Vegan Coffee At Starbucks? Chain To Test Out Its First Plant-Based Protein Coffee

Starbucks (SBUX) on Tuesday announced it expanded its vegan option by adding a new plant-based protein coffee to its menu.

The Seattle-based coffee store chain has introduced the Protein Blended Cold Brew in almond and cacao flavors, available at U.S. locations through the fall.

The new drinks are dairy-free and consist of pea and brown rice protein. A 16-ounce grande size is priced at $5.95.

The almond option has almond milk, almond butter and 12 grams of plant-based protein. It has 12 grams of fat, 270 calories and 22 grams of sugar.

The cacao version includes coconut milk, cacao powder and 10 grams of plant-based protein. It also has 250 calories, 9 grams of fat and 26 grams of sugar. Customers can add a shot of plant-based protein in any drink.

News of Starbucks' additional menu option comes at a time where the fast food market is seeing customers lean toward healthier choices.

Starbucks CEO Kevin Johnson said that plant-based options had become one of the brand’s "fast-growing" menu items. It currently offers its customers a variety of plant-based modifiers, including shots of almond, coconut and soy milk.

"Not only are these fast-growing platforms highly relevant to our customers, our research demonstrates that they also provide a significant opportunity to drive [sales] outside of our core morning sales window," Johnson said.

Starbucks, which has over 28,000 locations worldwide, recently reported record third-quarter earnings of $6.31 billion in sales.