OMG! Starbucks Changed Their Iced Coffee Recipe For The First Time In 18 Years

Meredith Holser
Aug 13, 2024
​Starbucks iced coffee update

It’s true – Starbucksvery quietly changed their iced coffee recipe this year. According to TODAY, the coffee chain rolled out a major update on May 7, 2024, though it’s not as obvious as you’d think.

Starbucks

Per TODAY, Starbucks started making their iced coffee with entirely different coffee beans in May. The recipe leverages “sun-dried and washed” Latin American coffee beans that, according to Starbucks, yields an “approachable and refreshing” flavor “with notes of malted milk chocolate and a brown-sugar sweetness.”

Starbucks

This was the first time Starbucks’ iced coffee method has changed in a whopping 18 years. But the type of coffee beans isn’t the only thing that was updated.

Starbucks

Before the changes in May, the standard recipe for Starbucks’ iced coffee included pumps of classic syrup to sweeten each sip. Many customers were ordering the drink without classic syrup – enough to warrant a change to the default drink construction. Now, unsweetened iced coffee is the standard.

Starbucks

The majority of orders placed at Starbucks are iced drinks like iced coffees, cold brews, Frappuccinos, iced teas, and the like, so it’s no surprise that they’d want to improve the recipe for their iced coffee.

Starbucks

Die-hard Starbucks fans took to social media to share their thoughts about the change when it happened in May. The difference in taste was obvious to some.

A Reddit user noted that their regular iced coffee order tasted “burnt.” Another thought it definitely tasted “soured” after the reported change. “I am devastated,” one user wrote.

Subscribe to our newsletter for more food news!

This post has been updated.

Trader Joe’s New $4 Dessert Is Here To Replace Your Costly Starbucks Habit

Starbucks fans, rejoice!Trader Joe’s just dropped an earth-shattering dessert that mimics the coffee chain’s most popular grab-and-go dessert. You’re gonna want to run to TJ’s as soon as possible to see if it’s in stock, because not only is it tasty, it’s also a total steal compared to what you’d typically spend for a sweet treat at Starbucks.

Scroll on to discover the brand-new Trader Joe’s dessert that’s definitely making me rethink my drive-thru habit!

Trader Joe’s

Introducing Trader Joe’s Sprinkle Cake Bites: bite-sized cake balls baked with a “rich and moist” batter, coated in a white confectionary coating, and tossed in adorable little multicolored sprinkles to maximize snacking joy. Yeah, I’m already obsessed.

Ksenia Chernaya / PEXELS

Trader Joe’s crafted their new Sprinkle Cake Bites out of the belief that cake is just too good a dessert to wait for birthdays and anniversaries to eat it – and I wholeheartedly agree. Their small size makes everyday indulgence a possibility, though knowing myself, I could easily eat the entire box!

Starbucks

Now, I’m clearly not one to deny myself something sweet, and my sugar cravings get especially enticed when I roll up to the Starbucks drive-thru for a caffeinated pick-me-up. More often than not, I’ll leave the establishment with not only my typical iced latte, but also a cake pop in-hand. All their cake pops are so delicious, but I also know they’re not necessarily great for my health (or my wallet).

Ivan Samkov / PEXELS

Great news, though: while a singleStarbucks cake popcosts $3.25, this 6-pack (yes, 6!) of Trader Joe’s Sprinkle Cake Bites is just $3.99. Plus, on average, Starbucks’ cake pops (varying flavors) also contain 160 calories and 16 grams of sugar, while one of the Trader Joe’s Sprinkle Cake Bites has 120 calories and 13 grams of sugar. The only thing that’s missing from TJ’s iteration is the stick.

Alexander Wark Feeney / PEXELS

The Trader Joe’s Sprinkle Cake Bites will definitely be on regular rotation in my kitchen, starting now. In addition to mid-workday snacking, I’ll also be snagging some boxes for friends’ birthdays and to share at this year’s Galentine’s Day party!

Subscribe to our newsletter to discover more amazing grocery finds from Trader Joe's, Costco, Target, and more!

food newstrader joe'sdessertcake popsstarbucksgrocery shoppingfood

Every Character Returning For '1923' Season 2

After a two-year wait, 1923 season 2 is finally just over a month away from being on our screens. While we have a lot of questions about what will happen to the Duttons, Teonna, and the Yellowstone ranch, there's one thing we know for certain: this show wouldn't be the same without its cast.

Here's the full list of 1923 season 2 characters, from Harrison Ford's Jacob Dutton to Brandon Sklenar's Spencer Dutton.

1. Harrison Ford As Jacob Dutton

Christopher Saunders/Paramount+

Icon Harrison Ford plays patriarch Jacob Dutton, brother to 1883's James Dutton (meaning he's Spencer's uncle) and Cara's husband.

