Starbucks brings back popular menu items after major cuts

Summer is only a few weeks away, and it seems like no one is more excited than fast-food chains, since they have already begun dropping their summer menus.

Seasonal menus are a popular tradition in the restaurant sector because businesses can test new products and experiment with seasonal ingredients. These menus let chain restaurants keep up with trends without investing too heavily in something that might not work in the long run.

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Starbucks has been suffering some of the most troublesome quarters in its history, with continuous sales declines and a slowdown in traffic that have affected its finances.

To put the business back on track, CEO Brian Niccol emphasized the need to return the company to its roots by focusing on its core products, personalizing the coffee shop experience, and keeping prices from increasing.

This led him to formulate a multi-year turnaround plan that has changed the company from the inside out in all aspects, especially its menu.

Starbucks unveils its new summer menu additions.

Image source: Zhang Peng/Getty Images

One of the main short-term issues Starbucks (SBUX) needed to address was its menu. It had become too complex, was damaging efficiency, did not prioritize coffee quality, and elevated prices due to the large number of available customizations.

To quickly resolve this problem, Starbucks began simplifying its menu, reducing customization options, and eliminating extra charges for milk alternatives.

However, this meant that some customers would unfortunately no longer be able to order their favorite menu items, at least for now.

In February, many customers' nightmares came true: Starbucks discontinued nine beloved Frappuccinos from both the coffee-based and crème categories, nearly halving the available options.

Although many might have thought the shrinking of its menu meant no more seasonal menu launches, they were wrong, because Starbucks released the first part of its summer menu on May 20.

The menu included the Summer-Berry Refreshers, which can be ordered with water, coconut milk, or lemonade. It also introduced the new Iced Horchata and the Strawberries & Cream Cake Pop.

However, Starbucks was far from done with its seasonal releases, as its late summer menu for 2025 was leaked by @markie_devo on Instagram this week.

In celebration of the 4th of July, Starbucks is releasing a new Firework Frappuccino. It has a Summer-Berry Refresher base blended with ice and coconut milk and featuring raspberry pearls, strawberry puree, and a topping of vanilla sweet cream cold foam. This item is speculated to become available at all locations nationwide starting July 1 to 7.

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Starbucks is also introducing an entirely new lineup of Frappuccinos called Strato Frappuccinos. These consist of a coffee or crème Frappuccino base topped with flavored cream cold foam.

The Strato Frappuccinos, which are expected to drop on July 8, will feature three flavors: Salted Caramel Mocha, Strawberry Matcha, and Brown Sugar.

During its menu cuts, Starbucks discontinued the Double Chocolate Brownie at the beginning of May. However, that didn't last long because, due to popular demand, Starbucks is reintroducing it, likely on June 23.