Cold is rising: How global demand is shaping the future of Starbucks beverages
Starbucks customers have long embraced cold drinks — from Iced Coffee and Cold Brew to Refreshers and Frappuccino. But from social media feeds to sales one thing is clear: cold is not a fad, but a defining shift in how customers experience Starbucks beverages.
At Starbucks Investor Day, we shared that roughly two-thirds of the beverages sold in U.S. company-operated coffeehouse are cold. But this shift isn’t just happening in one market. Around the world, cold beverages account for roughly 60% of Starbucks international beverage sales, with cold outpacing hot across regions.
In other words, cold isn’t just a U.S. trend – cold beverage sales are a majority of our business globally.
A global shift reshaping innovation
The global momentum around cold continues to shape how we think about beverage innovation for customers in every market. From proprietary techniques that enhance texture to flavors inspired by communities around the world, we’re elevating what cold can be. That energy is central to how we’re getting back to Starbucks and leading with espresso expertise and creativity.
Designed for local tastes, inspired by the world
In South Korea, where Americanos are especially popular, we recently introduced the Aerocano – a foam-crafted iced Americano built around a proprietary aeration technique that enhances texture and body. The result is an elevated cold coffee experience, designed specifically for Korea’s strong base of Americano fans.
In the U.S., globally inspired flavors are making their way into cold espresso platforms. Launching March 3 for a limited time, the Iced Ube Coconut Macchiato draws inspiration from the vibrant purple yam popular in the Philippines. The beverage brings a bold, visually striking flavor profile into a layered cold espresso format, blending global influence with Starbucks craftsmanship.
Together, these beverages show how cold is driving innovation across markets – from technique-forward builds to culturally inspired flavors – while staying rooted in espresso. Leading with this expertise and creativity remains central as we continue executing on the “Back to Starbucks” plan.
Cold isn’t just growing, it’s reshaping the menu, accelerating global innovation and defining what the next era of Starbucks beverages can be.