Starbucks Tries Healthier Drinks with Coconut Water, Agave, and Protein Foam in MAHA Era
Starbucks is changing its menu to offer healthier drinks. This change comes as the company tries to attract more health-conscious customers and improve falling sales.
A Shift Toward Healthier Choices
In the past, Starbucks was known for its sugary, colorful drinks. Now, it is testing new options, such as:
- Cold brew and matcha made with coconut water
- Syrups sweetened with agave, dates, or coconut
- Cold foam with added protein
- More plant-based choices
These new drinks are part of a plan to reduce sugar and offer drinks with added health benefits like electrolytes.
Why Starbucks Is Making Changes
Starbucks has had six straight quarters of declining sales. In response, CEO Brian Niccol launched a plan to improve the menu and bring more customers back to stores.
According to Dana Pellicano, who leads product development at Starbucks, sugar reduction is a top priority. In her words, “We’ve been working on sugar reduction.”
What’s Being Tested Right Now
This week, Starbucks started testing drinks made with coconut water at five stores in the New York area. These drinks have only about one-third the sugar of the summer berry lemonade refresher. A larger test will follow soon.
In addition, Starbucks:
- Released sugar-free canned energy drinks
- Launched lower-calorie Frappuccinos
- Removed sweeteners from its matcha powder
These changes are part of a bigger shift toward healthier products.
MAHA Movement and RFK Jr.’s Influence
Recently, U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said that Starbucks CEO Niccol promised to “further MAHA” the menu. This comment drew attention to the company’s focus on health and wellness.
However, Starbucks says it started working on these changes before Kennedy’s statement. In fact, the company removed high-fructose corn syrup and artificial dyes from its products several years ago.
Finding the Right Balance
Starbucks is trying to meet the needs of both loyal customers and health-focused consumers. On one hand, sugary drinks like Frappuccinos bring in a lot of traffic. On the other hand, many customers now prefer drinks with less sugar and simpler ingredients.
By offering both options, Starbucks hopes to boost sales and stay relevant in a changing market.