Starbucks is Changing its Ice Cubes

Starbucks announced a change to its ice, and yes, this is a big deal.

Starbucks fans had quite a lot to say after the company announced that select locations would be switching to nugget ice instead of cubed ice this year.

Although this change might seem miniscule, ice is actually a key ingredient in many Starbucks beverages. Actually, according to CNN, iced handcrafted beverages now account for around 75% of Starbucks’ sales.

Nugget ice, also referred to as pellet ice, can be compared to the ice served at Sonic and has a chewier or flakier texture, some customers noted. Customers also expressed concerns that pellet ice will melt faster, watering down drinks and changing the texture of the Frappuccino, per CNN.

Starbucks fought back against customers’ skepticism noting, nugget ice does not melt any quicker than cubed ice and drinks will not be served with any less ice because baristas will keep using the same scoop.

A Starbucks spokesperson told Fox Business that the machines allow “partners to focus on delivering the Starbucks Experience while hand-crafting the same delicious, high-quality iced beverages our customers have come to expect from Starbucks.”