Starbucks fans have been wondering if the popular coffee chain will bring back raspberry syrup after it was discontinued from the menu in 2015. Raspberry syrup was a popular addition to many Starbucks drinks, so its removal was met with disappointment from many customers. This article will examine if Starbucks has any plans to reintroduce raspberry syrup to their menu.
Why Did Starbucks Get Rid of Raspberry Syrup?
In 2015, Starbucks removed raspberry syrup from its menu as part of an effort to streamline offerings and simplify operations. According to a spokesperson at the time, the decision was made to ensure stores could provide consistency and speed of service. Removing slower-moving menu items allowed baristas to focus on more popular drinks.
Raspberry syrup required particular maintenance that other syrups did not. Specifically, the seeds in raspberry syrup had a tendency to clog up drink spouts and machinery behind the counter. This required extra cleaning and maintenance that was ultimately deemed not worth the effort for an item not purchased as frequently as other options.
Additionally, raspberry syrup had to be made in smaller, more labor-intensive batches compared to other syrups. For these reasons, Starbucks felt discontinuing raspberry syrup would improve efficiency and allow employees to better focus on core menu offerings.
Strong Customer Demand for Raspberry Syrup
While Starbucks had their operational reasons for removing raspberry syrup, many customers were upset by its disappearance. Raspberry is a popular flavor, and the syrup was a unique offering that set Starbucks drinks apart from competitors.
Surveys and online petitions after it was discontinued showed strong customer demand for the return of raspberry syrup. Many customers felt Starbucks was taking away part of what made the chain special. In particular, drinks like the Raspberry Mocha and Raspberry Latte had strong followings.
On Starbucks’ own website, user comments on raspberry syrup’s removal were overwhelmingly negative. Customers made it clear this was a flavor they were not willing to give up easily.
Petitions and Requests for Raspberry’s Return
In the years since raspberry syrup was removed from menus, Starbucks customers have continued to request its return. A petition on Change.org asking Starbucks to bring back raspberry syrup has over 5,000 signatures. Comments show that patrons have fond memories of their favorite raspberry drinks.
Social media sites like Twitter and Facebook also see regular calls for Starbucks to resume raspberry syrup. Posts with the hashtag #BringBackRaspberrySyrup are common. So while Starbucks had their reasons for discontinuing it, consumers never lost their demand.
Has Starbucks Given Any Indication on Raspberry Syrup?
Starbucks has generally remained quiet about whether raspberry syrup could return in the future. The company tends to not publicly comment on the possibility of bringing back discontinued menu items.
That said, customer requests do seem to have made an impact. In 2016, a year after raspberry syrup was removed, Starbucks surveyed patrons about flavors they would like to see again. Raspberry topped the list by a significant margin.
Starbucks also began testing raspberry syrup in select stores after its discontinuation. Reports indicate it was available at some locations in the Midwest and Pacific Northwest for limited times. This could signal that Starbucks is considering ways to bring it back on a larger scale.
Operational Issues Still a Barrier
One major factor still working against raspberry syrup’s return is the operational issues that led to its removal. The seed and machinery challenges that complicated raspberry syrup’s preparation still present a real obstacle.
With over 15,000 Starbucks locations in the United States, implementing raspberry syrup across the entire supply chain would require significant coordination. Everything from sourcing raspberry puree to training staff on properly handling the syrup would need to be accounted for.
Streamlining operations has only grown more important for Starbucks in recent years. The company has invested heavily in simplifying stores to improve speed of service. Reintroducing a labor-intensive syrup like raspberry would seem at odds with that priority.
Limited Time Offerings Could Be a Solution
One potential compromise for Starbucks is to bring back raspberry syrup for limited time offerings. It could be featured as a seasonal drink to satisfy customer demand without the year-round commitment.
Starbucks has had success with limited time drinks before, such as the Pumpkin Spice Latte only available in fall. Limited runs of raspberry drinks would allow stores to offer that flavor experience while avoiding permanent menu complications.
This would provide a nice middle ground between calls to bring back raspberry and the operational concerns that caused its removal. Even if only for a few weeks a year, it would give customers their raspberry fix in a strategically managed way.
