Starbucks Is Changing Its Ice, and People Are Not Happy
Updated: May 24, 2023
Starbucks is rolling out a new round, pellet-like ice nuggets that will replace the thin ice chips over the next few years.
So far this year, Starbucks has had a knack for making its customers mad. A couple of weeks ago, the coffee chain angered fans after announcing an extra $1 charge for Refreshers that are ordered with “no water.” Earlier this winter, the company changed the terms of its reward program and people got upset. And there have been some reports that its new olive oil coffee, Oleato, is giving some people stomach problems.
Now, Starbucks says it’s changing its ice from the current thin chips it uses. The new Starbucks ice will be using “nugget” or “pebble” ice in a round, pellet-like shape. Reaction among fans and employees has been mixed.
Why Is Starbucks Changing Its Ice?
Starbucks reports that more than 70% of the company’s sales are now iced beverages. For example, the recently released Starbucks summer menu is dominated by cold drinks. So ice cubes have clearly taken on more importance for the chain. The company has already invested in technology to speed up the time it takes to make iced drinks.
“As we continue to innovate and make investments in the Starbucks experience for our partners (baristas) and customers, we are introducing new machines that make nugget ice to select stores this year,” the company said. “Like many of our recent investments, this machine allows partners to focus on delivering the Starbucks experience while hand-crafting the same delicious, high-quality iced beverages our customers have come to expect from Starbucks.”
How Do People Feel About the New Starbucks Ice?
In a Reddit thread started by an employee, there has been robust debate over the ice. The nugget has its advocates, but others worry that it will water down or change the texture of their favorite drinks. “I wonder if it’ll have any impact on beverage quality,” said one commenter. “Do Frappuccinos blend the same? Does the ice melt faster for drinks like the shaken espresso?”
“I love that ice but it’s terrible for coffee… melts fast and waters down the drink,” replied another.
One employee gave the ice an even-handed review: “All of your shaken espressos will need to be shaken even more vigorously, otherwise there won’t be foam to speak of. It’s OK for shaking teas and refreshers though. It does melt faster and your drink will probably get watery easier, but the customers (at least the ones at my store) love the ice!”
Inspired by: Starbucks Chai Tea Latte
My family loves this comforting chai tea latte recipe, especially on cold days instead of cocoa or when they're feeling under the weather. I simplified this chai tea recipe by using the filter basket of our coffeepot. It's delicious and great after dinner! —Julie Plummer, Sykesville, Maryland
Inspired by: Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars
You can make Starbucks cranberry bliss bars any time you please with this step-by-step copycat recipe. It makes an entire pan of bars that taste just like the real deal. —Molly Allen, Hood River, Oregon
Inspired by: Starbucks Egg Bites
You can substitute Gruyere cheese for the Swiss and ham for the bacon, or add in small-cut veggies to these copycat Starbucks egg bites. I also like to bake these in small Mason jars for fun single-portion presentations. Serve with avocado slices and fresh fruit for a healthy breakfast. —Maria Morelli, West Kelowna, British Columbia
Inspired by: Starbucks Caramel Frappuccino
I love caramel frappuccinos from Starbucks, but they get too expensive. I now make my own, and they are just as good. If you blend the milk with all the other ingredients, it gets too foamy—instead stir it in with a spoon after all the ice is crushed. —Heather Egger, Davenport, Iowa
Inspired by: Starbucks Cheese Danish
The flaky layers of laminated dough and a sweet, cheese filling in the center make this Danish a natural to pair with hot coffee or tea. It’s as delicious for breakfast as it is for a late-night snack. —Nancy Mock, Colchester, Vermont
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On a busy morning, these freezer breakfast sandwiches save the day. A hearty combo of eggs, Canadian bacon and cheese will keep you fueled through lunchtime and beyond. —Christine Rukavena, Taste of Home Senior Editor
Inspired by: Starbucks Cold Brew Coffee
Cold brewing reduces the acidity of coffee, which enhances its natural sweetness and complex flavors. Even those who take hot coffee with sugar and cream might find themselves sipping cold brew plain. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen Or if you rather buy it at the store, our Test Kitchen team found the very best options to kick start your mornings.
Inspired by: Starbucks Everything Bagel
Who has time to make from-scratch bagels? You do, with this easy recipe! The chewy golden bagels offer a hint of honey and will win over even the pickiest eaters. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Inspired by: Starbucks Salted Caramel Mocha
You can easily indulge in a coffeehouse-quality drink at home anytime. With whipped cream and a butterscotch drizzle, this mocha treat will perk up even the sleepiest person at the table. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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I created a copycat Starbucks gingerbread loaf that’s the perfect addition to my holiday baking. Served with a thick layer of frosting, it’s delicious with a cup of coffee. —Risa Lichtman, Portland, Oregon
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My family always asks for this love-me-tender lemon loaf cake. Sometimes, I shake things up and make cupcakes with the batter. So awesome for brunch! —Lola Baxter, Winnebago, Minnesota
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We combine rich molasses, golden honey and a host of spices to create this warm and comforting beverage.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Homemade granola layered with fresh fruit and yogurt makes a superb breakfast. Sometimes I skip the parfait step to enjoy it on a hikes or picnics.—Donna Speirs, Kennebunk, ME
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Each sip of this spiced-just-right beverage from our very own baristas tastes like a piece of pumpkin pie! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Inspired by: Starbucks Double Chocolate Brownie
Coffee granules enhance the chocolate flavor in these amazingly fudgy brownies. Add chocolate chips to the batter and you’ve got some seriously irresistible treats. —Sarah Farmer, Waukesha, Wisconsin
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When I'm sipping this delicious coffee, I almost feel as if I'm visiting my favorite coffeehouse. —Jill Rodriguez, Gonzales, Louisiana
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Cold-brew lattes are all the rage at coffee shops, but they're so easy to make at home. This coconut cold-brew version is ridiculously refreshing and it's vegan! —Natalie Larsen, Columbia, Maryland
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Skip the line and bake Starbucks pumpkin bread in your own kitchen. This copycat recipe may be even better than the original! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Each winter in early February my friends and I gather for an outdoor show called Mittenfest. We skip the Bloody Marys and fill our thermoses with these hot cocoas instead.
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This quick bread is a family favorite, so I always try to have ripe bananas on hand for this recipe. I'm sure your family will love this tasty, nutty bread as much as mine does. —Susan Jones, La Grange Park, Illinois
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Make spirits bright with a minty mocha to share under the mistletoe or around the piano. I’ve also stirred in coffee liqueur instead of peppermint. —Lauren Brien-Wooster, South Lake Tahoe, California
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Inspired by: Starbucks Iced Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso
Skip the drive-thru and head straight to your kitchen to shake up this coffee drink. You only need four ingredients!
Inspired by: Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffin
I first made this recipe back in 1987 and have since made it many times over the years because it's my children's favorite muffin recipe. —Wendy Stenman
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My soothing white hot chocolate is a great warm-up after a wintry day spent sledding or ice skating. Or include it as a festive addition to brunch or an afternoon tea party. —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon
