Starbucks Indonesia unveils plant-based meatball sandwich

Starbucks Indonesia released its plant-based meatball sandwich this week, and it will be offered in the coffee chain’s 460 outlets across the country. With the new menu item, the company’s unit in Indonesia just expanded its vegan options for customers who prefer “meatless” food items.

And this is not all, as Starbucks Indonesia also added a new dessert to the menu list. Vegan customers will not feel guilty to satisfy their sweet cravings anymore as the vegan chocolate raspberry cake is now available as well.

The first in Indonesia’s SB outlets

According to Plant Based News, this is the first time that the Indonesian unit of Starbucks has brought a vegan meatball sandwich to the local stores. The latest offering was made possible with the company’s partnership with Green Rebel, a local brand that manufactures plant-based meat using soy protein.

Then again, this is the second time that Starbucks Indonesia has teamed up with Green Rebel. In February, they collaborated to create vegan beef that was offered in Bali and Jakarta. At that time, the three plant-based menu items that include Focaccia Bread, Wellington Pockets, and Sloppy Joes were released to 57 locations in the said countries.

And now it is Indonesia’s turn to get a taste of the vegan sandwich in the local coffee chain’s outlets. For customers who will avail of the plant-based meatball sandwich, it will be served with onions and barbecue sauce for a savory sandwich eating experience.

Demand for vegan options

The country’s first vegan item in fast food was Burger King’s Whopper Burger. Since then, the demand for plant-based food has increased, so Starbucks is adding to its outlets too.

“Expanding into the rest of Southeast Asia was a natural fit based on the region’s love for sustainability and the desire for a more plant-based dining experience,” VeganBurg chief executive officer Alex Tan said when plant-based menu items first hit Indonesia earlier this year.

Finally, Green Queen reported that Starbucks Indonesia’s plant-based meatballs in BBQ sauce were developed to cater to the locals’ taste. It may add more options later on after this initial offering.