With holiday travel upon us in a few short weeks, it’s best to prepare and plan ahead. Past road trip pit stops consisted of french fries at a fast food chain. Nowadays, it’s vegan eats at Starbucks all the way to grandma’s house.
Recently, I tried Starbucks new vegan offerings that came out with such fanfare not that long ago. Starbucks Sprouted Grain Vegan Bagel and Organic Avocado Spread: Hass avocado, sea salt, onion, garlic, jalapeno pepper and lime juice. A little like eating avocado toast but on a bagel, pretty good for on the road eating. Their other bagels: plain, cinnamon raisin and blueberry are vegan but for some reason doesn’t get the vegan label.
Just the right amount of avocado spread to eat with the bagel, no need to save for later. Super nice to have an alternative when getting a bagel at Starbucks where the order taker inevitably asks “would you like cream cheese with that?” Every single time.
Stopped by Starbucks last month to get a salad and spied a new vegan item – Lentils and Vegetable Protein Bowl with Brown Rice. For the most part it’s a lot like their old Hearty Veggie & Brown Rice Salad Bowl that it replaces. Similar taste and texture only now it’s vegan certified (previously had honey in the dressing).
Only thing I’m not happy about is the wilted, yellow, riddled with bug holes kale leaves. I had to pick out all of the kale leaves except maybe three. And the best by date was still two days away. See photographic evidence. Packed full of other ingredients, I didn’t really miss the kale.
Had a chance to try the bowl again, this time the kale was totally fine. Now I can confidently say the lentil bowl is a definite improvement. I’ve always liked the harvest bowl. Glad they didn’t get rid of it, if anything, it’s better. Comes in a bowl shape rather than the previous square container for easier on the go eating. A great choice for a solid meal when traveling with Starbucks all over the place.
I’m not the biggest fan of Starbucks, but I keep getting gift certificates so it’s certainly nice to have more options! Plus, since it is so widespread and accessible, you can count on finding one pretty much anywhere. I still haven’t seen the veggie bowl, but then again, I can’t say I’ve been looking. I guess I need to keep my eyes peeled from now on.
Before Starbucks added food options, I would never go there. I wouldn’t say I’m a huge fan either but I rather stop by a Starbucks any day than a fast food place. :-)
I really enjoyed seeing this post! I don’t get to Starbucks often but LOVE hearing about other veggiehead’s experiences and seeing what they find!
Me too! You never know when that info might come in handy. :-)
Hopefully the bug holes were minus the actual bugs! I never go to Starbucks mainly because I don’t drink coffee, but it’s nice to know, with a Starbucks on every corner, there are always food options nearby if needed. By the way, is the broccoli cooked? I know I’m probably in the minority, but I don’t like raw broccoli.
Thankfully, there wasn’t any bugs. I don’t really drink coffee either but it is nice to have more vegan food options. The broccoli is lightly cooked so it’s still a nice bright green color. I’m also one who doesn’t care for raw broccoli. :-)
Oh that little avocado tub is such a good idea. It’s so nice to have an option that isn’t hummus!
Actually, hummus would be another great item for Starbucks to add to their menu.
Glad to see that Starbucks are adding more vegan options – I don’t go in there very often, but when I do, I don’t think I’ve ever seen any decent vegan options. I don’t think they’ve made it over to this side of the pond, but I’d like to see the avo spread in these parts soon!
Although I usually try and go to veggie places for food, it’s good to see bigger brands, stores and chains offering vegan options! Shame about the kale leaves in the one you got – doesn’t sound great!