Starting on Tuesday, January 7, Starbucks is adding its first new beverages of the decade, featuring plant-based milk alternatives. Almondmilk Honey Flat White and Coconutmilk Latte join the permanent menu in stores in the United States and Canada, while the new Oatmilk Honey Latte arrives in select U.S. markets in the Midwest.
“Customers are looking for more ways to personalize their beverages,” says Starbucks product developer Raegan Powell. “We love how the nuanced flavor you get with plant-based milks pairs with espresso, either hot or iced. It’s a new way to start your new year.”
The Almondmilk Honey Flat White is a coffee-forward beverage with real honey to complement the almond flavor with a touch of sweetness. It combines shots of Blonde Espresso with a Honey Blend and steamed almondmilk, finished with the Flat White’s signature dot of foam.
“We started with the coffee. Starbucks Blonde Espresso pairs well with the lighter texture of milk alternatives, especially almondmilk. It’s a little bit nuttier, so it complements the almond-based milk,” Powell says.
The Coconutmilk Latte was crafted using shots of Starbucks Blonde Espresso combined with steamed coconutmilk and finished with a strike of cascara sugar.
“Coconutmilk is such a star on its own, we leaned into highlighting the coffee and the [coconut]milk,” Powell says. “We found that the cascara sugar on the top added a bit of sweetness without overpowering the beverage.”
The Oatmilk Honey Latte is made with Starbucks Blonde Espresso infused with Honey Blend, and steamed oatmilk with a honey topping that is both sweet and savory.
“When I think about oats and winter, it’s very natural to pair honey with oats,” Powell says. “Just think of a lightly sweetened oatmeal cookie or warm bowl of oatmeal.”