Starbucks cold foam (What’s in a Starbucks cold foam, How to make cold foam + more FAQs)
We all love the cascading thick cold foam cream that tops our favorite Starbuck drinks. What is in Starbucks cold foam? Let’s find out.
A Starbucks cold foam contains 2% milk, heavy cream, and sweet vanilla syrup. I don’t know what I would do without this frothy topping on my cold brews. I was recently impressed to know that my favorite cold foam is made with nonfat milk. I don’t think it can get better than that. Forget all the complications that come with most toppings; this cold foam which has taken over all the cold brews is your best bet. If you have been looking for a toned-down but still super delicious topping for your Starbucks cold brews, your search might have just come to an end. In this post, we shall tell you all about the cold foam and how to make some for yourself.
Table of Contents
What is Cold Foam made of at Starbucks?
A Starbucks cold foam is made with three simple ingredients; the sweet Starbucks vanilla syrup, 2% milk, and heavy cream. The cold foam is prepared in a special blender to make it as frothy as possible for that cascading milk display. The idea of this frothiness is to leave it sitting on top of the cold brew while the milk slowly mixes with the drink to foam a sweet sip of perfection. It will also interest you to know that this foam is made with nonfat dairy milk.
This milk contains zero fat as the name suggests. You will find the cold foam seated majestically on top of iced coffee, cold brew, nitro, and iced cappuccinos. The cold foam mimics the frothy steamed milk, but comes cold and doesn’t melt when topped. Nonfat dairy milk is used as it makes a stronger foam compared to whole milk. This is because of its higher protein content which makes it easy to froth and foam.
You will find that 2% whole milk will fall short when it comes to foam if you froth and compare it with nonfat dairy milk. Generally, milk with higher protein than fat is preferred in latte art as the stability of its lipids results in small bubbles that bring out a smooth silky microfoam. This type of foam was popularized by Starbucks and has made its mark in the market since.
Nutritional Information of Starbucks Cold Foam
A Starbucks cold foam contains a variety of nutrients necessary for the body, but is it too much or too little? Let’s see. A Grande serving cup of cold brew with cold foam will give you 35 calories. According to nutritional experts, a daily serving of calories should not exceed 2000 and a good breakfast should contain 300 to 400 calories. As we can see, the cold foam will still leave room for more calories at breakfast. This foam has no fat content.
Nonfat dairy milk is a great contributor to its lack of fat. This makes it a great choice for someone on a low-fat diet. The sodium level is also on the lower side with only 30mg. Your blood pressure and heart will be smiling at every sip of this cold foam. This is also a zero-cholesterol foam, which is all positive for the heart. The carbohydrates come in at 7g which is very low and a plus for a low carbs diet customer. The sugar levels are also low at 7g. This is a very healthy option for those on the lookout for sugar intake. A 7g-sugar drink is a plus for your overall health. The drink has a relatively low protein content of 2g. The nonfat milk is added sparingly to avoid it being overbearing and interfering with the overall taste of the drink. If you are on a keto diet, this cold foam might not do much for you considering that keto diets are high in fat, moderate proteins, and low carbs. The vegan should also explore other plant milk options as this is made with dairy milk. However, the Starbucks cold foam is suitable for those who are looking to cut on fat and sugar. Let us look at this nutritional information in a nutshell.
Calorie count (out of 2,000 calories daily intake) | 35 |
Nutrient Content (per Grande serving) | % of Daily Value |
Total Fat 0g)
Trans Fat (0.0g) Saturated Fat (0g) |
0% |
Total carbohydrates (7g)
Sugar (7g) Dietary Fiber |
%
14 % |
Proteins (2g) | |
Cholesterol (0mg) | 0% |
Sodium (30mg) | % |
What Does Starbucks cold foam taste like?
The Starbucks cold foam oozes a creamy and lightly sweet taste. As we have already established, the cold foam does not mix with the drink and the foam is left at the top on its own. This makes one experience a foamy and sweet taste without the fatty taste of whole milk. Some people feel the watery taste of the cold foam but in a good way. It dissolves in the mouth in a sweet foamy taste.
Some people who are mostly sweet-toothed will feel a tasteless and flat taste as they are used to overly sweet things. Sometimes, the cold foam can be sweetened or salted. The salted version is a mix of salt and sweet in any cold brew. Despite the lack of cream in the nonfat milk cold foam as compared to whipped cream, the cold foam still takes the lead in taste. It can be sweetened as one desires or left as it is.
How to make Starbucks Cold Foam
Ingredients
- Milk frother or a French press
- ¼ cup Skim milk
- Vanilla extract (optional)
- 1 tsp. simple syrup
- Pitcher
Instructions
- Add your skim milk to a pitcher together with the simple syrup and a dash of vanilla extract if you opt for it.
- Submerge your milk frother fully into the pitcher and froth till the milk starts to thicken.
- Froth the mixture while slowly moving the wand towards the top of the milk mixture.
- This process should take around 20 seconds until all the milk is thick and stable.
- Pour your cold foam on your i9ced coffee or cold brew and enjoy.
Notes
Final Thoughts
A Starbucks cold foam is delicious and low in fat. It is easy to make at home and is a great topping for all your cold brews. You can use it on iced coffee, nitro brew, iced latte, and iced cappuccinos among others. You can never go wrong with this new Starbucks craze.
FAQ SECTION
Is the cold foam at Starbucks sweetened?
Yes, the cold foam is sweetened with vanilla, but there is also a sugar-free cold foam available.
Does cold foam have caffeine?
No, the cold foam contains no caffeine.
Does Starbucks cold foam have vanilla?
Yes, the Starbucks cold foam contains vanilla syrup.