It looks like Dunkin’ isn’t the only coffee shop rolling out new drinks for summer. According to a report from Business Insider, Starbucks has something exciting up its sleeve for the warm months ahead.
In a first for Starbucks, the chain plans to add boba-like pearls to its Refreshers drinks. News of the innovation was confirmed by CEO Laxman Narasimhan during the company's earnings call earlier this week.
"For summer, we are launching our first texture innovation, Pearls," Narasimhan revealed. "This is the first of more texture-based innovations that our customers can expect in the coming years."
The "popping pearls" have already surfaced online thanks to barista and TikTok user Laura (@chimmminnie). In her video, Laura showed users how to make a unique new drink she simply referred to as a "Starbucks refresher with popping pearls."
Barista and TikToker @creigsilimon is also sharing how they're making the new pearls-filled Refreshers.
Overall, the new Starbucks "texture innovation" a.k.a. boba has been met with excitement from fans. A handful of those who were able to sample the drink, which will be available beginning May 6, offered high-praise for the beverage in the comments section of the TikTok.
"I sampled it with lemonade and can’t wait for its launch!!" said one person.
"Guys it’s so good trust me," another user added.
Over on X, users were a bit more critical of Starbucks. One person flat out declared, "Nobody wants Boba from Starbucks."
Well, tell us how you really feel.
And Eater made the argument that "By renaming them 'pearls,' Starbucks avoids a direct association with boba tea culture, and thus, Asian culture at large. And intentional or not—like all brands, a renaming is likely just a way for it to sound new and creative—it erases the history of boba drinks, positioning Starbucks as an innovator when it’s really a follower."
