Understanding the Ingredients in Biggby's Pumpkin Spice Drinks
When you order a seasonal pumpkin spice beverage from Biggby Coffee, it's not just a simple combination of coffee and spices. The standard preparation often includes several components that contain dairy. The most important thing to remember is that the pumpkin spice sauce used in drinks like the Pumpkin Spice Latte is confirmed to contain dairy. This is a crucial distinction, as some coffee shops use dairy-free syrups, but Biggby's contains milk products. Additionally, standard drinks are made with 2% milk or half-and-half and are topped with whipped cream, both of which are dairy-based.
The Dairy Components to Avoid
To successfully order a dairy-free pumpkin spice drink, you need to be aware of the specific ingredients to omit or substitute. The three primary sources of dairy in a standard Biggby pumpkin beverage are:
- Pumpkin Spice Sauce: As confirmed by Biggby, the standard pumpkin spice sauce contains dairy. This means it cannot be included in a vegan or dairy-free order.
- Standard Milk: All lattes are typically made with dairy milk, so you must specify a non-dairy alternative.
- Whipped Cream: The signature whipped cream topping is a dairy product and must be requested to be left off your drink.
Customizing Your Dairy-Free Biggby Order
While the standard pumpkin spice sauce is a no-go, Biggby offers several ways to enjoy the flavor of fall without dairy. The key is to communicate clearly with your barista. You can still get a hot or iced beverage with pumpkin spice flavor, but the ingredients will need to be changed significantly. The most important step is asking if they have a dairy-free pumpkin spice syrup instead of the sauce. If a dairy-free syrup is available, it can be combined with other vegan ingredients.
- Start with a dairy-free milk base: Biggby offers several non-dairy milk options, including almond milk and oat milk. Some locations may also carry coconut milk, so it is always worth checking.
- Add flavor with alternative syrups: If the standard pumpkin sauce is dairy-based, ask for other vegan-friendly flavors like vanilla or caramel that can mimic the spiced notes. The best approach is to confirm with the barista which syrups are dairy-free.
- Create a custom pumpkin spice alternative: You can create your own seasonal beverage by combining dairy-free ingredients. For example, some locations might have pumpkin puree, which is often dairy-free, that can be blended with non-dairy milk and other vegan syrups. Inquire about mixing ingredients to achieve your desired flavor profile.
Creating Dairy-Free Pumpkin Spice Drinks: What to Order
Here are some specific ways to construct a dairy-free pumpkin spice-flavored drink at Biggby.
The Vegan Pumpkin Spice Latte
Since the standard Pumpkin Spice Latte sauce is not dairy-free, a true vegan version requires a different approach. Ask your barista to create a latte with a non-dairy milk and add a dairy-free vanilla syrup and a sprinkle of cinnamon and nutmeg. This will not perfectly replicate the flavor of the standard drink but can still deliver a warm, autumnal taste profile.
Vegan Pumpkin Cold Brew
One of the most straightforward vegan options is the Sweet Foam Pumpkin Cold Brew, which comes topped with a dairy-based sweet foam. To make it dairy-free, you must order it without the sweet foam. The cold brew itself is dairy-free, so you can enjoy a spiced cold brew with a non-dairy milk added to it. Ask the barista to mix in a dairy-free syrup to enhance the flavor without the foam. The cold brew itself is infused with pumpkin spice flavors, making it a viable alternative for a vegan or dairy-free customer.
Other Dairy-Free Options
Beyond pumpkin-specific drinks, Biggby offers a range of other customizable vegan-friendly beverages. Many of their tea options are inherently vegan. This is great news for those looking for a warm, spiced drink without any pumpkin. Their hot or iced teas can be ordered with non-dairy milk and any of their vegan syrups. Remember to specify no honey in certain tea-based drinks, as the Chai sauce may contain honey.
Comparison: Standard vs. Dairy-Free Pumpkin Options at Biggby
| Feature | Standard Pumpkin Spice Latte | Customized Dairy-Free Pumpkin Drink |
|---|---|---|
| Pumpkin Sauce | Contains dairy | No pumpkin sauce |
| Milk Base | Dairy milk (2% or Breve) | Non-dairy milk (Almond or Oat) |
| Topping | Whipped cream | No whipped cream |
| Primary Flavor | Specific pumpkin spice sauce blend | Custom blend of dairy-free syrups (vanilla, caramel, etc.) and spices |
| Vegan Status | No | Yes (with correct modifications) |
| Frozen Drink (Creme Freeze) | Contains dairy tonic base | Dairy-free only with special ordering (e.g., banana base) |
| Sweet Foam | Contains dairy | No sweet foam |
Navigating Cross-Contamination and Best Practices
For individuals with severe dairy allergies, cross-contamination is a serious concern. While baristas follow safety procedures, it is always a good idea to inform them of your allergy. The most significant risk comes from shared equipment, especially blenders used for frozen drinks. The Creme Freeze smoothie base contains dairy, so it is best to avoid blended beverages unless specifically made with a banana base. Ordering hot or iced drinks significantly reduces the risk. Always confirm with your barista that they will use clean equipment and a separate pitcher for your non-dairy milk. Asking for drinks in an iced format, where the milk and syrups are simply poured into a cup, can also minimize cross-contamination risk compared to a steamed or blended beverage.
Conclusion: How to Enjoy a Dairy-Free Biggby Pumpkin Beverage
In summary, the question "Is Biggby pumpkin spice dairy free?" has a clear answer: the standard preparation is not dairy-free. The classic Pumpkin Spice Latte includes a dairy-based sauce, dairy milk, and whipped cream. However, this does not mean you have to miss out on the fall season's favorite flavor. By making specific customizations, you can still enjoy a delicious, dairy-free, and vegan-friendly beverage at Biggby. Remember to explicitly request non-dairy milk (like oat or almond), omit the pumpkin sauce and substitute with a dairy-free syrup, and skip the whipped cream. By communicating your needs to the barista, you can enjoy a safe and seasonal treat. To confirm seasonal offerings and specific ingredients, contacting Biggby directly or checking their official allergen guide online is the most reliable method.
