Starbucks, Nestlé, and Breyers have introduced lab-derived ingredients into everyday foods without most consumers realizing it.

What We Found

All three brands did try Perfect Day's whey protein, which is made by fermentation with a fungus instead of cows. It's the same protein (beta-lactoglobulin) found in cow's milk.

Starbucks: a limited 2021 test at just two Seattle-area stores, with in-store signs reading "animal-free milk." It was never rolled out nationwide.

Nestlé: Cowabunga animal-free dairy drinks were test-sold in six Bay Area Safeway stores in 2023 and never went mainstream. Breyers: Lactose-Free Chocolate launched in Feb. 2024 and was labeled "animal-free dairy." Breyers no longer lists the animal-free version.

Not hidden: products must list "non-animal whey protein" and carry a milk allergen warning. FDA had "no questions" about the protein's GRAS safety notice in 2020 (GRN 863).

Want to know what's in your food? Check out Clean Crave: https://cleancravekitchen.com. The Clean Crave app is coming soon on Apple and Android.

Sources

1. Bloomberg, Starbucks test (opens in new tab)
2. The Spoon, Starbucks trial (opens in new tab)
3. Food Dive, Nestlé test (opens in new tab)
4. FoodNavigator, Cowabunga test status (opens in new tab)
5. Perfect Day, Breyers launch (opens in new tab)
6. DairyReporter, Breyers labeling (opens in new tab)
7. FDA GRAS Notice 863 (opens in new tab)
8. Perfect Day FAQ (labeling) (opens in new tab)