Coffee lovers have been talking about Starbucks Cold Foams lately. But what exactly is cold foam? What type of cold foam does Starbucks have? And which drinks come with this delicious topping?
Here we’ll discuss all you need to know about Starbucks cold foams – from what they are to the best drinks that feature them. We’ll also share some tips on how to make your own homemade version. So whether you’re a fan of iced coffees or frappuccinos, there’s something here for everyone who loves their coffee served up with an extra touch of creaminess.
Table of Contents:
- What is Cold Foam?
- What Type of Cold Foam Does Starbucks Have?
- Best Starbucks Drinks With Cold Foam
- How To Make Your Own Cold Foam At Home
- FAQs in Relation to Starbucks Cold Foams
- Conclusion
What is Cold Foam?
Cold foam is a type of frothy, creamy foam made from milk or cream that has been aerated and chilled. It adds a smooth texture and flavor to the drink while also providing a unique visual presentation. Cold foam is often used as an alternative to traditional whipped cream in coffee drinks like lattes, cappuccinos, and iced coffees.
The process of making cold foam involves using steam to create tiny bubbles in the liquid which are then cooled down quickly by chilling it with ice cubes or refrigeration. This creates a light yet creamy consistency that can be poured over your favorite hot or cold beverage for added flavor and texture. The result is an airy layer of velvety goodness on top of your drink that looks almost too good to sip.
You might have noticed Starbucks’ signature “cold foam” topping on some drinks such as their Iced Cappuccino or Nitro Cold Brew Latte. The cold foam adds an extra layer of deliciousness to the beverage. Starbucks’ version is made with nonfat milk but they offer other variations including almond milk-based options for those looking for something lighter or dairy-free alternatives.
Nitro Cold Foam?
I used to think that there were two types of cold foam – classic which was made using a frother, and nitro which uses nitrogen gas. But I was wrong.
Nitro refers to the brewing process itself, whereas cold foam is only the layer of foam on top. So no, there is no Nitro Cold Foam.
To summarize, cold foam is a unique and delicious way to enjoy coffee, and Starbucks has a variety of cold foams available for you to try. Let’s take a look at what type of cold foam Starbucks offers.
What flavors of Cold Foam Does Starbucks Have?
Starbucks currently offers three common flavors of cold foam that are available all year round and three flavors for the winter holiday season. However, the availability still depends on your location, so make sure to check with the barista or with the Starbucks app!
When ordering, you can choose how much foam you want, in terms of “light”, “medium”, and “extra“. Some flavors have a dairy-free alternative option too – those start with “Substitute”, you’ll have to let the barista know which non-dairy milk to use.
Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Foam
Made with nonfat milk aerated and chilled for a light, creamy texture. Can be used in any drink from the menu including lattes, cappuccinos, macchiatos, etc. Adds subtle sweetness and smooth texture.
Non-dairy substitute is available for this flavor.
Chocolate Cream Cold Foam
A summer special turned permanent! This foam has a smooth, creamy, rich chocolate taste – it’s a must-try treat!
Dairy-free substitutes can be chosen with this flavor.
Salted Caramel Cream Cold Foam
A popular choice if you want a drink that is not all sweet tasting. Salted Caramel Cream is a combination of creamy vanilla sweet cream and rich flavors of caramel with a pinch of salt. This is what I usually go for when seasonal flavors aren’t available.
Irish Cream Cold Foam
Irish cream is made with a rather simple syrup using various nuts, and cocoa/chocolate. It is especially creamy.
Peppermint Chocolate Cream Cold Foam
Add the taste of festivities with this popular flavor. Personally not a huge fan of cool mint, but I do occasionally pick it when I want something a little more refreshing.
Pistachio Cream Cold Foam
If you prefer a rich, creamy, roast, nutty flavor, this is the one to go for. It’s my favourite flavor when it’s in season.
However, since pistachio is a cashew, you may want to avoid it if you have nut allergy.
Best 5 Starbucks Drinks With Cold Foam
01 Pistachio Cream Cold Brew
The Starbucks® Cold Brew in the new handcrafted Starbucks Pistachio Cream Cold Brew is sweetened with vanilla syrup. It is topped with smooth pistachio cream cold foam and salted brown-buttery sprinkles.
The Pistachio Cream Cold Brew builds on the fact that customers love the Pistachio Latte and that cold coffee is popular all year round.
Avoid if you have a nut allergy!
02 Vanilla Sweet Cream Nitro Cold Brew
This drink is served cold, directly from the tap, and is topped with a float of house-made vanilla sweet cream. As a result, there’s a waterfall of silky coffee that’s more drinkable than ever. Contains 70 calories and 4 grammes of sugar. Perfect for ladies!
03 Nitro Cold Brew with Cascara Cold Foam
This drink is a unique combination of Starbucks Nitro Cold Brew and Cascara Cold Foam and contains only 80 calories. The Nitro Cold Brew, which is the base of this drink, has a reputation for being smooth, naturally sweet, and lacking bitterness because of its slow-steeping process and being served cold. The addition of nitrogen only adds to its texture and taste, making it creamy and iced without the need for actual ice. Not only does it taste amazing, but it’s also less watery, more substantial, richer, and has a velvety smooth texture that makes it perfect for a leisurely sipping experience.
