Starbucks made a significant change to its iced coffee recipe, updating it for the first time in 18 years. The new blend of iced coffee is made with “sun-dried and washed” Latin American coffee beans, boasting notes of malted milk chocolate and brown sugar sweetness. Starbucks introduced this update on May 7, highlighting that the new blend is versatile and can be enjoyed on its own or customized according to customer preferences. With nearly two-thirds of Starbucks beverage sales coming from cold drinks, the company is aiming to cater to the growing demand for cold coffee options.
Despite the change being subtle, loyal Starbucks customers have noticed a difference in the taste of the iced coffee. Some Reddit users have expressed dissatisfaction with the new recipe, comparing it to “coffee-flavored water” and preferring to switch to cold brew instead. Some attributed the change in taste to the introduction of a new brewer in most stores, causing the coffee to taste weaker or have grounds in it at times. These complaints indicate that the shift in the iced coffee recipe has not been well-received by all customers, with many expressing a preference for the previous version.
One major change accompanying the new iced coffee recipe is that Starbucks now serves the drink unsweetened as the standard, rather than including pumps of classic syrup by default. This change was made in response to most customers opting for less or no syrup when ordering iced coffee. By not including syrup at the start, Starbucks hopes to streamline the ordering process and cater to customer preferences more effectively. However, some employees and regulars at Starbucks locations have noted a change in taste with the new blend, expressing mixed opinions on the update.
Starbucks has stated that the new Iced Coffee Blend was designed to be approachable and refreshing, aiming to provide a high-quality cold coffee option for its customers. The company’s emphasis on versatility and customization reflects its commitment to meeting the evolving demands of coffee enthusiasts. As the popularity of cold beverages continues to rise, Starbucks is adapting its offerings to ensure that customers have a wide range of options to choose from, including iced coffee, cold-brewed coffee, and iced, shaken espresso.
While the new iced coffee blend from Starbucks has garnered mixed reviews from customers, the coffee chain stands by its decision to update the recipe after nearly two decades. By using a blend of Latin American coffee beans and removing the standard classic syrup, Starbucks is aiming to create a more balanced and customizable iced coffee experience for its patrons. Despite initial backlash from some loyal customers, Starbucks hopes that the new recipe will eventually be embraced by a broader audience looking for a refreshing and versatile cold coffee option.
Overall, the recent change to Starbucks’ iced coffee recipe marks a significant shift for the popular coffee chain. With cold beverages playing an increasingly important role in Starbucks’s product lineup, the company’s decision to update its iced coffee blend reflects a commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction. As Starbucks continues to adapt to changing consumer preferences and market trends, the new iced coffee recipe serves as a testament to the brand’s dedication to providing high-quality and customizable coffee options for its diverse customer base.
