Kennedy didn’t provide details in his post, but Niccol has said that the chain wants to expand in health and wellness as customers look to lower their sugar intake and get more from their beverages than just a caffeine hit.
In a statement, Starbucks reiterated its commitment to offerings that cater to healthy lifestyles.
“Our diverse menu of high-quality foods and beverages empowers customers to make informed nutritional decisions, with transparency on ingredients, calories and more,” a Starbucks spokesperson said.
The company said last week that it’s testing drinks such as a sugar-free vanilla latte topped with protein banana cold foam. The new drinks will have at least 15 grams of protein that will come from a powder. Diners will be able to add the protein, which is unsweetened, to any cold foam flavor.
Competitors such as fast-growing Dutch Bros Inc. have had success with coffee drinks with protein-infused milk, which particularly appeal to younger consumers.
Kennedy said he was “pleased to learn that Starbucks’ food and beverages already avoid artificial dyes, artificial flavors, high-fructose corn syrup, artificial sweeteners and other additives.”
