8 Things That Prove Starbucks Will Be Better Than Ever in 2017

Updated on 12/11/2016 at 7:00 AM

Starbucks never fails to continue introducing new menu items, and 2017 might be its best year yet. At a recent Starbucks Biennial Investor Day, the company shared long-term plans — like its plan to add 12,000 stores globally by 2021 — as well as plans for new food and drink items that will be available as early as January 2017. Latte-lovers and gluten-free eaters alike will get excited for the changes to come at Starbucks, which include new breakfast items, new latte flavors, and the return of a customer-favorite latte introduced earlier this year. Read ahead to get a sneak peek of everything you can expect from Starbucks in the coming year, and then recap the best and worst Starbucks moments of 2016.

Cascara Latte

Starbucks's newest latte creation, the Cascara Latte, is inspired by the earliest stages of a coffee bean — the "cascara," or outer shell of a coffee cherry, the fruit that encases coffee beans. The beverage will have "subtly sweet flavors" inspired by the fruit.

Smoked Butterscotch Latte

Starbucks introduced a limited-edition Smoked Butterscotch Latte in March this year, and it's bringing it back by popular demand. The Butterbeer-like latte will be available again for a limited time in January.

Sous Vide Egg Bites

You'll have more breakfast options at Starbucks in 2017, including these Sous Vide Egg Bites. The wheat-free item is made in a sous vide, which is a tool that cooks food inside of airtight plastic bags placed in water. These bites are available in Bacon & Gruyere and Egg White & Roasted Red Pepper flavors.

Organic Soups

Not only is Starbucks expanding its breakfast options, but it's also adding even more lunch options and heartier grab-and-go meals. This includes chicken quinoa soup, tomato soup, and "even more Bistro Boxes, regional rollouts of organic soups, and select market tests of fresh grab-and-go lunch choices — salads, sandwiches and desserts."

Gluten-Free Breakfast Sandwich

Starbucks is expanding its gluten-free options with a new breakfast sandwich arriving later this Spring.

Bottled Cold Brew

Earlier this year, Starbucks announced it would release its bottled cold brew coffee at Starbucks stores nationwide as well as select grocery stores. Adding to the excitement are two new flavors: Starbucks Cold Brew Cocoa and Honey With Cream.

Bottled Teavana Craft Iced Teas

Bottled Teavana Craft Iced Teas are also joining the lineup of bottled cold beverages available at select Starbucks locations. New flavors include Pineapple Berry Blue Herbal Tea, Peach Green Tea, Mango Black Tea, and Passion Tango Herbal Tea.

Voice Command Ordering

Starbucks is aiming to make ordering easier than ever with its new ordering system called My Starbucks Barista. It's a voice command ordering system that's built into the Starbucks Mobile App and powered by AI (artificial intelligence) — pretty cool, right? "The feature will roll out first on iOS in limited beta in early 2017 and will become available to more iOS and Android users in subsequent releases," according to a Starbucks statement.