Before my sudden plummet into the world of lactose intolerance and then veganism, my mornings were made by a trip to starbucks, a small skinny latte to go and occasionally a croissant.
This morning was the first time I’d pushed open that heavy glass door since V-Day (Veganism Day). This was the letter of complaint I have just written and sent to Starbucks HQ.
Dear Sir or Madam,
Having having recently being diagnosed with severe lactose intolerance (the smallest amount of dairy can make me very sick), I went into Starbucks in Hammersmith and ordered my usual soy latte. I then asked if there was anything Vegan (it’s usually the safest way to find out if something is dairy free) and then confirmed this by saying: ‘Dairy free because I’m allergic’.
Two staff members said ‘No’, quite rightly. (Which in itself is very disappointing because a global multinational such as yourselves should really think about stocking snacks suitable for people who can’t eat dairy-it’s quite common and we get hungry too sometimes!). A third staff member chipped in with ‘The Granola Bar is vegan. There’s no dairy in it’. So, starving and late for work, I bought that.
It tasted greasy when I got back to my desk, and I went online to your allergy chart in order to ascertain whether or not this item was vegan and dairy free. It wasn’t. So I had to throw it away which is a waste of money, and, I’m still hungry!
I think you need to make your staff more aware of what is vegan and what is suitable for food allergy sufferers. There was even a sign on the front of the glass cabinet that said ‘Food allergies? Ask, and we’ll find out’. That’s great customer service. If the staff member had actually done that then I wouldn’t now be feeling ill and having to research it myself online.
Finally, please don’t mark-up soy lattes to 30p more. It isn’t my fault I’m allergic to dairy. I’m not a fussy eater. I just want a coffee that isn’t black and I’m not convinced that soy milk costs that much more.
I hope you can understand my frustration and I look forward to hearing from you soon,
Me.
Moral of story: Starbucks has a flimsy choice of vegan food. Plus, for those of you who weren’t aware:
http://seattletimes.com/html/businesstechnology/2017852081_starbucksbug28.html
Vegan Voyager 