Starbucks spring menu coming Tuesday as 13 drinks removed
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Starbucks new Iced Cherry Chai debuts Tuesday, March 4. Photo: Courtesy of Starbucks
Starbucks launches its spring menu with new and returning limited-time drinks Tuesday — the same day the coffee giant removes 13 longtime items.
Why it matters: The Seattle-based company, under CEO Brian Niccol, has been making a series of changes as part of its "Back to Starbucks" rollout to try to reverse a decline in foot traffic.
- The plan includes trimming "roughly 30%" of its menu items by the end of the 2025 fiscal year.
The big picture: Even though Starbucks is making menu cuts, it is still adding new items as seasonal menu launches usually drive sales and attract customers.
- It added the Cortado in January and in February released limited-time drinks for Valentine's Day and Blackberry Sage Refreshers.
- "We're focusing on premium beverages rooted in customer trends and preferences," the company said.
Starbucks spring menu 2025 includes lavender drinks
Zoom in: Starbucks said Monday that it will release the new Iced Cherry Chai on Tuesday along with three returning lavender beverages.
- The company says the lavender drinks — Iced Lavender Cream Oatmilk Matcha, Iced Lavender Oatmilk Latte and Lavender Crème Frappuccino — "were extremely successful when they debuted last spring."
- Starbucks said the lavender cream cold foam contains dairy.
Dig in: The Jalapeño Chicken Pocket joins Starbucks' permanent menu Tuesday.
- For a limited time, through April 1, customers can get one free packet of TRUFF Original or Jalapeño Lime Hot Sauce with any breakfast sandwich, breakfast wrap, egg bites, bakes, lunch sandwiches or pockets.
- A new blonde roast, Sunsera Blend, also launches Tuesday, and will be the hot brewed light roast coffee of the day. It will be sold as packaged coffee in Starbucks locations and grocery stores.
Starbucks Iced Cherry Chai, seasonal cold foams
The Iced Cherry Chai is Starbucks' first springtime chai beverage and the company has had seasonal iced chai drinks that include the Gingerbread Oatmilk Chai, Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai and Iced Apple Crisp Nondairy Cream Chai.
- The new drink includes the chain's classic iced chai latte topped with a new, seasonal cherry cream cold foam and a "sprinkle of crunchy topping."
- Starbucks said almost any beverage can be customized with the cherry cold foam and lavender cream cold foam.
Kelly's taste test: Axios had an early taste of the Iced Cherry Chai before its nationwide release.
- The drink was sweet and smooth and I'm thinking of what drink to try the cherry cold foam on next.
Starbucks removing 13 drinks: The list
State of play: Starbucks starts its first round of menu cuts Tuesday.
The list includes several Frappuccino blended beverages and items the company says "aren't commonly purchased, can be complex to make, or are like other beverages on our menu, Starbucks confirmed to Axios. The 13 drinks being cut are:
- Espresso Frappuccino
- Caffè Vanilla Frappuccino
- Java Chip Frappuccino
- White Chocolate Mocha Frappuccino
- Chai Crème Frappuccino
- Caramel Ribbon Crunch Crème Frappuccino
- Double Chocolaty Chip Crème Frappuccino
- Chocolate Cookie Crumble Crème Frappuccino
- White Chocolate Crème Frappuccino
- Iced Matcha Lemonade
- White Hot Chocolate
- Royal English Breakfast Latte
- Honey Almondmilk Flat White
Starbucks menu changes: More items to be cut
What's next: Additional beverages and food items will leave the menu "throughout the coming months," with the roughly 30% menu reduction happening by September 2025, the company has said.
- Starbucks said this will "make way for innovation."
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