Creamy cold foam cascades in perfect layers, transforming the familiar Frappuccino into something unexpectedly elegant. Starbucks unveiled its Strato™ Frappuccino® blended beverages nationwide on July 8, introducing three flavor combinations that replace traditional whipped cream with artfully layered cold foam. The Brown Sugar, Strawberry Matcha, and Salted Caramel Mocha varieties mark a strategic pivot toward more sophisticated presentation while honoring the beloved blended drink’s 30-year legacy.
Layered Innovation Meets Classic Appeal
Named after the Italian word for “layer,” these limited-time offerings represent Starbucks’ most significant Frappuccino innovation in recent years. Each drink features distinct visual stratification, creating an Instagram-worthy experience that appeals to both longtime fans and newcomers seeking photogenic beverages. The cold foam technology delivers a velvety texture that slowly mingles with the base, offering evolving flavor profiles throughout each sip.
The flavor profiles showcase contemporary tastes while maintaining familiar comfort. The Brown Sugar Strato combines Frappuccino Roast coffee with brown sugar-flavored cold foam and cinnamon, echoing the popularity of brown sugar coffee drinks. Strawberry Matcha presents an unexpected pairing—unsweetened matcha base crowned with strawberry-flavored foam that creates a striking visual contrast. The Salted Caramel Mocha balances indulgent chocolate and caramel with salted caramel cold foam and drizzle.
“It’s the perfect time for a beverage like this… Customers know and love the Frappuccino.“ — Susan Engdahl, Starbucks product team.
This launch accompanies broader menu streamlining efforts, with several traditional Frappuccino flavors being discontinued to make room for innovation. The strategy reflects CEO Brian Niccol’s vision of returning to Starbucks’ “community coffeehouse” roots while embracing modern beverage trends. Early reception highlights the drinks’ multi-textural appeal and their alignment with social media culture’s emphasis on visually striking food and beverages.
The Strato line signals Starbucks’ commitment to evolving classic offerings for contemporary palates. Whether coffee is comfort or a calculated luxury purchase, these layered creations offer beverage enthusiasts a chance to experience familiar flavors through an entirely new lens, one sip at a time.
