What Brand of Coconut Milk Do They Use at Starbucks?

In 2015, Starbucks introduced its first plant-based milk alternative in the U.S., a 'Single Origin Sumatra Coconut Milk'. Since then, this creamy, tropical-flavored option has become a staple for many customers, especially those seeking dairy-free or vegan options. The specific brand has intrigued many, but the answer isn't a simple name you'd find at the grocery store.

Quick Summary

Starbucks uses a proprietary, in-house coconut milk beverage for its handcrafted drinks, originally called 'Single Origin Sumatra Coconut Milk'. This specialized formulation is designed for optimal performance in their beverages, distinguishing it from typical consumer brands.

Key Points

• Proprietary Brand: Starbucks uses its own exclusive, custom-manufactured coconut milk, not an external, store-bought brand.

• Single Origin Launch: When first introduced in 2015, the product was branded as 'Starbucks Single Origin Sumatra Coconut Milk,' but this specific labeling has been discontinued.

• Formulated for Coffee: The beverage contains stabilizers and sweeteners to ensure consistent texture, prevent curdling in hot drinks, and complement the flavor of coffee and espresso.

• Key Differences: Starbucks' blend is thinner and sweeter than many standard coconut milks, which affects its mouthfeel and flavor in beverages.

• Iconic Drinks: Coconut milk is a key ingredient in popular menu items like the Pink Drink and Dragon Drink, as well as a common customization option.

What Brand of Coconut Milk Does Starbucks Use?

Starbucks manufactures its own exclusive brand of coconut milk for use in its beverages. This is not a common consumer product, but rather a proprietary formula developed by the company to ensure consistency and quality across its menu. While it was originally branded as "Starbucks Single Origin Sumatra Coconut Milk" at its launch in 2015, the name, and likely the exact sourcing, has changed over time. The company uses this house-brand for all its handcrafted coconut milk-based drinks, from lattes to refreshers.

The Reason Behind the Proprietary Blend

Starbucks developed its own coconut milk beverage for several key reasons:

• Quality Control: Creating a unique blend gives Starbucks complete control over the taste, texture, and ingredients. This allows them to standardize their recipes and deliver a consistent product to customers worldwide.
• Recipe Optimization: The proprietary formula is specifically engineered to perform well in coffee, espresso, and blended beverages. This ensures the coconut milk foams correctly and doesn't curdle when mixed with hot espresso, a common issue with some standard coconut milk brands.
• Ingredient Management: Using a single, house-brand allows Starbucks to control sourcing and logistics more efficiently. While it was originally sourced from Sumatra, the sourcing has evolved over the years.
• Brand Exclusivity: By offering its own product, Starbucks creates a unique selling point. The specific flavor and profile of their coconut milk cannot be replicated precisely at home or by other coffee shops, encouraging repeat business.

How Starbucks' Coconut Milk Differs

Many home baristas and dairy-free enthusiasts notice that the texture and flavor of Starbucks' coconut milk are distinct from what they find in a carton at the supermarket. The primary difference lies in the formulation. Rather than being a pure, thick coconut milk, Starbucks' version is more of a coconut "beverage".

Key differences include:

• Thinner Consistency: The Starbucks blend is lighter and thinner than most canned or refrigerated coconut milks, which allows it to mix smoothly into beverages without overpowering the flavor of the coffee or tea.
• Sweetened Flavor: To complement their handcrafted drinks, Starbucks' coconut milk is sweetened. This adds a subtle sweetness to beverages, a contrast to unsweetened store-bought alternatives.
• Stabilizers: To achieve a consistent texture and prevent separation, the Starbucks beverage contains stabilizers and thickeners like carrageenan, xanthan gum, and gellan gum. This was a point of controversy for some customers who expected a purer product when it first launched.

Making a Copycat Starbucks Coconut Milk at Home

For those who love the specific taste of Starbucks' coconut milk, replicating it at home requires more than just pouring a can of coconut milk into your coffee. Here's a simple guide to creating a similar blend.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup canned full-fat coconut milk
• 1 cup water
• 1-2 teaspoons sugar (adjust to taste)
• Pinch of salt
• Optional: 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract for added flavor

Instructions

1. Combine Ingredients: In a blender, combine the full-fat coconut milk, water, sugar, and salt. Add the vanilla extract if desired.
2. Blend Until Smooth: Blend on high speed for 30-60 seconds until the mixture is completely smooth and emulsified. This helps mimic the consistent texture achieved with stabilizers.
3. Store and Shake: Store the mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Shake well before each use, as some separation is natural without commercial stabilizers.

