Starbucks vs. Dutch Bros Vegan Menu
This page compares vegan-friendly drink and food options at Starbucks and Dutch Bros. It focuses on plant-based milk availability, drink customization, and ordering flexibility.
The goal is to help vegan customers understand what is available at each chain before ordering.
Vegan Milk Options
Plant-based milk availability is the starting point for vegan drink ordering.
Starbucks
Starbucks offers:
- Oat milk
- Almond milk
- Soy milk
- Coconut milk
Plant milk is available for hot, iced, and blended drinks. Most locations nationwide carry all four options, though availability may vary by region.
Upcharges for plant milk typically range from $0.50 to $0.80 depending on location.
Dutch Bros
Dutch Bros offers:
- Oat milk
- Almond milk
- Soy milk
Plant milk is available for espresso drinks, cold brew, and select iced beverages.
Upcharges typically range from $0.50 to $0.75 depending on market.
Comparison Summary
Starbucks provides one additional plant milk option, coconut milk. Both chains charge extra for substitutions in most markets.
Vegan-Friendly Coffee Drinks
Both brands allow standard espresso drinks to be made vegan by substituting dairy milk.
Starbucks Vegan Coffee Options
Common vegan-friendly choices include:
- Caffè Latte with plant milk
- Americano
- Cold Brew
- Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso
- Flat White (with plant milk substitution)
Most classic syrups are dairy-free, but whipped cream must be removed.
Dutch Bros Vegan Coffee Options
Common vegan-friendly choices include:
- Americano
- Oat Milk Latte
- Cold Brew with plant milk
- Iced Kicker (modified with plant milk)
- Golden Eagle (modified, no caramel drizzle or soft top)
Dutch Bros allows most espresso-based drinks to be made vegan with milk substitution and removal of dairy toppings.
Comparison Summary
Both brands support vegan espresso customization. Starbucks offers a larger preset menu of plant-based featured drinks, while Dutch Bros relies more on modification.
Vegan Energy and Specialty Drinks
Starbucks
Vegan-friendly specialty options include:
- Refreshers (without dairy inclusions)
- Iced Teas
- Lemonade-based drinks
- Cold Brew variations without cream
Frappuccinos require modification and removal of whipped cream.
Dutch Bros
Vegan-friendly specialty drinks include:
- Rebel Energy Drink (standard version)
- Iced Teas
- Lemonades
- Americanos
Frost drinks and Soft Top toppings are not vegan.
Comparison Summary
Dutch Bros Rebel drinks are typically dairy-free by default. Starbucks Refreshers are also commonly vegan. Both brands require checking toppings and add-ons.
Vegan Food Options
Food selection differs significantly between the two brands.
Starbucks
Starbucks offers several plant-based food options, including:
- Plain Bagel
- Everything Bagel
- Oatmeal
- Select snack boxes (location dependent)
Availability varies by region.
Dutch Bros
Dutch Bros has limited food options. In most locations, options may include:
- Plain Bagel (confirm dairy-free preparation)
- Everything Bagel (confirm ingredients locally)
Food variety at Dutch Bros is significantly smaller compared to Starbucks.
Comparison Summary
Starbucks provides broader vegan food availability. Dutch Bros remains primarily beverage-focused.
Items Vegans Should Avoid
Starbucks
Avoid or modify:
- Frappuccinos with dairy base
- Whipped cream toppings
- Caramel drizzle (contains dairy in some formulations)
- Seasonal cream-based beverages
Dutch Bros
Avoid:
- Soft Top
- Frost drinks
- Protein milk beverages
- Standard whipped cream toppings
Always confirm syrup and topping ingredients if ordering strict vegan.
Ease of Ordering Vegan
Starbucks
- Mobile app allows full customization
- Ingredient transparency is generally consistent
- Plant-based options are labeled in many stores
Dutch Bros
- Drive-thru ordering only in most locations
- Staff can customize drinks upon request
- No national mobile customization system
Starbucks provides more digital ordering control. Dutch Bros allows quick in-person customization but relies on verbal requests.
Which Has More Vegan Variety?
Starbucks offers:
- More plant milk options
- Greater vegan food availability
- Larger preset plant-based menu
Dutch Bros offers:
- Strong beverage customization
- Dairy-free Rebel energy drinks
- Simpler menu structure
Overall, Starbucks provides broader vegan coverage across both drinks and food. Dutch Bros supports vegan drink customization effectively but has limited food variety.
Starbucks vs. Dutch Bros Vegan Menu Comparison
| Feature | Starbucks | Dutch Bros |
|---|---|---|
| Plant Milk Options | Oat, Almond, Soy, Coconut | Oat, Almond, Soy |
| Plant Milk Upcharge | $0.50–$0.80 | $0.50–$0.75 |
| Vegan Espresso Customization | Yes | Yes |
| Vegan Energy Drinks | Refreshers | Rebel Energy Drink |
| Vegan Food Options | Multiple items available | Limited food options |
| Mobile App Customization | Yes | No |
| Default Dairy-Free Drinks | Limited | Rebel is dairy-free by default |
| Overall Vegan Variety | Broader | Beverage-focused |
FAQ:
Is Dutch Bros fully vegan-friendly?
Dutch Bros is not fully vegan, but many drinks can be made vegan with plant milk substitution and removal of dairy toppings.
Does Starbucks charge extra for plant milk?
Yes. Most Starbucks locations charge an additional fee for plant milk, typically between $0.50 and $0.80.
Are Dutch Bros syrups vegan?
Most standard syrups are dairy-free, but customers should confirm specific flavors and toppings at their location.
Which is better for strict vegans?
Starbucks offers more labeled plant-based drinks and food options. Dutch Bros provides strong beverage customization but fewer food choices.
