As 2026 begins, Starbucks is kicking off the new year with a refreshed and expansive menu that blends innovative beverages, globally inspired pastries, and a pop culture tie-in aimed at energizing its loyal customer base. The coffee chain unveiled the new offerings on December 29, 2025, signaling a strategic effort to maintain momentum after a busy holiday season and attract a broad range of customers in the months ahead.
At the center of the rollout are two new matcha beverages that will be added permanently to the Starbucks menu, marking the brand’s ongoing investment in matcha-based drinks as consumer demand for green tea options continues to grow. The Iced Double Berry Matcha features Starbucks’ signature matcha combined with a berry infusion that includes the return of raspberry syrup, a long-requested flavor that had been previously discontinued. This drink is expected to resonate with customers who favor fruity and refreshing options.
Alongside it, the Iced Banana Bread Matcha delivers a more indulgent flavor profile by blending matcha with banana notes reminiscent of the classic baked good. The beverage is crafted to evoke a nostalgic taste experience while still fitting into the increasingly popular category of functional and tea-based drinks. Both drinks reflect Starbucks’ efforts to diversify its beverage menu while tapping into seasonal tastes that can appeal year-round.
With Valentine’s Day on the horizon, Starbucks is also preparing to release limited-time seasonal beverages tailored to the holiday’s themes of sweetness and indulgence. The Strawberry Shortcake Frappuccino, a creamy and visually appealing blend of strawberries, whipped cream, and graham cracker topping, is designed to evoke the classic dessert in drinkable form. Meanwhile, the White Chocolate Strawberry Cream Cold Brew offers a more sophisticated option by marrying Starbucks’ cold brew coffee with a velvety strawberry cream and hints of white chocolate. These offerings not only cater to the season of romance but also continue the company’s focus on layered, dessert-inspired beverages that are visually Instagram-ready and flavor-forward.
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For coffee purists and aficionados, Starbucks is introducing a new whole bean coffee blend called the 1971 Roast, named in honor of the company’s founding year. This dark roast features beans sourced from Colombia, Sumatra, and Brazil, and offers bold tasting notes of toasted sugar and walnut. It’s crafted to appeal to customers who appreciate deep, full-bodied brews and want a connection to Starbucks’ original coffeehouse roots in Seattle.
Complementing the beverage additions is a broadened bakery selection inspired by international flavors and trends. New menu items include the Strawberry Matcha Loaf and Chocolate Pistachio Loaf, which blend Eastern and Western flavor elements in creative ways. Other additions, such as the Yuzu Citrus Blossom and Cookie Croissant Swirl, showcase global ingredients and techniques, signaling Starbucks’ intent to diversify its culinary offerings and elevate the in-store pastry experience.
Perhaps the most notable surprise in the announcement is Starbucks’ partnership with YouTube mega-star and philanthropist MrBeast, also known as Jimmy Donaldson. The collaboration is set to coincide with the release of the second season of MrBeast’s “Beast Games: Strong vs. Smart” on Prime Video. As part of this promotional effort, Starbucks will launch the Cannon Ball Drink on January 14, a high-energy blend of lemonade and two fan-favorite Refreshers — Strawberry Açaí and Mango Dragonfruit. The drink is inspired by the energetic, competitive nature of MrBeast’s show and will be featured alongside limited-time merchandise and in-store promotions tied to the series.
The collaboration reflects a growing trend in the food and beverage industry to partner with digital creators who have massive audiences and cultural influence. By aligning with MrBeast, Starbucks aims to tap into a younger demographic and harness the viral potential of social media to boost engagement both online and in stores. The partnership also marks one of the largest cross-platform marketing efforts the company has launched in recent years, blending entertainment, product innovation, and brand storytelling.
As Starbucks continues to evolve its offerings to meet shifting consumer preferences, the 2026 menu expansion demonstrates a multi-pronged strategy: introduce bold new flavors, reintroduce popular ingredients, celebrate its legacy, and embrace contemporary pop culture. Whether through matcha innovations, Valentine’s-themed beverages, globally inspired baked goods, or influencer-driven campaigns, Starbucks is positioning itself to remain not just a coffee destination, but a lifestyle brand attuned to modern tastes.
With the winter season transitioning into early spring, the chain hopes these new items will resonate with customers seeking comfort, novelty, and connection — all while reinforcing Starbucks’ identity as a brand that blends familiarity with innovation.
