Food

Californians’ Favorite Starbucks Drinks, According to the Data

When it comes to Starbucks, we all have our go-to drinks, but have you ever wondered if your preferences are shared by your fellow Californians? Here we’re delving into the data to uncover the most popular Starbucks orders in the Golden State.

According to data collected by Starbucks, which reviewed hundreds of millions of transactions, there are notable geographic trends in Americans’ favorite Starbucks orders.

In Southern California, a clear favorite emerged: Frappuccinos​. Northern California prefers the soymilk latte.

Starbucks Frappuccino beverage on the dashboard of a vehicle, Moraga, California, December 4, 2021. Photo courtesy Sftm.

The Cold-Hot Axis

But it’s not just about the Frappuccinos in California. The state, along with other warm states like Florida, Texas, New Mexico, and Hawaii, is part of what’s been dubbed the “cold-hot axis.” In these states, more iced coffees are ordered than hot coffees overall, which is understandable given California’s generally warm climate​.

Interestingly, the way Californians are ordering these favorites is changing too. As of the fiscal second quarter report by Starbucks, mobile order transactions now make up 26% of total orders at U.S. company-operated retail stores, up from 18% in the year-ago quarter.

This trend is also seen in California, as more and more people are choosing to order ahead with the Starbucks app for contactless payment and convenience​.

Other California Favorites At Starbucks

Looking at the most popular Starbucks drinks in 2023, some other favorites among Californians may include the Pistachio Cream Cold Brew, Pink Drink, Hot Chocolate, Vanilla Oatmik Shaken Espresso, and Almond Milk Honey Flat White. The Pistachio Cream Cold Brew, in particular, stands out as the featured drink of the year and might be a perfect fit for Californians who love their cold coffees.

Meanwhile, the Pink Drink, a favorite among health-conscious customers, might align well with the wellness culture prevalent in many parts of California​.

One thing is certain, with Starbucks’ commitment to continuously introducing new and exciting flavors, Californians’ favorite orders are sure to evolve.

As we look forward to the new flavors that will take the spotlight in the coming years, we know Californians will continue to enjoy their Starbucks (we have more Starbucks stores than high schools, after all), whether it’s a refreshing iced coffee on a sunny day or a comforting hot chocolate on a chilly evening.

Thomas Smith

Thomas Smith is a food and travel photographer and writer based in the San Francisco Bay Area. His photographic work routinely appears in publications including Food and Wine, Conde Nast Traveler, and the New York Times and his writing appears in IEEE Spectrum, SFGate, the Bold Italic and more. Smith holds a degree in Cognitive Science (Neuroscience) and Anthropology from the Johns Hopkins University.

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