Starbucks Unveils Its Spring 2021 Menu – And Oat Milk Is the Star
The lineup includes a new Honey Oatmilk Latte, Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso and more plant-based items.
Photo courtesy of Starbucks
Spring has arrived at Starbucks! On Monday, the coffee giant announced its Spring 2021 menu items and the lineup is packed with tasty and permanent new additions that are slated to roll out across the country starting on Tuesday.
As part of the Seattle-based company’s new line of cold espresso beverages called Iced Shaken Espresso Starbucks is debuting two new non-dairy drinks — the Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso and Iced Chocolate Almondmilk Shaken Espresso.
According to a press release shared with Food Network, the Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso is made with Starbucks Blonde espresso, brown sugar and cinnamon. Those ingredients are shaken together before being topped off with oat milk and ice.
Photo courtesy of Starbucks
“The delicate sweetness and the depth from the brown sugar pairs really well with the cinnamon and the Starbucks Blonde Espresso,” said Alicia Binion, a senior product developer on Starbucks beverage development team. “All these warm and comforting flavors are also delicious cold.”
As for the Iced Chocolate Almondmilk Shaken Espresso, that drink features Starbucks Blonde espresso and cocoa, as well as notes of malt. Everything is shaken together and topped with almond milk and ice. “This beverage has some complexity to it with notes of a chocolate malt that complement the nuttiness of the almond milk,” Binion added. “It’s fun with a little bit of familiarity at the same time.”
The new Iced Shaken Espresso rounds out the iced shaken espresso lineup, and is billed as a reimagining of the classic Starbucks Doubleshot on Ice, which was first introduced in 2015. This drink is made with rich, full-bodied espresso that’s been chilled and mellowed with a touch of 2 percent milk and just enough sweetness.
Photo courtesy of Starbucks
Also joining the drink lineup on the national level is the Honey Oatmilk Latte, which was previously only available in certain regions of the country. As its moniker suggests, this drink combines oat milk and Starbucks Blonde Espresso with a hint of honey and a toasted honey topping. It is available hot and iced.
Aside from specific oat milk-based beverages, Starbucks has followed through on a promise it made in December 2020 to have oat milk available in all of its U.S. stores by spring. Starting Tuesday, customers can now order any Starbucks beverage made with Oatly oat milk — the fourth dairy-free add-on the chain has available along with soy milk, coconut milk and almond milk.
Photo courtesy of Starbucks
On the food front, Starbucks is proving it’s serious about making more moves in the plant-based space. The Chickpea Bites & Avocado Protein Box is also joining Starbucks’ permanent menu. It packs an impressive 15 grams of protein and includes chickpea bites, snap peas, mini carrots, dried cranberry and nut mix and avocado spread.
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