Starbucks Introduces A Twist On Boba For Summer 2024

Starbucks is no stranger to experimenting with new menu items or even revising some of its tried-and-true practices. From announcing new flavors of its ready-to-drink canned coffees to changing up the look of its cold beverages, Starbucks has shown that it doesn't like to rest on its laurels when it comes to its drink options. It's clearly a brand that doesn't mind shaking it up.

A big part of Starbucks' ever-changing allure is its seasonal menus, which tend to capture the eye of just about anyone from social media influencers to specialty coffee aficionados. Starbucks turned heads when it unveiled its bright purple lavender chill drink as part of its spring menu, and it seems that this summer will see another bright addition being added to the menu — and one that features an interesting textural twist. When the menu goes public on May 6, it'll feature what CEO Laxman Narasimhan is calling "our first texture innovation, pearls" (per Business Insider). In other words, you'll be able to get popping boba at Starbucks!

Boba is, of course, nothing new. But it should be noted that Starbucks is staying well clear of the traditional chewy tapioca pearls famous in Taiwanese bubble teas and is instead implementing gushy, popping pearls. You may have seen these in frozen yogurt shops or even in bubble tea places as an alternative to tapioca pearls, but now you'll get the chance to try them out in a Starbucks refresher.

Official word has yet to slip as to what kind of drink this is going to be. When asked by Chowhound, Starbucks only confirmed that a new drink was indeed incoming without detailing what that entailed. However, several videos on TikTok, including this one by barista @ariannakaila, appear to have leaked that this new concoction is an eye-catching blue raspberry-inspired refresher with coconut milk and raspberry pearls. Touted by the above video's creator as not being overly sweet, it certainly looks like a promising addition to the Starbucks beverage family alongside its various types of cold coffee and other refreshers. So keep an eye out for May 6 to grab the newest drink of the summer, and try it for yourself!