Protein drinks fuel Starbucks’ surprising sales comeback

Starbucks is brewing a comeback, and it’s not just about coffee anymore. After seven sluggish quarters, the chain finally saw global comparable sales rise 1% in the fourth quarter. The surprising hero? Protein.

CEO Brian Niccol, who joined from Chipotle last year, credits the surge to Starbucks’ new protein-packed drinks—the protein cold foam and lattes that hit menus in September.

Customers can now add 90% protein to nearly every beverage, and they’re loving it. Even infrequent rewards members are showing up more often, with pumpkin-flavored protein cold foam topping the charts.

The company sees the drinks as the first step toward expanding health-focused options. While cautious, CEO Niccol said Starbucks’ improving numbers mark a new chapter in its turnaround.