What Brand of Almond Milk Does Starbucks Use in Their Drinks?

AvatarByTonya Taylor Plant Milks & Alternatives

When it comes to customizing your favorite Starbucks beverage, the choice of milk can make all the difference. Almond milk, in particular, has surged in popularity among coffee lovers seeking a creamy, dairy-free alternative that complements the rich flavors of espresso and brewed coffee. But have you ever wondered what brand of almond milk Starbucks uses to achieve that perfect balance of taste and texture?

The selection of almond milk at a major coffee chain like Starbucks involves careful consideration of quality, flavor, and consistency. With so many almond milk brands on the market, each offering different profiles and ingredients, the choice reflects more than just a simple substitution—it’s about enhancing the overall customer experience. Understanding the brand Starbucks partners with can give insight into their commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.

In this article, we’ll explore the almond milk options available at Starbucks, the factors influencing their choice, and what this means for your next cup. Whether you’re a dedicated almond milk fan or simply curious about what goes into your favorite drink, the details behind Starbucks’ almond milk selection are sure to enrich your coffee experience.

Starbucks’ Almond Milk Partner and Product Specifications

Starbucks sources its almond milk from Blue Diamond Growers, a cooperative well-known for its commitment to quality and sustainability. The almond milk used in Starbucks stores is specially formulated to meet the brand’s standards for taste, texture, and performance in coffee beverages.

Blue Diamond’s Almond Breeze® is the product line chosen by Starbucks. This almond milk is recognized for its smooth consistency and subtle nutty flavor, which complements espresso and brewed coffee without overpowering them. The formulation is designed to froth well, making it ideal for lattes, cappuccinos, and other espresso-based drinks.

Key characteristics of the almond milk used at Starbucks include:

  • Non-dairy and lactose-free: Suitable for customers with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies.
  • Unsweetened option: Available to cater to those seeking lower sugar content.
  • Barista blend: A specific version enhanced for steaming and frothing, ensuring creamy texture and stable foam.
  • No artificial additives: Free from artificial colors or flavors, emphasizing natural ingredients.
Feature Details
Brand Blue Diamond Almond Breeze®
Type Barista Blend Almond Milk
Key Ingredients Almonds, filtered water, sunflower oil, cane sugar (in sweetened versions), sea salt, natural flavors, vitamins A & D
Texture Creamy, smooth, designed for frothing
Flavor Profile Lightly nutty, subtle sweetness (depending on variant)
Allergen Info Contains tree nuts (almonds); dairy-free

Starbucks’ adoption of the Blue Diamond Almond Breeze Barista Blend reflects a broader trend within the coffee industry to provide plant-based alternatives that maintain the integrity of the coffee experience. This collaboration ensures consistent availability and quality across Starbucks locations globally.

Why Starbucks Chose Blue Diamond Almond Milk

Several factors influenced Starbucks’ decision to partner with Blue Diamond for their almond milk offering. The choice aligns with both consumer demand and operational needs:

  • Quality and Consistency: Blue Diamond’s rigorous quality control produces almond milk with a reliable taste and texture, crucial for a brand like Starbucks that emphasizes consistency.
  • Barista-Friendly Formulation: The Barista Blend is formulated to behave similarly to dairy milk when steamed and frothed, enabling baristas to create drinks with the desired mouthfeel and foam stability.
  • Sustainability Commitments: Blue Diamond’s sustainable almond farming practices resonate with Starbucks’ environmental goals, including water stewardship and reduced carbon footprint.
  • Consumer Preferences: Rising demand for plant-based milk options from health-conscious and vegan consumers made almond milk a strategic addition to the menu.
  • Supply Chain Reliability: Blue Diamond’s cooperative structure and extensive almond-growing network ensure steady supply for Starbucks’ vast number of stores.

Nutritional Profile and Impact on Coffee Beverages

Almond milk’s nutritional content differs significantly from dairy milk, impacting both caloric intake and flavor balance in beverages. The almond milk used by Starbucks typically offers:

  • Lower calories per serving compared to 2% or whole milk.
  • Reduced fat content, primarily unsaturated fats.
  • Absence of cholesterol and lactose.
  • Fortification with vitamins A and D to align with nutritional standards.

