Is The Starbucks Pistachio Latte Vegan? (Must Know)
Starbucks has announced that the Pistachio Latte will be available throughout the winter while supplies last.
So, if you’ve never tasted this drink before, now’s your chance.
If you’re thinking of ordering the Pistachio Latte for the first time, here’s what you can expect:
Starbucks’ Signature Espresso, salted brown butter topping, pistachio flavoring, and steamed milk.
Yep! So there’s about a healthy amount of milk there. So, then, is the Pistachio Latte still a vegan option? Let’s find out!
The Starbucks Pistachio Latte isn’t vegan. It contains regular milk and their infamous pistachio sauce. You can’t make this drink dairy-free, as substituting regular milk for a non-dairy alternative won’t make it dairy-free because the pistachio sauce that gives the latte its flavor also contains dairy.
This article details all that you’d need to know about the Pistachio Latte.
By the end, you’ll get sufficient information on the ingredients it contains and other drinks to substitute it with.
Is Starbucks Pistachio Latte Drink Vegan?
The Starbucks Pistachio Latte drink isn’t vegan. The drink contains regular and condensed milk, which are both derived from animals.
Therefore, this drink may not be suitable for a vegan diet. The ingredients of the Starbucks Pistachio Latte drink include milk and pistachio sauce.
This pistachio sauce also contains inverted sugar, condensed nonfat milk, ground pistachios, natural flavors, cocoa butter, salt, and espresso, which are non-vegan.
Additionally, some recipes for homemade versions of the Pistachio Latte may include ingredients such as sugar, water, almond extract, and butter.
Thus, the Starbucks Pistachio Latte isn’t a vegan option, and attempting to make it vegan would be impossible.
Although quite tasking, you could always make your homemade vegan version of the Pistachio Latte.
Thus, To make the Starbucks Pistachio Latte vegan, you will need to make a few substitutions to remove any animal-based ingredients.
Here’s a general recipe to make a vegan version of the Starbucks Pistachio Latte:
#1. Ingredients
- 1 shot of espresso (or 1/2 cup of strongly brewed coffee)
- 1 cup of dairy-free milk (such as almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk)
- 1 tablespoon of pistachio butter or pistachio paste
- 1 tablespoon of brown sugar or sweetener of your choice
- Optional: whipped cream (using a vegan alternative) and crushed pistachios for topping
#2. Instructions
- Brew a shot of espresso or prepare 1/2 cup of strongly brewed coffee.
- In a saucepan, heat the dairy-free milk over medium heat until hot but not boiling. You can also heat the milk in a microwave-safe container in the microwave.
- Mix the hot espresso or coffee with the pistachio butter or paste in a mug and stir until the butter dissolves.
- Add the brown sugar or sweetener of your choice to the mug and stir until dissolved.
- Pour the hot milk into the mug and stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Optional: Top with vegan whipped cream and crushed pistachios for added flavor and presentation.
- Enjoy your homemade vegan Starbucks Pistachio Latte!
Note: It’s important to double-check the ingredients of the pistachio butter or paste you use to ensure it’s vegan and doesn’t contain any animal products.
Additionally, be sure to use dairy-free milk that suits your dietary preferences.
Is Pistachio Cream at Starbucks Vegan?
Starbucks’ Pistachio Cream drinks aren’t vegan-friendly.
The Pistachio Cream Cold Brew and the Pistachio Latte have milk and condensed milk, which means if you’re vegan, you should steer clear of these.
The pistachio cream at Starbucks isn’t vegan-friendly because it contains nonfat milk derived from cows.
It’s used in drinks like the Pistachio Cream Cold Brew and the Pistachio Latte, giving them their creamy texture and flavor.
Luckily, Starbucks offers vegan alternatives, like soy, almond, and coconut milk, so those with dietary restrictions still have options.
To stay up to date, it’s best to check with the barista or look on the website or app.
Nonetheless, here are several reasons why the Starbucks Pistachio Cream isn’t considered vegan:
#1. Pistachio Sauce Contains Condensed Milk
The sauce used in the Pistachio Cream at Starbucks contains condensed milk derived from cow’s milk.
