Starbucks ends six-year Impossible Foods partnership with no plant-based meat replacement announced

Plant-based meat will disappear from Starbucks' U.S. menu when the chain removes its Impossible Breakfast Sandwich. 

Customers seeking a breakfast sandwich without meat, or with a meat alternative, will now have one fewer choice.

Here's what to know

On November 3, Bloomberg reported that Starbucks' six-year partnership with Impossible Foods was coming to a close.

The Impossible Breakfast Sandwich was Starbucks' first national breakfast sandwich featuring plant-based meat. But after reportedly poor sales, the coffee chain decided to remove the plant-based option, per Bloomberg.

Starbucks has not announced another Impossible Foods item or a competing plant-based meat product to replace the departing sandwich. 

Starbucks wrote in an email to Bloomberg that "While we no longer offer the Impossible Breakfast Sandwich, our baristas would be happy to recommend an alternative sandwich." 

Impossible Foods, meanwhile, said in a statement that it was "proud to have partnered with Starbucks for more than six years [and remains] committed to making delicious, nutrient-dense meat from plants more accessible."

Starbucks still offers vegetarian breakfast options, including an egg sandwich with mozzarella cheese and pesto.

Yet, Starbucks isn't the only national chain that has moved away from Impossible products. In 2025, White Castle also ended its partnership with Impossible Foods, as reported by Vegconomist, though it replaced its Impossible Slider with a different veggie option.

Where can I learn more?

Changes in plant-based food choices extend beyond Starbucks. These stories examine changing food preferences, vegan restaurant closures, and climate labels.

• In Britain, shoppers are buying less plant-based meat and more beans, tofu, and tempeh.

• In California, vegan restaurants are closing as one owner calls dining out a luxury.

• Fast-food climate labels nudged U.S. adults toward lower-carbon meal choices in an experiment.

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