Coffee lovers, rejoice! Major menu changes are coming to Starbucks this January, including a reformulated matcha and surprising flavor additions.
There’s still a couple of weeks before New Year but we already have something to look forward to. Over at the biggest coffee chain in the US, we’re about to see new items on the menu. Details about Starbucks’ January menu just leaked and fans are already gearing up for the part 2 of the chain’s winter selections. And not just that, rumor has it that menu items for Valentine’s Day have also been decided. Let’s take a closer look at Starbucks’ speculated winter menu for 2025.
Changes are coming for the matcha drinks at Starbucks, as fans can expect more silky-smooth matcha lattes and lemonades if the chain will instruct its baristas to blend the tea powder instead of shaking it. This is a possibility according to food blogger @markie_devo, when he dropped the news on Starbucks’ winter menu for 2025. Another thing to expect for next year is that the powdered matcha will be unsweetened, offering more customization options to customers. By default, the powder will be sweetened with classic syrup.
This move could be the chain’s response after social media users put a spotlight on the amount of sugar found in Starbucks’ matcha formula. Wellness enthusiasts and foodies were shocked to know that the drink has a significant amount of sugar, which is apparently mixed in with the matcha powder. Earlier this year, Starbucks has also taken notes from its customers, adjusting their offerings based on the current demands. Last month, the coffee brand removed extra fees on its plant-based milks, and during summer, customers witnessed decently-priced breakfast bundles.
Now, let’s take a look at other items coming to Starbucks menu, expectedly on January 2, 2025:
- Cortado (NEW) – This new drink gives you 3 ristretto shots of Starbucks Blonde Espresso, combined with steamed whole milk. The result is an espresso profile that’s smoother, sweeter, and richer. Only available in short size.
- Brown Sugar Oatmilk Cortado (NEW) – Perhaps a healthier way to enjoy a Cortado is by getting this drink. It also features Starbucks Blonde Espresso, but with steamed oatmilk, cinnamon powder, and brown sugar syrup.
- Pistachio Latte and Cream Cold Brew – A smooth and light drink, Pistachio Latte is a fan-favorite drink made with steamed milk, espresso, salted brown butter, and pistachio-infused milk. The Cream Cold Brew variation is also back for customers looking for a bit of a kick.
- Vanilla Bean Custard Danish – This pastry is a must-have for adding a little sweetness to your day. It’s basically a croissant dough packed with rich and velvety vanilla bean custard.
- Spicy Falafel Pocket (NEW) – Can take the heat? Try this new spicy menu item featuring toasted flatbread, filled with smashed falafel, roasted bell peppers, hummus, pickled onions, and spicy herb sauce.
- B!tchin’ Sauce Chipotle Almond Dip (NEW) – And to bring in more flavors to the Spicy Falafel Pocket, it’s recommended that you enjoy it with this dip made with real herbs, almonds, and spices.
Starbucks’ Valentine’s Day Menu for 2025
For Valentine’s Day, Starbucks is rumored to release two new items, along with the Chocolate-covered Strawberry Frappe and Chocolate Hazelnut Cookie Cold Brew. These include the Valentine Cake Pop in Vanilla and Buttercream and the new Blackberry Sage Refresher. This drink features sweet blackberries and notes of sage. It is shaken with water, ice, and blackberry inclusions. The Blackberry Sage Refresher is also available with coconutmilk and lemonade.
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More from Starbucks this Holiday Season
Let’s go back to the present time. While still waiting for the arrival of additional winter menu items, Starbucks should keep you busy with its holiday specials and gift ideas for the merriest season of the year. Time to get your hands on these seasonal sips, bites, and deals.
- Cran-Merry Lineup of Drinks – ‘Tis the season for cranberry flavors, don’t you think? Starbucks will keep you refreshed during the busy holidays with the introduction of Cran-Merry Orange Refresher, a Christmas in a cup featuring flavors of cranberry, warm spices, and orange. Everything’s shaken with ice, water, and real cranberries! Other variations include the Cran-Merry Orange Lemonade Refresher and the Cran-Merry Drink with coconutmilk.
- Seasonal Coffee Blends – Taste Christmas in your daily brew with the Christmas Blend, made with beans from Indonesia and Latin America. This blend also has a Blonde Roast variation—aromatic, smooth, and light. In addition, Starbucks is offering the Holiday Blend that combines Sumatran coffee with Latin American beans. This blend also comes with a maple flavor and herbal taste.
- eGift Cards – For the coffee lovers in your life, consider gifting them an eGift Card from Starbucks. Via this page, it’s easy to send up to 10 eGift cards to your loved ones. The best part? You can choose the gift card design, adding a customized feel to it. The eGift cards can be used to pay in a Starbucks store or join the Starbucks Rewards program.
- Wicked-Inspired Drinks – If you care for a drink that emulates Elphaba or Glinda from the Wicked movie, look to the Starbucks store near you! The chain has released the following drinks inspired by the film: Elphaba’s Cold Brew and Glinda’s Pink Potion. The former is made with the signature Cold Brew, with peppermint syrup, non-dairy matcha cold foam, and candy sprinkles. Meanwhile, Glinda’s Pink Potion is a Refresher made with dragonfruit and mango flavors, combined with coconutmilk and real dragonfruit and finished with non-dairy strawberry cold foam and candy sprinkles.
RELATED: Starbucks’ Festive Holiday Menu Launches Today
From The Club
Not really a fan of matcha-flavored drinks, but it’s nice to know that Starbucks is listening to their customers. Let’s hope that the way they create matcha lattes will change for the better. What I’m excited for is the Cortado and Vanilla Bean Custard Danish…they sound like a great pair for staring the morning after New Year!