Comparison Table: Starbucks vs. Store-Bought Coconut Milk

Feature	Starbucks Proprietary Coconut Milk	Typical Store-Bought Coconut Milk	Home-Made Copycat Version
Availability	Available exclusively in Starbucks stores.	Widely available in supermarkets in various brands.	Made at home, customizable ingredients.
Ingredients	Water, coconut cream, cane sugar, stabilizers, vitamins.	Varies by brand; often water and coconut milk/cream.	Canned coconut milk, water, sweetener, salt, optional vanilla.
Consistency	Thinner and specifically formulated for beverages.	Can be thick and creamy (canned) or thinner (carton).	Customizable; can be adjusted with more or less water.
Flavor	Distinctly sweet and tropical to complement espresso.	Ranges from unsweetened to sweetened; can be strong or mild.	Customizable; sweetness can be adjusted to preference.
Performance	Engineered for frothing and mixing perfectly in coffee.	Can curdle in hot coffee or separate without stabilizers.	Generally mixes well, but may need shaking before use.

Which Drinks at Starbucks Use Coconut Milk?

While any drink can be customized with coconut milk, some of Starbucks' signature beverages are specifically designed to highlight its tropical flavor profile. These include:

• Pink Drink: A customer-favorite that gained fame on the 'secret menu,' featuring Strawberry Açaí Refresher base mixed with coconut milk and freeze-dried strawberries.
• Dragon Drink: A vibrant combination of Mango Dragonfruit Refresher base, coconut milk, and real pieces of dragonfruit.
• Iced Coconut Milk Mocha Macchiato: A discontinued but fondly remembered drink with espresso, chilled coconut milk, and swirls of white chocolate mocha and caramel sauce.
• Coco Matcha and Coco Cold Brew: Newer test beverages launched in select markets in 2025, featuring coconut water and matcha or cold brew foams.

The Shift from Single Origin Sourcing

When Starbucks first launched its coconut milk, it was promoted as "Single Origin Sumatra Coconut Milk". This marketing point was intended to highlight its premium sourcing from the Indonesian island of Sumatra. However, since the initial launch, the "Sumatra" label has been removed from the cartons. This suggests that the company's sourcing has changed over time, likely due to supply chain logistics or cost-saving measures. While the milk still performs its function in beverages, the specific, single-origin marketing is no longer a focus. This evolution is a reminder that large corporations often adapt sourcing and branding to meet market needs and internal goals.

Conclusion: The Custom-Crafted Difference

Starbucks does not use a recognizable, external brand of coconut milk. Instead, the company relies on its own proprietary, in-house blend designed specifically for its beverage lineup. This custom formulation ensures a consistent taste and performance that store-bought brands cannot guarantee in a high-volume cafe environment. The milk is thinner, sweetened, and contains stabilizers to prevent curdling and separation, differentiating it from both canned and refrigerated coconut milks found at the grocery store. Understanding this difference is key to appreciating why Starbucks' coconut milk-based drinks have their unique texture and flavor, and it explains why finding a perfect at-home substitute can be a challenge.

For more information on Starbucks' non-dairy offerings and pricing, you can visit their official newsroom for announcements like the one about free customization for non-dairy milks in late 2024: Starbucks Stories.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Starbucks' coconut milk contain sugar?

Yes, the coconut milk used by Starbucks contains added sugar. Its formulation is sweetened to complement their various handcrafted beverages.

Is the coconut milk at Starbucks vegan?

Yes, Starbucks' proprietary coconut milk is certified vegan. However, it is important to note that some syrups or toppings on certain drinks may not be, so it is best to check the ingredients of your specific order.

Can I buy the Starbucks coconut milk in stores?

No, the exclusive blend of coconut milk is only available in Starbucks stores and is not sold as a retail product.

Why did Starbucks stop calling it 'Single Origin Sumatra'?

Starbucks removed the 'Single Origin Sumatra' label from its coconut milk cartons sometime after the initial launch. This likely indicates a change in sourcing or a shift away from that specific marketing point over the years.

How can I find a good store-bought alternative to Starbucks' coconut milk?

Finding a direct alternative is difficult because the Starbucks version is customized. However, choosing a "barista blend" coconut milk from a brand like Earth's Own (in Canada) or trying a brand that is known for its creamy, consistent texture may get you close.

What is in Starbucks' coconut milk?

The ingredient list for Starbucks' coconut milk beverage includes water, coconut cream, cane sugar, tricalcium phosphate, coconut water concentrate, natural flavors, sea salt, and stabilizers like carrageenan and gellan gum.

Is Starbucks' coconut milk gluten-free and nut-free?

Yes, Starbucks' coconut milk is both dairy-free and gluten-free. While it comes from a coconut (a drupe, not a botanical nut), it is manufactured in a way to avoid the major allergens associated with tree nuts, addressing a concern they had with almond milk during its development.