Leading coffee chain Starbucks has upped its vegan range, launching bottles of almond milk Frappuccinos.
Starbucks first teased the “sweet and creamy” dairy-free beverages in October 2017, however, a representative said at the time that the bottled beverages were not vegan because of “other ingredients.”
It appears the drinks have been made vegan following communication with People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). Writing on Twitter about the new drinks, the animal rights organization wrote, “BIG NEWS. Following talks with PETA, Starbucks now sells vegan bottled Frappuccinos!”
The dairy-free drinks, available in flavors mocha and vanilla, are available at Target. According to a description on Target’s website, the Starbucks beverages contain 35 percent of your daily requirement of calcium.
The Public’s Taste for Almond Milk
More people are pouring plant-based milk into their cups instead of dairy, and it’s not just vegans. In the US, 48 percent of dairy-drinking Americans are also purchasing vegan milk. Nearly 30 percent of young people in Britain have reduced or cut out dairy milk consumption.
Almond milk remains a firm favorite in America, according to Nielsen data. It was reported in 2016 that almond milk sales had boosted by 250 percent in the five years prior.
Vegan at Starbucks
The largest coffee chain in the world has been increasingly leaning toward vegan food and drink.
In UK locations, Starbucks introduced dairy-free mac ‘n’ cheese as well as a vegan all-day breakfast burrito, featuring egg-like scrambled tofu. Vegan roasted vegetable salads with chipotle dressing and vegan wraps in beetroot and chia bread are also on offer.
In the US, the coffee company sells dairy-free oatmeal pots, protein cold brews, and vegan cupcakes. Starbucks locations in the Philippines offer “sinless” vegan chocolate cake made with avocado as well as a double-decker peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
In Portugal, Starbucks launched mini vegan chocolate cakes with raspberry filling, decorated with dried fruit. Ciabatta sandwiches with seasoned pumpkin, sweet cranberries, fresh vegetables, and dairy-free chipotle were also added.
The coffee chain is working to cater to the growing demand for plant-based food. Speaking at Milan’s Seeds and Chips conference last year, Starbucks founder Howard Schultz said, “The opportunity for plant-based foods is huge.”