2. Helen Mirren as Cara Dutton

Emerson Miller/Paramount+

Helen Mirren stars as Jacob's wife Cara Dutton, who's totally capable of holding down the fort at the Yellowstone ranch — and writes to tell Spencer at the end of season 1 they need him to come home.

3. Brandon Sklenar as Spencer Dutton

Emerson Miller/Paramount+

It Ends With Us' Brandon Sklenar returns in 1923 season 2 as Spencer Dutton, the younger brother of Elsa and John from 1883. He's a soldier-turned-hunter in Africa who meets Alexandra on a job before learning the ranch is in jeopardy.

4. Julia Schlaepfer as Alex Dutton

Lo Smith/Paramount+

Julia Schlaepfer's Alex Dutton quickly falls for Spencer after their first meeting (ditching her fiancé Arthur in the process), and joins him on his adventure. After they're called back to Montana, Alex and Spencer get separated when they cross paths with Arthur, and a duel with Spencer leads to Arthur's death.

5. Darren Mann as Jack Dutton

Emerson Miller/Paramount+

Darren Man plays Jack Dutton, Jacob's great-nephew (and Spencer's nephew) who lives on the ranch with Jacob, Cara, and his new wife Elizabeth.

6. Michelle Randolph as Elizabeth Dutton

Christopher Saunders/Paramount+

Elizabeth Dutton is Jack's wife and is played by Michelle Randolph (who you'll recognize from Landman!). They're madly in love and conceive their first child during the first season, but Elizabeth miscarries in the season finale.

7. Aminah Nieves as Teonna Rainwater

Emerson Miller/Paramount+

Aminah Nieves returns in 1923 season 2 as Teonna Rainwater, who's just escaped the abusive Catholic boarding school that took her from her family. Finally reunited with her father and her friend Pete, it looks like Teonna is finally safe.

8. ​Brian Geraghty as Zane Davis

Trae Patton/Paramount+

1923 season 2 also includes Brian Geraghty as Zane Davis, foreman for the Yellowstone ranch who gets jumped by the police at the end of season 1 after Whitfield and Banner go after the Duttons.

9. Jerome Flynn as Banner Creighton

Christopher Saunders/Paramount+

Jerome Flynn's Banner Creighton is set on bringing the Duttons down, and now that he's out of prison, he's ready for round 2.

10. Sebastian Roché as Father Renaud

Emerson Miller/Paramount+

1923 season 2 (unfortunately) stars Sebastian Roché as Father Renaud (I'm sure Sebastian is great, but I literally hate this character), who's hunting Teonna.

11. Isabel May as Elsa Dutton

Emerson Miller/Paramount+

1883's Elsa Dutton (played by Isabel May) returns for 1923 season 2 as the narrator looking over the story — and her family.

12. Andy Dispensa as Luca

5&2 Productions

Our new 1923 season 2 character is Luca (played by The Chosen's Andy Dispensa), who's “a young man working in the engine room of a merchant ship," so he's sure to cross paths with Spencer.

Which 1923 season 2 characters are you most excited to see again? Read up on the The 1923 Season 1 Ending, Deaths, & Betrayals before the new episodes drop. And don't forget to check out 14 New TV Shows To Watch In February.

pop cultureentertainmenttv

17 Vegan Starbucks Drinks & Foods Plant-Based Eaters Need To Know About

Eating out as a vegan can be a true challenge, especially if you don’t exactly know that what you’re ordering is 100% vegan. Fast food faves like McDonald’s and Taco Bell are secretly packed with vegan items, and Starbucks is no exception. From oat milk coffees to satisfyingly savory snacks, you’ve actually got plenty of plant-based choices when you pull up at your local Starbucks.

Scroll on to explore every vegan Starbucks drink and food item you can add to your order!

Vegan Starbucks Drinks

Starbucks

1. Brown Sugar Oatmilk Cortado

This new-to-the-menu espresso drink combines brown sugar syrup and oat milk to balance out the punchy coffee notes.

Starbucks

2. Latte (Iced + Hot)

You can totally enjoy a latte at Starbucks if you're vegan. Their oat, almond, coconut, and soy milks are vegan, plus many of their syrups qualify as vegan, too, if you want to flavor up your drink. According to this Starbucks supervisor, all of Starbucks "clear" syrups are vegan and dairy-free. Starbucks' regular and white mocha sauces and caramel drizzle are also vegan and dairy-free.

Starbucks

3. Americano (Iced + Hot)

Starbucks' Americanos are just water and espresso, so you don't have to worry about any dairy being in there. Optionally, you could ask for a splash of non-dairy milk and pumps of your fave syrup.

Starbucks

4. Brewed Coffee (Iced + Hot)

Same goes for their brewed coffees, including iced coffee. Easily ask your barista to add in some non-dairy milk and a few pumps of syrup if you desire!

