If you love cold foam as much as we do, then you’re in for a treat. In this post, we’ll share our favorite cold foam drinks from Starbucks.
Cold foam drinks have increased in popularity since Starbucks introduced the world to its Nitro Cold Brew in 2016. And it’s no wonder—adding cold foam to your coffee beverage gives it a subtly sweet flavor and a rich and creamy texture that’s one of a kind.
You may actually be surprised at the sheer number of options you have when choosing a delicious cold foam drink, and how many flavor combinations you can create based on the tasty drinks available on the menu. From cold brews to lattes and tea, there’s no limit to the kinds of sweet drinks you can create using a satisfying cold foam topping.
If all that sounds tempting, join the club and get ready to learn about some delicious Starbucks cold foam drinks!
What is a cold foam drink?
A cold foam drink is a type of beverage that contains a foamy layer on top. The foamy layer is usually made from fresh milk or cream that has been aerated with nitrogen or blended with an immersion blender and added as a topping for iced coffee, cold brew, lattes, and sometimes hot coffee drinks.
In the context of a Starbucks drink, however, it’s a bit simpler: cold foam is essentially a topping put on Starbucks’ cold coffee drinks (usually- we’ll go over a few hot beverages that pair beautifully with cold foam later). It’s most popular in Starbucks’ cold brew and iced drinks.
What flavor cold foam does Starbucks have?
Starbucks has a variety of cold foam flavors that are perfect for any drink you choose. Some have a milder and more subtle flavor, while others are the star of the show.
Read on to learn a little bit more about each cold foam flavor.
Chocolate Cream Cold Foam
Chocolate lovers, rejoice! You don’t have to order an iced mocha to get a delicious and indulgent kick of chocolate flavor in your drink. Whether you order an Iced Coffee, a Cold Brew, or a shot of espresso, this flavor is bound to kick it up a notch.
This cold foam’s flavor is a bit more pronounced than, say, the Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Foam, so it may not pair well with every drink out there.
A good rule of thumb before you order is to ask yourself if you would drink this drink and eat a bar of chocolate simultaneously. If yes, then go for it!
Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Foam
If there’s one cold foam flavor you need to try at least once, it’s the Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Foam.
It’s a mild and versatile foam that goes well on just about any drink you can imagine. The vanilla flavor is bold enough to notice the added sweetness, but it doesn’t distract or take away from the rest of the drink.
It’s also a nice compliment to bolder or spicier flavors, like an espresso or a Chai Latte.
Salted Caramel Cream Cold Foam
This cold foam flavor is perfect if you want to add a little fall flavor to your drink year-round! The salted caramel cold foam pairs well with all kinds of coffee drinks, especially a Caramel Cappuccino or an Iced coffee.
This cold foam is sweet enough that you don’t need lots of extra syrups or sauces to taste the sweetness, but it’s not overpowering.
Try topping your drink with this cold foam, plus a caramel drizzle for a little extra indulgence.
Pumpkin Cream Cold Foam
As soon as Autumn rolls around every year (or, let’s be honest, late summer), we bust out the pumpkin-flavored everything, and this Pumpkin Cream Cold Foam is no exception.
This seasonal favorite pairs deliciously with bold coffee flavors, so put it on your Cold Brew, Iced Coffee, Americano, or Cappuccino. Add some chocolate drizzle or brown sugar sweetness for a bit more fall-inspired decadence!
Matcha Cold Foam
While you’re not going to find this kind of cold foam on the menu, Starbucks fans know that you can create amazing things if you know a little about the “secret menu.”
All you need to do to make matcha cold foam is to order your drink with vanilla sweet cream and matcha blended in.
Note: This is easiest done in the store, as there may not be an option for this customization on the Starbucks app.
What drinks are good with vanilla cold foam?
The good thing about Vanilla Sweet Cream cold foam is that it’s an incredibly versatile and subtle flavor, so it goes well with a variety of Starbucks drinks.
The sweet and mild flavor of the vanilla doesn’t clash with different flavors the way, say, Chocolate Cream cold foam or Salted Caramel cold foam would (not to mention Matcha cold foam).
We recommend trying Vanilla Sweet Cream cold foam on a Cold Brew, Iced Latte, Iced Coffee, or even a hot tea latte like a Chai Latte or London Fog Tea Latte. You can add any syrup you like to these drinks, and they’ll turn out delicious with the addition of the cold foam!
What can I put cold foam on at Starbucks?
One of the things we love about Starbucks is the ability to customize any drink on the menu to create something that truly hits the spot. And that customization extends to cold foam, too—you can ask to add any flavor of cold foam to any drink on the menu!
Can you add sweet cream cold foam to any drink?
You may think that sweet cream cold foam is only available on cold brews or just cold drinks in general, but you can order it on just about any drink that Starbucks offers.
