“Our customers continue to look for new ways to enjoy plant-based options at Starbucks and customize their Starbucks moment, and we are delighted to introduce these new menu items to our customers over the coming years.”

 Today, Starbucks rolls out its spring menu and the items reflect CEO, President, and Director Kevin R. Johnson’s recent acknowledgment that plant-based in both beverage and food, is the ‘number one trend’ and the ‘most dominant’ shift in consumer behavior. 

Plant-focused menu

As part of the new menu, Starbucks is offering consumers its first vegan protein box across most locations nationwide.

This plant-based protein box contains chickpea bites, snap peas, mini carrots, dried cranberry nut mix, and an avocado spread.

The meal provides a whopping 15 grams of proteins per box.

The new vegan meal box joins Starbucks’ recently launched plant-based breakfast sandwich.

The sandwich which features vegan sausage, egg, and dairy-free cheese is currently being trailed at select locations in the Dallas, TX area and a national rollout has yet to be announced.

The coffee giant’s spring 2021 menu also features a new line of dairy-free shaken espresso drinks, including the Iced Chocolate Almondmilk Shaken Espresso and the Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso.

The beverages will remain on the menu as part of Starbucks’ permanent offerings.

Honey Oatmilk Latte, which was trialled regionally will also be rolled out at stores nationwide. However, this beverage is not vegan since it contains honey.

‘Resource positive’

Starbucks’ new menu comes right at a time when “customers are seeking more plant-based choices to incorporate into their daily routines,” and the company is looking to deliver on its sustainability goals.

“Starbucks aspiration is to become resource positive. This aspiration, coupled with the insight that our customers are looking for more plant-based choices, has inspired the development of exciting and delicious plant-based beverages and food,” Michael Kobori, chief sustainability officer at Starbucks said.

“Our customers continue to look for new ways to enjoy plant-based options at Starbucks and customize their Starbucks moment, and we are delighted to introduce these new menu items to our customers over the coming years.”

Starbucks X Oatly

Finally, the new menu will also welcome the highly anticipated national rollout of Oatly oatmilk after it was first announced by the company in December 2020.

“We’re pleased to bring Oatly oatmilk to Starbucks stores nationwide in the U.S., something our customers have asked for as they increasingly seek a variety of plant-based choices,” Luigi Bonini, senior vice president, Global Product Innovation at Starbucks said.

Oatly’s oat milk will be the fourth plant-based milk option offered by the company after it introduced soymilk in 1997, coconut milk in 2015, and almond milk in 2016.

Toni Petersson, Oatly CEO added: “We know from experience that we’re in the midst of a plant-based revolution.

“People everywhere are looking for ways to eat and drink that are better for them and for the planet they live on.

“Oatly exists to make it easy for people to make those choices every day, with every cup of coffee.

“We’re excited to be part of Starbucks’ ongoing commitment to sustainability. With this next step, together we’re able to reach that many more people across the U.S. with oatmilk and in so doing, continue to do great things for the planet.” 

• Read: Alan Cumming calls out Starbucks for ‘penalizing vegans with upcharges’

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Mohsina Dodhiya

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