Starbucks to Change Ice Cube Type! Better Texture and More Water-Efficient Production

Starbucks Tests New Ice Types in US Stores

Recently, an American Starbucks barista revealed that the company is testing a new type of ice for its beverages at three US locations.

Some netizens immediately speculated whether the move was aimed at making ice take up less space—so the cup could hold more actual beverage...

Customer Complaints About Too Much Ice

Consumers in a growing number of countries have long complained that Starbucks cold drinks come with too much ice. You take a few sips and the drink is gone, leaving half a cup of ice behind—poor value for money.

As more and more customers started ordering no-water/less-ice versions—which forces stores to use more ingredients and raises material costs—Starbucks made a surprising call: charging extra for it!

In mid-April this year, netizens in the United States shared that starting May 9th, all stores would add a surcharge to Refresher drinks ordered with no-water/less-ice options.

Many netizens found the move outrageous. "It's already this expensive and they're still this stingy," "such a turn-off," some commented, while others asked, "Can I get a refund if I ask for extra ice?"

Starbucks' Response and the Ice Upgrade

As for the ice change, Starbucks denied the speculation. Switching the ice shape does not mean customers get less ice, the company said, since baristas use the same ice scoop. So why the sudden switch to smaller pellet ice?

"Because it tastes better when you eat it!" Starbucks noted that more and more consumers now favor iced beverages, with cold drinks accounting for over 75% of beverage sales.

The company also observed that customers who order iced drinks have a habit of chewing the ice, but the original cubes were too large and hard to bite. Hence the switch to this crispier, smaller-pellet ice.

Customers Are Split

American netizens' reactions to the decision were sharply divided. Ice-chewers were thrilled: "Yes! This ice tastes amazing when you eat it!!!" and "With this kind of ice, I could eat! more! ice! for! a! whole! day!!!"

Others had concerns: "It tastes good, but it melts way too fast... Out in the summer heat, the drink would lose its flavor in no time." Some also worried the pellet ice might not suit Frappuccinos, changing their texture...

Future Plans and Environmental Considerations

Starbucks has not said much in response to these concerns. But the company chose this ice partly because it tastes better to chew, and partly because the new ice machines use less water, making them more environmentally friendly. The plan is to roll the ice out to all stores in the coming years.

Image source: Internet

FrontStreet Coffee Recommendation

Iced drinks are only as good as the coffee underneath the ice. For a cold brew or iced Americano that stays flavorful as the cubes melt, FrontStreet Coffee suggests bright, fruit-forward beans: the washed Ethiopia Yirgacheffe Guodingding with its citrus, berry, and floral notes, or the FrontStreet Kenya Cherry Tomato, whose cherry-tomato and dark-plum acidity stays juicy and refreshing over ice.

If you prefer something low-acid and smooth, the FrontStreet PWN Golden Mandheling—rich, herbal, with dark chocolate depth—holds its own beautifully in an iced cup.