Starbucks’ New Year’s Drinks Dress Up Chocolate in a Stunning Way

The menu cuts will occur in the coming months, per Niccol. Though he noted that both of Starbucks’ beverage and food offerings would be impacted, he did not name specific items.

This bold move is just another bullet point on the list of changes Starbucks has made over the last months in lieu of their Back to Starbucks initiative.

Just earlier this week, the chain announced a new policy on free refills and brought back the beloved condiment bars so customers can add their own creamer and sugar. Plus, baristas will start writing on cups again, just like the good old days.

Additionally, their latest menu drop that hit stores on January 3 introduced a never-before-seen drink, the cortado, and completely transformed the process for ordering and preparing matcha beverages.

Starbucks customers and employees are equally relieved yet up in arms about the coming menu cuts. Some sounded off in this Reddit thread detailing the changes:

“I for one am so pleased,” one person commented. “The menu right now is just chaos.”

“Good! As a 9 year partner, the less the better!” another person said. “I remember when people would just order their drinks without all these complications. Those were the days.”

“Finally, they're going to try and prioritize in-store customers over the mobile orders that aren't even there,” one more person wrote. “That should've been built-in since day one!”

While plenty of people were elated about the news, many more were concerned about their menu faves being gone forever.

“Just don’t cut my overpriced egg bites,” someone pleaded.

“This is probably the end of my Spinach Feta Wrap and I just can’t handle the thought of losing it,” another said.

“If they discontinue the lemon loaf I will riot,” one more person noted.

We'll keep you posted about the exact Starbucks menu cuts as soon as we know. Until then, we'll be manifesting that the Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso isn't affected. 👀

Pistachio is also insanely good with coffee – I’m a frequent pistachio latte order-er at my closest coffee shop. The nuttiness compliments the bitterness of the espresso, but pistachio never fails to bring just the right amount of sweetness to every sip.

Starbucks fans are undoubtedly privy to this exact flavor combo. The chain’s been slinging pistachio lattes and cold brews since they launched their winter lineup in January (they've also already got something exciting on the way for spring).

The drink is said to bring “cozy flavors” with notes of sweet pistachio and brown butter.

But the latest pistachio drink on Starbucks’ menu isn’t necessarily on the menu – it’s a secret menu hack that Dubai chocolate devotees developed!

Meet the Dubai Chocolate Bar Matcha Latte: it’s essentially an Iced Matcha Latte with pistachio sauce topped with chocolate cold foam.

Food writer with Delish, Megan, noted that it’s “sweet and smooth” with a “creamy finish” that’s only enhanced by the chocolate cold foam. I can only imagine that the earthiness of the matcha powder helps level up the drink, too!

Here’s how to order the Dubai Chocolate Bar Matcha Latte!

First, start by ordering an Iced Matcha Latte. Based on the size of the drink you order, ask for pumps of pistachio sauce:

• Tall: 1 pump of pistachio sauce
• Grande: 2 pumps of pistachio sauce
• Venti: 3 pumps of pistachio sauce

From there, ask for the drink with chocolate cold foam. You can also customize your sip with your preferred milk or alternative milk.

Finally, you’ve got your Dubai Chocolate Bar Matcha Latte to enjoy. I can’t wait to get my hands on this one!

Black Owned Beauty Businesses 

1. Melanin Haircare

Melanin Haircarewas founded in 2015 by sisters Whitney and Taffeta White. They share a passion for natural hair and healthy scalp care and hope that women from all walks of life can benefit from these products.

2. LYS Beauty

Tisha Thompson founded LYS Beauty to redefine clean beauty to make it more inclusive and affordable. With a wide shade range and high-quality products, LYS Beauty is intent on increasing women's confidence and is the first Black-owned Sephora Clean Color Cosmetics brand.

3. Danessa Myricks Beauty

Danessa Myricks Beautywas founded by self-taught makeup artist Danessa Myricks after she realized how exclusive the makeup industry was. This brand combines art and beauty as Myricks defies industry norms and creates stunning looks with unique techniques.

4. Body By Love

Body By Lovefeatures sizes 12+ in clothing inspired by travel, art, and trends. When founder Camille had to cancel a date because she didn't have anything to wear, she decided to help other plus size women in the same situation. Body By Love was born!

5. Black Girl Sunscreen

Black Girl Sunscreen developed a sunscreen formula specifically tailored to the needs of black skin. It supplies a healthy amount of SPF to protect you from harmful UV rays, without leaving your face covered in a white cast. Their products are also super moisturizing, and easy to access at stores like Target and Ulta.

6. Lautir Beauty

Lautir Beautyis a BIPOC brand founded by Shvona Chung that's rooted in holistic body care. From cremes to polishes, you'll enjoy the soothing feel of any product you choose.

