While some prefer a simple cup of coffee from their favorite chain, there are others who dream up more adventurous morning concoctions topped with sweet drizzles of chocolate and delicious whipped cream. But for plant-based folks, dairy-free whipped cream isn’t easy to come by.
Luckily, times are changing. According to VegNews, Starbucks is finally addressing the whipped cream dilemma by testing a vegan alternative at two locations in the Seattle area. And the chain is using a pretty unusual ingredient as a base for the whipped cream: lentils.
Earlier this year, Starbucks tested a fully plant-based food location and an eco-friendly “Borrow a Cup” program. It also added Oatly’s oat milk to all of its locations nationwide. The addition of dairy-free whipped cream to its menu is yet another one of the chain’s “Planet Positive Initiatives” to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions, water usage, and waste production by 50 percent by 2030.
“Building on Starbucks sustainability commitment, the company’s goal is to expand plant-based choices as an environmentally friendly menu contributes to our goal to be a resource positive company,” reads a past press release. “Starbucks continues to introduce new drinks and food to menus globally while innovating with plant-based ingredients across key platforms like espresso, cold brew, refreshment, food and more.”
While the vegan lentil-based whipped cream is new to the United States, the United Kingdom got to experience it last year when it was added to its Pumpkin Spice Latte. Hopefully it expands to nationwide menus soon so the days of having to ask for no whip are (finally!) over.
This post may contain affiliate links. Brightly will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on these links.