The coffee giant has finally responded to lobbying from pro-plant-based groups, which have been asking the chain to ditch its surcharge for years
Starbucks has announced it will ditch its surcharge on vegan milk in all of its 1,020 UK stores.
The coffee giant, which offers five plant milk options including oat, soya, almond, coconut and its own Nut Blend, will stop charging extra from January 5th.
In addition, it will add two vegan-friendly new drinks to its menu. The Strawberry & Vanilla oat latte, which it describes as an ‘unexpected flavour combination that is a match made in heaven’, and the Dark Cocoa & Orange oat latte, which it says offers ‘a punchy take on a tried and tested winter duo’.
Starbucks vegan milk surcharge spoof
Starbucks’ decision follows years of lobbying from vegan and plant-based groups, including the recent release of a spoof press release by non-profit organisation Switch4Good, posing as the chain and announcing an end to the surcharge.
The release led to numerous outlets publishing, then retracting the news, as Starbucks issued a denial. Now it has confirmed via a release on its own site that UK stores will stop the charge next month.
It has not yet announced whether the same will happen in its US and other outlets.
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Starbucks is launching a vegan tuna sandwich in the UK, featuring fish from The Vegetarian Butcher (Photo: Starbucks)
Starbucks vegan tuna sandwich
In addition to its new dairy-free drink offerings, Starbucks will be adding a plant-based tuna sandwich to its UK menu for a limited time. The Tu’NAH Sandwich, priced from £3.29, features vegan fish from the Vegetarian Butcher.
According to Starbucks: “Our first plant-based fish alternative pairs succulent The Vegetarian Butcher plant-based tuna alternative style flakes with sharp red onion, refreshing cucumber, rocket and vegan mayonnaise.
“All complemented by zingy notes of horseradish and a splash of lemon juice – how can you resist? There’s now no need to sacrifice or compromise on your food choices.”
The chain added that its ‘work to migrate to a more environmentally-friendly menu’ forms part of its ‘wider ambition to become a resource-positive company’.
Is your coffee vegan and eco-friendly? Do you know how to find out? Find out more in our coffee guide here.