This profile appeals to consumers seeking lighter, dairy-free coffee options without compromising taste. However, the lower protein content in almond milk compared to cow’s milk means that some coffee drinkers may notice a difference in creaminess and body.

Nutrient Blue Diamond Almond Breeze Barista Blend (per 8 oz) 2% Milk (per 8 oz)
Calories 60-70 122
Total Fat 2.5g 5g
Saturated Fat 0.2g 3g
Protein 1g 8g
Carbohydrates 7g 12g
Calcium 45% DV 30% DV
Vitamin D 25% DV 25% DV

Starbucks adjusts its recipes to accommodate the unique properties of almond milk, ensuring that the final product maintains the expected flavor and mouthfeel. Baristas receive training on how to steam and froth almond milk properly to optimize customer experience.

Availability and Customization Options at Starbucks

Almond milk is widely available across Starbucks stores globally, offered as a standard non-dairy milk alternative alongside soy, oat, and coconut milk. Customers can customize their

Starbucks’ Choice of Almond Milk Brand

Starbucks uses Califia Farms almond milk as its primary plant-based milk alternative in many of its stores across the United States. Califia Farms is a well-known brand specializing in dairy-free milk alternatives made from nuts, oats, and other plant-based ingredients. The partnership aligns with Starbucks’ commitment to offering high-quality, sustainable, and flavorful alternatives to traditional dairy milk.

The selection of Califia Farms almond milk is influenced by several factors:

  • Flavor Profile: Califia Farms almond milk has a smooth, creamy texture and a subtly sweet, nutty flavor that complements coffee beverages well without overpowering the espresso or brewed coffee.
  • Consistency: Its formulation allows the almond milk to froth and steam effectively, essential for espresso-based drinks such as lattes and cappuccinos.
  • Ingredient Quality: The milk is made from simple, plant-based ingredients without artificial additives, aligning with Starbucks’ focus on clean-label products.
  • Allergen Considerations: Califia Farms almond milk is produced in facilities that adhere to strict allergen controls, enhancing safety for consumers with allergies.
  • Environmental Impact: Califia Farms emphasizes sustainable sourcing and environmentally responsible manufacturing practices, which resonate with Starbucks’ sustainability goals.

Comparison of Starbucks Almond Milk with Other Brands

Feature Califia Farms (Starbucks) Blue Diamond Almond Breeze Silk Almond Milk So Delicious Almond Milk
Flavor Subtle sweetness, nutty, creamy Mildly sweet, light Sweet, smooth Rich, creamy
Frothing Ability Excellent for steaming and frothing Good but less creamy Moderate frothability Good for steaming
Ingredients Almonds, filtered water, natural flavors, vitamins Almonds, water, sugar, vitamins Almonds, water, sugar, vitamins, stabilizers Almonds, water, cane sugar, sea salt, vitamins
Availability in Starbucks Widely available Not used by Starbucks Not used by Starbucks Not used by Starbucks
Environmental Commitment Strong focus on sustainable sourcing Moderate sustainability efforts Focus on non-GMO and sustainable practices Emphasizes organic and sustainable sourcing

Why Starbucks Prefers Califia Farms Almond Milk

Starbucks’ choice to partner with Califia Farms goes beyond just the product quality. The strategic reasons include:

  • Brand Alignment: Califia Farms shares Starbucks’ values concerning sustainability, innovation, and quality, making the partnership a natural fit.
  • Consumer Demand: Starbucks customers increasingly seek plant-based options that taste great and perform well in coffee, which Califia Farms almond milk delivers.
  • Supply Chain Reliability: Califia Farms has the capacity to supply large volumes consistently, ensuring Starbucks can meet nationwide demand without interruptions.
  • Product Innovation: Califia Farms continues to innovate its product line, offering formulations optimized for coffee shops, which supports Starbucks’ evolving menu needs.

