The chain has reportedly launched a new espresso-based drink in China to celebrate the start of the Lunar New Year that also includes pork sauce and a side of pork brisket.
Starbucks did not respond Fortunequestion about the drink.
The “Abundant Year Savory Latte” will cost brave caffeine hunters who dare to try it 68 yuan, just under $9.50 in US currency. Starbucks, in a post on Chinese social media, described the drink as having “unexpected savory and sweet flavors,” according to a CNN report. It is sold in Starbucks Reserve stores in China.
☕️ Braised pork flavor #coffee Of @Starbucks , priced at 68 yuan ($9.45), would you like to try it? Dubbed “Abundant Year Savory Latte,” the coffee is the debut to celebrate the #ChineseNewYear2024 with its “interesting” flavor. Some netizens describe the coffee as a bit… pic.twitter.com/XIsNF0uhst
— ShanghaiEye🚀official (@ShanghaiEye) February 20, 2024
The pork drink was definitely the most mind-boggling limited-time option for the holidays, but not the only one. Starbucks also offers the “Red Date Rice Flavor Macchiato,” the “Fortune Almond Macchiato,” and the “Black Sesame Latte.”
As for the pork option, it is only available in 25 select locations across the country.
Braised pork is an important item on the menu of many restaurants during the Lunar New Year, as the consumption of meat is said to bring prosperity in the year ahead. Pork Dongu, prepared with braised pork belly, brown sugar, yellow wine and soy sauce, is particularly popular and was the inspiration for the drink.
People, as you might expect, had thoughts on the matter, with one commenter on the Starbucks post reportedly saying “My conclusion is that I can accept these two in my stomach together, but not in my mouth at the same time.”
Starbucks has just under 800 locations in China and continues its expansion there. The company announced last November that it plans to add just under 15,000 locations outside the United States by 2030.
“Three out of four new stores in the near term are expected to open outside of the United States as our store portfolio becomes more global,” said Michael Conway, president of Starbucks’ international and channel development divisions, during a company presentation announcing the opening of new stores. expansion.