Starbucks is Changing Ice Types! The Reason: Better Taste and Texture

Recently, a Starbucks barista in the United States revealed that the company is testing a new type of ice in its beverages at three U.S. locations.

Some netizens speculated whether the move was designed to make the ice take up less space, leaving more room for the actual drink...

Certainly, consumers in more and more countries have complained that Starbucks cold drinks carry too much ice. All too often, a few sips in and you're left staring at a half-cup of cubes - hardly a good deal.

And as more customers opt for "no water / light ice," stores have to compensate with extra ingredients, pushing material costs up. Starbucks' response made headlines: it decided to charge extra for the modification.

In mid-April this year, a U.S. netizen reported on social media that from May 9th onward, all stores would levy an additional fee on Refresher drinks ordered with no water or less ice.

Reactions were sharp. Many called it outrageous - prices are already high, and this felt petty and off-putting. One even asked whether they'd be entitled to a refund for requesting extra ice.

Starbucks' Response and Ice Change

As for the new ice, Starbucks denied any sleight of hand, stating that a change in ice shape doesn't mean less ice, since baristas use the same scoop either way. So why switch to smaller pellet ice at all?

"Because it tastes better to eat!" Starbucks noted that iced beverages keep growing in popularity - they now account for over 75% of beverage sales.

Customers who order iced drinks, the company observed, tend to chew the ice - and the old cubes were too large and hard to enjoy. Hence the switch to smaller, crunchier pellets.

Public Reaction

American netizens were split. Fans of chewable ice cheered: "Yes! This type of ice really tastes super good!!!" and "With this ice available! I could eat! more! ice! for! a! whole! day!!!"

Others were skeptical: "Although this type of ice tastes good, it melts too quickly... on a hot summer day, the drink will probably lose its flavor..." Some worried that pellet ice might not suit Frappuccinos and could change their texture...

Future Plans

Starbucks hasn't said much in response to those concerns. But the company chose this ice partly because it's more enjoyable to chew, and partly because the new ice machines use less water, making them more environmentally friendly. The plan is to roll it out to all stores over the coming years.

Image source: Internet

FrontStreet Coffee Recommendation

Ice matters more than people think - and so does the coffee it dilutes. If you're brewing iced coffee at home, start with beans that hold their character as they chill. FrontStreet Coffee's Ethiopia Huakui (natural process) brings berry, floral, jackfruit, melon, and honey notes that stay vivid over ice, while the washed Yirgacheffe Guodingding offers jasmine florals, lemon acidity, and berry tones that make a brilliantly refreshing iced pour-over.

For something with more body, the Brazil Cerrado Red Bourbon is the definition of approachable: creamy, peanutty, cocoa-sweet, and gentle in acidity - lovely whether iced, hot, or with milk. And if you want to taste a legend without the luxury price tag, FrontStreet Coffee's washed Boquete Gesha from Panama delivers that classic orange-blossom honey sweetness with remarkable clarity, even when chilled.