Starbucks
Iced Coffee New Blend

Roaster Location: Seattle, Washington

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  Theo Chan, Managing Editor

  1352 roasts rated, avg score of 4.29

  4.50 - Average

  4.50 - Finish

  4.00 - Flavor

  4.50 - Acidity

  4.50 - Balance

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  On May 7, 2024, Starbucks quietly changed its iced coffee blend—no fanfare, no announcements, just a subtle shift that left many regulars none the wiser. Perhaps this low-key approach was a way to avoid the uproar Coca-Cola faced with "New Coke" years ago. Then again, whether Starbucks iced coffee has that devoted following is debatable. Nevertheless, they gathered market feedback organically rather than risk a more dramatic launch.
  
  I hadn't had Starbucks iced coffee in a while, so I tried the new blend at their Marlboro, Massachusetts location. It was served from a steel container with a spigot, and the barista poured the coffee into a cup before adding ice. Right off the bat, it felt familiar—no drastic differences from what I remembered, but still solid.
  
  Starbucks iced coffee has always been a reliable option, and this blend continues that tradition. It's chocolate-forward, well-balanced, and smooth. There's a richness to it that reminds me of those Christmas chocolate oranges, though this blend is nutty and has a caramel mid-palate. It's a bit heavier than what I usually go for—I prefer lighter, fruitier coffees—but this hits the spot on a hot day.
  
  What I appreciated about this iced coffee is how it manages to be satisfying without being overwhelming. The chocolate and caramel notes give it a dessert-like quality, but it's not too sweet or heavy. It's the coffee you can sip on a sweltering day and feel refreshed. Even if you typically drink their coffee black, there's a smoothness here that makes it enjoyable.
  
  While the changes to Starbucks' iced coffee blend might not be groundbreaking, they've done an excellent job keeping it consistent with what people love about it. The new blend is well-rounded, with enough depth to appeal to a broad range of tastes. Whether you're a regular or just dropping by for a cold drink on a warm day, it's worth trying this updated blend. It's still the reliable, crowd-pleasing iced coffee that Starbucks is known for—with a bit more character.

  Cupping Method:In the Starbucks in Marlborough, MA

  Traits: nutty caramel smooth chocolate orange

  

  3 months ago · See more from Theo