Starbucks Is Retiring 13 Drinks—See What’s Leaving

Big changes are brewing at Starbucks, and if you’re a fan of some of their more niche drinks, brace yourself—13 beverages are getting the boot on March 4. From hot lattes to icy Frappuccinos, the coffee giant is clearing out menu space in the name of simplicity.

According to Starbucks, these menu cuts are part of a larger effort to simplify operations, improve efficiency and enhance quality. The company says that the removed drinks are either rarely ordered, overly complicated to prepare or too similar to other beverages that will remain available.

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“As part of our plan to get back to Starbucks, we’re simplifying our menu to focus on fewer, more popular items, executed with excellence,” the company shared with TODAY.com. The goal? Faster service, better consistency and a stronger emphasis on its core identity as a coffee brand.

The menu overhaul won’t stop here—Starbucks plans to phase out even more drinks and food items in the coming months, aiming to trim down approximately 30% of its U.S. menu by September.

Here’s a full breakdown of what’s getting the axe and what Starbucks suggests as an alternative:

• Iced Matcha Lemonade: Swap it for a Green Tea Lemonade for a similar citrus-meets-earthy flavor profile.
• Espresso Frappuccino: Several Frappuccinos will be leaving the menu. Fans of the espresso version might enjoy the similar Coffee Frappuccino—just add a shot of espresso if you really want another kick of caffeine.
• Caffè Vanilla Frappuccino: The Coffee Frappuccino is a good alternative for this frappe, too—ask to add vanilla syrup if you miss that sweet twist.
• White Chocolate Mocha Frappuccino: Starbucks recommends the Mocha Frappuccino as a replacement for this drink.
• Java Chip Frappuccino: The Mocha Cookie Crumble Frappuccino offers a similar chocolatey crunch for fans of the java chip.
• Chai Crème Frappuccino: This drink will be harder to recreate, but you can always opt for a simple Vanilla Bean Frappuccino for a sweet cool-down treat, or go for an iced chai latte to satisfy a tea craving.
• Caramel Ribbon Crunch Crème Frappuccino: Though you may miss the crunchies, a Vanilla Bean Frappuccino with caramel sauce in the cup may remind you of this drink.
• Double Chocolaty Chip Crème Frappuccino: Since Frappuccino chips are on their way out, this drink is another tough one to replace. Still, you could add some mocha sauce to a basic Vanilla Bean Frappuccino for some chocolatey nostalgia.
• Chocolate Cookie Crumble Crème Frappuccino: Like the Double Chocolaty Chip drink, this drink gets some of its texture from Frappuccino chips. But opting for a Vanilla Bean Frappuccino with mocha sauce—or maybe even a Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Crème Frappuccino for a fruity twist—could add some chocolate flavor to your day.
• White Chocolate Crème Frappuccino: Customers can try the Vanilla Bean Frappuccino with added flavors or opt for the Strawberry Frappuccino for a fruity twist.
• White Hot Chocolate: The classic hot chocolate can be customized with mocha or white chocolate mocha sauce.
• Royal English Breakfast Latte: The London Fog Latte offers a similarly smooth, floral tea experience.
• Honey Almondmilk Flat White: A standard flat white can be personalized with non-dairy milk and sweetener—you may even be able to grab a packet of honey from the condiments bar, if you like.

Now, before you start mourning your favorite order, Starbucks is throwing us a couple of bones. The long-lost condiment bar—yes, the one that disappeared during the pandemic—is making a comeback, so you can doctor up your drink to your heart’s content. Plus, free refills are back for customers who choose to stay awhile. If you order your drink “for here” and have it served in a ceramic mug, glass or your own cup, you’ll be able to get free refills on brewed coffee and tea during your visit. Just don’t expect a freebie if you’re sipping from a disposable cup.

These changes seem to be an effort to make Starbucks feel more like a traditional coffee shop, emphasizing a cozy, sit-down atmosphere rather than a quick caffeine pit stop. As more customers seek out comfortable spaces to work from home or relax, this move aligns with the growing trend of coffee shops serving as community hubs rather than just quick grab-and-go spots.

Whether these changes will be well received remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—your usual Starbucks order might look a little different next month.