Starbucks may be a staple in some people’s everyday routine. Whether it is a coffee, a Frappuccino or a refresher, some people need energy before starting the day. One of Starbucks’ drink staples, the strawberry acai refresher, has recently been under backlash. Customers have noticed a significant change in the taste and the energy they feel afterwards.
Discourse on the internet among Starbucks fans has caused a divide among consumers. Some love the new change and thought it was much needed, and others extremely dislike it, saying Starbucks should not change a recipe that was already perfected. The real question is, what exactly changed about the drink that is making so many question their everyday order?
Starbucks changed the drink by making the base caffeine-free, allowing customers to add energy boosts and further customize their order. This feature is particularly loved due to many not loving caffeine in their drinks. It can often make one jittery or on edge, whilst others need the energy boost. This customization widens the range of customers who are more likely to purchase it, since they now have control.
While many enjoy this new feature, others are very against it. The new change does offer more opportunity for customization, but at the fault of the taste. The new base tastes overall diluted and makes the drink less enjoyable. While many understand why Starbucks changed this drink, customers will miss the old drink, and some have admitted to changing their order from now on.
“I have changed my Starbucks order because I no longer like the strawberry acai refresher,” junior Emma Hornyak said. “It no longer tastes the same.”