Since condensed milk is an animal product, the Pistachio Cream can’t be considered vegan-friendly.
#2. Non-Vegan Cream Syrups
While the mocha sauce used in the Pistachio Cream does not contain dairy, other cream syrups like white mocha, pumpkin spice, and pistachio do contain dairy.
These cream syrups are not vegan-friendly and are used in the preparation of Pistachio Cream.
#3. Whipped Cream
The Pistachio Cream is typically topped with whipped cream, made from dairy and non-vegan.
The whipped cream adds a creamy texture and flavor to the drink but is unsuitable for those following a vegan diet.
#4. Seasonal Sauces
Starbucks offers seasonal sauces, such as pistachio and pumpkin spice, which are not vegan-friendly.
These sauces are used in various beverages, including the Pistachio Cream, and contain ingredients that are derived from animals.
#5. Limited Modification Options
The Pistachio Cream Cold Foam cannot be modified to be vegan. It requires Starbucks’ pistachio sauce, which contains dairy.
This limits the options for customization and makes it difficult to create a vegan version of the drink.
#6. Cross-Contamination
Although the ingredients in the Pistachio Cream may not contain animal products, there is a risk of cross-contamination during the preparation process.
Starbucks uses shared equipment and utensils for preparing both vegan and non-vegan items, which can lead to trace amounts of animal products ending up in the final product.
#7. Gelatin in Toppings
Some of the toppings used in the Pistachio Cream, such as marshmallow drizzle or caramel drizzle, may contain gelatin.
Gelatin is derived from animal collagen, typically sourced from animal bones or skin, and is not considered vegan-friendly.
#8. Natural and Artificial Flavors
The Pistachio Cream may contain natural or artificial flavors that are derived from animal sources.
These flavors can be used to enhance the taste of the drink and may not be vegan.
Unfortunately, the specific details about the origins of these flavors are not always disclosed.
#9. Color Additives
The Pistachio Cream may contain color additives that are derived from animal sources. These additives are used to give the drink its vibrant green color.
Some color additives, such as carmine (cochineal extract), are derived from insects and are not vegan.
#10. Lack of Vegan Certification
Starbucks doesn’t currently certify the Pistachio Cream or other menu items as vegan. While they do offer plant-based milk alternatives and non-dairy syrups.
It’s important to note that these options do not automatically make a drink vegan.
Without official vegan certification, it’s difficult to guarantee that the Pistachio Cream meets all vegan standards.
Thus, it’s always best to check with Starbucks directly or consult their ingredient information to ensure that a specific item meets your dietary needs and preferences.
It’s important to note that Starbucks offers various vegan options, such as plant-based milk alternatives and syrup flavors that do not contain dairy.
However, the Pistachio Cream, as currently formulated, isn’t suitable for those following a vegan lifestyle.
However, to make a vegan option for pistachio cream, you can follow these steps:
- Start by blanching the pistachios to remove their skins. Bring a pot of water to a boil and add the pistachios.
Boil for about 1 minute, then drain and rinse the pistachios under cold water. Use your fingers to gently remove the skins from the pistachios. - Place the blanched pistachios in a food processor or blender. Add the plant-based milk and blend until smooth and creamy.
You may need to scrape down the sides of the processor or blender a few times to ensure everything is well mixed. - If desired, add maple syrup or agave nectar to sweeten the pistachio cream. Start with a small amount and taste as you go.
You can adjust the sweetness according to your preference. - For added flavor, you can also add vanilla extract to the pistachio cream. Again, start with a small amount and adjust to taste.
- Once the pistachio cream is smooth, creamy, and sweetened to your liking, transfer it to a clean jar or container.
Store in the refrigerator for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
Note: The consistency of the pistachio cream may vary depending on the amount of plant-based milk used.
If you prefer a thicker cream, use less plant-based milk. If you prefer a thinner consistency, add more milk.
You can use this vegan pistachio cream as a filling for donuts, as a topping for desserts, or simply enjoy it on its own.
However, it’s always best to take into consideration that there are often side effects as much as there are benefits of attempting to make this Pistachio Latte at home.