Starbucks

5. Nondairy Salted Caramel Cream Cold Brew

This vegan cold brew drink is crafted with non-dairy cold foam that's flavored with salted caramel – and it's delish!

Starbucks

6. Nitro Cold Brew

A plain nitro cold brew from Starbucks is fully vegan and dairy-free. You can choose to add a splash of non-dairy milk, if you wish your sip to be a bit smoother and creamier.

Starbucks

7. Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso

This one's a classic: shots of espresso get shaken up with ice and brown sugar syrup to create a frothy foam, then the drink is topped off with oat milk to cut the bitterness. It's quite a delectable order, even if you're not eating fully vegan.

Starbucks

8. Starbucks Refreshers

All of Starbucks' fruity Refreshers are vegan. Plus, you can can add lemonade, tea, other flavor inclusions like strawberry and peach to add some extra oomph.

Starbucks

9. Iced Black Tea

Their refreshing iced black tea is certifiably vegan, too.

Starbucks

10. Iced Green Tea

If you prefer green tea, Starbucks' offering is vegan-friendly. If you tend to take your tea a bit sweeter, just order it with however many packets of your preferred sweetener, and your barista will add it in.

Starbucks

11. Lemonade

You truly can't go wrong with a lemonade!

Starbucks

12. Hot Teas

Starbucks' hot teas are totally vegan, too. If you want to make them fancier, ask for an additional splash of your go-to non-dairy milk!

Vegan Starbucks Foods

Starbucks

1. Rolled & Steel-Cut Oatmeal

Now onto the food! First up is Starbucks' oatmeal, which you can fancy up with nuts, berries, and brown sugar. Make sure to order it with water to ensure it stays vegan.

Starbucks

2. Plain Bagel

Surprisingly, Starbucks' bagels are also vegan.

Starbucks

3. Everything Bagel

The plain and everything bagels will work for any vegan eater.

Starbucks

4. Avocado Spread

Plus, you can order your bagel with a side of this delicious avocado spread for a nutritious boost!

Starbucks

5. Spicy Falafel Pocket

This 100% vegan snack pocket is new to the Starbucks menu, but it's already become a fan-favorite amongst vegans and non-vegans alike.

Starbucks

6. Chipotle Almond Dip

You can order the Spicy Falafel Pocket with a side of this fully-vegan Chipotle Almond Dip (AKA Bitchin’ Sauce). Yum.

Subscribe to our newsletter to discover more amazing Starbucks orders!

food newsmenufast foodstarbuckscoffeevegan foodfood

The 20 Best Valentine’s Day Gifts Under $20

Valentine’s Day gifts aren't always about giving the most extravagant and most expensive items – you can totally steal your sweetie’s heart with options that don’t break the bank. These 20 adorable gifts under $20 are sure to impress your loved one this year, no matter their personal taste. From cozy socks to gourmet chocolates, our list of Valentine’s Day gifts under $20 is totally thoughtful.

Scroll on for the best Valentine’s Day gifts for 2025, all under $20!

Anthropologie

Anthropologie Love Notes Juice Glass

This sweet lettered glass will remind them of your love every time they go to sip their water, coffee, tea, or juice!

Sephora

Glossier Black Cherry Balm Dotcom

This new lip balm shade from Glossier is V-Day's perfect match. It's like a hybrid between a lip balm and a lip gloss, since it's subtly pigmented.

Target

Target Valentine's Day Cozy Crew Socks

Cozy socks will always be a reliable gift idea, especially when they've got cute little hearts on 'em!

Compartés

Compartés Strawberry Champagne Chocolate Bar

This luxe chocolate bar includes notes of strawberries and champagne for a fully fitting Valentine's snack. They'll wanna down it in a single sitting!

Amazon

PaintLab Heart Press-On Nails

Help them complete their Valentine's date night look with these adorable press-on nails!

Life Is Good

Life Is Good Ma Cherie Boxy Crusher Tee

This boxy t-shirt with a very-V-Day design on the front is also just super adorable for year-round wear.

Amazon

Folkulture Incense Sticks

If they're into incense, they're gonna love winding down with these earthy (and aesthetically-pleasing!) scents.

Flewd

Flewd Ache-Erasing Bath Soak

This bath soak for achy muscles makes yet another fantastic addition to their next self-care night.

Free People

Seeing Stars Book

This playful zodiac book is tailored towards each of the star signs, helping them understand their specific sign and how it plays within the astrological universe.

Target

Room Essentials Printed Plush Throw

This cozy throw blanket would be so cute in a V-Day gift basket alongside some rom-com DVDs and movie candy to set the scene for a romantic at-home movie night!

Anthropologie

Anthropologie Heart-Shaped Stoneware Ramekin

Got a baker in your life? They'll def make use of this adorable heart-shaped ramekin, just in time for Valentine's Day celebrations!

