It’s ummm…. interesting. Contains some little, seeds or pellets that get really slimy when exposed to moisture… But other than that, it’s really unusual. Maybe you aught to try some!

http://holycrap.ca/

I personally see Starbucks as a purveyor of “coffee-based-beverages” rather than coffee. And even though I know I can order a French-press brew when I visit, I rather doubt they follow proper French-press brewing technique, nor are their beans (which are neither roasted on-premise nor roasted to the appropriate level depending on the brewing method to be used) to my particular liking.

All that said however, I happily go to Starbucks, but not to drink a good coffee. I go with friends for social reasons. I go to enjoy the company of others and to get out of the daily grind of the house-work-house pattern.

I do not go often, and when I do, I at least try to minimize the calorie-bombing by always ordering my drink to be made with soy milk, and I never order anything larger than a “tall.” Caramel shots and other toppings will still add to the unhealthiness of the drink and should be considered carefully.

It should also be noted that barristas are generally NOT knowledgeable when it comes to veganism or nutrition and health. The other day I was at a Tim Horton’s in Canada … So I ordered a cafe mocha, (which they define as half hot-chocolate and half-coffee). I said to the lady taking my order, “I cannot have dairy products. Is there any milk in your cafe mocha?” She said that there wasn’t. So just to be extra-sure, I said: “So there is NO milk of any kind in your cafe mocha?” “No.” “Is your hot chocolate made with milk or water?” “Water.” So then imagine my surprise when I received a drink that was covered with an inch of whipped cream!!!

And honestly, Starbucks does the same thing. Once, after having a very similar conversation with a barrista in Japan about soy instead of dairy milk, then proceeds to ask me whether I’d liked whipped cream on top. ?!

At the end of the day, it would indeed be nice if Starbucks offered more healthy (and vegan-friendly) choices, but their offerings are also a direct reflection of what their consumers are demanding… While requesting that the company move further in this direction is an excellent suggestion, so is educating the public about whole-food, plant-based nutrition… In other words, expand the customer base of people demanding healthy choices.