Starbucks has removed a powdered ingredient from its blended drinks after baristas reported respiratory issues. The company confirmed the change following complaints about clouds of dust during preparation. Staff said the powder left them coughing and sneezing while making beverages.
The ingredient, a silica-based powder, was used in several blended drink recipes. Baristas described particles floating in the air during mixing. Some workers voiced concerns about repeated exposure over shifts. Others noted that masks were not always available or practical in busy stores.
Starbucks said the decision came after internal reviews and employee feedback. The company emphasized that safety remains a priority. Health experts note that inhaling fine silica dust can irritate airways over time. However, no long-term health effects were cited in this case.
The powder has been replaced with an alternative formulation. The company did not specify when the change fully rolled out. Baristas in multiple locations said they noticed the difference within weeks. Managers were instructed to discard remaining stock promptly.
Customer orders for blended drinks remain unaffected. The new ingredient aims to preserve texture and taste. Starbucks said early testing showed no noticeable change in product quality. Regular customers have not reported any differences in their beverages.
Worker advocates welcomed the move but called for broader transparency. They argued that ingredient changes should be communicated more clearly. Some baristas said they wished the company had acted sooner. Others appreciated the swift response once complaints escalated.
Starbucks has not disclosed the number of complaints received. The company stated that reports were taken seriously and reviewed individually. It also encouraged employees to use established reporting channels. Future ingredient updates will undergo stricter respiratory safety checks, the company said.
