Copycat Starbucks Banana Protein Cold Foam Recipe

If you’re the kind of person who adds banana slices to your cereal just for that sweet mellow hug of flavor, this copycat Starbucks Banana Protein Cold Foam is about to become your favorite upgrade. It’s velvety, lightly sweet, and creamy in all the right ways, floating like a soft cloud on top of iced coffee or tea. The banana flavor isn’t artificial or overripe, it’s that just-right moment between firm and freckled, where everything tastes golden and calm.

Starbucks rolled this one out with their new protein cold foam lineup, offering up to 15 to 18 grams of protein per topping. But now you can make it at home. No need to wait in line. No need to guess what kind of protein they’re using. We cracked it, then made it better with ingredients you can pronounce and adjust based on your mood. Whether you’re topping cold brew, iced lattes, or just sipping it by the spoonful (we won’t judge), this foam is a flex.

How to Make Banana Protein Cold Foam

Start with very cold nonfat milk and blend in a scoop of unflavored whey isolate plus a spoon of dry milk powder for that barista-style foam structure. Add in freeze-dried banana powder for natural flavor, a splash of syrup or extract to brighten it, and a pinch of salt to make everything pop. Then whip it up with a frother or French press until it becomes glossy, thick, and dreamy.

Nutrition Facts (per serving, ~3.5 oz topping)

• Calories: 125
• Protein: 16 g
• Fat: 1 g
• Carbs: 6 g
• Sugar: 2 g
• Fiber: 0 g

Ingredients (makes 2 generous toppings)

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Frothing Time: 1 minute
Total Time: 6 minutes
Servings: 2

• 240 ml (1 cup) cold nonfat milk
• 24 g unflavored whey protein isolate
• 10 g nonfat dry milk powder
• 2–3 tsp freeze-dried banana powder (to taste)
• 1–2 tsp sugar-free banana syrup (or ⅛ tsp banana extract)
• ½ tsp vanilla extract (optional)
• Pinch of fine sea salt
• 1 small pinch xanthan gum (about 1/16 tsp, optional for stability)

Tools You’ll Need

• French press or powerful handheld frother
• Precision scale or measuring spoons
• Mixing cup
• Whisk or fork
• Spoon for layering the foam
• Glass of iced coffee or cold brew

Instructions

Mix your foam base

Whisk cold nonfat milk with whey isolate and dry milk powder until smooth. Add banana powder, syrup or extract, vanilla (if using), and a small pinch of salt. Whisk again. Sprinkle in xanthan gum if using and mix quickly to prevent clumps.

Froth into glory

Pour the mixture into a French press. Pump the plunger briskly for 25–30 seconds until the liquid increases in volume and looks silky and foamy. If using a frother, whip on high for about 20 seconds. The foam should be glossy and able to hold shape.

Spoon and serve

Let the foam rest for 10–15 seconds, then spoon over an iced latte, cold brew, or even iced matcha. Serve immediately.

Tips

• Keep your milk and equipment cold before you begin for the best foam texture.
• Adjust banana flavor to your preference, some like it bold, others more subtle.
• The foam works best on top of cold drinks. Hot drinks will collapse the bubbles.
• Xanthan gum helps hold shape longer but can be skipped if drinking fast.
• For a creamier foam, use a 3:1 ratio of nonfat to 2% milk.

What to Serve With

Chill Pairings

• Iced cold brew or blonde espresso – These mellow coffee bases let the banana foam shine. Try adding a dash of cinnamon to the brew for extra warmth.
• Strawberry Refresher or Iced Green Tea – Sweet and tart, these drinks become playful when topped with creamy banana. It’s like sipping summer through a straw.
• Iced matcha latte – Banana and matcha have this surprising friendship: creamy, earthy, and vibrant together. Top matcha with banana foam for a comforting twist.

Snack Pairings

• Peanut butter toast – The childhood classic gets a grown-up glow-up. Rich, nutty toast with a creamy banana topping sipped in between? Pure comfort.
• Greek yogurt parfait – Layer bananas, granola, and yogurt for a protein-powered side snack that mirrors the flavors of your drink.
• Oatmeal cookies or banana bread – A cozy, cinnamon-laced cookie alongside your banana foam-topped drink makes for a dreamy afternoon break. The textures play so well together.

Savory Options

• Everything bagel with cream cheese – The saltiness of the bagel and tang from the cheese act as the perfect foil for the sweetness of the foam.
• Avocado toast with chili flakes – A savory-spicy toast next to a banana coffee? Don’t knock it till you’ve tried it. That combo somehow just works.
• Smoked turkey sandwich on whole wheat – If this is your lunch hour protein fix, a turkey sandwich keeps it balanced and fills the gap.

Variations

Chocolate-Banana Cold Foam
Add 2 teaspoons cocoa powder and a little extra banana syrup for a richer, dessert-like twist. Great on cold brew or iced mocha.

Peanut Butter Banana Cold Foam
Add 1 teaspoon peanut butter powder to the base for a creamy protein hit with a nostalgic flavor. Great on iced lattes or oatmilk espresso.

Banana Cream Pie Foam
Use vanilla protein powder instead of plain, and bump the vanilla extract. Top an iced shaken espresso with this for full pie vibes.

Tropical Banana Cold Foam
Add a few drops of coconut extract and swap banana powder for a mix of banana and pineapple powders. Pour over iced black tea for a vacation in a cup.

Post-Workout Banana Shake Foam
Add a full scoop of flavored whey (vanilla or banana), use oat milk, and skip the sweeteners. Top an iced protein latte or drink on its own as recovery fuel.

Ingredient Substitutes

Whey Protein Isolate

• Try: Milk protein powder, casein, or a flavored whey like vanilla or banana (adjust sweetness)
• Avoid: Collagen peptides (low foam), plant protein (needs stabilizer)

Nonfat Milk

• Try: 2% milk (richer, slightly looser foam), or barista oat milk if dairy-free
• Avoid: Whole milk (too fatty for stable foam) unless you blend with nonfat

Nonfat Dry Milk Powder

• Try: Skim milk powder, milk protein concentrate, or evaporated milk (add to base)
• Skip if using protein powder that includes casein

Banana Powder

• Try: Blended freeze-dried banana chips, or mashed ripe banana (foam may be looser)
• Syrups work, but may thin foam if overused

Banana Syrup or Extract

• Try: Sugar-free banana syrup, Monin or Torani
• Or sub with ½ tsp banana baby food for a soft, natural note

Xanthan Gum

• Try: ½ tsp instant pudding mix, or a pinch of guar gum
• Can skip if drinking immediately

Vanilla Extract

• Try: Vanilla bean paste or vanilla syrup
• Omit if using flavored protein powder