Starbucks has confirmed that plant-based breakfast sandwiches made with vegan Beyond Meat patties will be launching in Canada from March 3.
The Beyond Meat, Cheddar and Egg Sandwich will be part of Starbuck’s spring menu additions.
Starbucks revealed that a new plant-based option would launch soon earlier this year. “We will be introducing a breakfast sandwich this year with a plant-based patty both in U.S. and Canada,” said COO Roz Brewer in early February.
Chief Executive Kevin Johnson said in January that the company aims to add additional vegan menu items in order to become more environmentally friendly, per Reuters.
He didn’t comment on potential suppliers at the time, but the announcement prompted a surge in shares of Beyond Meat. Shares rose as much as 17.1 percent, to $127.80. As well as sausage patties, Beyond Meat produces vegan burgers, ground beef, and sausages.
Plant-based meat is gaining popularity. According to data measurement company Nielsen, the sales of plant-based meat increased by 10.2 percent in 2019, reaching $946.6 million. In the U.S., vegan meat sales are set to reach $1 billion for the first time ever this year.
Vegan at Starbucks
Starbucks currently offers a variety of vegan options. The coffee chain just added Oatly to the menu in 1,300 U.S. locations. Customers can order their favorite vegan drinks with the Swedish oat milk across the Midwest, including Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin.
The promotion of plant-based food and drink at Starbucks is part of the company’s push towards sustainability.
Dairy, meat, and other animal products have an enormous environmental impact. Animal agriculture produces greenhouse gas emissions, uses a great deal of land, and consumes a high volume of water. Experts have indicated that reducing meat and dairy consumption in favor of plant-based foods is a productive way to help the environment.
To further minimize the company’s impact on the environment, Starbucks has also said it aims to invest in more effective waste-management. It will also shift from single-use packaging to reusable materials. Starbucks plans to halve its landfill waste from stores by 2030.
The company is also aiming to reduce its carbon emissions from direct operations and supply chain by 50 percent, also by 2030.
