Starbucks is ushering in a whole lot of changes this year, but it’ll all be worth it, according to its new CEO Brian Niccol.
Many of the changes were teased late last year, but now that we’re a quarter of the way through 2025, let’s review all the updates the brand has rolled out as part of a larger plan to achieve the “right vibe.”
Biggest Starbucks Updates in 2025
Handwriting on cups is back
Bringing back handwriting on cups has inspired its own trend, which some baristas admit they can’t stand, but it’s also Niccol’s way of bringing a sense of community back to Starbucks coffee shops.
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Expanded free refills policy
Earlier this year, Starbucks expanded its free refills policy to make more customers eligible for another cup on the house than ever before.
Previously, only Starbucks Rewards members were eligible for the complimentary drink refill, but not anymore. Now, anyone who orders hot or iced coffee or tea to stay can ask for another cup during that same visit for no additional charge at participating locations.
Downsized its menu
By far one of the biggest changes to be adopted this year was when the company revealed it would be cutting its menus by 30 percent. For the first wave of cuts, which were announced in February, the brand explained the items it would no longer be serving “aren’t commonly purchased, can be complex to make, or are similar to other beverages on the menu.”
A few of the items to go first were its Iced Matcha Lemonade, Java Chip Frappuccino, White Hot Chocolate, Caramel Ribbon Crunch Crème Frappuccino and Honey Almondmilk Flat White.
That said, it’s still satisfying fans’ needs for seasonal flavors, unveiling several new, freshly crafted drinks and the return of its popular limited-edition lavender drink menu.
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Related: Starbucks Just Made This Big Change to a Popular Menu Item and Fans Say They ‘Couldn’t Be Happier’
Revamped its mobile order system
Back in December 2024, Starbucks hinted that it was working on changes to make in-app and mobile orders more efficient, improving “transparency and simplicity.” Fast forward a few months and in February 2025, Niccol revealed that there would now be limits on mobile ordering, which would only allow for up to 12 items to be purchased in a single order in an effort to decrease wait times for pickup.
As for in-store orders, Niccol is also working on improving wait times, setting an ambitious goal for locations to make fresh-brewed coffee in under four minutes.
Introduced more sustainable to-go cups
While not all locations are making the move away from plastic cups, many are choosing to adopt more sustainable options and utilizing disposable non-plastic cups made out of a fiber-based paperboard with bioplastic linings (similar to what’s used for hot drinks) for to-go orders. Not everyone is a fan, though.
Related: Starbucks’ Spring Tumbler Collection Has Fans Sprinting to Grab One: ‘So Many Good Choices’
Rescinded its open-door policy
Starbucks used to let people just use their bathrooms or sit in the cafe to study, but that was before January 13, when it unveiled an updated store policy that says non-paying customers would no longer be welcome to sit inside or use the restrooms and that employees would be receiving training to help enforce the controversial new policy.
Along with all the updates to Starbucks locations, the beloved coffee company has also worked to revamp its at-home product offerings with an improved version of instant coffee, new Nespresso pods, limited-edition cup and tumbler collabs, and several new ready-to-drink beverages.
Removed the fee for non-dairy milk substitutions
Okay so this change didn’t happen in 2025, but in the weeks leading up to it. However, according to Starbucks, the decision was a big one as it addressed “the second most requested customization” from customers (behind adding a shot of espresso): Swapping milk for a non-dairy alternative (oat, almond, soy, coconut). Which, like adding a shot, used to come with an added fee up until the company did away with the upcharge in November 2024.
