Some spicy new beverages just hit the Starbucks menu—but according to customer reviews, they may take a toll on your stomach.
Last week, Starbucks announced the debut of three new Spicy Lemonade Refreshers and a Spicy Cream Cold Foam. While these drinks sound delectable to some people who love all things spicy, others say it’s not quite their cup of tea—and some have warned that sipping on these drinks may lead to some tummy troubles.
Starbucks Adds Spicy Beverages to Menu
Starbucks is certainly keeping us guessing. We certainly never anticipated spicy drinks being added to the menu—but then again, we never considered adding olive oil to our coffee, either. Both of these menu innovations have garnered mixed reviews from customers, and they have one more thing in common, too: the fact that they've led to complaints about stomach issues.
The new Spicy Lemonade Refreshers come in three flavors: Spicy Strawberry, Spicy Dragonfruit, and Spicy Pineapple. Each takes the Starbucks Refreshers we know and love and adds in lemonade and the new Starbucks Spicy Chili Powder Blend.
Meanwhile, customers also have the opportunity to add a new Spicy Cream Cold Foam to their drink. This creamy topping adds Spicy Chili Powder Blend to the classic Starbucks cold foam. It's all available for a limited time this spring.
We think all of this sounds intriguing, but some customers have taken issue with the spicy new ingredients.
"Just made and tried the new spicy drinks they are the most awful drink I have ever had, my throat was on fireeeee they taste so nasty," one Starbucks employee posted on Reddit.
In the comments, people shared their own thoughts.
"If I wanted to drink sweet hot sauce I'd just buy sweet hot sauce. Undrinkable unless you don't like your taste buds and stomach," one person wrote.
"Don’t get me wrong I love spicy foods but this drink just ain't it, it hurts my stomach," another comment says.
Even some who are fans of the flavor say their stomachs can't take it. "They make my tummy hurt but they’re good," one says.
Some people find the concept just plain ridiculous. As one user wrote, "I just don't understand why they keep coming up with these god-awful drink ideas and then acting shocked when they don't do well. Olive oil coffee? Spicy fruit drink?? Why can't they just give us raspberry and Irish creme again?!??"
One user on X (the website formerly known as Twitter) even joked that Starbucks may have a hidden agenda. "Unclear of the purpose of Starbucks Spicy Lemonade…between this and oleato they seem committed to ruining the gut health our society has worked hard to improve," they posted.
But what do you think? Are you turned away by the flavor profile? Worried for your stomach? Are you willing to give it a shot? Or will you be sticking to the Dunkin' spring menu? Let us know in the comments!
