Starbucks Welcomes Veganuary with Iced Hazelnut Oatmilk Shaken Espresso
If you're diving into Veganuary, Starbucks has a delightful surprise for you. The coffee giant introduces the Iced Hazelnut Oatmilk Shaken Espresso, a non-dairy addition to its Iced Shaken Espresso series featuring oat milk.
The New Vegan Delight
Starbucks continues its commitment to sustainability with the launch of the Iced Hazelnut Oatmilk Shaken Espresso, a flavorful concoction of hazelnut syrup, Blonde espresso, and oat milk, shaken over ice. Senior Product Developer Billy Altieri emphasizes the creamy texture the oat milk adds to this classic coffeehouse flavor.
Oat Milk's Rise in Starbucks
Acknowledging the environmental benefits of non-dairy milk, Starbucks incorporated oat milk into its menu in 2021. The Iced Brown Sugar Shaken Oatmilk Espresso quickly gained popularity, causing a temporary oat milk shortage. The exploration continued with unique creations like the Oleato Gingerbread Oatmilk Latte, a cozy blend of Starbucks Blonde Espresso, steamed oat milk, and gingerbread syrup.
Starbucks' Seasonal Vegan Offerings
Apart from oat milk beverages, Starbucks showcases creativity in its seasonal vegan offerings. The Iced Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte, inspired by German sugar cookies, and the Apple Crisp Oatmilk Shaken Espresso, a fall favorite, reflect the chain's commitment to diverse and sustainable options.
Starbucks Steps Up Reusable Cup Initiative
In a bid to reduce waste and align with its 2030 goal of becoming a resource-positive company, Starbucks now accepts personal cups at all its US and Canadian locations. This initiative covers in-store, drive-thru, and mobile app orders, making Starbucks the only national coffee retailer in the US offering this option for mobile orders.
Making Personal Cups Mainstream
Customers simply inform the barista of their personal cup, with a contactless process in drive-thrus for hygiene. The mobile app features a "Personal Cup" option for user convenience. Starbucks rewards environmentally conscious customers with a 10¢ discount on their beverage and 25 bonus stars for US Rewards members.
Starbucks Faces Criticism Over Vegan Milk Upcharge
Despite these positive strides, Starbucks faces criticism for maintaining a surcharge for vegan milk in the US. While other countries like the United Kingdom, Germany, and France have eliminated the fee, Starbucks' 16,000 US stores continue to impose up to an 80¢ upcharge for non-dairy milk substitutions.
Celebrities and Activists Speak Out
Celebrities like Alicia Silverstone, Paul McCartney, and James Cromwell, along with animal-rights group PETA, have criticized the upcharge. PETA's Executive Vice President, Tracy Reiman, argues that this practice discourages customers from making eco-friendly choices, questioning Starbucks' commitment to sustainability.
A Call for Change
Starbucks' steps toward sustainability are commendable, yet the persistent vegan milk upcharge raises concerns about its dedication to combating climate change. As consumers increasingly prioritize environmentally friendly options, Starbucks faces growing pressure to reevaluate its pricing strategy and make sustainable choices more accessible to all.
