Starbucks Axes Impossible Sandwich for Short Rib Grilled Cheese

Starbucks has discontinued its vegetarian Impossible breakfast sandwich, drawing criticism from customers. The move highlights the ongoing tension between major coffee chains and climate commitments regarding plant-based options.

Starbucks has removed its Impossible Breakfast Sandwich from US stores. The move ends a partnership with Impossible Foods that began in June 2020. The sandwich featured an Impossible Sausage patty with a cage-free egg and aged cheddar cheese on a ciabatta bun. It was not fully vegan because the bun contained dairy. Starbucks told Bloomberg that baristas can recommend alternative food items to customers. The company stated that it reviews its menu regularly using various criteria. Starbucks is now preparing to launch a braised short rib grilled cheese sandwich on November 5. The company will also introduce its holiday beverage offerings on that date. The menu change raises questions about Starbucks and its climate commitments. In 2020, the company pledged to cut absolute greenhouse gas emissions by 50 percent by 2030. Expanding plant-based menu options was part of that plan. The 2025 Global Impact Report showed that total emissions increased by 7 percent relative to the 2019 baseline. Scope 3 emissions, which include dairy milk and agricultural production, rose by 8 percent. Starbucks has not linked the removal of the sandwich to its climate strategy. The decision leaves Starbucks with no plant-based meat option on its advertised US menu. The chain still offers a few vegetarian choices and one certified vegan savory food item called the Spicy Falafel Pocket. That item was added to the permanent menu in 2025 and features mashed falafel, hummus, roasted red bell peppers, pickled onions, and spicy herb sauce in lavash flatbread. Customers and employees expressed frustration online about the discontinuation. One Reddit commenter stated that the company does not care about vegans or dairy-free customers.

Read source: VegNews