Yes, the Spiced Apple Drizzle is Vegan
Vegans often approach the Starbucks menu with caution, especially during the fall season when dairy-based items like the pumpkin spice sauce are common. Fortunately, the spiced apple drizzle is a safe choice. Confirmation from Starbucks, alongside detailed guides from publications such as VegNews and PETA, confirms its vegan status. The drizzle, consisting of apple juice, apple purée, cinnamon, and nutmeg, contains no animal-derived ingredients.
This is great news for those seeking dairy-free choices, ensuring the apple crisp flavor is accessible without dietary restrictions. However, while the drizzle itself is vegan, remember that the drink it accompanies, like the Apple Crisp Macchiato, requires customization with a non-dairy milk alternative.
How to Order a Vegan Drink with Apple Drizzle
Ensuring your drink is completely vegan when it includes the spiced apple drizzle is easy. Follow these steps to enjoy your autumn beverage without worry:
- Choose a Plant-Based Milk: Always specify a plant-based milk. Starbucks offers options like oat, almond, soy, and coconut milk.
- Request No Whipped Cream: Always request that your drink be made without whipped cream, as it is dairy-based.
- Verify Your Drizzle: While the spiced apple drizzle is vegan, other drizzles are not. Always double-check you are not accidentally receiving the non-vegan caramel drizzle.
- Consider Syrup Choices: The apple brown sugar syrup that is paired with the drizzle is also vegan.
- Be Aware of Other Flavors: Note that certain fall items, like the US pumpkin spice sauce, are not vegan.
Avoiding Hidden Dairy at Starbucks
While the spiced apple drizzle is safe, the Starbucks menu contains several ingredients that are not vegan. It is important to stay vigilant to maintain a vegan diet at Starbucks.
Common Non-Vegan Ingredients to Watch For:
- Caramel Drizzle: The caramel drizzle contains dairy.
- Pumpkin Spice Sauce (U.S.): In the United States, this sauce is made with sweetened condensed milk and is not vegan.
- Whipped Cream: All whipped cream at Starbucks is dairy-based.
- White Mocha Sauce: This sauce contains dairy and is not vegan.
- Java Chips: These chips, used in some Frappuccinos, contain milk and are not vegan.
Vegan vs. Non-Vegan Starbucks Toppings: A Comparison
| Topping | Vegan Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Spiced Apple Drizzle | Vegan | Made with apple juice, purée, and spices. |
| Caramel Drizzle | Not Vegan | Contains dairy; the caramel syrup is vegan. |
| Whipped Cream | Not Vegan | Dairy-based topping; ask for no whip. |
| Pumpkin Spice Sauce (US) | Not Vegan | Made with condensed milk; ask for the spiced powder instead. |
| Mocha Sauce | Vegan | Dairy-free chocolate sauce. |
| Clear Syrups | Vegan | Most clear syrups like vanilla, hazelnut, and cinnamon dolce are plant-based. |
Expanding Your Vegan Starbucks Choices
Beyond the apple drizzle, Starbucks offers many other customizable vegan-friendly drinks. Standard coffee and iced coffees are vegan, as are many clear syrups. The mocha sauce is also dairy-free, allowing for delicious chocolate drinks. Knowing which ingredients to swap or omit is important. For a comprehensive guide on navigating the menu, refer to VegNews' guide to ordering vegan at Starbucks.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the apple drizzle at Starbucks is vegan. This spiced topping is made without animal products. When ordering, request a plant-based milk alternative and avoid dairy-based toppings such as whipped cream and caramel drizzle. By following these steps, you can confidently enjoy seasonal favorites and other customized drinks while maintaining your vegan lifestyle.
