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The chain has reportedly released a new espresso drink in China to celebrate the start of the Lunar New Year that also includes pork sauce and a garnish of pork breast meat.
Starbucks did not respond to Fortune’s query about the drink.
The Abundant Year Savory Latte will cost the brave caffeine chasers who dare try it 68 yuan, just under $9.50 in U.S. currency. Starbucks, in a Chinese social media post, described the drink as having “unexpected savory and sweet flavors,” according to a report on CNN. It’s being sold at Starbucks Reserve stores in China.
☕️ Braised-pork-flavored #coffee by @Starbucks , priced at 68 yuan ($9.45), would u like to have a try? Dubbed the “Abundant Year Savory Latte,” the coffee is debut to celebrate the #ChineseNewYear2024 with its “interesting” flavor. Some netizens describe the coffee tasted a bit… pic.twitter.com/XIsNF0uhst
— ShanghaiEye????official (@ShanghaiEye) February 20, 2024
The pork-infused drink was certainly the most head-turning limited-time option for the holiday, but not the only one. Starbucks is also offering the Red Date Rice Flavor Macchiato, the Fortune Almond Macchiato, and the Black Sesame Latte.
As for the pork option, it’s available only in 25 select locations around the country.
Braised pork is a big menu item in many restaurants during the Lunar New Year, as consuming meat is said to bring prosperity in the year to come. Dongu pork, made from braised pork belly, rock sugar, yellow wine, and soy sauce, is especially popular—and was the inspiration for the drink.
People, as you might expect, had thoughts on the matter, with one commenter on Starbucks’ post reportedly saying “My bottom line is that I can accept these two in my stomach together, but not in my mouth at the same time.”’
Starbucks has just under 800 locations in China and is continuing its expansion in that country. The company announced last November it plans to add just under 15,000 locations outside of the U.S. by 2030.
“Three out of every four new stores over the near term is expected to be opened outside of the U.S. as our store portfolio becomes increasingly global,” Michael Conway, president of Starbucks’ international and channel development divisions, said during a company presentation announcing the expansion.
