Starbucksâ cult-classic Pumpkin Spice Latte has been around since 2003. In the nearly 20 years since its inception, the coffee behemoth has expanded its non-dairy milk offerings and introduced a number of vegan-friendly options (such as this summerâs Iced Chocolate Almondmilk Shaken Espresso). But it has yet to remove the dairy in its Pumpkin Spice Syrup, making the fall favorite impossible to order vegan (at least, not in the States. The UK has a vegan version). While not as far-reaching as Starbucks, Peetâs Coffee is putting the pressure on this fall. Known for its dark roast coffee, the chain is leaning into the pumpkin craze with its new vegan-friendly Pumpkin Oat Foam Cold Brew, now available at all participating Peetâs coffee counters.
Peetâs Coffee has 339 locations in the US, with a vast majority (69 percent) of its stores in California. While this number doesnât compete with Starbucksâ nearly 15,000 coffee shops in the US, Peetâs is posturing to become a competitor by creating its own, dairy-free take on Starbucksâ cold foam beverage concept. The Seattle-born chain has released a number of chilled caffeinated beverages crowned with sweetened, dairy-based cold foam. At Starbucks, itâs not possible to order a dairy-free version, but what is impossible at Starbucks is now possible at Peetâs.
Peetâs Coffee does pumpkin spice right
The new Peetâs Pumpkin Oat Foam Cold Brew provides the flavors of fall in the lasting heat of late summer. The vegan-as-is beverage is made with the chainâs Baridi Blend cold brew coffee that is layered with a sweetened pumpkin pie spice microfoam made from oat milk. The chainâs classic Pumpkin Latte has also returned to coffee shop menus. Unlike the Starbucks original, Peetâs pumpkin-flavored latte can be ordered vegan by swapping non-dairy milk (oat, almond, or soy) for cowâs milk.
Peetâs just launched other non-pumpkin flavored beverages for the fall season, include the Maple Latte and the Maple Oat FrappĂ©. The FrappĂ©âan ice-blended, caffeinated beverageâ is vegan as-is, and the Maple Latte can easily be veganized by ordering with non-dairy milk.
Peetâs fall beverages are available until November 2.
Vegan at Peetâs Coffee
Plant-based Peetâs customers have enjoyed a steady selection of vegan options throughout the years. The chain was the first to introduce a coconut-based, dairy-free whipped cream back in 2016. While this sweet topping has been discontinued, other vegan options have lasted the test of time. Peetâs bakery cases typically feature at least one vegan option beyond the standard plain bagel and oatmeal (though Peetâs has these, too). Depending on the location, one can find a vegan peanut butter cookie, blueberry oat bran muffin, Guittard chocolate brownie, and more.
In 2021, a savory item joined these sweet baked goods. On the heels of Starbucksâ Plant Powered Breakfast Sandwich (which was only available in select test markets), Peetâs released its own version nationwide. The Everything Plant-Based Sandwich is a vegan breakfast sandwich made with a Beyond Meat Sausage patty, folded JUST Egg, and melted plant-based cheese held together between an everything bagel thin. Contrary to the name, this option is available at all hours of the day.
Want more fall beverage options? Check out our Essential Vegan Guide to Starbucks Fall Drinks. The PSL may not be vegan, but there are still plenty of other items to choose from. For more pumpkin spice flavored offerings, take a look at these 11 plant-based pumpkin spice products you can get right now.
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Source: Vegnews.com