Starbucks has recently stirred up controversy by making a change to its ice offerings in select locations.
The switch, which affects the popular coffee's chains in the US, involves replacing the classic cube ice with smaller and denser nugget ice.
Starbucks explained that the change is due to the introduction of new machines that make "nugget ice to select stores this year."
"As we continue to innovate and make investments in the Starbucks Experience for our partners (baristas) and customers, we are introducing new machines that make nugget ice to select stores this year," A Starbucks spokesperson told the NY Post.
The beloved coffee chain emphasised that the new machines enable baristas to focus on "delivering the Starbucks Experience" while hand-crafting the same delicious iced beverages customers can expect.
Nugget ice, akin to the crushed ice found in drinks at Sonic, sparked a heated debate after a Reddit thread surfaced, allegedly started by a Starbucks employee who shared a picture of the pebble-like ice.
The post claimed that it was being tested in one of three café stores.
Opinions among Starbucks enthusiasts were diverged on the subject.
Some expressed concerns that the new ice would melt faster, diluting the coffee and sweetness of their favourite beverages.
They also worried that the texture of Frappuccino's would be affected.
One Redditor user said: "The recipes aren't built for this type of ice."
Another said: "I think the ice you guys have now is so perfect. So perfect I ask for extra extra ice because the coffee is easier to drink. This type of ice, in my opinion, is better for sodas or just plain ice water."
However, not everyone was negative.
Some Starbucks enthusiasts enthusiastically welcomed the change, with one person exclaiming: "If Starbucks goes to nugget ice — TAKE ALL OF MY MONEY ALL OF THE TIME."
It is thought that the new ice does not melt faster than the existing ice.
Additionally, the volume of ice per beverage will remain the same.
The transition to nugget ice will occur gradually and globally over the coming years.
This change aligns with the company's sustainability goals, as Starbucks aims to reduce its water footprint by 50 per cent by 2030.
The new ice machines are designed to be more water-efficient, supporting the company's environmental objectives.
