Starbucks' Leaked Winter Menu Is Stirring Up Controversy

Nothing says winter like the aroma of warm spices, freshly baked cookies, and bright peppermint, especially when coming from your perfectly customized Starbucks seasonal latte. However, someone got their hands on the soon-to-come Starbucks winter menu, and the people have thoughts. Of course, anytime there are rumored menu changes, some fans are going to be disappointed and others thrilled — everyone has their go-to's.

The alleged new menu, featuring the return of winter favorites, was shared by @markie_devo on Instagram. But it is not what is coming back to the menu that is causing a stir — it is what's missing. Fans are shocked and confused that the Toasted White Mocha is nowhere to be seen, with one user simply commenting, "I can't handle that." A new drink — the Gingerbread Oatmilk Chai Latte — is supposedly debuting in November, but fans were quick to ask if the crave-worthy gingerbread flavor is coming from a gingerbread syrup or a gingerbread chai base.

Though not officially confirmed, someone claiming to be a current employee of Starbucks commented on the initial Instagram post saying that the standalone gingerbread syrup was retired. Others said that it simply doesn't make sense to mix the gingerbread flavoring with a chai base since customization of beverages is so popular. Heartbroken Starbucks fans have also been left asking when they will ever be able to savor eggnog and Irish cream flavors again.

It seems like the Peppermint Mocha, Caramel Brûlée Latte, Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte, and the Chestnut Praline Latte are all coming back. The pumpkin spice family of drinks, including the pumpkin cream cold brew, look like they will stay on the menu through the winter, as well. Fans are also very excited about the launch of holiday cold foams. The cold foams will reportedly use the same syrups as the flavored lattes — chocolate peppermint, sugar cookie, caramel brûlée, and chestnut praline — creating the perfect topper for the iced versions.

As far as winter snacking goes, Starbucks is allegedly bringing back the Cranberry Bliss Bar, Snowman Cookie, Sugar Plum Cheese Danish, Gingerbread Loaf, and Peppermint Brownie Cake Pop. If the rumors are true, most of the new menu will launch on November 2, and the holiday cold foams will hit the menu December 4.

In response to the leaked menu rumors, a Starbucks representative shared the following with Food Republic: "We're sipping on our fall favorites and do not have details to share on Starbucks red cup season just yet. We'll be in touch when we have more details to share."