04 Irish Cream Cold Brew
In this creamy classic, Irish Cream Cold Brew is mixed with Irish cream syrup and topped with a cloud of sweet cream cold foam with a hint of cocoa. In Canada, customers can get a hot version called Irish Cream Americano. It is made with rich, caramel-flavored espresso, Irish cream-flavored syrup, hot water, steamed milk, and a small amount of cocoa.
5 Almond Milk Honey Flat White with Cold Foam
We started with the coffee. Starbucks Blonde Espresso pairs well with the lighter texture of milk alternatives, especially almondmilk. It’s a little bit nuttier, so it complements the almond-based milk.
Raegan Powell (Starbucks Product Developer)
Hot coffee with COLD foam? YES! Try it! The Almond Milk Honey Flat White is made with shots of Blonde Espresso, a Honey Blend, and steamed almond milk. It is topped with the choice of cold foam, which is the Flat White’s signature.
Obviously, don’t get this if you have nut allergies, though.
How do you order cold foam from Starbucks?
Did you know that you could order a hot coffee topped with cold foam? Doesn’t make it a good idea though, since the foam would melt into oblivion the moment the barista puts it on. Maybe we could make this a challenge? #ColdFoamOnHotCoffeeChallenge, go wild!
In all seriousness though, the menu already has a list of cold drinks that have cold foam on top, so you can simply order those that start with a flavor listed above. For example, Salted Caramel Cream Cold Brew.
Alternatively, you can start by selecting your favorite espresso beverage. Then ask the barista to add a layer of cold foam on top. The barista will use an espresso machine with a special steaming wand to create the creamy texture and microfoam that makes up the cold foam. Once they have finished creating it, they will pour it over your drink for you to enjoy. Cold foam adds an extra layer of flavor and texture that is sure to delight any coffee lover.
How To Make Your Own Cold Foam At Home
If you’re feeling adventurous, you could try making your own homemade version. You’ll need a milk frother like this ElitePro one or a blender.
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup (70 ml) 2% milk (or plant-based)
- Ice
- 1 tbsp sugar/sweetener (optional)
- 1/4 tbsp vanilla extract or other flavoring syrups (optional)
Steps:
- Brew coffee using your preferred method and pour over ice.
- Mix milk, sugar/sweetener, and your chosen flavoring extract into a pourable container
- Froth milk mixture for 30-60 seconds
- Pour the foam over your coffee and enjoy
Make sure not to over-whisk/blend the mixture as this can cause it to become too thin. If this happens simply add more milk/cream until it reaches the desired thickness again. Additionally, if you find that your homemade cold foam isn’t sweet enough feel free to add more sugar until it meets your taste preferences.
You can try different flavoring syrups to create unique flavors such as using cocoa powder to create chocolate mocha foam or adding different types of spices like cinnamon and nutmeg for an extra kick.
FAQs
What are the cold foams at Starbucks?
Cold foam is a frothy, creamy topping made from cold milk and non-dairy alternatives. It can be used to top iced coffee drinks, lattes, cappuccinos, macchiatos, and more. Starbucks offers two types of cold foam: classic (made with 2% milk) and coconut milk. Both are lightly sweetened for a smooth finish that won’t overpower the flavor of your favorite espresso beverage. Cold foam adds texture and creaminess without the extra calories or sugar of traditional whipped cream toppings. Try it on your next iced latte for an indulgent treat.
What is in Starbucks’ plain cold foam?
Starbucks Cold Foam is a light and creamy foam topping made with nonfat milk. It has no added sugar or flavors, making it the perfect addition to any beverage. The combination of air and nonfat milk creates a velvety texture that’s both sweet and refreshing. Topped on iced coffee drinks, cold foam adds a layer of flavor without overpowering the taste of your favorite espresso beverages. Enjoy it on its own or as a topping for your favorite cold beverage.
Does Starbucks sell cold foam?
Yes, Starbucks does sell cold foam. Cold foam is a type of frothy milk that can be added to coffee drinks for an extra creamy texture and flavor. It’s made by blending non-dairy milk with air and other ingredients like sugar or vanilla syrup. The result is a light, velvety topping that can be used in lattes, cappuccinos, macchiatos, and more. Customers can also customize their cold foam order with different flavors such as caramel or cinnamon dolce.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Starbucks cold foams are a delicious and unique way to enjoy your favorite drinks. Whether you prefer the classic Cold Foam Cascara Latte or something more creative like an Iced Vanilla Bean Coconutmilk Latte with Cold Foam, there’s something for everyone. With just a few simple ingredients and some basic techniques, you can even make your own cold foam at home. So next time you’re in the mood for something special from Starbucks, don’t forget to ask for that extra layer of creamy goodness – it’ll take your drink up a notch.
Are you tired of your morning coffee routine? Ready to try something new and exciting with your daily cup of joe? Look no further than Starbucks Cold Foams! Our everyday kitchen, BBQ, and coffee tips will help guide you in making the perfect cold foam that is sure to wake up even the groggiest mornings. Try it out today for a delicious way to start off every day!