Starbucks Launches First Coconut Milk-Based Drink

Today, coffee retailer Starbucks launches its Iced Coconut Milk Mocha Macchiato—its first-ever coconut milk-based drink—in the United States and Canada. The beverage contains espresso, white chocolate mocha sauce, and a caramel and mocha drizzle on top, and can easily be veganized (simply substitute vanilla syrup for the white chocolate sauce and caramel syrup for the drizzle) thanks to its single origin Sumatran coconut milk base. News outlet Business Insider noted that it is clear Starbucks launched the new drink in an effort to both respond to customer demands and capture the growing $6.7 billion dairy alternative market, stating that “its role in highlighting non-dairy options represents the growing appeal of dairy alternatives, both to lactose-intolerant customers and those simply seeking new flavors.” The coconut milk-based macchiato is the newest addition of vegan-friendly options Starbucks introduced this summer, with recent additions including Caramel Espresso, Youthberry White Tea, and Strawberry Lemon Limeade granitas. Starbucks added coconut milk to its menu in 2015 as an alternative to soy milk.