According to Bloomberg News on the 7th, Starbucks is considering removing canola oil from its “eggbyte” product made of white and roasted red bell pepper.
Canola oil is known to be low in saturated fat and rich in unsaturated fat, especially omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. It is said to help strengthen antioxidants, anti-inflammatory effects, and immunity due to its high abundance of vitamins E and K.
Canola oil has a high smoke point, which makes it suitable for high-temperature cooking such as deep-fried food. However, trans fats can be produced when heated at high temperatures. Some point out that caution is needed when ingesting omega-6 excessive intake and concerns over chemical substances remaining in the processing process.
Currently, canola oil is included in some products such as bacon, Gooda cheese, egg sandwiches, and potato bake among Starbucks menus in the United States.
Starbucks in the U.S. said it is considering reconfiguring items such as egg whites and roasted red bell pepper bites without canola oil. Starbucks plans to release a new egg byte made with avocado oil.
Bloomberg analyzed that the move is a strategy to overcome sluggish sales while coinciding with the Trump administration’s health promotion goals.
In fact, Starbucks is strengthening its health-centered strategy throughout its menu. Recently, sugar has been removed from matcha powder, which has led to increased sales. It has also abolished additional fees for non-products (vegetable milk). It is also conducting a test operation to add unsweetened protein powder to its cold foam.
Earlier in June, Starbucks CEO Brian Nicholl met with U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and pledged to better align the chain menu with the Trump administration’s health priorities. Kennedy specifically targeted seed freedom, including canola and soy varieties.
Meanwhile, Starbucks did not disclose a specific timeline for improvement to exclude canola oil.
SALLY LEE
US ASIA JOURNAL
