Is Draft Latte Triple Cold Brew with Milk Vegan?

The Ingredient Breakdown

When analyzing whether a product fits a vegan diet, the first step is always a forensic look at the ingredient label. For the Draft Latte Triple Cold Brew with Milk, the verdict is clear from the very first ingredient listed.

The primary flag here is reduced fat milk. While the product is labeled as "lactase-free," which simply means an enzyme (lactase) has been added to break down lactose for those with intolerance, the source of that milk is still an animal. Whether skim, whole, or reduced fat, milk is a direct animal byproduct derived from cows, making it strictly non-vegan.

Looking at the rest of the list, the other ingredients are generally neutral or plant-derived. The coffee itself is just water and coffee beans. Cane sugar is technically plant-based, though strict vegans sometimes avoid it due to bone char processing (though this is a personal choice). Chicory root extract and acacia gum are both plant-derived additives used for flavor and texture stabilization. Sodium phosphates are mineral-based and acceptable. However, the presence of milk overrides the vegan status of all other ingredients.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, this beverage is designed for energy and taste rather than health optimization. Because it contains dairy, it provides the macronutrients associated with milk, specifically a small amount of protein and fat, alongside the caffeine kick from the cold brew.

The inclusion of cane sugar adds to the calorie count, meaning this is a sweetened beverage. While not necessarily "unhealthy," it contributes to daily sugar intake. For those monitoring their sugar consumption, this is a key factor to consider. The sodium phosphates act as a preservative and stabilizer, which is standard in processed beverages to maintain texture and shelf life.