As the world’s leading coffee chain, Starbucks is always on the pulse of the latest trends and flavors. From seasonal offerings to innovative twists on classic drinks, the company is constantly pushing the boundaries of what a coffee shop experience can be. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what’s next for Starbucks drinks, including emerging trends, new menu items, and expert predictions.
The Evolution of Starbucks Drinks
To understand what’s next for Starbucks drinks, it’s essential to look at the company’s history and evolution. Founded in 1971 by Jerry Baldwin, Zev Siegl, and Gordon Bowker, Starbucks started as a single store in Seattle’s Pike Place Market. The store sold high-quality coffee beans and equipment, but it wasn’t until Howard Schultz joined the company in the 1980s that Starbucks began to transform into the coffee shop experience we know today.
Schultz was inspired by the Italian espresso bars he encountered while traveling in Italy, and he saw an opportunity to bring this type of experience to the United States. He convinced the founders to test the concept, and the first Starbucks espresso bar opened in 1985. The rest, as they say, is history.
Over the years, Starbucks has continued to innovate and expand its menu offerings. From the introduction of the Pumpkin Spice Latte (PSL) in 2003 to the launch of the Refreshers line in 2012, the company has consistently pushed the boundaries of what a coffee shop can offer.
Emerging Trends in Coffee and Beverage
So, what’s next for Starbucks drinks? To answer this question, let’s take a look at some emerging trends in the coffee and beverage industry.
Sustainability and Eco-Friendliness
One of the most significant trends in the coffee industry is the focus on sustainability and eco-friendliness. Consumers are increasingly concerned about the environmental impact of their purchasing decisions, and coffee shops are no exception. Starbucks has already made significant strides in this area, with initiatives such as recyclable cups, composting programs, and energy-efficient stores.
In terms of drinks, we can expect to see more sustainable and eco-friendly options on the menu. This might include drinks made with plant-based milks, coffee beans sourced from environmentally friendly farms, and cups made from compostable materials.
Functional Ingredients and Wellness
Another trend that’s gaining traction is the use of functional ingredients and wellness-focused drinks. Consumers are increasingly looking for beverages that not only taste good but also provide a health benefit. This might include drinks with added protein, fiber, or probiotics.
Starbucks has already dipped its toe into this trend with the launch of its Evolution Fresh line, which includes juices and smoothies made with high-quality, natural ingredients. We can expect to see more drinks like this in the future, with a focus on functional ingredients and wellness benefits.
International Inspiration and Global Flavors
Finally, we can expect to see more international inspiration and global flavors on the Starbucks menu. The company has already introduced drinks inspired by international flavors, such as the Matcha Green Tea Latte and the London Fog Tea Latte.
In the future, we can expect to see more drinks inspired by global flavors, such as African, Latin American, and Asian-inspired beverages. This might include drinks made with unique spices, herbs, and ingredients that reflect the flavors and traditions of different cultures.
New Menu Items and Predictions
So, what new menu items can we expect to see from Starbucks in the future? While the company hasn’t made any official announcements, we can make some educated predictions based on emerging trends and consumer preferences.
Cold Brew and Iced Coffee Drinks
One area where we can expect to see innovation is in cold brew and iced coffee drinks. Starbucks has already introduced a range of cold brew drinks, including the Cold Brew and the Cold Brew with Milk.
In the future, we can expect to see more unique and creative cold brew drinks, such as flavored cold brews, cold brew coffee granita, and even cold brew coffee cocktails.
Plant-Based and Non-Dairy Drinks
Another area where we can expect to see innovation is in plant-based and non-dairy drinks. Starbucks has already introduced a range of non-dairy milks, including almond milk, soy milk, and coconut milk.
In the future, we can expect to see more plant-based and non-dairy drinks, such as oat milk lattes, cashew milk cappuccinos, and even vegan whipped cream.
Refreshers and Caffeinated Beverages
Finally, we can expect to see more Refreshers and caffeinated beverages on the Starbucks menu. The company has already introduced a range of Refreshers, including the Strawberry Acai Refresher and the Peach Citrus Refresher.
In the future, we can expect to see more unique and creative Refreshers, such as caffeinated beverages made with green coffee extract, yerba mate, and guayusa.
Expert Predictions and Insights
To get a better sense of what’s next for Starbucks drinks, we spoke with several experts in the coffee and beverage industry.
| Expert | Prediction |
|---|---|
| Sarah Allen, Editor of Barista Magazine | “I think we’ll see more focus on sustainability and eco-friendliness in Starbucks drinks, including more plant-based milks and compostable cups.” |
| James Hoffmann, Coffee Expert and Author | “I predict we’ll see more unique and creative cold brew drinks, including flavored cold brews and cold brew coffee cocktails.” |
| Liz Clayton, Coffee Writer and Educator | “I think we’ll see more international inspiration and global flavors on the Starbucks menu, including drinks inspired by African, Latin American, and Asian flavors.” |
Conclusion
As we’ve seen, the future of Starbucks drinks is exciting and full of possibilities. From emerging trends like sustainability and functional ingredients to new menu items and expert predictions, there’s a lot to look forward to.
