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Is Cold & Crafted Coffee Vegan?

No, Starbucks Cold & Crafted Coffee is not vegan. Despite the clean-sounding name, this ready-to-drink coffee contains dairy ingredients that exclude it from a plant-based diet. If you are looking for a convenient grab-and-go cold brew, you will need to look elsewhere or make your own.

The Ingredient Breakdown

When analyzing the label of the Cold & Crafted Coffee, the verdict becomes immediately clear. The product is built on a base of COLD-BREWED STAR BUCKS COFFEE and BREWED STARBUCKS COFFEE. On their own, these ingredients are simply water and coffee beans, which are naturally vegan. However, the formula changes drastically once the dairy components are introduced.

The primary reason this drink fails the vegan test is the inclusion of CREAM and REDUCED-FAT MILK. While reduced-fat milk is a standard dairy product, the term "cream" in ingredient lists can sometimes be ambiguous. However, in the context of a Starbucks RTD (ready-to-drink) product, this refers to heavy dairy cream. These ingredients provide the smooth mouthfeel consumers expect, but they are direct animal byproducts.

Finally, the NATURAL FLAVORS ingredient requires scrutiny. While natural flavors are often plant-derived, they can also be sourced from animal products depending on the specific flavor profile being targeted (such as vanilla or caramel). Because the base product already contains dairy, there is no guarantee that the natural flavors used are vegan-friendly. Therefore, Cold & Crafted Coffee is strictly not suitable for a vegan lifestyle.

🚫 Culprit Ingredients:
cream

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, Cold & Crafted Coffee sits somewhere between a black coffee and a dessert beverage. Because it contains REDUCED-FAT MILK and added SUGAR, it carries a higher calorie count than a standard iced coffee. A typical bottle contains roughly 120 calories per serving, which is manageable for most diets but significantly higher than black coffee.

The sugar content is the other factor to consider. While not as sugar-heavy as a Frappuccino, the added sugar contributes to the total carbohydrate count. For those monitoring their glycemic index or following a strict keto diet, this drink is not ideal. However, for the average coffee drinker looking for a creamy treat without the extreme calorie load of a milkshake, it fits within reasonable dietary limits. It is not a "health food," but it is a moderate indulgence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Cold & Crafted Coffee contain dairy or gluten?

Yes, it contains dairy in the form of cream and reduced-fat milk. It does not appear to contain gluten ingredients, but cross-contamination is always a risk in shared facilities.

Is Cold & Crafted Coffee good for weight loss?

It is not specifically designed for weight loss. With 120 calories and added sugar per bottle, it is better viewed as a treat than a diet staple.

Where can I buy Cold & Crafted Coffee?

You can find it at most major grocery stores, convenience stores, and online retailers like Amazon.

Is Cold & Crafted Coffee safe for kids?

While it contains dairy and sugar which are generally safe for children, it also contains caffeine. It is not recommended for young children due to the stimulant content.
Cold & Crafted Coffee

Cold & Crafted Coffee

Vegan Analysis

The Verdict
Not Vegan
Find Alternative

We recommend searching for certified Vegan alternatives.

Pro Tip

Always double-check the label. Manufacturers change ingredients frequently without notice!