7. Everyday Skincare Co.

Sharese Dungill founded Everyday Skincare Co.because she knows what it's like to suffer from "hyperpigmentation and stubborn acne." Knowing how important it is to have products that actually help sensitive skin, she focused on creating The Everyday Kit which features:

• Sunni-days Superfruit Cleanser
• Tone for the Day Hydra-Balance Toner
• Daylight Dew Cream Moisturizer
• Glo'den Hour Facial Serum

8. Brown Girl Jane

Brown Girl Janewas founded with a passion for women's wellness, and a balance of body, mind, and spirit. They hope that the plant-based collection will become an aid in your wellness routine and healing.

9. Sienna Naturals

Hannah Diop and Issa Rae's Sienna Naturals is your one-stop shop for clean haircare products that won't irritate your scalp or cause breakage. With products like their H.A.P.I. Shampoo, your hair will feel clean and hydrated.

P.S. They've just released a new product — D.N.A. Scalp Serum — that's designed to combat shedding while adding density to your hair!

10. Cécred

Beyoncé shocked the internet when she released her own haircare line Cécred, but the proof is in the pudding. Despite being attached to one of the world's biggest entertainers, Cécred is backed by experts who are committed to prioritizing the health of customers hair.

11. Hyper!

Hyper Skin has a laser focus on developing skincare formulas that meet the specific needs of brown and black skin. Their products directly target hyper-pigmentation with proven clinical results. CEO and Founder, Desiree, knows the frustrations of feeling left out of the mainstream of most skincare products that only cater to white women. She founded Hyper Skin as not only an inclusive brand, but one that black women really deserve.

12. Pat McGrath Labs

In addition to creating iconic products and serving as British Vogue's Beauty Editor, Pat McGrath is the first makeup artist to be awarded Queen Elizabeth II's D.B.E. Dame of the British Empire for services to the Fashion and Beauty industry and Diversity.

13. Hair So Chic

Tawana Morris founded Hair So Chic in 2019 after being inspired to share her love for voluminous curls with her dedicated followers on social media. Customers will find everything from clip-ins to styling tools on the cutest website that seems like it's made just for the girls who love beauty!

14. Range Beauty

Founded by Alicia Scott in 2018, Range Beauty is home to beauty products created for those who have sensitive, acne and eczema-prone skin. No stranger to her own bouts with flare ups, Scott wanted to make sure a wider range of skin had access to products look good and feel soothing upon application.

And now customers can find the brand in Sephora after a historic Shark Tank win!

15. Ami Colé

Ami Coléis another beauty brand that was created for those with deeper skin complexions, but has products that are universal. Whether you're looking for another lip oil treatment or a skin enhancing stick, Ami Colé has something just for you.

16. MOODEAUX

Founded by Brianna Arps, MOODEAUX is a fragrance brand that has scents designed to help set the tone for your mood in Eau de Parfum form. Praised by the likes of Good Morning America and Oprah Daily, MOODEAUX has scents for your when you're feeling rebellious or need a subtle whiff of something warm.

17. Donna's Recipe

Founded by Tabitha Brown and Gina Woods, Donna's Recipeis a vegan haircare brand that's dedicated to the health of natural hair. With ingredients like safflower seed and sweet potato extract, these products are guaranteed to feel good on your scalp.

18. The Doux

Maya Smith founded The Doux as a way to continue servicing textured hair. With over 20 years of experience as a licensed cosmetologist, she knows a thing or two about what it takes to have healthy tresses.

19. The Lip Bar

FAMU alumni Melissa Butler founded The Lip Bar in 2012 to cater to the lack of diverse beauty options for black women. Though the brand was infamously ridiculed on Shark Tank, it's gone on to expand and find it's way on the shelves of major retailers Like Target and CVS.

20. Bask & Bloom Essentials

Bask & Bloom Essentials was founded by Bahamian native Candera Thompson to address common issues like breakage, dry and thinning hair in Black women. With products like their Gentle Herbal Cleanser and More Moisture Cream, your hair will experience true hydration!

Black-Owned Fashion Businesses

21. Sucré Couture

Sucré Couture is a jewelry brand that nods to black culture. Sucré was founded in the Bay Area by Kimberly Fomby Jefferson in 2011, and keeps bringing you quality jewelry, from basics to more statement pieces.

22. If You Dare Accessories

If You Dare Accessories is a jewelry brand that offers beautiful hand-crafted jewelry with a focus on making an elegant statement. From chunky gold rings to stud earrings that'll change how you look at silver hoop earrings, this brand knows how to speak to one's individuality.

23. Hanifa

Founded by Anifa Mvuemba, Hanifa is a luxury brand designed to accentuate customers' figure and lifestyle. With designs curated to be groundbreaking, this is one fashion brand we can't stop watching!

24. Kai Collective

Fisayo Longe's innovative fashion brand Kai Collective is something serious! Known for its colorful and patterned designs, Kai Collective also dares its customers to be bold in their daily lives.

25. Brandon Blackwood

Brandon Blackwood is taking the world by storm and all the fashion girlies have taken notice. The brand is known for it's featuring its signature logo on its designs, but that's all apart of the charm!

26. Ciao by CC

Ciao by CC is a luxury women's brand that's founded by Brittany Campbell. Founded in 2020, each piece is carefully crafted in Italy to give wearers a sense of luxurious elegance.