Target

Naturium The Glow Getter Multi-Oil Hydrating Body Wash

​

Naturium The Glow Getter Multi-Oil Hydrating Body Wash

This nourishing body wash will feel like a major step-up from their typical shower routine. It gives a nice luxury feel without the luxury price tag.

Nordstrom

Nordstrom Apres Skis Crew Socks

With the proper shoe, these knit socks will show the reason for the V-Day season: hearts on hearts!

Amazon

Versed Sweet Relief Night Mask + Face Balm

This thick night mask swarms the skin in moisture and also helps build a solid barrier to keep the moisture from escaping overnight, letting your giftee wake up to healthy, hydrated skin in the AM every time.

Baggu

Baggu Standard Reusable Bag

Baggu bags are beloved for a reason. If they've got stuff to tote around like heavy Trader Joe's hauls, thrift store finds, and crafting goodies, these make the perfect stylish carrier!

Target

Threshold 'You Are Loved' Mug

This cute $5 striped mug makes the ultimate loving reminder for your BFF, significant other, or parent.

Amazon

Astor Chocolate Moodibars Gourmet Chocolate Tiles Sampler

This chocolate sampler comes ready with lots of different flavors to suit your giftee's multiple moods, like Dark Strawberry Champagne, Milk Caramel, Milk Toffee Crunch, and Dark Espresso. Yum!

Lush

Lush Love Letter Bath Bomb

What better way to help them relax and unwind on V-Day than a luscious Lush bath bomb?! This one's shaped like a love letter and smells just like a "sweet and creamy" strawberry sundae.

Copper Cow Coffee

Copper Cow Classic Black Ground Coffee

For the coffee fiend, this classic black ground coffee creates the perfect cup that they can easily sip on its own or customize to their liking.

Ulta

e.l.f. Glow Reviver Lip Oil

Gift the perfect glowy pout with this cult-fave lip oil – it's just $8!

Subscribe to our newsletter for more stunning gift inspiration all year long!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

valentines dayvalentines gift guidegift ideasunder $25editecomgifts

This 'Landman' Star Just Spilled On Filming Season 2

The Landman season 1 finale left fans with a shocking ending — and plenty of questions. In addition to wondering if Monty made it out alive and how Tommy and Galino could possible work together, I've got one question that feels more important than anything else: Will there be a season 2 for Landman? This is one new TV show I want to last forever!

Here's everything we know about about Landman season 2, including when they could start filming.


The 'Landman' cast and creator are hopeful for a season 2.

Emerson Miller/Paramount+

We haven't gotten an official Landman season 2 announcement yet, but star Billy Bob Thornton feels hopeful. "Usually shows that are this successful, they’d do it again," he tells The Hollywood Reporter. "So, I can only imagine that they would, but I don’t know for sure."

He also revealed to Entertainment Weekly that if they're able to film a season 2, "it's going to be sometime around February, March, somewhere in there. I mean, we'll see. It just depends on how the chips may fall, you never know in this business. But if we do it, I think [we’re] going to try to do it around that.”

Creator Christian Wallace would love to bring the story into a second season — especially the ever-evolving relationship between Tommy and Galino. "I would be excited to see Andy and Billy continue acting together because they’re just such an incredible duo — both obviously just great actors and so fun to watch," he tells TV Insider. "As far as Andy’s storyline, what I would hope to see is just what it looks like to have in the cartel a very savvy, smart businessman who happens to be in an illegal business, working alongside Tommy in this legitimate business, and both the rewards and the complications that could bring to both men. I think that would be a fascinating thing to watch play out."

And after Demi Moore's passionate monlogue in the finale (and THAT Golden Globes speech), he promises that, "if the show were to go forward, I think everyone involved would love to see more of Cami and more of Demi."

When is Landman season 2 coming out?

Emerson Miller/Paramount+

We're still waiting to hear whether Landman season 2 will be greenlit by Paramount, but if the series receives the go-ahead, they could start filming in 2025! Other Paramount+ TV shows like 1923 and Yellowstone have had two years between seasons in the past so we could have to wait until the fall of 2026 to see new episodes.

Who's in the Landman cast?

The cast for the first season of Landman includes Billy Bob Thornton as Tommy Norris, Ali Larter as Angela Norris, Michelle Randolph as Ainsley Norris, Jacob Lofland as Cooper Norris, Kayla Wallace as Rebecca Falcone, James Jordan as Dale Bradley, Mark Collie as Walt Joeberg, Paulina Chávez as Ariana, Demi Moore as Cami Miller, Jon Hamm as Monty Miller, Andy Garcia as Gallino, and Michael Peña as Armando.

Stay tuned for the latest news on Landman season 2, and read up on the other January TV shows to watch this month.

pop cultureentertainmenttv