US – Starbucks, the American multinational chain of coffeehouses and roastery reserves, has expanded its product portfolio with the introduction of a new range of Iced Energy Beverages.
These handcrafted, sugar-free drinks fuse sparkling fruit flavors with refreshing iced tea and are available in three flavors: Melon Burst Iced Energy, Tropical Citrus Iced Energy, and Frozen Tropical Citrus Energy with Strawberry Puree.
The new energy drinks will be offered exclusively in a venti (20 fl oz) size, containing between 180 to 205 mg of caffeine, which is comparable to the caffeine content in a grande (16 oz) Starbucks Cold Brew.
In addition to the Iced Energy range, Starbucks is enhancing its coffee topping options with the addition of non-dairy creamer and cold foam. The coffee chain is also debuting a Caramel Vanilla Swirl Iced Coffee for the summer season.
Furthermore, Starbucks is launching two new food options: an Egg, Pesto, and Mozzarella Sandwich, and a Blueberry Streusel Muffin. Unlike their seasonal pumpkin-spice drinks in the fall, these new menu items will be available year-round.
This launch comes at a time when the U.S. energy drink market continues to see significant growth. As of mid-May, annual U.S. sales of energy drinks had surged to nearly US$22 billion, up from approximately US$13.5 billion at the end of 2019, according to Circana, a Chicago-based market research firm.
Earlier, Starbucks expanded its ready-to-drink portfolio in the UK with the introduction of Starbucks Protein Drink with Coffee, available in three flavors, aimed at consumers with active lifestyles.
In April, Starbucks lowered its annual sales forecast following a decline in same-store sales for the first time in nearly three years, which was attributed to weak demand in key regions.
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