27. Ten Wilde

Ten Wilde is a jewelry brand that knows quality doesn't have to mean expensive. Founded by Tenisha Wilde, each piece is inspired by her upbringing in NorCal and the Bay Area.

28. Whitney Manney

Let Whitney Manney's fashion and textiles pieces make a statement for you! From colorful and bold apparel to accessories, you're sure to start having fun with your style again!

29. AMANIA AFRIK

We think we've found the most gorgeous robes on the planet and they're all designed by AMANIA AFRIK! Besides this, you'll find kaftans, head wraps, and more memorable pieces.

Black-Owned Home & Stationary Businesses

30. PillowScript

PillowScript is here to change how you think about throw pillows with their gorgeous designs! Founded by Dihandria Bright, they have several collections that include statement pieces that added a touch of personality to any room you put them in.

31. Book'd

Don't tell us you still don't have your 2025 planner! We know January got off to a rough start, but there's still 11 months of your year you can plan with amazing finds from Book'd. Founded in 2016 by friends Tannera and Adrienne, you'll find unforgettable stationary that'll make you excited to write down your thoughts and goals!

Black-Owned Food & Drink Businesses

32. Me & The Bees

Me & The Bees is a lemonade company that was birthed from the mind of Mikaila when she was only four years old. Mikaila got stung by a bee as a young girl, which sparked her fascination about the little pollinators. After developing lemonade recipes from her great grandmother's cookbook, she took on numerous entrepreneurial ventures to get the drink out there, including presenting on Shark Tank! The lemonade is delicious and sweet, thanks to the honey that comes straight from bees.

33. Golde

In 2017, Trinity Mouzon Wofford and Issy Kobori launched Golde with their Original Turmeric Latte Blend. Their mission is to make wellness easy (and fun!) for everyone. The vegan products celebrate superfoods *and* boost your daily routine.

34. Hot N Saucy

Hot N Saucy reimagines hot sauce into something bright, bold, and colorful. These all natural and vegetable-based sauces will bring the heat without the additive cost.

35. Bee Fit Foods

With the ability to select your meal plan or build your own, Bee Fit Foods has plenty of options to help you eat healthy. The food is delivered from their kitchen to your table to make meal planning easier than ever.

36. McBride Sisters Collection

Robin and Andréa McBride grew up in two iconic wine regions, and started the McBride Sisters Collection in 2005 after connecting in California. They're intent on changing the industry, cultivating community along the way.

37. Partake Foods

Partake Foods exists to deliver delicious snacks treats to those with heavy food allergies. Their products are free of all of the top 9 allergens, in addition to being gluten-free, non-GMO, and vegan. The company partners with organizations like No Kid Hungry to help fight food insecurity, and also partners with HBCU students to support their upcoming career journeys.

38. BLK & Bold

BLK & Bold is a coffee and beverage company founded by Pernell & Rod, two good friends that see a vision for America's youth. The company pledges 5% of proceeds to nonprofits that invest back into children and their futures. Shop a range of coffee roasts and tea blends to enjoy at home.

39. Station 1923

We think Station 1923 just became our go-to brand for seasonings! From their Brown Sugar Smoke rub to their Citrus Herb seasoning, we're sure we can have a lot of fun adding them to our favorite meals this year.

40. The Sip

Erica Davis and Catherine Carter founded champagne membership The Sip to make bubbly more accessible to the average person, and to close the racial gaps in the wine industry.

Black-Owned Leisure + Entertainment Businesses

41. CRWNMAG

CRWNMAG, founded by Lindsey Day & Nkrumah Farrar, is creating a dialogue around natural hair. With their content and available resources, they want to reach the whole, multidimensional, modern Black woman.

Black-Owned Wellness Businesses

42. The Honey Pot Company

The Honey Pot Company makes prioritizing vaginal health easy and accessible for all women. Founder Bea Dixon saw a need and met that need by powering Honey Pot's products with herbs. From menstrual to hygiene products, each once is safely hypoallergenic and dermatologist-approved. The company also gives back 2% of annual profits to bring education about vaginal health to communities that otherwise wouldn't have access.

43. The Educated Birth

Designed to keep the conversation about reproductive health going, The Educated Birth exists as another valuable resource in a critical time where having access to information is vital. You can find information about virtual classes, a directory to qualified healthcare professionals, and more on-site!

44. The Travel Agency

The Travel Agencyis unlike any other service you've utilized. Instead of catching a literal flight, your senses will be heightened by cannabis. That's right, you heard us! Arana Hankin-Biggers co-founded it as a way to give customers a legal way to obtain THC and CBD, and the products don't disappoint!

Black Owned Empowerment Businesses & Services 

45. Black Girls CODE

Kimberly Bryant founded Black Girls CODE to teach young women of color computer programming skills that will help them understand the tech marketplace and close the opportunity gap for Black women.

46. Phenomenal

With their book club, Phenomenal is a creative agency and brand that lifts up communities and voices that have been excluded throughout history.