Coffee bean and green tea extract found in energy drinks at the new BYU Creamery raised questions about how the products align with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' Word of Wisdom.
“I think it’s kind of shocking, and I feel like they should have known that. If they knew what was in the ingredients, then why would they be having it here on campus?” Sidney Parico, a BYU student, said.
BYU Creamery store director Keith LeBaron declined to be interviewed but provided a statement via email.
“When selecting new items for the new store, we partnered with Associated Foods stores. We used their planogram or schematic sets that they use throughout the Western United States,” LeBaron said.
“There have been some items in categories that were not as easily identified, but we have been taking them out of the sets if they do not represent the type of items we would like to sell," LeBaron said. "This process will continue as new items are brought into the market and slower items taken out of the schematics."
BYU’s Dining Policy states: “Dining Services will not sell products that list green tea or coffee extracts on their ingredient statement.”
It further states: “Due to the ever-changing nature of the beverage market, all new beverage categories must be approved by the managing director prior to being sold to customers.”
When approached in person, a Creamery manager declined to comment on the products.
The BYU Honor Code states students must, “abstain from alcoholic beverages, tobacco, tea, coffee, vaping, marijuana and other substance abuse.” In certain cases, violations can lead to suspension or expulsion from the university.
While some students are concerned about the new products, others see them as a move toward greater personal agency.
“I feel like it’s kind of reflecting a little bit more of the church in general," Reagan Smith, a BYU student, said. "It’s like, we’re focusing less on yes/no kind of answers and more on what each individual person feels."
LeBaron was contacted Jan. 12 about the energy drinks; as of Jan. 22, they were still available at the Creamery.
Brent Craig, Managing Director of BYU Dining Services, gave a statement via email Jan. 28.
“In working with our partners to expand the product offerings at the new Creamery on Ninth, a couple of items were inadvertently stocked that included coffee or tea extracts. Upon identification, those items were immediately removed and are no longer being offered. Our staff will closely monitor product inventory to ensure no similar products are available,” Craig said.
As of Jan. 28, at least one product containing green tea extract was still available. The issue has prompted closer attention by students and staff to which items are stocked at the Creamery.