Big Changes Coming to the Starbucks Menu This Spring

Starbucks revealed exclusively to TODAY.com that on March 4, it will remove a selection of less popular beverages from its menu. In total, the coffee giant will drop 13 drinks, both hot and cold, as well as a few blended Frappuccino varieties.

Why the Changes?

Starbucks says that the items leaving its menu aren’t commonly purchased, can be complex to make or are similar to other beverages already on its menu.

“As part of our plan to get back to Starbucks, we’re simplifying our menu to focus on fewer, more popular items, executed with excellence,” Starbucks tells TODAY.com. “This will make way for innovation, help reduce wait times, improve quality and consistency, and align with our core identity as a coffee company.”

What’s Being Dropped?

Here’s the full list of what’s on the chopping block:

• Iced Matcha Lemonade: As an alternative, Starbucks recommends trying its Green Tea Lemonade, which shares similar citrus and grassy flavors.
• Espresso Frappuccino, Caffè Vanilla Frappuccino: Instead, Starbucks suggests the Coffee Frappuccino, which features a blend of coffee, milk, and ice. This beverage can also be customized to add a shot of espresso or pump of syrup.
• White Chocolate Mocha Frappuccino: As a substitute, Starbucks says to try its Mocha Frappuccino.
• Java Chip Frappuccino: Instead, Starbucks suggests the Mocha Cookie Crumble Frappuccino, which contains chocolate bits with a similar texture.
• Chai Crème Frappuccino, Caramel Ribbon Crunch Crème Frappuccino, Double Chocolaty Chip Crème Frappuccino, Chocolate Cookie Crumble Crème Frappuccino and White Chocolate Crème Frappuccino: As an alternative, Starbucks suggests the Vanilla Bean Frappuccino, which can be customized with flavorings, or the Strawberry Frappuccino.
• White Hot Chocolate: As a substitute, Starbucks says its Hot Chocolate can be customized with Mocha or White Chocolate Mocha sauce.
• Royal English Breakfast Latte: Instead, Starbucks recommends its London Fog Latte, which has similar sweet floral notes.
• Honey Almondmilk Flat White: As an alternative, Starbucks suggests the Flat White, which can be customized with any non-dairy milk and sweetener of choice.

What’s Next?

In the wake of these drinks’ departure, the chain says it plans to focus more on beverages rooted in customer trends and preferences — like the newly introduced Cortado.

Starbucks is also gearing up to drop its spring menu, which means the return of its polarizing lavender-flavored beverages and the introduction of the Iced Cherry Chai and Jalapeño Chicken Pocket.

A Look at the Future of Starbucks

Last year, newly-installed CEO Brian Niccol announced his plans to get Starbucks back to what he calls its “community coffeehouse roots.”

So far, this has included several policy changes such as extending free refills, setting a limit on digital orders, bringing back condiment bars, reversing its open-door policy, and reducing the frequency of discounts and promotions.

Conclusion

While change can be difficult, Starbucks’ efforts to simplify its menu and focus on customer preferences may be a step in the right direction. As the company continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how these changes impact customer satisfaction and loyalty.

FAQs

• Q: Why is Starbucks simplifying its menu?

A: Starbucks is simplifying its menu to focus on fewer, more popular items, executed with excellence, to improve quality and consistency, and align with its core identity as a coffee company.

• Q: What is the reason for the removal of these drinks?

A: The items being removed are not commonly purchased, can be complex to make, or are similar to other beverages already on the menu.