In the wild and wacky world of celebrity food and beverage, Ariana Grande is partnering with Starbucks to launch a new menu item. Get ready for the name — the Cloud Macchiato. This won’t be some short-lived album hype menu item. It’s going to be a permanent fixture in Starbucks stores all over North America.
A Starbucks press release stated this:
“Starbucks stores in the United States and Canada are offering a delightful new take on a classic beverage with the introduction of Cloud Macchiato. Available in two flavors, Caramel and Cinnamon, Starbucks Cloud Macchiato beverages feature whipped cold milk foam that has a light, fluffy and silky-smooth texture.”
Except there’s just one little issue: the drink is not vegan.
Ariana Grande is. As one commenter said,
“It can be made with soymilk or coconutmilk, but please note there’s dairy in the caramel sauce and egg whites in the cloud foam!”
In an interview with The Mirror, Grande said,
“I love animals more than I love most people, not kidding.”
“But I am a firm believer in eating a full plant-based, whole food diet that can expand your life length and make you an all-around happier person.
“It is tricky dining out, but I just stick to what I know — veggies, fruit, and salad — then when I get home I’ll have something else.”
Obviously, people have had some thoughts about the drink.
ariana grande claims to be vegan (no shade) but everyone pls don’t get confused: the cloud macchiato has EGG in it, no matter what milk u get. the “cloud powder” which is supposed to be like a merengue is made w dehydrated egg whites https://t.co/AIdWYeJ2W1
— ali (@youreyeah) March 5, 2019
The news is making the rounds, though.
Judging by the comments, people are saying all sorts of things — that she’s doing it for money, or that’s she not actually a vegan.
Ariana Grande's new Starbucks drink isn't vegan, even though she is, and fans aren't happy about it https://t.co/9CdJgtOH8p pic.twitter.com/VujqC9dvyh
— UPROXX (@UPROXX) March 8, 2019
She’s even been called a hypocrite.
And while we think nasty comments kind of suck, everyone does have a point.
Why peddle a drink you won’t even sip on?
Some fans noted Ariana’s long-time obsession with Starbucks — which isn’t exactly the problem.
Brand loyalty is one thing, but a vegan touting a non-vegan product is the issue.
Maybe Ariana wasn’t fully in charge of the exact ingredients, one fan mentioned.
In the end, it’s a collaboration.
So Starbucks probably has the final word on which ingredients will go into the drink.
all i have to say abt this ariana not having a vegan starbucks drink despite her being vegan is........ shes definitely NOT in charge of what goes into the drink. she probably pitched her thoughts and what she wanted it to taste like and starbucks...
— charlie! (@lyrarabbit) March 9, 2019
Vegan or not, some folks are complaining that their drinks are actually half-empty.
Naturally, foam dissipates, especially in a macchiato.
Really @Starbucks ?! I ordered the new cloud drink size venti, and after one sip the foam settled and there was almost half gone! On top of that, I repeatedly tried calling the store I went to and nobody answers. I hope somebody can make this right. For the price, this is bs!! pic.twitter.com/zuYUoMRMDZ
— Becky Uribe (@BeckyU82) March 8, 2019
Whatever the case, the partnership seems to be working out. The drink is actually SELLING OUT.
Ariana’s drink is such a hit that some Starbucks are out of stock. She DID that too. 🌙 pic.twitter.com/ZQcgCwVBgG
— 알온쏘 (@TheLunarPaladin) March 12, 2019
Just to be fair here, we tried it and didn’t love it.
“Way too sweet for me. I had the iced caramel version with almond milk, and unfortunately, the caramel syrup settles to the bottom,” said our editorial assistant, Bailey.
“I feel like I need to chug a water bottle to cleanse my body after all of that sugar.”
And our brand design editor Anna said,
“As someone who doesn’t really like sweet coffee, the hot drink I tried was WAY too sweet. Thank u, next.”
Of course, some people just straight-up want the drink. Like, this girl is in a rush.
Whatever the case, we hope Starbucks will create a vegan version of the drink for all the people out here who don’t want to consume dairy and egg product.
Maybe Ariana will release a comment on Cloudgate, perhaps calling for an actually vegan version of the drink.
Until then, vegans will just have to say thank u, next.
