The Rise of Protein Drinks in QSRs — and How to Get Started

Protein drinks and protein coffees are showing up on more and more restaurant and café menus. From Starbucks’ new high-protein cold foam lattes to local smoothie shops adding protein-packed frozen drinks, this trend is here to stay — and it’s one your business can easily get in on.

With a Taylor frozen beverage machine, you can serve thick, creamy protein shakes and protein coffees customers will love — without adding complicated prep steps or new equipment stations.

Why Everyone’s Talking About Protein Drinks

Today’s customers want more than just caffeine and flavor — they want drinks that fit into their healthy, on-the-go lifestyles. Protein drinks and protein coffees check every box: they’re energizing, satisfying, and easy to grab.

Big names like Starbucks are already seeing huge success with these beverages, and smaller cafés and QSRs are quickly following suit. For operators, that means:

• A new way to stand out from competitors

• Higher margins on each drink sold

• A repeat customer base that craves functional, “better-for-you” options

Whether it’s a breakfast boost, post-workout refuel, or an afternoon snack, frozen protein drinks fit perfectly into every part of the day.

Make It Easy with a Taylor Frozen Beverage Freezer

Adding frozen protein shakes to your menu doesn’t have to be complicated. With a Taylor frozen beverage freezer, you can mix, freeze, and serve delicious drinks in just minutes — no blender required.

Taylor machines are built for performance and consistency. Models like the Taylor 428 frozen beverage freezer handle everything from fruit smoothies and frappes to protein shakes and frozen coffees — all with one easy-to-use system.

Here’s what makes them a great fit for your restaurant or café:

• Smooth, consistent results — every serving comes out perfectly blended.

• Simple operation — easy-to-read controls and automatic mix alerts.

• Versatile menu options — works with dairy or non-dairy bases, from whey protein to plant-based blends.

• High profitability — customers will pay more for a healthy, functional frozen drink.

If you already have a Taylor frozen beverage dispenser, it might just be a matter of switching your mix to start offering protein drinks right away.

Local Support and Expert Service

At Rocky Mountains Distributing, we’re proud to be the local Taylor distributor for Colorado, New Mexico, and Wyoming. Our team sells and supports a full range of Taylor restaurant equipment, including frozen beverage freezers, shake machines, and soft serve equipment.

We also back every purchase with world-class service:

• Taylor frozen beverage machine maintenance to keep your system running smoothly.

• Taylor frozen beverage machine repair by factory-trained service technicians who know Taylor equipment inside and out.

• Taylor frozen beverage machine service programs designed to prevent downtime and keep your operation profitable.

When you work with RMD, you’re not just buying equipment — you’re gaining a partner dedicated to your success.

Ready to Add Protein Drinks to Your Menu?

If you’re looking for an easy way to grow sales and attract health-focused customers, frozen protein shakes and protein coffees are the way to go. And with a Taylor frozen beverage machine, it’s simple to bring them to life.

Contact us to learn how a Taylor frozen beverage freezer can help your business stay ahead of the trend — backed by expert service technicians and reliable local support.