Starbucks launches its first dairy-free pecan latte, the Pecan Crunch Oatmilk Latte, for fall 2023. While it offers a nostalgic flavor reminiscent of pecan pie, it contains honey, preventing it from being fully vegan.
Starbucks has introduced its first-ever dairy-free pecan latte, the Pecan Crunch Oatmilk Latte, as part of its highly anticipated fall lineup. This new offering combines Starbucks Blonde Espresso with creamy oat milk and a blend of nutty pecan flavors, evoking the nostalgic taste of freshly baked pecan pie. However, there’s a significant caveat for those adhering to a vegan lifestyle: the drink contains traces of honey, disqualifying it from being fully plant-based.
Flavor Profile and Inspiration
Developed by lead beverage creator Patrick Penny, the Pecan Crunch Oatmilk Latte draws on Penny’s cherished childhood memories of his grandmother’s homemade pecan pie. The drink is designed to offer a comforting experience, featuring a creamy oat milk foam for the hot version and a non-dairy vanilla sweet cream cold foam for the iced variant. Each drink is finished with a sprinkle of sweet and savory pecan crunch topping, enhancing its indulgent appeal.
Non-Vegan Elements
While the Pecan Crunch Oatmilk Latte is dairy-free, the use of honey means it cannot be classified as vegan. This pattern follows Starbucks’ previous launches, such as the Iced Apple Crisp Non-Dairy Cream Chai, which also contained honey in its chai syrup. Customers seeking entirely plant-based options are left with limited choices this fall.
Oat Milk Focus
Starbucks has increasingly focused on plant-based alternatives, with oat milk emerging as a popular choice among customers for its creamy texture and neutral flavor. This aligns with Starbucks’ broader sustainability goals, which include reducing its environmental impact through more plant-based offerings. The introduction of oat milk-based cold foam addresses previous customer concerns and expands the versatility of cold beverages.
Seasonal Offerings and Future Directions
The Pecan Crunch Oatmilk Latte joins Starbucks’ “pie-fecta” of fall flavors, which includes the beloved Pumpkin Spice Latte and Apple Crisp Oatmilk Macchiato. Despite the growing range of dairy-free beverages, Starbucks has yet to offer a vegan version of the iconic Pumpkin Spice Latte in the U.S. The PSL’s dairy-based pumpkin spice sauce remains a barrier for vegan customers, although a vegan version is available in the U.K. and parts of Europe.
Starbucks’ commitment to expanding its plant-based menu has included the addition of various dairy alternatives over the years, starting with soy milk in 2004 and expanding to coconut and almond milk. The rapid rise in oat milk popularity reflects changing consumer preferences and a growing demand for sustainable options.
In summary, while the Pecan Crunch Oatmilk Latte provides a delicious dairy-free option for fall, its inclusion of honey prevents it from being fully vegan, leaving some customers seeking plant-based alternatives feeling disappointed. As Starbucks continues to evolve its menu, the hope remains for more fully vegan offerings in the future, catering to the growing demographic of environmentally conscious consumers.
