Starbucks to Axe 13 Menu Items in Major Spring Overhaul

SEATTLE, Wash. — Starbucks announced on March 4 that it will eliminate 13 beverages from its menu as part of a major spring overhaul aimed at simplifying operations and enhancing customer experience. The coffee chain, renowned for its diverse drink offerings, confirmed that the decision is driven by the need to streamline its menu and focus on more popular items.

Among the drinks set to be cut are various Frappuccinos as well as the Iced Matcha Lemonade and Honey Almondmilk Flat White. A representative for Starbucks stated that these items are not commonly purchased, can be complex to prepare, or are too similar to existing offerings.

“As part of our plan to get back to Starbucks, we’re simplifying our menu to focus on fewer, more popular items, executed with excellence,” Starbucks emphasized in a statement to TODAY.com. “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 company stated that additional menu cuts will follow, with a goal of achieving approximately a 30% reduction in offerings across the U.S. by the end of the fiscal year in September.

Starbucks is simultaneously launching new menu items that reflect customer trends, including an Iced Cherry Chai and a Jalapeño Chicken Pocket. The planned menu revisions are part of CEO Brian Niccol’s broader strategy to refocus Starbucks on its roots as a community coffeehouse.

“We are simplifying our structure, removing layers and duplication, and creating smaller, more nimble teams,” Niccol wrote in a memo to employees. “Our intent is to operate more efficiently, increase accountability, reduce complexity and drive better integration.”

This move follows a previous announcement that the company would be eliminating about 1,100 support partner roles and several hundred other positions within the corporate structure. These layoffs are designed to enhance operational efficiency and will not affect baristas or in-store teams.

The drinks being phased out and recommended alternatives are as follows:

• Iced Matcha Lemonade: Try the Green Tea Lemonade.
• Espresso Frappuccino: Opt for the customizable Coffee Frappuccino.
• Java Chip Frappuccino: Mocha Frappuccino is recommended for similar chocolate notes.
• Chai Crème Frappuccino: Consider the Vanilla Bean Frappuccino for a creamy alternative.
• White Hot Chocolate: The Hot Chocolate can be customized with Mocha or White Chocolate Sauce.

With these changes, Starbucks is signaling a shift towards more focused offerings while aiming to enhance operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.