With the holiday season upon us, one of the delights we all look forward to is the array of holiday drinks offered by Starbucks. But if you’re vegan, you might be wondering, “Which Starbucks holiday drinks are vegan?” In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take a deep dive into the vegan options available at Starbucks during the holiday season.
The Starbucks holiday drink that is vegan by default is the Iced Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte. Other holiday drinks such as the Peppermint Mocha, Chestnut Praline Latte, Cinnamon Dolce Latte, Hazelnut Praline Latte, and Peppermint Hot Chocolate can be made vegan-friendly with a few modifications – mainly, by ordering with non-dairy milk and without whipped cream. Be aware of hidden non-vegan ingredients like caramel drizzle, white mocha sauce, and others when customizing your drink.
Starbucks Holiday Vegan Drinks by Default
There is one Starbucks holiday drink that is vegan by default: the Iced Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte. This delightful beverage is made with almond milk, Starbucks Blonde Espresso Roast, sugar cookie syrup, and topped with festive red and green sprinkles. No modifications needed!
Modifying Starbucks Holiday Drinks to be Vegan
Fortunately, many Starbucks holiday drinks can be made vegan-friendly with a few modifications. Here are some popular options:
- Peppermint Mocha: Order with non-dairy milk (oat, coconut, almond, or soy) and without whipped cream or chocolate curls.
- Chestnut Praline Latte: Request this drink with non-dairy milk and without whipped cream.
- Cinnamon Dolce Latte: Order this drink with non-dairy milk and without whipped cream.
- Hazelnut Praline Latte: Request this drink with non-dairy milk and without whipped cream.
- Peppermint Hot Chocolate: Order with non-dairy milk and without whipped cream.
Please note that non-dairy milk options at Starbucks come with an extra charge, except when adding a “splash” to beverages like brewed coffee.
Beware of Hidden Non-Vegan Ingredients
When ordering at Starbucks, make sure to avoid hidden non-vegan ingredients. These include caramel drizzle, cinnamon dolce topping, white mocha sauce, caramel brûlée sauce, pumpkin spice syrup, java chips, protein and fiber powder, chai lattes (due to the presence of honey in the syrup), and dark caramel sauce.
Starbucks’ Efforts to Introduce More Vegan Options
Starbucks has been gradually introducing more vegan options to its menu, including holiday drinks. In 2021, Starbucks debuted its first-ever vegan as-is holiday drink, the Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte. Starbucks’ ongoing efforts to expand plant-based choices suggest that they may continue to add more vegan options in the future.
Conclusion
Starbucks offers a variety of vegan options for the holiday season, from the Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte to customizable versions of classics like the Peppermint Mocha and Chestnut Praline Latte. So, whether you’re vegan or just looking to try something new this holiday season, Starbucks has something for everyone. Enjoy your vegan Starbucks holiday drinks!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Starbucks holiday food items vegan?
While Starbucks does offer some vegan food items, their holiday food menu can vary by location and may not always include vegan options. It’s best to check with your local Starbucks or look at the nutritional information on the Starbucks website.
Can I make any Starbucks drink vegan by just replacing the milk and removing the whipped cream?
Not all Starbucks drinks can be made vegan just by replacing the milk and removing the whipped cream. Some drinks contain syrups, sauces, or toppings that contain dairy or other animal products. Always check the ingredients or ask a barista if you’re unsure.
Are the red and green sprinkles on the Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte vegan?
Yes, the festive red and green sprinkles on the Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte are vegan-friendly.
Does Starbucks offer any other vegan drinks besides the holiday ones?
Yes, Starbucks offers a variety of vegan drinks year-round, including coffee, tea, and other specialty beverages. You can customize most drinks to be vegan by choosing a non-dairy milk and avoiding non-vegan ingredients like whipped cream, certain syrups, and toppings.
Are the non-dairy milk options at Starbucks vegan?
Yes, all of the non-dairy milk options at Starbucks (oat, almond, coconut, and soy) are vegan. However, keep in mind that there may be an extra charge for non-dairy milk, except when adding a “splash” to beverages like brewed coffee.
