 Coffee lovers may feel less guilt when ordering their espressos |
Starbucks is to switch to using low-fat milk in all its North American stores and could soon do the same elsewhere. The coffee giant said the change from whole to reduced-fat milk as the default option for its espresso drinks was prompted by customer demand.
However, consumers will still be able to request whole milk or other options such as organic or soya if they choose.
US food firms and retailers are under pressure to reduce calorie content to help tackle its major obesity problem.
Fewer calories
After the switch to low-fat - also known as 2% - milk, a typical 16-ounce (454g) grande latte will contain 190 calories compared to 260 previously.
The low-fat transfer will begin in New York City stores next month and all US and Canadian stores will follow by the end of the year.
Starbucks said it was considering a similar move in other countries and anticipated doing so if there was sufficient customer demand and supply of low-fat milk.
"The move to reduced-fat milk as our core dairy offering comes directly from our customers' requests," said Denny Marie Post, a senior vice-president at Starbucks.
"Our standard beverages will now come with fewer calories and less fat."
The initiative followed a trial in Florida, California, Oregon and Ontario, Canada.
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Our standard beverages will now come with fewer calories and less fat
