KANSAS CITY — Restaurants are partnering with plant-based product makers to develop new menu items.

Starbucks has teamed with Oatly to launch Oatly Oat Milk in its restaurants nationwide. The plant-based milk alternative stars in the new Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso, which combines Starbucks Blonde Espresso, brown sugar and espresso topped with Oatly oat milk and ice, as well as the Honey Oatmilk Latte, which is receiving a national rollout following its regional introduction in spring 2020. The drink, available hot or iced, blends Oatly oat milk and Starbucks Blonde Espresso with honey and a toasted honey topping.

“We’re pleased to bring Oatly oat milk to Starbucks stores nationwide in the US — something our customers have asked for as they increasingly seek a variety of plant-based choices,” said Luigi Bonini, senior vice president of global product innovation at Starbucks. “When selecting an oat milk, we looked for a high-quality ingredient that is not only delicious, but also complements our coffees and inspires new handcrafted beverages like the Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso and Honey Oatmilk Latte. Oatly’s oat milk has a smooth and velvety texture, foams beautifully, and pairs perfectly in our light and dark roast coffees, opening up new possibilities for beverage innovation at Starbucks.”

Peet’s Coffee has partnered with Beyond Meat, Inc. and Eat Just, Inc. to launch the new Everything Plant-Based Sandwich, featuring a Beyond Breakfast Sausage patty, Just Egg Folded and vegan cheddar on an everything bagel thin. The vegan sandwich contains 21 grams of protein.

“We are thrilled to join forces with Beyond Meat and Just Egg to bring customers a delicious breakfast sandwich made with all plant-based ingredients,” said Lori Fulmer, senior food research and development manager for Peet's. “As consumers continue to demand more plant-based options, we have expanded beyond alternative dairy, setting our sights on a plant-based breakfast sandwich that is not only better for the planet, but also every bite as delicious as your typical animal-based breakfast sandwich.”

Bareburger has joined forces with Gathered Foods to add two new fish-free burgers to its menu. Both feature the Good Catch Plant-Based Classic Fish Burger, which offers a light whitefish texture and flavor and is seasoned with green onion, celery, sea salt and pepper. The fish burger is made with peas, chickpeas, lentils, soy, fava beans and navy beans.

The Gulf is a vegan option stacked with a Good Catch fish-free patty, cucumbers, mayo, red onions, tomatoes, lettuce and spinach-based green goddess dressing on a sprouted bun.

The Bay features a Good Catch fish-free patty, pickled jalapeños, avocado, baby spinach, tomatoes and chipotle buttermilk ranch on a brioche bun.

“We are so excited to partner with Bareburger to offer our delicious Plant-Based Classic Fish Burger, a comfort favorite, with a taste of the ocean made from plants,” said Chad Sarno, co-founder and chief culinary officer of Good Catch. “At Good Catch, we pride ourselves on working with like-minded partners that are focused on bringing plant-based and sustainably-sourced ingredients and offerings to consumers. Bareburger is a natural fit for us as we continue to grow our foodservice footprint.” 

View slideshow of new menu items.