Whether you’re a coffee aficionado or just a casual fan, one thing is clear: Starbucks is committed to innovation and excellence in everything it does. So, what’s next for Starbucks drinks? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure – it’s going to be delicious.
In the meantime, we can’t wait to see what’s brewing at Starbucks. Stay tuned for more updates, and don’t forget to try some of the new and exciting drinks that are sure to be coming our way soon.
What are the new Starbucks drinks that we can expect to see in the coming months?
The new Starbucks drinks that we can expect to see in the coming months include the Iced Lavender Cream Oatmilk Matcha, the Iced Golden Oatmilk Latte, and the Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso. These drinks are part of Starbucks’ efforts to expand its oat milk offerings and provide customers with more refreshing and unique beverage options. The Iced Lavender Cream Oatmilk Matcha, for example, combines the subtle flavor of lavender with the richness of oat milk and the brightness of matcha green tea.
These new drinks are expected to be popular among customers who are looking for lighter and more refreshing beverage options during the warmer months. The Iced Golden Oatmilk Latte, in particular, is expected to be a hit among customers who are looking for a drink that is both rich and refreshing. The Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso, on the other hand, is expected to appeal to customers who are looking for a drink that is both bold and creamy.
What inspired Starbucks to create these new drinks?
Starbucks was inspired to create these new drinks by customer feedback and the growing demand for plant-based and refreshing beverage options. The company has been experimenting with different flavors and ingredients, including oat milk, to create unique and delicious drinks that cater to the changing tastes and preferences of its customers. The new drinks are also part of Starbucks’ efforts to expand its menu and provide customers with more options to choose from.
The creation of these new drinks is also a reflection of Starbucks’ commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction. The company is constantly looking for ways to improve and expand its menu, and the new drinks are a result of this effort. By introducing new and unique drinks, Starbucks is able to stay ahead of the competition and maintain its position as a leader in the coffee industry.
Will these new drinks be available in all Starbucks locations?
The new Starbucks drinks are expected to be available in most Starbucks locations, although the availability may vary depending on the location and region. Some locations may not carry all of the new drinks, and some may offer them as limited-time offers. Customers can check with their local Starbucks store to see if the new drinks are available.
It’s worth noting that Starbucks often tests new drinks in select locations before rolling them out nationwide. This allows the company to gather feedback and make any necessary adjustments before introducing the drinks to a wider audience. If the new drinks are well-received, they may become permanent additions to the Starbucks menu.
Can customers customize the new drinks to their taste?
Yes, customers can customize the new Starbucks drinks to their taste. As with all Starbucks drinks, customers can modify the new drinks by asking for changes such as a different type of milk, a different flavor, or an extra shot of espresso. Customers can also ask for modifications such as whipped cream, extra syrup, or an extra pump of flavor.
Starbucks baristas are trained to accommodate customer requests and can help customers customize their drinks to their liking. Customers can also use the Starbucks mobile app to customize their drinks and place orders ahead of time. This allows customers to skip the line and pick up their drinks at their convenience.
Are the new drinks part of Starbucks’ sustainability efforts?
Yes, the new Starbucks drinks are part of the company’s sustainability efforts. The use of oat milk, for example, is a more sustainable option than traditional dairy milk. Oat milk requires less water to produce than dairy milk, and it also generates fewer greenhouse gas emissions. By offering oat milk as a non-dairy option, Starbucks is reducing its environmental impact and providing customers with a more sustainable choice.
Starbucks is committed to sustainability and has set a goal to become a more sustainable company. The company is working to reduce its environmental impact through initiatives such as reducing waste, conserving water, and using renewable energy. The new drinks are just one part of this effort, and Starbucks will continue to look for ways to reduce its environmental impact in the future.
How do the new drinks compare to other Starbucks drinks in terms of price?
The new Starbucks drinks are priced similarly to other Starbucks drinks. The prices may vary depending on the location and the size of the drink, but customers can expect to pay around $5 to $7 for a grande-sized drink. This is comparable to the prices of other Starbucks drinks, such as lattes and cappuccinos.
It’s worth noting that prices may vary depending on the location and the availability of ingredients. Some locations may charge more for the new drinks due to higher labor or ingredient costs. However, in general, the prices of the new drinks are in line with the prices of other Starbucks drinks.
Will the new drinks be available for a limited time only?
It’s possible that the new Starbucks drinks may be available for a limited time only, although the company has not made any official announcements. Starbucks often introduces new drinks as limited-time offers to create buzz and drive sales. If the new drinks are well-received, they may become permanent additions to the Starbucks menu.
However, even if the new drinks are available for a limited time only, customers can still expect to see them on the menu for several months. Starbucks typically keeps limited-time offers on the menu for at least a few months to give customers a chance to try them. If the drinks are popular, they may be brought back as seasonal offerings or become permanent additions to the menu.