Starbucks Trials Naturally Sweeter Beans to Curb Sugar Intake

As of November 10th, 2025, the high street coffee giant Starbucks has made a major change to its drink offerings, trialing the use of naturally sweeter coffee beans. This move is part of Starbucks' effort to encourage customers to reduce their intake of sugary syrups and sauces.

The trial comes as the UK government prepares to crack down on sugary drinks, sweets, and treats in a bid to tackle the country's rising obesity crisis. Recent figures show that 64.5% of English adults were overweight or obese in 2024, with some children as young as 10 requiring hip replacements due to their weight.

In response to these concerning trends, the government has even recommended banning birthday cakes from primary schools and nurseries as part of its health measures. Additionally, the Labour party has stated it will fine supermarkets if they fail to cut 100 calories from the average shopping basket as part of a 10-year plan to improve the nation's health.

Starbucks' decision to replace its "default" coffee beans with a naturally sweeter variety is an attempt to offer customers the same drinks but with fewer added sugars. While the move was first trialed in the US last year, it has now been introduced in the UK, with customers divided in their reactions.

Some customers have expressed their dissatisfaction, describing the new iced coffee as "gross" and "nowhere near the same as the OG." However, others have praised Starbucks' initiative, recognizing it as a "good idea" given the country's obesity crisis. One customer even commented that the change "actually makes sense" compared to some of the government's other health measures.