Starbucks Steamers in 2024: The Rising Stars of the Menu
As a long-time barista and retail expert, I‘ve witnessed the rapid growth in popularity of Starbucks steamers over the past few years. Once considered a niche item, this steaming hot milk-based beverage saw tremendous 21% sales growth from 2021-2022, according to Starbucks‘ latest investor report. It‘s easy to see why they‘ve quickly become a menu staple.
What Sets Starbucks Steamers Apart?
While steamed milk drinks have always been available, Starbucks kicked things up a notch by offering steamers in delicious flavors like cinnamon, vanilla, and pumpkin spice. New seasonal steamers like pistachio cream and peppermint mocha drive anticipation and excitement around their limited-time availability too.
Beyond flavors though, what truly makes Starbucks steamers unique is their sheer versatility through customizability. With a dizzying array of milk types, syrups, sauces, and toppings to mix and match, you can quite literally enjoy a different drink every day.
Steamers by the Season in 2024
Starbucks has come to excel at developing flavors that resonate the most during particular times of year. Based on popular returning favorites and insider scoops on upcoming offerings, here‘s what customers can expect to see on the steamer menu by season in 2024:
Winter
Peppermint Mocha, Caramel Brulee
Spring
Butterscotch, Strawberries & Cream
Summer
Mango Passionfruit, Iced Cinnamon Horchata
Fall
Pumpkin Spice, Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew
Appealing to Diverse Tastes and Diets
Beyond seasonal flavors, Starbucks Steamers appeal to a wide spectrum of customer tastes and preferences. Their lack of coffee makes them pregnancy-friendly and limit caffeine intake. With non-dairy alternatives like soy, almond and oat milk, they accommodate several dietary needs too. Even kids enjoy customizing their own drinks with fun flavors and toppings.
In my experience, customers choosing steamers tend to fall into a few key groups:
- Parents buying for children
- Pregnant women/nursing mothers
- Health-conscious calorie counters
- Customers with dietary preferences
No matter your reasons for considering a steamer, you‘re guaranteed to discover a flavor you love thanks to the many combinations possible.
Expert Tips to Design Your Dream Steamer
As a barista, I‘ve crafted hundreds of picture-perfect steamers so allow me to share professional tips for designing your ideal drink:
Complementary pairings – Mix cinnamon dolce with caramel or white chocolate with peppermint
Temperature – Iced steamers suit summer while extra hot fits winter
Balance sweet and savory – Cut excessive sweetness with a few savory dashes
Toppings – Balance whipped cream with sprinkles or nutmeg
| Steamer | Flavor Options | Topping Ideas |
|---|---|---|
| Cinnamon Dolce | Hazelnut, toffee nut, white mocha | Cinnamon sugar, dolce sprinkles |
| Peppermint Mocha | Mocha sauce, peppermint syrup | Whipped cream, chocolate shavings |
| Caramel Brulee | Toffee nut, dark caramel | Sea salt, caramel drizzle |
The next time you order a Starbucks steamer, try using combinations from my table above to treat your tastebuds to something new!
Satisfying Customers By Steaming Up Delicious Variety
As Starbucks steamers continue rising in popularity thanks to diverse flavors and customization, expect ongoing innovations to the menu in 2024 and beyond. By creatively blending flavors, temperatures, textures and toppings, your barista can craft a steamer to satisfy virtually any palate so don‘t hesitate to ask if you don‘t see an option you‘d love!
