Starbucks is known for its wide variety of syrup flavors that can be added to coffee, espresso drinks, teas, and other beverages. One of their most popular syrup flavors is hazelnut, which has a rich, nutty taste that goes well with many drink options. However, there are times when Starbucks discontinues certain syrup flavors or has shortages due to supply chain issues. Customers often wonder during these times whether hazelnut syrup is still available or when it will return to stores. This article will provide a thorough overview of the current status of Starbucks’ hazelnut syrup and attempt to answer the question: Does Starbucks have hazelnut syrup yet?
Brief History of Hazelnut Syrup at Starbucks
Hazelnut syrup has long been a staple flavor at Starbucks. It was one of the original syrups on the menu when the company was founded in 1971. Through the 1990s and early 2000s, hazelnut remained one of the most popular syrup choices for customers. It developed an iconic association with Starbucks’ beverages and brand image. The rich, nutty flavor complemented espresso drinks like lattes and cappuccinos perfectly. For many customers, hazelnut coffee drinks were a staple order at Starbucks.
The first major disruption to the availability of hazelnut syrup came in 2009. Due to a supply shortage, Starbucks was forced to suspend sales of hazelnut syrup in its stores for several months. Customers were upset over the unavailability of the popular flavor. Starbucks received lots of complaints and requests to bring hazelnut syrup back. This demonstrated just how beloved the hazelnut flavor was by loyal Starbucks patrons.
By 2011, Starbucks was able to restore hazelnut syrup to its menus. Customers rejoiced at its return after a two-year hiatus. The flavor once again became a staple for customers to customize their drinks. Starbucks seemed to have resolved the supply issues that led to hazelnut’s absence.
Recent Hazelnut Syrup Shortages
Just when hazelnut syrup had firmly re-established itself on Starbucks’ menus, shortages hit again in 2020. Distribution issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic caused hazelnut syrup to be temporarily suspended once more. Customers had to forgo their beloved flavor for lattes and cappuccinos.
This shortage was relatively short-lived compared to 2009-2011. By late 2020, Starbucks was able to restore hazelnut to stores in most regions. Yet it seems the supply challenges are not fully resolved. Periodic shortages of hazelnut syrup have continued to pop up at certain locations or regions in 2021 and 2022.
For instance, some Starbucks fans on social media have reported difficulty finding hazelnut syrup in their area as recently as October 2022. However, the shortages seem to be sporadic rather than nationwide like in 2020. Some stores still have hazelnut while others are out. This indicates there are still supply chain factors impacting the availability.
Reasons for Hazelnut Shortages
There are several factors that help explain why Starbucks has had difficulty keeping hazelnut syrup in stock consistently in recent years:
Surging Demand
As Starbucks’ business continues to grow, particularly for specialty beverages customized with syrups, the demand for hazelnut syrup is likely outstripping supply. Hazelnut is one of the most requested flavor additions, so shortages are more pronounced for it than other syrups.
Supply Chain Disruptions
Global supply chains have faced major upheaval in recent years, including shipping logjams, material shortages, and COVID-related factory shutdowns. These disruptions have made it challenging for Starbucks to source enough hazelnut syrup from suppliers to meet demand. Hazelnut may be particularly affected as a food import reliant on stable international shipping.
Climate Change Impact on Hazelnut Crops
Hazelnuts themselves have become more scarce and expensive on global markets in recent years. Major producers like Turkey have seen weaker hazelnut harvests, purportedly due to climate change’s impact. With fewer quality hazelnuts available, hazelnut syrup prices have likely risen, straining Starbucks’ supply.
Rising Ingredient Costs
As a product made from hazelnuts, sugar, and oils, hazelnut syrup’s production costs are vulnerable to commodity price inflation. Surging prices for agricultural commodities and sugar in the past two years have squeezed profit margins for hazelnut syrup makers. This may have contributed to supply shortages.
Status of Hazelnut Syrup Availability
So what’s the current status of hazelnut syrup at Starbucks as of late 2022? The availability seems to be inconsistent and sporadic. Some locations have it, while others have signs apologizing for being out of stock. Certain regions appear harder hit than others by the shortages.
For instance, review sites and social media users indicate hazelnut shortages seem particularly acute in some Western states like California and areas of the Midwest in Fall 2022. Meanwhile, other areas like the East Coast appear to have wider availability. Supply levels can also fluctuate week to week even within the same store.
