Starbucks has announced plans to simplify its menu, eliminating over 18 drinks in an effort to improve quality, reduce wait times, and align with its core identity as a coffee company. The move is part of CEO Brian Niccol’s “Back to Starbucks” initiative, which aims to refocus the chain on its core values.
Starting March 4, popular items like Iced Matcha Lemonade and Caramel Ribbon Crunch Crème Frappuccino will no longer be available. However, some drinks are expected to make a comeback, including refocused coffee options.
The decision comes amid declining same-store sales and rising global coffee prices. Niccol has acknowledged that the customer experience has been inconsistent, citing long wait times and menu overwhelm as contributing factors.
To address these issues, Starbucks is introducing changes such as allowing customers to add their own milk and sweeteners, baristas writing on cups, and a return to ceramic mugs. The goal is to streamline service while maintaining high-quality coffee offerings.
Fans of the removed drinks have taken to social media to express their disappointment, but many agree that simplifying the menu could lead to improved quality and consistency in Starbucks’ coffee.
Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/food/2025/02/26/starbucks-frappuccino-menu