Starbucks offers a variety of non-dairy milk alternatives for customers looking to avoid dairy, including almond milk. Almond milk has become increasingly popular in recent years as more people adopt vegan, dairy-free or low-lactose diets. For coffee drinkers who like the flavor and health benefits of almonds, Starbucks does provide the option to customize your favorite espresso drinks with almond milk instead of regular dairy milk. Let’s take a closer look at what almond milk options are available at Starbucks and how they can be substituted into popular coffee beverages.
Almond Milk at Starbucks
Starbucks provides almond milk as a non-dairy alternative to regular dairy milk. Customers can substitute almond milk at no extra charge in place of 2%, whole milk, soy milk, or coconut milk in any coffee drink on the Starbucks menu. The almond milk offered by Starbucks is unsweetened and contains only almonds and water as ingredients. It has a creamy, nutty flavor that pairs well with coffee without overpowering it. Compared to dairy milk, almond milk has fewer calories and carbohydrates, making it an appealing option for health-conscious coffee drinkers. It is also naturally lactose-free, meaning it is safe for people with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies.
To order a Starbucks coffee drink with almond milk, simply request it when ordering. For example, you can order a “Caffe Latte with almond milk” or a “Caffe Mocha with almond milk instead of 2% milk.” The baristas at Starbucks will then make your drink using almond milk instead of dairy milk at no extra charge. You can customize any hot, iced, or blended coffee beverage to be made with almond milk.
In addition to substituting almond milk into standard menu items, Starbucks also offers several specialty drinks that feature almond milk by default:
- Almondmilk Honey Flat White – Espresso with almond milk and honey
- Almondmilk Caffè Misto – Brewed coffee with steamed almond milk
- Iced Shaken Almondmilk Espresso – Almond milk and espresso shaken together and served over ice
- Almondmilk Vanilla Latte – Espresso and steamed almond milk with vanilla syrup
- Almondmilk Cappuccino – Espresso, steamed almond milk, and foamed milk
These drinks provide an easy way to try out the almond milk option without having to customize your order. You can also further customize them by adding your choice of flavors, coffee roast, espresso shots, and toppings.
Nutrition Information
One of the main benefits of choosing almond milk at Starbucks is the nutrition profile. Here is how the nutrition facts of Starbucks almond milk compares to 2% dairy milk:
| Nutrition Facts | 8 oz 2% Milk | 8 oz Almond Milk |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 120 | 60 |
| Fat | 5g | 2.5g |
| Protein | 8g | 1g |
| Carbs | 12g | 7g |
| Sugar | 12g | 0g |
| Calcium | 30% DV | 45% DV |
| Vitamin D | 10% DV | 0% DV |
As you can see, almond milk contains fewer calories and carbohydrates compared to dairy milk. It also has zero sugar, since it does not contain lactose like dairy milk does. The fat content is lower as well. When it comes to important nutrients, almond milk actually contains more calcium than dairy milk. However, it does not provide vitamin D, whereas dairy milk is vitamin D-fortified. Overall, almond milk is the lighter option both calorie-wise and carb-wise.
Benefits of Almond Milk
There are several reasons customers may prefer almond milk over dairy:
Lactose-Free
Almond milk contains no lactose, the natural sugar found in dairy milk. This makes it safe for people with lactose intolerance who experience gastrointestinal distress when consuming lactose. Switching to almond milk allows lactose intolerant individuals to enjoy their favorite Starbucks beverages without discomfort.
Dairy-Free
For people with a dairy allergy or vegans who avoid animal products, almond milk provides a dairy-free alternative. Most people who are allergic to cow’s milk protein can safely consume almond milk.
Nutrition Profile
With zero sugar, fewer carbs, and more calcium than dairy milk, the nutrition stats of almond milk are appealing to many customers watching their sugar intake or calories. Almond milk provides a low-carb way to customize your drinks.
Subtle Almond Flavor
Those who enjoy the taste of almonds can appreciate the subtle almond flavor almond milk adds to coffee drinks and espresso beverages. It pairs especially nicely with vanilla, chocolate, honey, and fall spice flavors. The creamy texture is similar to dairy milk so the mouthfeel of your drink is not sacrificed.
Ethical Reasons
For some, choosing plant-based milks aligns with their ethical reasons for avoiding dairy products that come from animals. Almond milk provides a plant-based, dairy-free substitute for these customers.
Potential Downsides of Almond Milk
Despite its many benefits, there are a few potential downsides of almond milk to keep in mind:
Environmental Impact
Almonds are a water-intensive crop, requiring more water to produce than dairy milk. There are environmental concerns around almond production in drought-prone California. If sustainability is your priority, dairy milk may be the more eco-friendly choice according to some analyses.
Allergies
While almonds are less allergenic than dairy, there are individuals allergic to almonds who need to avoid almond milk. Tree nut allergies are not uncommon, so almond milk is not suitable for everyone.
Nutrient Differences
Compared to dairy milk, almond milk is not a significant source of protein or vitamin D. It also contains fewer calories, which may not be advantageous for very active individuals or those trying to gain weight. If you rely on your coffee for nutrients, dairy milk has some advantages nutritionally.
Flavor Differences
The flavor and mouthfeel of almond milk is not exactly the same as dairy milk, so some customers feel it impacts the taste of their drinks. Especially for very hot drinks, the texture of almond milk may be thinner. Trying it out to see if you like it is recommended.
Conclusion
Starbucks does offer almond milk, providing customers with a delicious dairy-free, plant-based milk option. You can customize most coffee beverages with almond milk at no extra charge. Compared to regular dairy milk, almond milk is lower in calories, carbs, and sugar. It provides an appealing option for vegans, people with lactose intolerance or nut allergies, and anyone who enjoys the taste of almonds. However, almond milk has some downsides to consider regarding environmental impact, allergies, nutrients, and taste compared to dairy milk. Overall, Starbucks almond milk gives coffee lovers a great non-dairy alternative to enjoy in their favorite drinks.