CA Starbucks Drops 13 Drinks From Menu, Announces Layoffs This Week

CALIFORNIA — Starbucks is changing its drink menu and shrinking its staff in the latest move from the coffee chain. According to a recent news release, a spokesperson for the corporate coffee chain says the move "simplifies its menu."

On Tuesday, March 4, Starbucks will remove 13 "less popular" drinks from its menu. The company says the drinks being removed are either too "complex to make" or similar to other menu beverage items.

"We’re simplifying our menu to focus on fewer, more popular items, executed with excellence. This will make way for innovation, help reduce wait times, improve quality and consistency, and align with our core identity as a coffee company.

The 13 items aren’t commonly purchased, can be complex to make, or are like other beverages on our menu, and include:

1. Iced Matcha Lemonade
2. Espresso Frappuccino
3. Caffè Vanilla Frappuccino
4. Java Chip Frappuccino
5. White Chocolate Mocha Frappuccino
6. Chai Crème Frappuccino
7. Caramel Ribbon Crunch Crème Frappuccino
8. Double Chocolaty Chip Crème Frappuccino
9. Chocolate Cookie Crumble Crème Frappuccino
10. White Chocolate Crème Frappuccino
11. White Hot Chocolate
12. Royal English Breakfast Latte
13. Honey Almondmilk Flat White

Watch for other menu changes, Starbucks warned.

"Additional beverages and food will exit Starbucks menu throughout the coming months, resulting in a roughly 30% reduction of menu items by the end of fiscal year 2025 in the U.S., to make way for innovation," they said. It's part of their "Back to Starbucks" effort, according to CEO Brian Niccol.

In January, Starbucks introduced the popular Cortado, described as "a three-shot Starbucks Blonde espresso ristretto shot with a sweeter, richer flavor than traditional espresso." According to the chain, it's best when "cut with steamed whole milk for a perfectly balanced sip with a creamy texture." According to the company's news release, the drink has exceeded current expectations.

This spring, they are bringing back Lavender beverages and will also introduce a new Iced Cherry Chai and Jalapeño Chicken Pocket.

The menu changes coincided with a restructuring at the Seattle-based company.

Starbucks announced in a letter to employees that it would lay off 1,100 current support partner roles globally, as well as several hundred additional open and unfilled positions. Personnel were informed of layoffs on Tuesday, according to the release.

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