If you make a purchase using our provided links, we may receive a commission. Learn more here.
For decades, Starbucks has provided a range of milk alternatives to support and enhance its specially formulated menu.
This alternative range is incredibly useful for anyone who wants to enjoy their favorite drinks without compromising their health-conscious lifestyle.
Still, one question remains: What soy milk does Starbucks use?
We have some freshly brewed facts waiting down below.
What Brand Of Soy Milk Does Starbucks Use?
Starbucks began offering plant-based milk products to US customers in 1997 and has used a few types and brands over the years.[1]
What soy milk does Starbucks provide for its coffee-loving customers' drinks?
Currently, their organic soy milk, created from US organic soybeans, provides a welcome alternative to standard dairy products.
The soy milk at Starbucks is currently owned by Danone and was specially formulated to complement their menu. Initially, the company making the soy milk was called WhiteWave Foods.
WhiteWave Foods were chosen due to their consideration of environmental factors, among other things.[2]
Danone acquired WhiteWave in 2016 and the soy milk Starbucks offers is available exclusively in-store.[3]
Is The Soy Milk That Starbucks Uses Healthy?
Is it Natural/Organic?
Starbucks soy milk is natural and organic. Additionally, the soy milk that Starbucks uses is free of GMOs while only using whole foods and soybeans.
This delicious plant-based milk contains organic soymilk, evaporated cane juice, calcium carbonate, sea salt, carrageenan (seaweed emulsifier), sodium citrate, baking soda, and various vitamins.
Is It Sweetened?
Starbucks plant-based soy milk is lightly sweetened with cane juice and natural vanilla flavor.
This does cause the Starbucks soy milk sweetened with vanilla to have a higher level of sugar compared to other plant-based milk options on the menu.
If you are concerned about the sugar content or calories in your plant-based milk, we would suggest trying Starbucks oat milk, almond milk, or coconut milk drinks instead.
Is It Gluten Free?
Starbucks' soy milk plant-based milk alternative is gluten-free, dairy-free, and GMO-free.
This makes it perfect for gluten-conscious plant milk fans looking for other alternatives at Starbucks.
If you are ever unsure of a milk's gluten level, you can talk to your barista and ask for the nutritional information of your drink.[4]
How Many Calories Are In Starbucks Soy Milk?
For those concerned with the nutrition facts of their plant-based milks, it is natural to wonder how many calories a serving has.
The Starbucks version has around 130 calories in an eight-ounce cup, which is more calories than the other delicious plant milks available.
On the other hand, the other milk alternatives are lower in calories. Oat milk is the second highest at around 140 calories, followed by Starbucks coconut milk at 80 and almond milk at 60.
The soy milk also has the highest sugar content at 13 grams per eight ounces, followed by oat and coconut with 7 grams and almond milk with 5 grams.
Soy milk has the same amount of carbs at 16 grams, followed by almond and coconut with 7 grams.
Consider this nutritional information carefully against your dietary requirements to discover whether Starbucks’ soy milk is right for you.
Benefits Of Soy Milk In Coffee And Tea Drinks
The Starbucks soy milk option is an excellent dairy milk alternative for all your coffee beverages.
The soy milk Starbucks uses provides a creamier consistency than other plant-based alternatives like almond or coconut milk while still delivering on delicious taste.
Soy milk is perfect for those living a vegan lifestyle, those who are lactose intolerant, and those who simply would prefer to try other options in their Starbucks latte.
In addition, adding soy milk to your diet can help you from developing osteoporosis and can prevent heart disease.
Other Kinds Of Plant-Based Milk That Starbucks Use
Starbucks stores offer a range of other plant-based milks alongside soy milk, including coconut milk, oat milk, and Almond Breeze almond milk.
These milks are all offered at a slightly additional price than dairy milk when added, but this is in line with most other coffee shops on the high street.
Frequently Asked Starbucks Soy Milk Questions
Where can you buy Starbucks soy milk?
You can only buy Starbucks’ Danone soy milk exclusively in their stores. However, Danone, the company that makes soy milk for Starbucks, also sells a soy Silk milk range in supermarkets around the US, which is very close in taste and consistency.
Is Starbucks soy milk keto-friendly?
Due to the higher sugar content, Starbucks soy milk is not keto-friendly. We suggest using one of the other plant milks over the soy milk despite its high protein content to avoid any issues or negative effect on your diet.
Does Starbucks charge more for soy milk?
Starbucks charges an extra 70 cents per drink for adding alternative milk like soy, but this is common in coffee shops currently.
Final Words
When ordering your coffee and other Starbucks beverages, you know you are getting a finely crafted and unique soy milk experience.
However, not all plant milks are created equal, and you may find that you prefer oat or coconut, or almond instead.
Give them all a try over time to find your favorite types over whole milk and nonfat milk.
References:
1. https://stories.starbucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Starbucks_Wellness_Timeline.pdf
2. https://www.just-food.com/news/usa-dean-foods-white-wave-to-become-sole-soymilk-provider-to-starbucks/
3. https://www.forbes.com/sites/maggiemcgrath/2016/07/07/dairy-king-danone-to-acquire-whitewave-foods-in-10-billion-milk-merger/?sh=7d315b8fb434
4. https://globalassets.starbucks.com/assets/94fbcc2ab1e24359850fa1870fc988bc.pdf
