If you have been paying attention to the news recently, you may have heard that Starbucks has changed its Cappuccino recipe. In fact, the company has made a significant shift towards dairy-free options, and many people are claiming that the new recipe is actually an effort to quell the growing demand for dairy-free options in the market. This has led to a bit of a backlash from customers who are upset that their favorite drink now has fewer dairy options. Is the new recipe worth switching to, or is it a case of too little, too late? Let’s take a closer look.
The Original Cappuccino
To refresh your memory, here is what Starbucks’ original cappuccino tasted like:
- A layer of cream
- A layer of milk
- A pinch of salt
- A dash of vanilla
- Stirred slowly
- Enjoyed immediately
As you may have guessed, this is a coffee-based drink that contains dairy. This is most evident in the way that it is made from milk that is usually derived from dairy cows. Although there are some vegan options available in the Starbucks stores, the coffee giant mostly sticks to the original recipe due to the overwhelming demand for it.
Why Is Dairy-free Coffee Popular Nowadays?
Many people enjoy the creamy texture and the richness of dairy-based coffee. It adds a bit of novelty to the taste of coffee, and it is easy to prepare. In addition, dairy-free coffee is popular amongst people who are trying to cut down on their intake of dairy products, or who are trying to maintain a vegan diet. In both cases, it is a popular choice due to its resemblance to dairy items, but it also has a slightly different taste that makes it more satisfying.
Starbucks has essentially taken a step back in the quest to innovate. Since the new recipe has not caught on – at least not yet – it appears that the company has decided to play it safe and go back to basics. It is a wise move in an effort to stop losing customers to more innovative and convenient coffee brands.
What Changes Has Starbucks Made To The Cappuccino Recipe?
When Starbucks first changed its Cappuccino recipe, many people were genuinely concerned about whether or not the new recipe was any good. Fortunately, it seems that Starbucks has listened to the feedback and has fixed a few problems with the new recipe. For example, the new recipe is now available in all of its variants (light, regular, and dark) at all Starbucks locations.
In addition, customers can still order the classic version of the drink (with all dairy) at a Starbucks café. However, it seems that the company has decided to remove the original recipe from its coffee blends. Why? Because it did not feel that the new blend was as good as the original, and it did not want to risk losing customers over a small innovation that most people did not like. So instead of taking a step forward, it has seemingly gone back a few years by keeping the original recipe for the ‘extra chocolate’ flavor.
How Does The New Cappuccino Recipe Measure Up?
In its defense, Starbucks has stated that the new recipe is what their customers have requested the most. However, the fact that it is not the original recipe does raise questions about whether or not it is actually better than the original. In other words, does this mean that Starbucks has failed in their quest to innovate, or has it all been a misunderstanding?
To find out, I ordered a tall glass of the new coffee, and I compared it to a tall glass of the original. After both glasses were brought to my table, I could immediately tell the difference between the two. The texture of the new coffee was a little thinner and more watery than the original. It also tasted a little weaker. Nevertheless, it was still a surprisingly good coffee for a dairy-free option. In addition, I noticed that the new recipe was more expensive. So if you do not mind paying a bit more for a coffee that is relatively weak, then you may as well go for the organic version or the traditional recipe from Starbucks. If you do mind paying more for a weak coffee, then you may as well stick with the original recipe, or you may try a different coffee brand.
Which One Is Better, The Original Or The New Cappuccino Recipe?
Considering that Starbucks has removed the original recipe from its coffee blends, it is difficult to say which is better. On the one hand, you have an option that is cheaper and has fewer calories. On the other hand, you have an option that is stronger and more filling. So, in the end, it really depends on what you are looking for. If you are looking for an option that is quick and easy to make, then you may as well opt for the new Cappuccino recipe. However, if you are looking for a strong coffee that will give you a boost, then you may as well opt for the original. It is a trade-off of quality versus quantity, and there is no easy answer other than to say that it depends on your personal preferences.
At this point, it seems that customers will have to decide for themselves whether or not they like the new Cappuccino recipe. Despite the backlash that it has received, the company has not given up and is continuing to innovate. If you do not mind paying a bit more for a strong coffee that you feel is unique in its taste, then you may as well go for the new recipe. However, if you are looking for the classic Starbucks experience, then you may as well go for the original. At least for now.