Those who are conscious about avoiding dairy have always had to leave the whipped cream off of their Starbucks orders but now, there's a vegan whipped cream option that's being tested at two Seattle area Starbucks locations. And interestingly, the plant-based whipped cream is made with a unique lentil base. As part of the testing of this product, Starbucks is asking guests to share their feedback via QR codes.
There's a wide range of beverages that can be customized at Starbucks so that they're totally dairy-free and there are a growing number of drinks that have been specifically created with non-dairy alternatives. Although it's difficult to modify some classic beverages without the proper plant-based replacements, Starbucks is making it easier with alternatives like this plant-powered whipped cream.
Image Credit: Vanessa Thomas
What Makes This Trend Stand Out
- Vegan Whipped Creams
- There is an opportunity to capitalize on the growing demand for vegan options by creating more plant-based whipped creams, such as those made from legumes.
- Lentil-based Products
- Companies could explore the use of lentils as a base for other food products, such as dressings or sauces, to appeal to health-conscious and environmentally aware consumers.
- Customizable Drinks
- There is an opportunity for businesses to offer more customizable drink options to cater to customers looking for non-dairy or plant-based choices.
Sectors Adopting This
- Food and Beverage
- Food and beverage companies can explore innovative and sustainable plant-based alternatives to traditional dairy products to appeal to health and environmentally conscious consumers.
- Restaurant and Cafe
- Restaurants and cafes can attract customers by offering vegan-friendly menu options, including plant-based whipped cream, as consumers increasingly seek out more environmentally friendly choices.
- Food Production
- There is a potential for innovation and investment in creating and marketing new and unique plant-based ingredients for use in a range of food products, such as using lentils as a base for sauces or dressings.