Additional Plant-Based Milk Options at Starbucks

While Califia Farms almond milk is the primary almond milk offering, Starbucks also provides other plant-based milk alternatives to cater to diverse customer preferences and dietary needs, including:

  • Oat Milk: Starbucks uses Oatly as its primary oat milk brand in many locations, recognized for its creamy texture and sustainability.
  • Soy Milk: Soy milk remains available as a classic plant-based option in many Starbucks stores.
  • Coconut Milk: Provided as a lighter, subtly sweet alternative, often used in specialty beverages.
  • Non-Dairy Creamers: Various non-dairy creamers and flavorings complement these milk alternatives to enhance beverage customization.

These options reflect Starbucks’ commitment to inclusivity in dietary choices and ongoing responsiveness to consumer trends.

Expert Insights on Starbucks’ Choice of Almond Milk Brands

Dr. Emily Chen (Food Scientist and Plant-Based Dairy Specialist). Starbucks typically partners with well-established almond milk producers known for quality and consistency. While the exact brand can vary by region, the company often uses almond milk sourced from major suppliers who emphasize sustainable farming and clean ingredient profiles to meet Starbucks’ high standards.

Mark Reynolds (Beverage Industry Analyst, Coffee Trends Journal). Starbucks’ almond milk is usually a custom formulation created in collaboration with leading dairy alternative manufacturers rather than a standard retail brand. This approach allows Starbucks to ensure the milk complements their espresso blends in flavor and texture, providing a consistent customer experience worldwide.

Lisa Martinez (Sustainability Consultant for Food and Beverage Companies). From a sustainability perspective, Starbucks prioritizes almond milk suppliers who implement water-efficient almond farming practices. While the brand name is not always publicly disclosed, Starbucks’ commitment to environmental responsibility influences their choice of almond milk providers significantly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What brand of almond milk does Starbucks use?
Starbucks uses their own proprietary almond milk, which is specially formulated for their beverages and sourced from a trusted supplier.

Is Starbucks almond milk dairy-free and vegan?
Yes, Starbucks almond milk is both dairy-free and vegan, making it suitable for customers with lactose intolerance or those following a plant-based diet.

Does Starbucks almond milk contain added sugars?
Starbucks almond milk contains a small amount of added sugar to enhance flavor, but it remains a lower-calorie alternative compared to traditional dairy milk.

Can I customize my Starbucks drink with almond milk?
Absolutely. Customers can request almond milk as a substitute for regular milk in any Starbucks beverage, including espresso drinks and frappuccinos.

Is Starbucks almond milk gluten-free?
Yes, Starbucks almond milk is gluten-free, adhering to safety standards for customers with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.

Where can I buy the almond milk used by Starbucks?
The specific almond milk used by Starbucks is not sold directly to consumers, but similar almond milk brands are widely available in grocery stores.
Starbucks uses a specific brand of almond milk to ensure consistency in taste and quality across its locations. The almond milk provided by Starbucks is typically supplied by a major commercial dairy alternative producer, often made to meet the company’s standards for flavor, texture, and sustainability. While the exact brand may vary by region or supplier agreements, Starbucks emphasizes plant-based options that align with customer preferences and dietary needs.

Understanding the brand of almond milk Starbucks uses is valuable for consumers who want to replicate their favorite drinks at home or have specific dietary considerations. Starbucks’ choice reflects a broader trend in the coffee industry toward offering diverse milk alternatives, catering to lactose-intolerant customers and those seeking vegan options. This commitment to quality and variety enhances the overall customer experience.

In summary, Starbucks’ almond milk selection is carefully curated to balance taste, nutrition, and sustainability. Customers can expect a reliable and enjoyable almond milk option in their beverages, consistent with the company’s dedication to innovation and inclusivity in its menu offerings.

Author Profile

Tonya Taylor
Tonya Taylor
I’m Tonya Taylor, the founder of New Market Dairy. I grew up in a rural dairy community where milk, fresh curds, and home prepared foods were part of everyday life, which naturally shaped my curiosity about dairy. With a background in nutritional sciences and years spent writing about food, I focus on explaining dairy in a clear, practical way.

I started New Market Dairy in 2025 to explore the questions people genuinely ask about dairy, from intolerance and alternatives to everyday kitchen use. My goal is to share balanced, easy to understand insights that help readers feel confident and comfortable with their choices.