They include:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Control over ingredients | Time-consuming |
| Cost-effective | Equipment required |
| Customization | Consistency |
| Experimentation | Limited availability of ingredients |
Nevertheless, feel free to get creative and experiment with different flavor variations by adding spices like cinnamon or cardamom.
Enjoy your homemade vegan pistachio cream!
Is Starbucks Pistachio Cold Foam Dairy Free?
The Pistachio Cream Cold Brew, which features the Pistachio Cold Foam, isn’t dairy-free as it contains regular milk.
However, there are indications that it’s possible to request non-dairy milk for the cold foam part with the pistachio sauce in it.
It would be best to clarify with a barista at your local Starbucks to confirm whether they can accommodate a non-dairy option for the Pistachio Cold Foam.
Starbucks offers a variety of beverages with different types of foams, including their popular cold foam.
The Pistachio Cream Cold Foam is a delightful addition to Starbucks’ cold beverages.
It combines their signature cold brew coffee with a pistachio cream cold foam and is finished with salted brown buttery sprinkles.
The foam adds a creamy and flavorful touch to the drink
To determine if the pistachio cold foam is dairy-free, it’s important to consider the allergen information provided by Starbucks.
Their Spring Beverage Allergen Information states that milk is listed as an allergen. This means that the standard version of the cold foam likely contains dairy milk.
However, customers can request modifications to make the foam dairy-free.
If you want to enjoy a dairy-free version of the Pistachio Cream Cold Foam, you can request a non-dairy milk option, such as almond or coconut milk, when ordering.
Starbucks offers non-dairy milk alternatives that can be used to make the foam dairy-free.
It’s always a good idea to communicate any dietary restrictions or concerns to the barista when placing your order.
They can provide you with accurate information and help you customize your beverage based on your preferences and dietary needs.
In summary, while the standard version of the Pistachio Cream Cold Foam at Starbucks likely contains dairy milk, you can request a non-dairy milk option to make it dairy-free.
Remember to communicate your dietary needs to the barista when ordering to ensure your beverage is prepared according to your preferences.
What’s in Starbucks’ Pistachio?
Starbucks has the goods if you’re looking for something a little unique with your coffee.
There’s the Pistachio Latte, Pistachio Cream Cold Brew, and Pistachio Frappuccino Blended Beverage.
The Latte has a sweet and salty flavor from the espresso roast and pistachio syrup, with milk and pistachio dust on top.
The Pistachio Latte combines Starbucks’ signature espresso with milk. It can be served hot or iced, even as a Frappuccino blended beverage.
The latte may also include milk options like 2% milk, as mentioned on the Starbucks Coffee Company website.
The Cold Brew comes with silky pistachio cream cold foam and salted pistachio pieces for crunch.
Starbucks’ Pistachio Cream Cold Brew is made with their signature cold brew, sweetened with vanilla syrup.
The Frappuccino has a sweet pistachio flavor combined with coffee, milk, and ice, and it’s topped with whipped cream.
This beverage features a sweet pistachio flavor blended with coffee, milk, and ice.
It’s finished with whipped cream and a salted brown buttery topping, creating a creamy delight.
These seasonal drinks offer a delicious twist on your coffee routine – they’re yummy and perfect for pistachio fans.
Please note that the specific ingredients and variations may vary depending on the location and time of year.
So, it’s always a good idea to check the official Starbucks website or consult with a barista for the most up-to-date information on their menu offerings.
What is the Vegan Milk at Starbucks?
If you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative, Starbucks has got you covered. The vegan milk options at Starbucks include coconut milk, soy milk, oat milk, and almond milk.
Coconut milk has a slightly sweet and creamy taste; soy milk has a creamy texture and mild flavor; oat milk is creamy and slightly sweet; and almond milk has a nutty flavor.
These non-dairy milk alternatives are suitable for individuals who follow a vegan or plant-based diet or those who are lactose intolerant or have a dairy allergy.
Starbucks offers these vegan milk options as alternatives to traditional dairy milk for customers to customize their beverages.
Depending on your location, there could be other vegan milk options available, so check with your local Starbucks to see what they offer.
