SEATTLE – Starbucks Coffee Company announced earlier this
week that it will include calorie information on menu boards at all
company-operated and licensed U.S. Starbucks stores beginning June 25.
The launch of menu boards and existing pastry case calorie
labeling is intended to provide transparency to its customers, which is also
available through printed brochures, Starbucks.com, and through the company’s
mobile app.
“Menu labeling is yet another step to extend our commitment
to wellness, ensuring our customers and partners (employees) have the
information they need to make informed decisions and understand all the ways
that they can customize their Starbucks beverages to be within their desired
calorie range,” said Mary Wagner, senior vice president of global
research and development, at Starbucks. “Starbucks believes that wellness is
the journey to a happy, healthy life through daily choices, whether it’s a favorite
beverage or a wholesome meal option.”
Starbucks will post calorie counts for each beverage on its
menu boards, and it will include calorie counts on labels that accompany food
in the bakery case.
In other company news, the coffee chain is also expanding
its food offerings, USA Today reports, making its location a bigger attraction,
especially during the slower afternoon and evening hours.
Earlier this year, the company launched new sandwiches and
salads, including a Turkey and Havarti sandwich and a Hearty Veggie and Brown
Rice Salad Bowl. According to Troy Alstead, CFO for Starbucks, food accounts
for 19% of overall sales, up from the low-teens, “not that many years ago,” he
said.