By Clark 
Hold onto your cold brew cups, folks—Starbucks has just shaken things up in a big way. After nearly two decades of serving the same iced coffee blend, the coffee giant has officially changed its signature formula, and it’s already making waves among caffeine lovers. As of October 2024, Starbucks introduced a brand-new iced coffee blend, marking the first update to this beloved drink since 2006.
What’s New About the Blend?
The new iced coffee blend, simply called “Cold & Bold,” is designed to deliver a smoother and more vibrant flavor profile, perfectly suited for chilled drinks. Starbucks described it as having richer caramel notes and a more robust body compared to the previous blend, which was known for its lighter, more mellow flavor.
The idea behind the change? To give customers a bolder, more refreshing iced coffee experience that holds up better in iced drinks while still being enjoyable on its own.
The new blend also caters to evolving coffee preferences. Over the last few years, cold coffee drinks, especially cold brew and iced espresso-based beverages, have become some of the most popular items on Starbucks’ menu. As more people gravitate toward cold drinks—even in colder weather—Starbucks decided it was time to refresh its classic iced coffee formula to match modern tastes.
Why Now?
For nearly 18 years, Starbucks’ original iced coffee blend served as the backbone of its iced beverages, and let’s face it—it’s been a fan favorite. But with the rise of specialty cold coffees like nitro cold brew, iced shaken espressos, and creative seasonal cold drinks, the company saw an opportunity to update its traditional iced coffee to better align with today’s more complex and adventurous flavor trends.
In a statement, Starbucks’ chief coffee officer explained, “Cold coffee is no longer just a seasonal trend. It’s become a year-round staple for so many of our customers. We wanted to create a blend that would enhance their iced coffee experience—something smoother, bolder, and more flavorful, even as the ice melts.”
The Reaction So Far
While some customers are loving the switch, noting that the new blend has more depth and a richer, slightly sweet finish, others are a bit nostalgic for the old formula. On social media, opinions are divided, with some long-time fans expressing surprise at the change after so many years of consistency.
However, plenty of customers are embracing the new boldness, calling it the perfect base for customizing iced coffee with flavored syrups, milk alternatives, and sweeteners.
Coffee connoisseurs have pointed out that the new blend pairs exceptionally well with cold brew or iced lattes, offering a stronger base that cuts through the milk or cream for a more defined coffee flavor.
What Does This Mean for Your Order?
Whether you’re an iced coffee purist who enjoys it black, or you like to spice things up with a splash of almond milk and vanilla syrup, the new Cold & Bold blend is versatile enough to suit any flavor profile.
Starbucks insists that the change will not affect the taste of its other cold favorites, like Cold Brew or Nitro Cold Brew, which are made with different, slower-brewed beans. The update only applies to Starbucks’ regular iced coffee offerings.
The new blend is already being rolled out across U.S. and Canadian stores, so if you’re a frequent iced coffee drinker, you might have already tasted the difference without even knowing it!
A New Era of Iced Coffee
This change marks a significant moment in Starbucks’ history, as it’s not just an update to a recipe but also a response to how coffee culture has evolved. With cold drinks becoming the go-to for millions of customers year-round, Starbucks is ensuring they stay at the forefront of the iced coffee game.
If you haven’t tried the new blend yet, swing by your local Starbucks and give it a go. Whether you’re team Cold & Bold or already missing the old-school brew, one thing’s for sure: Starbucks is committed to keeping our coffee routines exciting—even after 18 years of sticking with a classic.
What do you think of the new iced coffee blend? Will it become your new favorite or are you hoping for a comeback of the original?