From iced coffees and cold brews to cold beverages like Matcha Lattes, and even hot drinks like Hot Chocolate or Chai Lattes, the options really do feel limitless!
If you’re unsure whether you can get cold foam on your drink of choice, you can always ask your barista or check in the Starbucks app.
How do you order cold foam on the Starbucks app?
The option to add cold foam is available on all iced and cold drinks in the Starbucks app and even some hot drinks, too!
To add cold foam to your drink, simply select the drink you want to order, then go to the customization tab. Click on “toppings” and scroll until you see the options to add cold foam.
From there, you have the chance to add any of the available cold foam options. Generally, you’ll see Chocolate Cream cold foam, Vanilla Sweet Cream cold foam, and Salted Caramel Cream cold foam.
You may also see Pumpkin Cream cold foam if it’s available in season. You won’t be able to add Matcha cold foam on the app since it’s a “secret menu” item.
Can you get just cold foam at Starbucks?
There’s no reason why you can’t! If you order just a plain cup of cold foam at your local Starbucks, you’ll likely be charged for a cup of milk in the size you requested and possibly the 50-cent upcharge for cold foam.
There’s no way to request a plain cup of cold foam in the Starbucks app, so you’ll likely have to order in person so your barista knows exactly what you’re requesting. But you certainly can get an entire cup of cold foam if that’s what you want.
Best Starbucks Cold Foam Drinks
Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew
Probably one of the simplest and most popular cold foam beverages on the Starbucks menu, this is one that we recommend everyone try at least once. It’s a simple drink, just cold brew coffee topped with Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew, but it’s amazing how much flavor and subtle sweetness goes into something with so few features.
The best part is that this drink is highly customizable. Want it sweeter? Ask for a flavored sweet syrup to be added. Want it a bit more nuanced? Try adding a topping like Cinnamon Dolce sprinkles to sweeten the deal.
Iced Cinnamon Dolce Latte with Vanilla Sweet Cream
As if the Iced Cinnamon Dolce Latte couldn’t get any better, why not try adding a bit of Vanilla Sweet Cream cold foam on top? The drink is usually served with a topping of whipped cream, but we say this option is even better!
The sweet and spicy flavors of the latte blend beautifully with this rich and creamy foam, and the light, mild taste of the cold foam compliments the drink beautifully. Your drink seems more like a coffee and less like a dessert with this cold foam, which is a win in our book.
Vanilla Sweet Cream Nitro Cold Brew
If you loved the Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew, you’re bound to love its Nitro sibling even more. There’s a reason their popular Nitro brew pairs so well with cold foam; the nitrogen infused into the coffee gives it a rich and foamy texture which matches up so well against a cold foam topping.
What we love about this drink is that it’s got that hint of vanilla sweetness, but it’s not too sugary or rich. Those who aren’t into super-sugary drinks will love this modern take on a classic coffee with cream.
Starbucks Cold Brew Foam Drinks
Salted Caramel Cream Cold Brew
If you’re looking for a sweet, salty, and rich coffee, this is the one for you. The Salted Caramel Cold Brew is made with Starbucks’ Cold Brew coffee, a touch of caramel syrup, and topped with a smooth and just slightly sweet Salted Caramel cold foam.
The Salted Caramel Cream Cold Brew is the perfect balance of sweet and salty, and the Salted Caramel cold foam adds a rich and velvety texture to the drink that’s oh-so-satisfying. If you’re looking for a new menu item to try, or you’re looking for a little taste of fall year-round, then you’ll love this cold brew drink!
Cold Foam Mocha
You are missing out if you haven’t tried a cold foam mocha from Starbucks yet. This drink is not actually on the menu, but you can easily create a custom order through the Starbucks app or in person at the store. The Cold Foam Mocha is just a classic Caffe Mocha with added cold foam on top.
Why do we love this drink? The cold foam makes the drink’s texture smoother and more enjoyable, and it’s less sugary sweet than whipped cream.
Also, make sure you get your mocha topped with chocolate drizzle because what mocha isn’t complete without chocolate?
Iced London Fog Tea Latte with Cold Foam
If you’re not familiar with a London Fog, it’s a latte-style drink made with Earl Gray black tea and steamed milk. If you want it to be extra delicious and decadent, add a bit of cold foam to the top (try the Salted Caramel Cold Foam with this one!).
The result is smooth, creamy, and indulgent without being too sweet. It also has less caffeine than an espresso latte, which is a plus if you’re trying to cut down.
Iced Matcha Tea Latte with Cold Foam
We all love the Matcha Tea Latte at Starbucks, and for a good reason; we love its unique matcha flavor, perfectly balanced sweetness, and how it’s so cold and refreshing on a hot day. But it’s even better when you add cold foam to the top.
We recommend you add the Vanilla Sweet Cream cold foam rather than the Chocolate Cream cold foam or the Salted Caramel cold foam since both of those flavors might clash against the bold matcha flavors.