Raspberry Could Also Return in New Forms
Beyond limited times, Starbucks may also find ways to integrate raspberry back into the menu using new methods. One option could be offering raspberry flavoring powders or sprinkles to add on top of drinks.
Raspberry purees could also potentially be used in baked goods like muffins and scones or oatmeal cups. Raspberry juice or concentrates could provide the flavor while avoiding issues of seeds clogging machinery.
These alternative forms may ultimately be how Starbucks reintroduces raspberry flavor. While not quite the same as raspberry syrup in drinks, it could satisfy customer demands in a more operationally feasible way if executed well.
Third Party Raspberry Syrups Present Another Option
Some Starbucks customers have already begun bringing their own raspberry syrups to add to drinks. Independent companies like Torani, Monin, and DaVinci Gourmet make raspberry syrups that can be added by request.
While Starbucks employees aren’t supposed to prepare drinks with outside products, many will still accommodate customer requests to add a pump or two of third party syrups. This provides a backdoor way to unofficially reintroduce raspberry flavor for those willing to bring their own.
If this trend grows more prevalent, Starbucks may see value in establishing official partnerships to offer approved third party raspberry syrups. Offering Torani or DaVinci raspberry syrups could give customers what they want while letting Starbucks avoid manufacturing their own.
Partnerships Would Have Logistical Challenges
However, major logistical challenges could make third party partnerships difficult to implement across thousands of stores. Inventory management, supplier agreements, quality control, and staff training would all need to be navigated.
It’s likely simpler for Starbucks to engineer its own internal raspberry solution rather than coordinate a nationwide launch of an outside product. But the option remains on the table if customer demand is strong enough.
Uncertainty Remains on Raspberry’s Future
So could raspberry syrup finally make a comeback at Starbucks in the future? Unfortunately there is no definitive answer yet. The company remains non-committal about its plans.
In 2020, a spokesperson said there were no immediate plans to bring back raspberry syrup but that Starbucks was always listening to customer feedback. This means hope is not entirely lost, but a return does not seem imminent.
It ultimately may come down to finding the right balance between operational practicality and customer satisfaction. With enough voices speaking up for raspberry, Starbucks will eventually have to find a solution.
Innovation Could Lead to Raspberry’s Return
One wildcard factor is Starbucks’ innovation. With enough creativity, the company may find new ways to overcome the supply chain and machinery challenges that restricted raspberry syrup in the past. New sourcing methods or production technologies can’t be ruled out.
Starbucks employs food scientists and engineers who can pioneer novel approaches to offering beloved flavors. So innovation may eventually pave the way for raspberry to make a long-awaited comeback.
The Bottom Line
While Starbucks has given no official confirmation about raspberry syrup returning, the company seems to recognize the demand is still very real. Between customer petitions, social media buzz, and limited market testing, raspberry remains firmly on Starbucks’ radar.
Operational hurdles continue to pose challenges, but with some flexibility and creativity, Starbucks should be able to find a solution. Whether for a limited time or in a modified form, the chances seem reasonably strong that raspberry will return in some capacity.
The bottom line is Starbucks will have to resolve the disconnect between customer desires and business priorities. Raspberry syrup’s popularity makes it hard to ignore forever. It may take some patience, but patrons may once again get to enjoy raspberry’s unique flavor in their drinks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was raspberry syrup removed from Starbucks originally?
Starbucks removed raspberry syrup in 2015 to streamline operations. The seeds caused machinery problems and it was labor intensive to make in smaller batches. Discontinuing it allowed employees to focus on more popular menu items.
How have customers responded to raspberry syrup being discontinued?
Many Starbucks patrons were upset about raspberry syrup going away. Surveys, online petitions, and social media posts have shown strong demand for Starbucks to bring it back.
Has Starbucks indicated they may bring raspberry syrup back?
Starbucks has acknowledged customer demand for raspberry but has no official plans for its return. However, limited market testing suggests it remains under consideration.
What are some ways raspberry syrup could return to Starbucks?
Potential options include limited time seasonal offerings, flavored powders or sprinkles, baked goods, partnering with third party syrup brands, or developing new preparation methods.
When could we see raspberry syrup return to Starbucks menus?
Unfortunately no specific timeline exists. Innovation and finding the right balance between demand and operations will determine if and when raspberry returns to Starbucks.