Overall, the hazelnut syrup supply challenges appear to persist but not be as dire as the nationwide depletion seen in 2020. Starbucks seems to be managing the volatility week by week. But the ingredient does seem prone to periodic shortages that may frustrate customers looking for that nutty flavor addition to their favorite drink.
When Will Hazelnut Syrup Supply Normalize?
It’s unclear when Starbucks will regain consistent inventory levels of hazelnut syrup across all stores. The sporadic shortages indicate that supply is not yet stable and resilient. Starbucks is likely working with suppliers to improve production capacity and inventory management. But external factors like costs and climate conditions remain beyond their control.
Investor earnings calls indicate Starbucks leaders recognize supply chain optimization is still a work in progress. The company is collaborating with suppliers and roasting partners to enhance distribution. But it will take time to increase output to meet customer demand while keeping prices affordable.
Industry analysts predict supply chains as a whole may not stabilize until late 2023 at the soonest. As a non-essential specialty ingredient, hazelnut syrup availability may not fully normalize until 2024 or beyond. Starbucks fans may need to brace for ongoing intermittent shortages of their favorite flavor addition.
Finding Hazelnut Syrup During Shortages
When hazelnut syrup is scarce at your local Starbucks, don’t despair! Here are some tips to still get your hazelnut flavor fix:
Ask Baristas About Availability
Starbucks employees are typically happy to check storage rooms, back shelves, and upcoming inventory shipments to try to find hazelnut syrup for customers. Be polite when asking, and tip well if they can locate a stash of the flavoring!
Call Ahead to Check Stores
Not all locations run out at once. Phone your local stores to see if any nearby have hazelnut in stock, then visit those first. Some may be willing to set aside a bottle for you if you ask nicely.
Inquire About Reserving Bottles
Some regular Starbucks customers have had success asking in advance to reserve unopened hazelnut bottles as soon as a shipment arrives. Offer to pay a deposit if needed to ensure you get your flavor.
Ask For a Raincheck
See if your barista can issue a raincheck or IOU for hazelnut syrup that you can redeem when stock is replenished. Hand them your contact information so they can notify you.
Buy Bottles for Home
Starbucks sells bottles of its hazelnut syrup at many grocery stores. Stock up so you have backup bottles at home for your morning coffee.
Order Online
Check Starbucks’ website or mobile app, as some bottled syrups are available for order online and shipping even when out of stock locally. Subscribe to notifications so you’re alerted immediately upon restocks.
Use Hazelnut Creamer
It’s not exactly the same, but flavored non-dairy creamers like Coffee-mate’s Hazelnut can mimic the flavor profile when syrup isn’t available. Add to your coffee or espresso beverage.
Try Other Nutty Flavors
Branch out and sample similar flavors like almond, pecan, or toffee nut syrups. Starbucks often has those in stock when hazelnut is scarce. The nuttiness may satisfy your craving!
Hazelnut Syrup Alternatives
When hazelnut is totally unavailable, you can replicate its delicious flavor using:
Hazelnut Extract
A few drops of natural hazelnut extract oil can provide intense nutty essence. Use sparingly as it’s very concentrated.
Hazelnut Coffee
Order beans flavored with hazelnut oils or roast levels that accentuate natural nuttiness.
Hazelnut Non-Dairy Milk
Nut milks like almond and coconut are available in hazelnut flavors. Try making your Starbucks drink using those for natural sweet nuttiness.
Chocolate and Caramel
Mixing mocha and caramel syrups can emulate some hazelnut taste components. The bittersweet combo contrasts nicely with milkiness.
Hazelnut Liqueur
For adult beverages, add a splash of ones like Frangelico to coffee cocktails. Use moderation, as liqueurs are high proof.
Nut Sprinkles
Garnish your drink with crunchy chopped hazelnuts, almonds, or pecans. The texture and toasted flavors provide a nut accent.
Conclusion
Starbucks fans may need to make hazelnut syrup a specialty treat rather than a daily staple while supply chain volatility persists. But with proactive checks online and in stores, you can likely find bottles of the treasured flavor. Try to reserve or stash a personal supply so you can still enjoy your favorite hazelnut coffee drinks.
And if you simply can’t get your hands on Starbucks’ branded hazelnut, experiment with nutty extracts, oils, enhanced beans, plant milks, and garnishes to DIY the flavors at home. With some persistence and creativity, you can still get your hazelnut fix!
The love for hazelnut at Starbucks runs deep. The company surely knows customers anxiously await its full return. As supply challenges eventually stabilize over the next year or two, Starbucks will likely once again satisfy demand for its iconic, beloved hazelnut syrup.
