photo by Ramy Majouji ^[1]

Starbucks announced this morning that by the end of the year, they will replace whole milk with 2 percent for all espresso drink standards throughout U.S. and Canadian stores. But don’t you worry. Those who just can’t imagine ever drinking anything less than whole milk can still request their drink to be made with the thick stuff.

Our hometown coffee giant listed their reason for the switch as 1) an increase in requests for drinks with lower-fat milk and 2) an increase in low-fat milk purchases throughout the U.S. Three-hundred stores spanning California, Florida, Oregon and Canada have already made the switch. New York will offer 2 percent starting June 5th, but a specific date has not been set for Seattle yet. WTF? Aren’t we supposed to be one of the healthiest cities, or something? And don’t you think Starbucks would pioneer an idea in their pioneer city?!

Since a grande latte with whole milk has 70 more calories than the same drink made with 2 percent, I guess I can give Starbucks credit for contributing in the attempt to making America a little less fat.

Now, if only they could make their coffee drinks 2 percent good…