Starbucks revamps chai, goes purple and coconut for spring
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Starbucks gave Axios an early taste of the Iced Lavender Cream Chai, Toasted Coconut Cream Cold Brew and Iced Ube Coconut Macchiato. Photo: Kelly Tyko/Axios
Starbucks is ushering in spring with a seasonal menu refresh built around customization, coconut and eye-catching shades of purple.
Why it matters: The March 3 launch leans into two powerful consumer trends — personalization and social-ready drinks — while modernizing one of Starbucks' longest-running menu staples: chai.
- It's the latest step in CEO Brian Niccol's "Back to Starbucks" reinvention plan, as the company pivots from menu simplification back to growth and innovation.
The big picture: The Seattle-based coffee giant is reimagining its classic Chai Tea Latte with a premium chai recipe that separates sweetness from spice.
- Made with black tea, spices plus honey, the new recipe preserves the signature flavor while allowing customers to adjust sweetness or swap syrups to make it their own, the company said.
Starbucks spring menu 2026
Zoom in: The updated chai anchors a broader spring lineup that includes the new Iced Ube Coconut Macchiato, Toasted Coconut Cream Cold Brew and Iced Lavender Cream Chai.
- Lavender drinks are returning for the season, alongside a Toasted Coconut Latte, a limited-time Frog Cake Pop and Starbucks Sun-Dried Ethiopia Highlands whole bean coffee.
- The company is also introducing new spring drinkware collections inspired by matcha greens and cherry blossoms.
Kelly's taste test: Starbucks gave Axios an early taste of the Iced Lavender Cream Chai, Toasted Coconut Cream Cold Brew and Iced Ube Coconut Macchiato.
- The coconut drinks delivered rich flavor and toasted crunch, while the lavender chai highlighted the brand's new customizable recipe — balancing floral sweetness with warm spice and a bold pop of purple.
What we're watching: The spring menu arrives a week before Starbucks rolls out a revamped loyalty program on March 10 with new tiers and perks aimed at boosting engagement and repeat visits.
- U.S. customer traffic at Starbucks rose last quarter for the first time in nearly two years.
- Starting April 7, the company plans to expand its Energy Refreshers lineup and add new mango and ube drinks, including the limited-time Iced Ube Coconut Cream Shaken Espresso.
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