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The saying “you can’t please everybody” certainly comes to mind when reading comments about the latest changes from Starbucks. The coffee chain and its new CEO, Brian Niccol, have been shaking things up lately in an effort to refocus. Last month, it announced it would implement a new “coffeehouse code of conduct,” one where its spaces—including its bathrooms—could be used only by customers. No more setting up shop to work for the day or running in to use the restroom (unless you buy something first).
On the plus side, those paying customers can now get free refills on certain hot and cold coffee drinks, if they let the barista know their drink is “for here” and enjoy it served in a reusable coffee mug or glass. Customers are also pleased the chain is bringing back its condiment bar, where they can add their own milk, creamer, and sweeteners at no extra charge.
But a more recent change at Starbucks has given some customers a reason to complain again—even while others celebrate the move.
Starbucks Introduces New Compostable Cups
Starbucks cold drinks have long been served in see-through plastic, disposable cups, and the disposal of those cups has created quite a bit of waste. Now, as part of its “A Better Cup for All” program that has several initiatives to increase sustainability, cold drinks will be served in compostable cold cups—with a choice of flat or dome lid—made from fiber-based paper board with an opaque bioplastic liner. Yes, opaque.
The reactions to the new cups have been mixed at best. One Reddit user put their disappointment simply: “No more TikTok drinks. Can’t flaunt a drink if it’s hidden.” Another found it “upsetting” to have to drink something they can’t see. (Have they never ordered a hot beverage at Starbucks?) Others are worried their drinks won’t be properly layered, or that they won’t be able to “know the color of my drink to make sure it’s going to be good.”
TikTok and other social media outlets have made it trendy to customize drinks in complicated ways, often with visually appealing additions like syrups, foams, and toppings. Although they may smile, overworked Starbucks baristas are not always a fan of orders with “a long and exacting list of ingredients that can require multiple times as many steps as even your average Frappuccino,” calling them “a recipe for throwing down one’s green apron in frustration and walking off the job.”
Not everyone is worried about the look of their drink. "If it means dramatically reducing the amount of plastic cups, we should all be rejoicing," one person commented. Another chimed in with, "I'm all for that. I think we need more paper cups and less plastic ones."
If you’re on the side of “the less plastic, the better,” there is still one question you should be asking when you’re handed the compostable cup: Where can one actually compost them? According to the Better Cup for All page, the cups are only compostable at commercial facilities, and “such facilities may not exist in your area.” These cups won’t break down in the regular trash or in your backyard compost pile if you have one.
No matter how you feel about them, you can rest easy knowing these cups are likely not coming to your stores—at least not yet. The compostable cold cups are only rolling out in a small number of Starbucks stores in areas where local government requirements prohibit disposable plastic cups. Your TikTok drinks are safe for now.
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