Starbucks's Growing Commitment to Plant-Based Options
Starbucks has been progressively expanding its plant-based offerings to cater to increasing consumer demand, influenced by environmental awareness and diverse dietary preferences. This trend continues into 2025 with significant updates to their menu. A major change effective November 2024 is the elimination of the upcharge for non-dairy milk alternatives at all company-owned stores, enhancing the affordability of vegan options. This initiative is part of Starbucks's broader strategy to innovate and diversify its menu, aiming to provide a more inclusive range of choices, particularly for those following a vegan diet. The introduction of new items and the removal of the non-dairy surcharge highlight Starbucks's ongoing efforts to be a leader in plant-based options within the coffee chain industry.
New Vegan Food and Drink Items for 2025
Starbucks has added several appealing vegan or easily-customizable items to its menu in 2025, reflecting a focus on diverse and flavorful plant-based choices that require minimal adjustments for a vegan diet. These new offerings draw inspiration from global tastes and current food trends, moving beyond basic vegan options to provide more distinctive choices. The additions not only broaden the vegan selection but also demonstrate Starbucks's dedication to delivering enjoyable and unique experiences for its varied customer base.
New Vegan Drinks
New drink options for 2025 include the Pecan Oatmilk Cortado, the Iced Horchata Oatmilk Shaken Espresso, Nondairy Salted Caramel Cream Cold Brew, and Nondairy Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew. Test market drinks such as Coco Cold Brew and Coco Matcha have also been explored.
New Vegan Food
A new permanent vegan food item is the Spicy Falafel Pocket.
Core and Customizable Vegan Options
Starbucks also offers numerous year-round options that are naturally vegan or can be easily modified. The removal of the non-dairy surcharge further supports these options.
Classic Vegan-Friendly Beverages
Naturally vegan choices include Caffè Americano, brewed coffee and teas, Cold Brew, and Nitro Cold Brew. Espresso drinks, Frappuccinos, and Refreshers can be made vegan with non-dairy milk and avoiding non-vegan additions.
Year-Round Vegan Food Staples
Vegan food staples include Hearty Blueberry Oatmeal, certain bagels, Avocado Spread, the Chickpea Bites & Avocado Protein Box, and various packaged snacks.
Customization and a Comparative Look at Vegan Options
To ensure a vegan order, understand ingredient vegan status. The table below compares items:
| Item Category | Vegan by Default | Can Be Made Vegan | Not Vegan (Avoid) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Syrups | Brown Sugar, Vanilla, Hazelnut, Mocha | N/A | Honey Blend |
| Sauces | Mocha Sauce | N/A | White Mocha Sauce, Caramel Drizzle |
| Toppings | Cinnamon (shaker) | Non-Dairy Cold Foam (where available) | Whipped Cream, Cinnamon Dolce Topping, Frappuccino Chips |
| Milk | Oat, Soy, Almond, Coconut milk | N/A | Dairy Milk, Sweet Cream |
Be clear when ordering, especially regarding substitutions and exclusions like whipped cream. The eliminated non-dairy surcharge helps.
Conclusion: A Diverse and Accessible Vegan Menu
Starbucks is expanding its plant-based menu with new 2025 vegan items and has removed the non-dairy milk upcharge at corporate stores. Options are available for various times of the day, reflecting responsiveness to customer trends. For more on ordering vegan when dining out, consult resources like {Link: Veganuary veganuary.com/restaurants/starbucks/}.
