Starbucks Aligns Menu with US Health Goals, Sees 40% Matcha Sales Boost

US Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. revealed that Starbucks Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Niccol has pledged to further align the company’s menu with the administration’s health goals. The two men met on Tuesday, where Niccol shared the company’s plans to further align its menu with the “Make America Healthy Again” campaign. This campaign aims to lower sugar content and remove artificial ingredients from the US food supply, among other changes.

Kennedy did not provide specific details in his post, but Niccol has previously stated that Starbucks aims to expand its offerings in health and wellness. This is in response to customers looking to lower their sugar intake and seeking more from their beverages than just a caffeine boost. Starbucks reiterated its commitment to providing options that cater to healthy lifestyles, emphasizing that its diverse menu empowers customers to make informed nutritional decisions with transparency on ingredients and calories.

Starbucks has been testing new drinks, such as a sugar-free vanilla latte topped with protein banana cold foam. These new drinks will contain at least 15 grams of protein from an unsweetened powder, which can be added to any cold foam flavor. This move is part of a broader menu overhaul by Starbucks, which includes removing sugar from its matcha powder. This change resulted in a 40% increase in matcha sales from the prior year. Additionally, Starbucks has removed the upcharge for nondairy milk, making it more accessible to customers.

Kennedy expressed satisfaction with Starbucks' current practices, noting that the company's food and beverages already avoid artificial dyes, artificial flavors, high-fructose corn syrup, artificial sweeteners, and other additives. However, the company's summer menu includes beverages like the berry iced drink called Summer Skies, which contains 26 grams of sugar in a 16-ounce serving. This is close to the recommended daily limit of added sugar for women, which is less than 25 grams, and slightly above the limit for men, which is less than 36 grams.

This development is part of a broader trend in the food and beverage industry, where companies are responding to growing consumer demand for healthier products. By aligning with the administration's health goals, Starbucks positions itself as a leader in promoting healthier food choices. This move is likely to resonate with health-conscious consumers who are increasingly aware of the nutritional value of their food and beverages. The administration's focus on improving public health through dietary changes is expected to yield positive outcomes for both public health and the food industry, as companies adapt to meet the evolving needs and preferences of consumers.