Promise to Align with Trump Administration's 'Health Strategy'
'Canola oil' is expected to be phased out at Starbucks in the United States. Although it has been known as a beneficial oil that helps cardiovascular health and lowers cholesterol levels, concerns have been raised that it can turn into harmful substances when cooked at high temperatures.
On July 7 (local time), Bloomberg News reported that Starbucks is considering removing canola oil from high-temperature heated products, including the 'Egg White & Roasted Red Pepper Bite (Egg Bite)'. The Egg Bite, which consists of egg whites and roasted red peppers, is a product of Starbucks North America and currently uses canola oil in its preparation.
A Starbucks representative told the news outlet, "We are reviewing ways to manufacture (Egg Bites and other items) without canola oil," adding, "We also plan to introduce a new Egg Bite menu item made with avocado oil."
Canola oil is commonly used in high-temperature heated menu items offered at Starbucks in the United States. Photo is not related to any specific expression in the article. Photo by AFP Yonhap News
Canola oil is extracted from rapeseed. It is widely known that most canola oil is produced from Canadian rapeseed. It contains low levels of saturated fat and high levels of unsaturated fat, and is especially rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, as well as vitamins E and K. It has been highly regarded for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune-boosting effects.
Because of its high smoke point, it is suitable for high-temperature cooking such as frying. However, the problem is that 'trans fats', which are harmful to the body, can be generated during high-temperature cooking.
According to Bloomberg News, Starbucks in the United States uses canola oil in a variety of products. As consumer interest in health increases, the company is seeking oils with fewer harmful components. The news outlet analyzed that this move by Starbucks is not only the beginning of a health-focused menu restructuring strategy, but also an effort to align with the 'health promotion' goals of the second Donald Trump administration.
Moreover, Starbucks US headquarters has been strengthening its health-related menu offerings recently. In its earnings announcement last April, the company stated that sales increased after removing sugar from its matcha powder. It has also implemented a policy of eliminating the extra charge that was previously applied to plant-based beverages. In addition, Starbucks is conducting a pilot program to add unsweetened protein powder to cold foam beverages.
Brian Niccol, CEO of Starbucks, met last month with Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the US Secretary of Health and Human Services, and promised to adjust the menu in line with the Trump administration's health strategy. Secretary Kennedy Jr. has previously argued that plant-based oils like canola oil "cause various diseases" and should "be avoided immediately for health reasons."
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