What Kind of Coconut Milk Does Starbucks Use?

Sometimes a splash of coconut milk in your iced coffee or some creamy, steamed coconut milk in your latte is just what you need to make your day a little sweeter. For those that prefer coconut milk in their coffee, of the many types of milk out there, Starbucks has been a go-to spot for years now as an early offerer of the non-dairy milk.

Whether you simply prefer the flavor and creaminess of coconut milk or you choose the milk alternative for dietary reasons, you may want to know exactly what kind of coconut milk you’re sipping on when you order at Starbucks – because every brand of coconut milk tends to vary in terms of ingredients, nutrition, and taste. 

Since introducing it to their menu back in 2015, Starbucks has carried the same brand of coconut milk, which is specially crafted by Starbucks itself: Single Origin Sumatra Coconut Milk. Let’s dive into everything we know about it.

What is coconut milk?

Coconut milk is a plant-based milk alternative that’s made by extracting the rich and creamy milky substance from the grated flesh of mature coconuts. It’s high in fatty acids, antioxidants, and nutrients like B and C vitamins, calcium, and iron. It’s also naturally low in calories and carbohydrates. 

An important distinction when it comes to coconut milk is that there are typically two types: canned coconut milk – which is thick, creamy, higher in calories and fat, and more often used for cooking – and coconut milk beverage, which is what we’re referring to here. This is the thinner, more drinkable product that’s used as a milk alternative; many store-bought brands tend to add sugars and preservatives to these products, as well as fortify them with additional vitamins and minerals.

Starbucks’ Single Origin Sumatra Coconut Milk is a sweet blend with a coconut cream base that’s made with single-origin coconuts sourced from Sumatra, an island in Indonesia. When it comes to coffee drinks, coconut milk doesn’t typically foam well, but because of its naturally creamy consistency it makes a great addition to cold or iced beverages.

Single Origin Sumatra Coconut Milk: ingredients and nutrition

The Single Origin Sumatra Coconut Milk offered as a Starbucks milk option at their locations throughout the US is certified vegan, and by nature it’s also gluten-free and lactose-free. So what are the ingredients that make up this blend of coconut milk? The complete list is as follows:

• Water
• Coconut Cream
• Cane Sugar
• Tricalcium Phosphate
• Coconut Water Concentrate
• Natural Flavors
• Sea Salt
• Carrageenan
• Gellan Gum
• Corn Dextrin
• Xanthan Gum
• Guar Gum
• Vitamin A Palmitate
• Vitamin D2

Like many other coconut milk brands, the coconut milk that Starbucks uses contains some not-so-natural additives such as gums and preservatives, natural flavors, and carrageenan (which is a controversial seaweed-derived additive that’s thought to be inflammatory). It’s also fortified with Vitamin A and Vitamin D2. 

In terms of nutritional profile, Single Origin Sumatra Coconut Milk contains less calories and carbs than many of the other milk options at Starbucks, but it’s also one of the highest in sugar.  Here’s what you’ll be sipping on with one serving of this coconut milk, which is an 8-ounce cup:

• Calories: 80
• Fat: 5g
• Carbs: 8g
• Sugars: 7g
• Protein: 1g

Coconut milk is notoriously high in saturated fat – although there are arguments that it contains more healthy fats than unhealthy. In this case, 4.5 grams out of the 5 total grams of fat per serving are considered saturated fat. Since this milk is fortified, one serving offers 20% the daily recommended value of Vitamin D, and 15% the daily recommended value of calcium. Otherwise, the beverage is not a significant source of protein or other vitamins and minerals.

Is Starbucks coconut milk sweetened or unsweetened?

Starbucks Single Origin Sumatra Coconut Milk is sweetened, with cane sugar as the third ingredient and a total of 7 grams of added sugar per serving. 

Starbucks drinks that use coconut milk

The beauty of Starbucks is that you can customize any drink any way you please, so you can always substitute coconut milk in your order. However, Starbucks has a rotation of drinks on their menu that are already crafted with coconut milk. 

If you’re craving a coconut milk based drink, here’s what you can order next time you go to Starbucks:

• Paradise Drink Starbucks Refreshers
• Pink Drink Starbucks Refreshers
• Dragon Drink Starbucks Refreshers

Recap: Starbucks coconut milk

Here’s everything you need to know about Single Origin Sumatra Coconut Milk in one place:

Starbucks Coconut Milk Brand	Single Origin Sumatra Coconut Milk
Brand Claims	Certified Vegan Single-Origin
Ingredients List	Water Coconut Cream Cane Sugar Tricalcium Phosphate Coconut Water Concentrate Natural Flavors Sea Salt Carrageenan Gellan Gum Corn Dextrin Xanthan Gum Guar Gum Vitamin A Palmitate Vitamin D2
Nutritional Facts	Calories: 80 Fat: 5g Carbs: 8g Sugars: 7g Protein: 1g
Sweetened?	Yes [Cane Sugar]

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