Is Starbucks Apple Crisp Non-Dairy Chai Vegan? The Surprising Truth

Despite containing oat milk and non-dairy cold foam, the seasonal Starbucks beverage is not fully vegan. So, is Starbucks apple crisp non-dairy chai vegan? The reason lies in one key ingredient hidden within the recipe.

Quick Summary

The Starbucks apple crisp non-dairy chai is not vegan by default because its chai concentrate contains honey. The drink can be customized to be fully plant-based.

Key Points

• Not Vegan by Default: The standard Starbucks Iced Apple Crisp Nondairy Cream Chai contains honey in its chai concentrate, making it non-vegan.

• Easy Customization: To make the drink vegan, you must request to substitute the chai concentrate with brewed chai tea.

• Dairy-Free, Not Vegan-Safe: The term "nondairy" refers to the use of oat milk and the cold foam, but does not guarantee the entire drink is vegan.

• Expect a Delay: Your customized vegan order may take slightly longer to prepare because the barista needs to brew the chai tea fresh.

• Beware of Hidden Ingredients: Always double-check ingredient lists for animal products like honey, dairy, or non-vegan flavorings in syrups and toppings, especially with limited-time offerings.

• Alternative Vegan Options: Other vegan-friendly fall drinks at Starbucks include the Apple Crisp Oatmilk Shaken Espresso.

The Hidden Honey: Why the Standard Chai is Not Vegan

The Starbucks Iced Apple Crisp Nondairy Cream Chai features oat milk and a nondairy apple crisp cold foam, both of which are plant-based. However, the standard Starbucks chai concentrate used in the drink contains honey, an animal-derived product, which means the default beverage is not vegan. This can be a point of confusion for those seeking plant-based options, emphasizing the need to check all ingredients.

Breaking Down the Standard Apple Crisp Chai Ingredients

Key components of the standard Apple Crisp Chai include:

• Chai Concentrate: Contains honey.
• Oat Milk: A dairy-free alternative.
• Nondairy Apple Crisp Cold Foam: Made with oat and soy milk, and apple brown sugar syrup.
• Ice: Standard ice.

How to Order a Fully Vegan Apple Crisp Chai

To make the Apple Crisp Chai vegan, replace the chai concentrate with brewed chai tea bags, which are vegan.

Step-by-Step Vegan Customization

Follow these steps for a vegan Apple Crisp Chai:

1. Request an Iced Apple Crisp Nondairy Cream Chai in your desired size.
2. Specify oat milk.
3. Substitute the chai concentrate with double-strength brewed chai tea.
4. Confirm nondairy apple crisp cold foam.
5. Allow extra time as the tea needs to brew.

Standard vs. Vegan Apple Crisp Chai

Feature	Standard Apple Crisp Chai	Vegan Customization	Notes
Chai Base	Chai Concentrate (contains honey)	Double-Strength Brewed Chai Tea	Brewed tea is vegan.
Milk	Oat Milk	Oat Milk	Both use oat milk.
Cold Foam	Nondairy Apple Crisp Cold Foam	Nondairy Apple Crisp Cold Foam	Foam is vegan in both.
Sweetness	From concentrate and syrup	From apple brown sugar syrup; customizable	Sweetness may vary with tea base.
Preparation Time	Standard	Slightly longer	Time for tea to brew.

More Starbucks Vegan Options and Considerations

Starbucks is increasing plant-based options. Many seasonal drinks can be modified. The Apple Crisp Oatmilk Macchiato is often vegan-friendly. Syrups like cinnamon dolce and vanilla are usually vegan, but drizzles like caramel are not. Always check for non-vegan ingredients like whipped cream. Availability can vary by region.

Exploring Alternative Vegan Apple Drinks

Other vegan apple drinks at Starbucks include the Apple Crisp Oatmilk Shaken Espresso, which is vegan by default, and the Caramel Apple Spice (omit whipped cream and non-vegan drizzle).

Conclusion

While labeled "non-dairy," the standard Starbucks Iced Apple Crisp Nondairy Cream Chai is not vegan due to honey in the chai concentrate. However, it can be made vegan by swapping the concentrate for brewed chai tea. Vegans can enjoy seasonal drinks at Starbucks by understanding ingredients and customizing orders.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the chai concentrate at Starbucks vegan?

No, the standard chai concentrate used by Starbucks contains honey, which makes it non-vegan.

What is in the nondairy apple crisp cold foam?

The nondairy apple crisp cold foam is made with a combination of oat and soy milk, blended with an apple brown sugar-flavored syrup.

How can I order a truly vegan apple crisp chai?

To order a vegan version, ask for the drink with oat milk, specify that you want double-strength brewed chai tea instead of the concentrate, and ensure the nondairy cold foam is added.

Does Starbucks have any fully vegan fall drinks?

Yes, other fall drinks like the Apple Crisp Oatmilk Shaken Espresso are explicitly noted as being vegan-friendly and are made with plant-based ingredients by default.

Is the apple brown sugar syrup vegan?

Yes, the apple brown sugar syrup used in the apple crisp drinks is vegan-friendly.

Is there a vegan version of the Pumpkin Spice Latte at Starbucks?

In the United States, the Pumpkin Spice Latte is not vegan due to dairy in its pumpkin spice sauce. Some regions outside the U.S. may offer a vegan version.

Can I make the Iced Caramel Apple Cream Latte vegan?

Yes, you can customize this drink by requesting a plant-based milk, but you must ask for no caramel drizzle, as it is not vegan,.