Starbucks has introduced an unconventional latte flavor that is stirring up discussions on social media in China.
In celebration of the Chinese Lunar New Year, which began Feb. 10, the leading coffee chain has launched a pork-flavored beverage, capturing the attention and curiosity of its customers.
The trailblazing addition to Starbucks’ offerings was announced through the company’s Weibo account, with the “Lucky Savory Latte,” also referred to as “Abundant Year Savory Latte,” promising to blend customary New Year customs with their popular coffee.
“Eating meat means prosperity in the coming year,” the roastery wrote on Weibo, adding the drink brings “traditional New Year customs into coffee” and creates “unexpected savory and sweet flavors.”
The unique concoction featuring “Dongpo pork” — a sauce named after an esteemed 11th-century poet and infused with espresso — has incited a blend of fascination and skepticism among patrons. Steamed milk and an additional drizzle of the savory sauce complete the preparation of the latte.
True to its name, the drink is even served with a skewer of pork presented on the mug.
Retailing at 68 Chinese yuan ($9.45), the “Lucky Savory Latte” is available at Starbucks Reserve locations across China, albeit at a premium compared to prices from Starbucks’ domestic competition, Luckin Coffee, known for its aggressive discounting.
Early reviews on Xiaohongshu (China’s equivalent of Instagram) showcase a spectrum of opinions. “For 67 yuan, I could eat a plate of braised pork then go to Luckin and drink two lattes,” one Weibo user wrote.
Another user quipped: “I would allow both (pork and coffee) to exist in my stomach at the same time, but not in my mouth at the same time.”
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