Starbucks isn’t just for coffee lovers… anymore. According to CookingLight.com, the popular coffee chain has added its first vegan item to its long list of breakfast favorites.
While currently only available in 600 New York metro area stores, the Overnight Grains feature a blend of steel cut oats and quinoa, drenched in coconut milk and topped with toasted coconut, shaved almonds, and chia seeds. Served in a small plastic cup, with tropical fruit compote stored at the bottom, the oats are designed with grab-and-go customers in mind.
Think you can't eat anything at starbucks? Here's a great option! https://t.co/1cf4ieSEaN
— Go Vegan Grow (@GoVeganGrow) February 20, 2017
Containing six grams of protein per serving the vegan offering continues Starbucks’ trend of providing protein-rich meals, like Bistro Boxes, for customers who seek nutrition-savvy choices without forfeiting convenience.
Luckily for vegans everywhere, a few short substitutions and you can be steps away from getting your franchise fix.
Get yourself a hot coffee (or tea) or an iced version with soy, almond, or coconut milk and any flavored sweetener syrup (such as vanilla, caramel, or hazelnut), and you’re all set. Meanwhile, for drinks that are a bit fancier, PETA suggests applying the following rules:
Replace
Swap your dairy for soy, almond, or coconut milk, for a small, additional cost. Nowadays, it’s standard for stores to carry all the above.
Hold
Skip the whipped cream, java chips, protein powder (used in smoothies) and all the drizzles, with the exception of mocha, which is vegan.
Avoid
Because not all drinks can be finagled, totally shy away from the following concoctions:
- Anything with pumpkin spice.
- Anything with white mocha.
- Anything with caramel brûlée.
- Any “light” Frappuccino.
For food options try:
- Hippeas, which also happen to be organic and gluten free.
- Seasonal Harvest Fruit Blend, for under 100 calories.
- Roasted almonds or mixed nuts, for a quick snack.
- Plain and multigrain bagels, for breakfast.
- Some Kind products (check for honey), for a boost of energy.
In case you missed it (and as noted above) Starbuck’s Overnight Grains is not the coffeehouse giant’s first attempt to usher in more vegan business.
Last year, the company expanded their dairy-free options by introducing almond milk to nearly 5,000 stores. If the Overnight Grains end up taking off in the Big Apple, we anticipate we’ll see them in a city near us very soon.
For more information on Starbucks menu, click here.