Starbucks’ 2024 Holiday Menu Was Disappointing

Is it the holiday season without a trip to Starbucks for a festive treat? With the 2024 holiday menu launching on November 7, Starbucks fans across the U.S. are greeted by a cozy selection but not groundbreaking.

While beloved classics are on the list, the “new” options may overwhelm some customers. Let’s dive into what’s returning, what’s new, and what Starbucks fans might want to try (or skip) this holiday season.

Returning Holiday Favorites

This year’s Starbucks holiday menu brings back some crowd-pleasers, but don’t expect anything unexpected in this lineup. Here’s what’s returning for 2024:

• Peppermint Mocha – A long-standing favorite with a rich blend of chocolate and peppermint.
• Caramel Brulée Latte – A smooth, caramel-flavored latte with a festive sweetness.
• Chestnut Praline Latte – Nutty and cozy, this latte is a true winter classic.
• Iced Gingerbread Oatmilk Chai – A modern holiday twist, blending gingerbread and chai spices.
• Iced Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte – Light and sweet, with a sugar cookie flavor perfect for the season.

For fans of these drinks, the holiday menu delivers exactly what they’ve come to expect. Each can be ordered hot, iced, or as a Frappuccino, allowing for plenty of customization.

However, if you were hoping for an entirely new twist, these familiar faces might not provide the seasonal surprise you sought.

Seasonal Cold Foams: Familiar Flavors Return

Starbucks has brought back its popular Seasonal Cold Foams for those who prefer a touch of holiday flair without the full latte experience.

Available in classic flavors like Caramel Brulée, Chestnut Praline, Sugar Cookie, and Peppermint Chocolate, these Cold Foams offer a way to enjoy seasonal flavors atop a cold brew.

While delicious, these are not new, and frequent Starbucks visitors may feel they’ve seen these options one too many times.

What’s New for 2024: Cranberry Refreshers and Cold Foams

Here’s where the Starbucks holiday menu tries something new, though with a safe approach. The only truly new addition is the Cran-Merry Orange Refresher — and even that comes in three slight variations rather than entirely new drinks. Here’s a breakdown of the different versions of the Cran-Merry Orange Refresher:

1. Cran-Merry Orange Refresher (Water-Based)
   • A light cranberry drink with subtle sweetness, it’s refreshing but doesn’t pack a memorable punch.
   • Price: $5.25 to $5.95 (Grande), 100 calories.
2. Cran-Merry Orange Lemonade Refresher
   • Adding lemonade adds a tangy twist to the cranberry flavor, making it feel more festive.
   • Price: $5.75 to $6.45 (Grande), 140 calories.
3. Cran-Merry Orange Coconut Refresher
   • This one’s a little polarizing. While the coconut adds a tropical flair, it makes the drink sweet. Some may enjoy the unique twist, while others may find it reminiscent of drinkable yogurt due to its creamy texture.
   • Price: Same as Lemonade Refresher, 140 calories.

These cranberry-based Refreshers are fine additions for those looking to try something different, but they lack the bold, distinct flavors many holiday fans hope to find.

Salted Pecan Cream Cold Foam: An Unexpected Treat

Starbucks also introduced the Salted Pecan Cream Cold Foam in September with the fall menu, and it’s now officially part of the holiday lineup. This Cold Foam has a surprisingly salty, praline-like flavor that pairs well with cold brew.

The intensity of the saltiness is balanced by the nutty, slightly sweet notes, creating a satisfying drink for those looking for something different. The Salted Pecan flavor might be an acquired taste, but it’s a welcome addition for anyone who enjoys bolder flavors.

Gingerbread Cream Cold Foam: Subtle and Festive

The Gingerbread Cream Cold Foam is a new addition to the holiday menu, though Starbucks has previously offered a Gingerbread Latte. This Cold Foam option, sprinkled with pumpkin pie spices, gives a gentle nod to gingerbread flavor without overwhelming the palate.

While it pairs nicely with cold brew, some may feel it lacks the impact of the more traditional Gingerbread Latte, which has deeper, spiced flavors. Still, it’s a pleasant choice for anyone wanting a lighter festive touch.

Sweet Treats Snowman Cake Pop and Dark Toffee Bundt

No Starbucks holiday menu is complete without sweet treats, and this year brings back a cute and nostalgic favorite, along with a new item:

• Snowman Cake Pop
  • Adorably decorated and just the right size for a sweet bite, the Snowman Cake Pop combines vanilla cake with buttercream and a white chocolate coating. It’s nostalgic and delicious, albeit very sweet.
  • Price: $3.25 to $4.25, 170 calories.
• Dark Toffee Bundt
  • New for 2024, the Dark Toffee Bundt has a rich molasses flavor with hints of dark brown sugar, but it’s slightly dry for a dessert with such a bold flavor profile. Those who love the taste of toffee may enjoy this addition, though it’s not the most moist bundt cake you’ll find.
  • Price: $3.95 to $4.95, 330 calories.

Savory Addition Turkey Sage Danish

The Turkey Sage Danish rounds out the holiday menu for those who prefer a savory option. Wrapped in flaky puff pastry, the Danish combines well-seasoned turkey meatballs with sage and a creamy bechamel filling.

Some might find the turkey portion lacking and would have preferred pulled turkey for a heartier bite, but the pastry delivers holiday flavors in a portable, tasty form.

Conclusion

Overall, Starbucks’ 2024 holiday menu doesn’t take many risks. While the returning drinks and cold foams are solid, some fans may feel underwhelmed by the lack of fresh, innovative options.

Those near a Starbucks Reserve location will find a more diverse holiday menu. Still, for everyone else, this year’s lineup feels like a mix of familiar favorites and a few modest updates.

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