Pink Drink with Cold Foam
The Pink Drink has been immensely popular since it was first added to the menu a few years ago.
So what is the Pink Drink? Essentially, it’s their famous Strawberry Acai Starbucks Refresher, with added coconut milk and strawberry pieces. It’s not just delicious on its own; it’s also a great base for customizing your drink and creating something new.
You can get the Pink Drink topped with cold foam (we recommend going with the Vanilla Sweet Cream cold foam) for a nice compliment to the rich and creamy texture of the drink.
The vanilla flavor will also complement the delicious strawberry and acai flavors perfectly. Think of it as a strawberries and cream drink with caffeine added!
Salted Caramel Nitro Cold Brew
Like the original Salted Caramel Cold Brew, this Nitro version is simple, sophisticated, and downright delicious. We love it because it’s subtle with just a hint of sweetness (no sugar rushes here) and because the salted caramel flavor complements the taste of the cold brew perfectly.
So what’s the difference between this Nitro Cold Brew and a standard cold brew? Nitro Cold Brews are made with cold brew coffee on tap that’s been infused with nitrogen to give it a rich, velvety, and foamy texture. Paired with cold foam, you’ve got a drink that feels downright luxurious.
Iced White Chocolate Mocha
An Iced White Chocolate Mocha is already a unique drink that you won’t find in many other places, but you can kick it up a notch with even more richness and creaminess to your mocha by adding a healthy serving of cold foam! White chocolate is an excellent base flavor for other sweet flavors, so try it yourself and see how you like it!
For this drink, we’d recommend adding either the Chocolate Cream cold foam or even the matcha cold foam (yes, really—you’d be surprised how well matcha goes with white chocolate!). Either one will add a surprising and decadent twist to a classic!
Matcha Cold Foam Iced Americano
Yes, you read that right, matcha cold foam on an Americano. It doesn’t seem like it would work, would it? But you may be surprised. This drink became a hit at Starbucks in Malaysia and quickly took the internet by storm. Yes, the green foam may throw you off at first, but we promise this is a drink you’ll want to try at least once.
Order an Iced Americano with sweet cream, with some matcha powder blended into the sweet cream. The result is creamy, bold, and completely unexpected. If you wish, you can add a pump or two of liquid cane sugar to sweeten it up a bit, but we say try it as it is first!
Iced Chai Latte with Pumpkin Cold Foam
Is there anything better during the fall than a warm and spicy drink like a Chai Latte? You might not think this cold weather classic could get any better, but have you ever considered adding Pumpkin Cream cold foam to your latte?
This combination is sweet, warm, spicy, and everything you need when the seasons change. Remember that you won’t be able to order this drink year-round since the Pumpkin Cream cold foam is only available seasonally. So get one while you can!
Iced Vanilla Latte with Cold Foam
Iced Lattes are one of Starbucks’ most classic and well-loved drinks, so it may seem like you can’t make them any better. But we think this is one of the best drinks to incorporate cold foam into. Try adding any of the three available cold foams to a vanilla latte, and enjoy!
The result is light, refreshing, and has just the right amount of sweetness. The cold foam adds a delicious creamy texture that takes this latte to the next level. This is the drink for you if you’re looking for a caffeine fix to help you beat the heat.
FAQ’s
What is Starbucks’ sweet cold foam made of?
There’s a little bit of mystery surrounding what exactly cold foam is, but don’t let it confuse you; it’s actually quite simple.
Cold foam is made using vanilla syrup, 2% milk, and heavy cream. Those ingredients are added to a cold foam blender that mixes all the ingredients and adds air into the mixture to create that light and fluffy cold foam that we can’t get enough of!
Are sweet cream and cold foam the same thing?
With all the different names for Starbucks toppings, it can get a little confusing which one’s which. What’s the difference between a Vanilla Sweet Cream cold foam and a cold foam with Vanilla Sweet Cream? Is there a difference at all?
To clarify, sweet cream and cold foam are not precisely the same. They are both made with the same ingredients (heavy cream, milk, and vanilla syrup), but sweet cream is a kind of creamer you can put in your coffee.
Does Starbucks charge extra for cold foam?
Usually, you can customize your Starbucks drink however you like with no upcharge. However, they will charge for certain upgrades, like an extra shot of rich espresso, alternative milk options, and yes, adding cold foam.
If you’d like to add cold foam to an item on the menu that doesn’t typically come with cold foam, you’ll be charged about 50 cents.
Final Thoughts
So as you can see, there’s a huge variety of drink options when ordering a cold foam drink. All it takes is a little creativity and knowledge of the Starbucks menu, and you can create something truly unique that satisfies your cravings!
If you’re interested in learning more about how to make the most from your Starbucks visit, check out some of the best viral TikTok drinks or discover the best Starbucks latte flavors.
Happy caffeinating!
