Starbucks adds viral Dubai chocolate drinks to menu
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Starbucks launches its winter menu Jan. 6, which includes two Dubai chocolate drinks. Photo: Kelly Tyko/Axios
Starbucks is kicking off 2026 by betting on viral Dubai chocolate-inspired beverages — alongside more protein-forward drinks.
Why it matters: The menu push is part of the coffee giant's broader turnaround effort to boost traffic and revive sales.
- Under its "Back to Starbucks" plan, the Seattle-based company has cut its menu by "roughly 30%" in the last year while continuing to rely on seasonal menus and limited-time items that have historically driven sales.
Starbucks winter menu 2026
The big picture: Starbucks launches its winter menu in U.S. stores Tuesday, Jan. 6, featuring limited-time Dubai Chocolate beverages and pistachio as a permanent flavor.
- New caramel protein drinks also join the year-round menu, with up to about 30 grams of protein per grande and a sugar-free caramel option.
- Pistachio drinks include the Pistachio Cortado, Pistachio Cream Cold Brew, Pistachio Latte, Pistachio Frappuccino and Pistachio Crème Frappuccino.
Starbucks Dubai Chocolate Matcha now official
Zoom in: The Iced Dubai Chocolate Matcha and Iced Dubai Chocolate Mocha grew out of Starbucks' broader push to turn customer-created, "secret menu" drinks into official menu items.
- The Dubai Chocolate Matcha was Starbucks' most viral drink of 2025 even though it wasn't on the official menu, the company said.
Kelly's taste test: Starbucks gave Axios an early taste of four drinks — the Pistachio Cortado, Caramel Protein Latte, Iced Dubai Chocolate Matcha and Iced Dubai Chocolate Mocha.
- The Dubai chocolate drinks were the standout, especially the matcha, which struck a balance of sweetness and richness.
Protein options growing
State of play: Protein coffee and indulgent "treat drinks" have become core growth drivers for chains competing for morning and afternoon occasions — especially as consumers pull back on full meals but still splurge on beverages.
- Rivals like Dutch Bros have leaned heavily into flavored, customizable drinks with protein and sugar-free options.
What to watch: Whether pairing viral flavors with more functional, customizable drinks helps Starbucks lift visit frequency in a still-cautious consumer environment.
Starbucks' Valentine's Day drinks coming
What's next: Starbucks is already teasing what comes after winter.
- The company has previewed additional drinks and food rolling out in February, including new matcha beverages, Valentine's Day drinks and globally inspired bakery items.
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