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Starbucks Introduces Pistachio Cream Cold Brew

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2026/01/29 .. rbucks-introduces-pistachio-cream-cold-brew.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Thursday, January 29th 2026 at 0:01 GMT by Food & Wine
      Locales: Washington, Multiple, UNITED STATES

Pistachio Takes Center Stage

The buzz surrounding the new menu is largely focused on the introduction of the Pistachio Cream Cold Brew. While Starbucks has experimented with nut-flavored beverages previously, pistachio represents a new direction, tapping into a growing consumer interest in sophisticated and subtly sweet flavor profiles. Experts suggest the choice of pistachio isn't accidental. The nut, increasingly popular in premium confectionery and desserts, projects an image of luxury and quality, aligning with Starbucks' broader brand aspirations.

The drink itself isn't simply a flavored cold brew; it's the cream that's the star. The pistachio cream is designed to offer a smooth, velvety texture and a balanced nutty flavor, complementing the bold, smooth taste of the cold brew without overpowering it. Internal Starbucks sources indicate the development team spent over a year perfecting the cream formulation, experimenting with different pistachio varietals and extraction methods to achieve the ideal taste and consistency. The initial response from preview tastings has been overwhelmingly positive, with many anticipating it will quickly become a signature beverage.

Refreshers Reimagined: Beyond Strawberry Acai

Starbucks' Sparkling Refreshers have long been a spring and summer staple, offering a low-calorie, caffeinated alternative to traditional espresso-based drinks. For 2026, the company is building on this success with both returning favorites - Strawberry Acai and Mango Dragonfruit - and a significant addition: the Sparkling Iced Shaken Espresso. This new offering demonstrates a clear move to broaden the appeal of the Refreshers line, appealing to customers who crave a more robust coffee flavor with the light, bubbly refreshment.

The introduction of the Shaken Espresso variant is particularly noteworthy. It suggests Starbucks is acknowledging the growing popularity of iced espresso drinks and attempting to bridge the gap between those beverages and its Refreshers platform. This could lead to further experimentation with caffeinated Refreshers in the future, potentially including variations with different espresso roasts and flavor combinations. Packaging for the Refreshers is also expected to receive a seasonal makeover, featuring brighter colors and playful designs to enhance the visual appeal.

Sweet Treats to Complete the Experience

No Starbucks menu launch would be complete without accompanying food offerings. The return of the Lemon Mousse Cake Pop and Lemon Layer Cake offers customers familiar favorites to pair with their new spring beverages. These treats provide a welcome burst of citrus flavor, perfectly complementing the nutty notes of the Pistachio Cream Cold Brew and the fruity zest of the Refreshers. The continued inclusion of these items underlines Starbucks' understanding of the importance of consistent, beloved products alongside innovative newcomers.

Sustainability Remains a Priority

Beyond the flavor profiles, Starbucks is also emphasizing its commitment to sustainability. The company plans to highlight the responsible sourcing practices behind the ingredients used in the spring menu, providing customers with greater transparency about the origin of their food and beverages. This includes details on coffee bean sourcing, pistachio farming, and packaging materials. This focus on ethical and environmentally conscious practices is crucial for attracting and retaining customers who increasingly prioritize these values.

The exact launch date for the Starbucks Spring 2026 menu remains unconfirmed, but industry analysts predict it will be in early March to coincide with the start of meteorological spring and capitalize on the increased demand for lighter, more refreshing beverages.