Starbucks Confirms They Changed the Iced Coffee Recipe for the First Time in 18 Years — Here’s What’s Different

Starbucks changed up its iced coffee mix in May — and customers are starting to notice.

Earlier in the summer, the coffee chain gave a “major recipe update” to its iced coffee, which hadn’t seen a blend change since 2006, according to a press release. Starbucks’ new iced coffee is made from a blend of sun-dried Latin American coffees, which aim to give a “smoother” cup. It is also now served unsweetened by default.

In a statement, Leslie Wolford, the company’s coffee developer, described exactly what the new beans taste like.

“Combining sun-dried and washed together allows the malty milk chocolate blend notes and brown sugar accents to shine through, creating a harmonious balance that’s both crunchy and sweet,” Wolford said, adding that it was “designed with versatility in mind” for customers with regular , customized orders.

The big move after 18 years has sparked a debate on social media among customers.

Starbucks iced coffee.

(Photo by Chris Hondros/Getty Images)

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A Reddit user named Hiphilistener started a thread asking other Starbucks customers for their thoughts on the change. “First impressions look like they’ve toned it down and tried to make it more subtle?” user wrote.

“Yes, I’ve tried the new one twice, now as a former barista, it definitely is [sic] the lighter roast tastes almost like a blue roast,” one person replied.

Starbucks summer berry refreshment with raspberry pearls.

Starbucks

Starbucks has been innovating its menu offerings throughout the year. When the new iced coffee blend was announced in May, the brand also introduced its twist on the boba with Summer-Berry Starbucks Refreshers with raspberry pearls.

The blue drinks, which are inspired by East Asian drinks, are made with a “sweet and summery blend of raspberries, blueberries and blackberries,” according to a press release.

Summer-Berry Refresher is combined with water; Summer-Berry Lemonade is, of course, mixed with lemonade; and Summer Skies Drink is mixed with coconut milk.

Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education