"The Complete Guide to Starbucks Vegan Holiday Drinks for 2023"
As the winter chill descends and snowflakes dance outside, Starbucks invites you to indulge in a warm symphony of festive flavors with their vegan 2023 holiday drinks. These delightful creations prove that vegan indulgence can be as cozy and comforting as a sugar cookie and as vibrant as a peppermint stick.
In the year 2021, Starbucks made a significant stride in its holiday beverage offerings by introducing the Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte as its first-ever vegan-as-is holiday drink. This addition was accompanied by the introduction of two compelling oat milk alternatives. These vegan options complemented the returning holiday favorites, including the Chestnut Praline Latte and Peppermint Mocha, all of which are available in vegan versions with specific modifications. For those seeking the perfect blend of cheer and a caffeine-infused sweet indulgence, we present a comprehensive guide to Starbucks’ assortment of vegan variations within their holiday beverage lineup.
Vegan at Starbucks
In 1997, Starbucks introduced soy milk, Although both vegans and those who are lactose intolerant praised this early initiative,However, it took nearly two decades for more vegan choices to emerge. Coconut milk arrived in 2015, closely followed by almond milk in 2016. In 2021, Starbucks partnered with Oatly, a popular Swedish brand, to bring Oatly oat milk to its nationwide menus.
This was a significant departure from Starbucks’ customary in-house non-dairy selections, even if it caused shortages of oat milk. At Starbucks, Oatly was the first outside brand to become well-known.
The addition of oat milk also marked the launch of Starbucks’ first vegan specialty drinks: the Iced Chocolate Almondmilk Shake Espresso and the Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso, both still available.
Last fall, Starbucks introduced the vegan Apple Crisp Oatmilk Macchiato, offering a dairy-free alternative for those who can’t enjoy the Pumpkin Spice Latte due to its dairy content.
Starbucks Vegan 2023 Holiday Drinks
Starbucks has turned into a popular holiday destination. It’s not simply the coffee that gives us a boost; the celebratory atmosphere does. Even if it’s commercial, holding a vegan holiday beverage in our hand and holding a red cup makes us feel a little happier. Try these 10 vegan Starbucks beverages this season.
Starbucks introduced the Oleato, blending their coffee with extra virgin olive oil. Crafted by senior developer Billy Altieri, it’s a velvety treat evoking gingerbread and olive oil cake warmth. A holiday masterpiece, it offers a creamy, comforting delight for the senses.
2. Peppermint Mocha (or hot chocolate)
Amidst the festive radiance of holiday lights, a cherished experience attains its quintessential charm while savoring a Starbucks Peppermint Mocha or luxurious hot chocolate. Notably, the mocha sauce is fully vegan, necessitating only the omission of whipped cream and the substitution of conventional dairy milk with the velvety richness of soy, oat, almond, or coconut alternatives. This minor adjustment is a worthwhile investment for those seeking a non-dairy milk upgrade.
3. Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte
Introduced in early November 2021, Starbucks initially presented this holiday delight as a chilled beverage. Yet, as the mercury drops, a growing number of patrons are embracing its warm incarnation. In its hot rendition, the concoction features Starbucks’ iconic Blonde espresso, steamed almond milk, a syrup infused with the essence of sugar cookies, and is artfully crowned with a festive garnish of red and green sprinkles. Surprisingly, the unsweetened almond milk lends a harmonious balance, countering any excessive sweetness.
4. Apple Crisp Oatmilk Macchiato
Debuting in the fall of 2021, this orchard-inspired delight continues to grace the holiday season. Versatile in its presentation, it can be savored piping hot, or refreshingly iced. Crafted with the luscious embrace of oat milk (or your chosen non-dairy alternative), it features the tantalizing notes of Apple Brown Sugar Syrup and espresso, all elegantly garnished with a vegan-friendly Spiced Apple Drizzle, making for a delectable seasonal indulgence.
5. Cinnamon Dolce Latte
Among the perennial stars of the menu, the enduring presence of Starbucks’ Vegan 2023 Holiday Drinks is a source of comfort. The inviting cinnamon spices evoke the spirit of merriment. A simple switch to your preferred non-dairy milk and a request to omit whipped cream and the dairy-infused cinnamon dolce topping seamlessly transforms this beverage into a delightful vegan-friendly treat, ensuring a season filled with inclusive indulgence.
6. Toffee Nut Latte
Much like the perennial Cinnamon Dolce Latte, Starbucks unveils this flavor when autumn leaves take center stage. Offering a distinctive blend of caramel and nutty notes, this delightful concoction never fails to bring joy. To make it vegan-friendly, a simple omission of whipped cream and the dairy-laden toffee nut sprinkles ensures that this indulgence retains its charm without compromise.
7. Hazelnut Latte
Dedicated to the art of personalization, this beverage at Starbucks is a canvas for your preferences. Start with a classic latte, selecting your favorite non-dairy milk. Then, the magic lies in the hazelnut syrup; while the default is three pumps for a tall, you have the power to tailor the sweetness to your liking by simply requesting two pumps, ensuring your cup of comfort meets your exact desires.
8. Nutmeg London Fog Tea Latte
Elevate your everyday tea latte with a subtle but transformative touch: a whispered request to your barista for a delicate dusting of nutmeg. This warm and aromatic spice weaves its enchanting magic, coaxing forth the hidden nuances of vanilla in your beloved concoction. The result? A morning beverage that not only soothes the senses but also envelops you in a comforting embrace of warmth and delight.
9. Flavored Mocha (or Hot Chocolate)
Turn the basic mocha into a seasonal flavor symphony. Simply request your choice of non-dairy milk, then infuse it with the enchanting notes of hazelnut, cinnamon dolce, caramel, or toffee nut syrup. A decadent treat awaits, no whipped cream is required. For those seeking a vegan option, the caramel syrup fits the bill, though the enigma lies in the non-vegan caramel drizzle – a curious twist in the delightful Starbucks offerings.
10. Chestnut Praline Latte
As the memory of the beloved Holiday Spice drink lingers, the Chestnut Praline Latte offers solace with its rich, spiced, and subtly buttery essence. Topped with an enticing blend of spiced sugar and toffee, it’s an indulgence we wish to savor endlessly. Try the vegan version with your preferred non-dairy milk, like the velvety embrace of soy or almond, while gracefully omitting the whipped cream, for a comforting, cruelty-free delight.
Vegan food at Starbucks
When looking to complement your holiday beverage, Starbucks offers a dependable selection of vegan-friendly options, though not as festive as the famous Cranberry Bliss Bars or the cute reindeer cake pops.
For plant-based eaters, reliable choices include plain, cinnamon raisin, and everything bagels, warm oatmeal (with hot water or non-dairy milk), and bananas as accompaniments. Starbucks tested Miyoko’s single-serve cream cheese in 2020 but hasn’t widely adopted it. The Avocado Spread is your best bagel topping.
For something savory, consider the Chickpea Bites & Avocado Protein Box. Pair it with Hippeas, fresh fruit, or Justin’s Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups for a satisfying on-the-go lunch.
While Starbucks’ vegan options may lack holiday extravagance, they offer practical choices to keep you fueled during the busy season.
Read More About: How To Go Vegan
