Starbucks changing drinks to reduce water usage, fans angry.

Starbucks Introduces New “Nugget” Ice to Reduce Water Footprint

By Bryan Chai | May 18, 2023 at 10:35am

If you’re a Starbucks regular, you may have noticed something different about your iced coffee lately. Instead of the usual ice cubes, your cup may have been filled with “nugget” ice cubes, which are smaller and denser than standard ice cubes.

But don’t worry, your local Starbucks isn’t out of normal ice. This is actually a conscientious decision by the coffee giant to reduce its “water footprint” for the sake of the climate. However, Starbucks loyalists are not particularly enamored with the change.

According to a Starbucks representative, this new nugget ice is part of the company’s “green” initiative. “As we continue to innovate and make investments in the Starbucks Experience for our partners (baristas) and customers, we are introducing new machines that make nugget ice to select stores this year,” the rep said.

Starbucks did note that this nugget ice rollout would take “several years,” meaning the regular ice is what the majority of coffee shops will carry for the time being. However, many people have strong feelings about Starbucks shifting to a new kind of ice.

• Some expressed concerns that they would soon be drinking watery coffee.
• One user claimed that the nugget ice “does melt faster and your drink’ll probably get watery easier.”
• Another user wrote, “I love that ice but it’s terrible for coffee. Melts fast and waters down the drink.”

Despite these concerns, Starbucks conducted tests that reportedly showed the new ice does not melt faster than the existing ice. So, while the change may take some getting used to, it seems that Starbucks is committed to reducing its environmental impact.

What do you think about Starbucks’ new nugget ice? Let us know in the comments!