Starbucks Coffee & Protein delivers both great taste and nutrients, offering 22 grams of complete protein and 5 grams of prebiotic fiber in a convenient, ready-to-drink bottle that supports busy lifestyles.”

Retail distribution for the March 23 roll‑out is broad: grocery stores, convenience stores and online nationwide are confirmed, with several outlets also naming gas stations among retail placements. A retailer-specific variation is reported for April: Sam’s Club will carry an exclusive 11-oz Caffè Mocha SKU listed with 20 grams of protein. The primary mass-market SKU for March 23 remains the 12-oz/$3.99 bottle.

The Coffee & Protein launch arrives alongside an expansion of Starbucks’ RTD portfolio. A new Frappuccino Lite Chocolate Hazelnut Gelato flavor will join the Frappuccino Lite Gelato lineup in a 9.5-oz bottle priced at $2.99, described as 100 calories with no added sugars and available from March 23. Separate reporting also notes that Starbucks plans three additional ready-to-drink espresso beverages for grocery channels, though names, sizes and timing for those espresso SKUs were not detailed.

Industry context for the move includes Starbucks’ earlier protein innovations in cafés: Protein Lattes and Protein Cold Foams were added to permanent menus across the U.S. and Canada last year, signaling a larger company focus on protein and digestive-wellness ingredients. Supermarketnews frames the market opportunity with consumer metrics, reporting that 80 percent of Americans prioritize protein daily and 54 percent of consumers overall seek foods and beverages high in fiber.

With the Starbucks-PepsiCo North American Coffee Partnership behind production and a $3.99 price point at mainstream retail, Starbucks Coffee & Protein positions the company to compete directly in the protein RTD category while extending its reduced-sugar and functional-ingredient strategy across grocery and convenience channels.