One of the newest drinks to hit the Starbucks menu is the Chocolate Cream Cold Brew.
In this quick guide, I’m here to answer the question that all vegans ask when Starbucks releases a new drink:
Is the Chocolate Cream Cold Brew Vegan?
The short answer is no, it is not vegan. The Chocolate Cream is made with varieties of dairy… cream and milk.
If you want to dive a little deeper with me, I’m going to share with you the ingredients for this new Cold Brew and try to figure out if we can make this drink vegan-friendly through a few simple modifications.
Starbucks Chocolate Cream Cold Brew Ingredients
Here are the listed ingredients taken directly from the product page
:
ICE, BREWED COFFEE, CHOCOLATE CREAM [VANILLA SWEET CREAM (CREAM (CREAM, MONO AND DIGLYCERIDES, CARAGEENAN), MILK, VANILLA SYRUP (SUGAR, WATER, NATURAL FLAVORS, POTASSIUM SORBATE, CITRIC ACID)), CHOCOLATE MALT POWDER (CANE SUGAR, COCOA POWDER PROCESSED WITH ALKALI, NATURAL MALT FLAVOR (FROM BARLEY), NATURAL FLAVORS, SUNFLOWER OIL)], VANILLA SYRUP [SUGAR, WATER, NATURAL FLAVORS, POTASSIUM SORBATE, CITRIC ACID]
As I stated at the start, the Chocolate Cream is the issue here. The other star of the drink (besides the coffee) is the Vanilla Syrup which is vegan-friendly. However, without the Chocolate Cream and just the Vanilla Syrup, we have a completely different drink.
The closest we can come up with to trying to replicate the drink is ordering a Cold Brew with Starbucks Vanilla Syrup, Mocha Sauce and Oat Milk.
Honestly, though, I believe if you’re in the mood for a little chocolate in your coffee, Starbucks offers some tasty options.
Chocolate Cream Cold Brew Alternatives
Here are two other Starbucks Iced Coffees that I would recommend trying out that feature a kick of chocolate.
Iced Chocolate Almondmilk Shaken Espresso
The Iced Chocolate Almondmilk Shaken Espresso has been on the menu for a little over a year now and it’s still one of my favorites. I’m a huge fan of chocolate/mocha flavoring in my coffee and this is one of the best cold drinks that I’ve found featuring that flavor.
And maybe best of all, it’s vegan as-is directly off the menu. No need for any modifications or substitutions!
Iced Caffe Mocha Latte
If you want to keep your order simple and you’re okay with switching from a cold brew to a latte, give the Iced Caffe Mocha Latte a try. Make sure to order with your choice of non-dairy milk and NO whip.
Of course, if you want to stay with a Cold Brew, order a Cold Brew with your choice of non-dairy milk and add in Mocha Sauce.
What Else is Vegan at Starbucks?
A lot.
If you want a complete list of all the available vegan drinks at Starbucks, including any and all modifications needed, I would really suggest you check out our Starbucks Vegan Guide. There are just too many to list here.
I will, however, give you a couple of quick suggestions for ordering food.
Starbucks has a Chickpea Bites and Avocado Protein Box that works great for a snack or a light lunch. Jen and I joke about it being a ‘Lunchable for adults’ because it definitely gives off those vibes.
They also have multiple vegan-friendly bagels as well – Plain, Cinnamon Raisin and Everything. Look for Guacamole, Justin’s Hazelnut Butter or Classic Almond Butter to use as a topping.
Finally, I would also suggest trying the Strawberry Overnight Grains made with coconut milk. It’s probably my favorite food item on the menu.
There are a lot of snacks available as well that we also have listed in our full guide.
Final Thoughts
The old saying goes, ‘you win some you lose some’ and I feel like we lost one here on the Starbucks Chocolate Cream Cold Brew.
My suggestion? Order yourself an Iced Chocolate Almondmilk Shaken Espresso, which requires zero modifications, and have yourself a great day!
