This one is a returner… For the third year, Starbucks has brought back their Pistacho flavored drinks for the winter months.
In 2023, will us vegans be able to enjoy a Pistachio flavored drink from Starbucks? Is the NEW Pistachio Cream Cold Brew vegan? If you haven’t noticed, Starbucks is also alluring us with their Pistachio Latte.
Let’s go through the ingredients and find out!
What Makes the New Starbucks Drink Pistachio Flavored?
In both the new Pistachio Cream Cold Brew and the returner, the Pistachio Latte, they have two ingredients in common. They both have a Pistachio Sauce and a Salted Brown Butter Cookie Flavored Topping.
The Pistachio Sauce contains:
INVERT SUGAR, CONDENSED NONFAT MILK, PISTACHIO BUTTER (GROUND PISTACHIOS), NATURAL FLAVORS, COCOA BUTTER, SALT, PRESERVATIVE: POTASSIUM SORBATE, XANTHAN GUM, TOCOPHEROLS, MONOGLYCERIDES
The Salted Brown Butter Cookie Flavored Topping contains:
SUGARS (SUGAR, POWDERED SUGAR), CORN STARCH, SEA SALT, FRUIT AND VEGETABLE COLOR (PUMPKIN, SUGAR BEETS, APPLE, CARROT, HIBISCUS), NATURAL FLAVORS, SALT
–> The flavored topping appears to be “accidentally vegan.” Just like the rest of their vegan-friendly syrups, sauces and toppings.
Can I Order a Pistachio Drink Vegan From Starbucks?
No. The new Pistachio Cream Cold Brew nor the Pistacho Latte are vegan or can be made vegan.
As you can see, the Pistachio Sauce, which is required for the pistachio flavor, contains condensed nonfat milk. AKA: dairy.
…which is unfortunate because I love pistachios and think that flavor with the salted brown butter cookie-flavored topping would be fun to try.
PS: You can still ask for the topping to be added to another drink if you want. 😉
What Can I Order Vegan At Starbucks?
Well, you have come to the right place for that question! We have a vegan guide for Starbucks that breaks down every drink that is vegan or can be made vegan. We also have a 2022 Starbucks Holiday Guide which they still have available.
But let me give you some of our favorites for this winter season!
Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte.
This one is vegan as-is! You can order it iced or hot. Personally, I’m a huge fan of this one hot.
Chestnut Praline Latte
Order an iced or hot Chestnut Praline Latte with your choice of non-dairy milk (oat, soy, almond or coconut) and NO whip. Yummm!
Peppermint Mocha
Order an iced or hot Peppermint Mocha with your choice of non-dairy milk (oat, soy, almond or coconut), NO whip and NO chocolate curls. This one is Ryan’s favorite!
Starbucks Blonde Vanilla Latte
I have to add this one because it is one of my all-time favorites from Starbucks. It’s so light & smooth with a hint of sweetness. I order it with soy milk but you can choose whichever milk you like (oat, soy, almond or coconut),
