Starbucks, arguably the most popular chain coffee shop of all time, has decided to up their ante. Not only do they want to be known for offering the highest quality coffee, but for their food as well. Previously, Starbucks only offered the typical barista grub: muffins, cookies, donuts, sometimes even mayo-laden, packaged sandwiches.
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In 2008 they dabbled with trying to incorporate options geared toward the more health-conscious. They began to offer items like the protein plate (featuring a hard boiled egg, miniature wheat bagel, peanut butter, grapes, apple slices, and cheese), oatmeal (with the choice of nuts and dried fruit or brown sugar to mix in), and protein-rich Vivanno fruit smoothies.
Although these wholesome items (especially the Vivanno smoothies) have been praised by dieticians and consumers alike, they didn’t quite tap into the larger market Starbucks was hoping to reach. Perhaps this is because Starbucks was continuing to fill the majority of their tempting treats with unhealthy ingredients like high fructose corn syrup, artificial flavors, dyes, trans fats, and other preservatives. With many customers attempting to eat “cleaner” (i.e. eliminating the chemicals, preservatives, and artificial ingredients in their diets), it was getting harder and harder to find acceptable meals and snacks that fit in with the changing attitudes toward food.
Because Starbucks prides itself on listening to its cutomers, the company recently gave their food menu a complete overhaul and eliminated all of the undesirable ingredients, while simultaneously making sure not to compromise the taste. Not only did they simplify and revamp old favorites, but they added in new items as well. Some of the most recent bakery refreshments include: blueberry oat bars, marshmallow dream bars, and banana-walnut bread. They also introduced a farmer’s market salad full of fresh veggies, fruits, nuts, and even cheese, all for a reasonable amount of calories. Additionally, they added a new flavor to the Vivanno line, Strawberry Banana.
You can read more about these changes and find out the exact nutrition information at http://www.starbucks.com/retail/nutrition_freshfood.asp or visit any Starbucks location. The link also offers a couple of yummy recipes to replicate at home.