We Tried a New Breakfast Item from Starbucks's Winter Menu—Here's What to Order

It’s time to put aside your holiday-themed Gingerbread Oatmeal Chais, and start the new year off with fresh flavors. Starbucks is welcoming winter with a menu of new brews and familiar sips, including the customer favorites Pistachio Cream Cold Brew and Pistachio Latte. For the first time, you'll also be able to order the Iced Hazelnut Oatmilk Shaken Espresso, a plant-based option that expands on the popular Iced Shaken Espresso.

The menu, originally leaked on Instagram by @markee_devo in November, sparked plenty of comments. “Impatiently wait for pistachios return every year," one user wrote. "It’s like something to look forward to after the holidays are over.” Others expressed disappointment in missing their drink of choice: “@starbucks, you’re forgetting the most important drink. RIP Irish cream cold brew.” 

But the coffee chain isn’t stopping at just drinks—they’ve added new food items for a grab-and-go breakfast. Pick up Potato, Cheddar & Chive Bakes made with cage-free eggs or a Vanilla Bean Custard Danish, available for a limited time.

“When creating the Potato, Cheddar & Chive Bakes, we wanted to provide customers with a high-protein vegetarian option for their morning,” said Freshta Khosravi, a member of the food development team, in a press release. “We were inspired by the familiar breakfast casserole, and the savory combination of diced potatoes, cheese, spinach, chives, and eggs offers 12g of protein at only 210 calories for a comforting breakfast on the go.”

The Bakes are already a staple outside of the U.S. "I'm in Canada monthly (where they already exist), and I love them!" a user on Reddit commented under a post about the winter lineup.

Associate editor Bryce Jones did a taste test for us, and they made a satisfying first impression.

"You can actually taste the different flavors," she says. "The potato and onions are definitely my favorite part—they add texture and the onion gives a hint of sweetness. I usually follow a plant-based diet and try to get protein where I can, so I can see this becoming a quick, go-to breakfast for me."

Also added to the permanent menu is the Chicken, Maple Butter & Egg Sandwich, which layers breaded white meat chicken, fluffy eggs, and a maple butter spread on a toasted oat-biscuit roll. It’s a bit of an unexpected inclusion, considering it was discontinued just a week after being introduced in 2022.

Starbucks also expanded the bring-your-own-cup option this season, which now includes drive-thru service—simply notify your barista that you have their own cup when ordering. Your drink will be prepared in your cup instead of a disposable one, which gets you a 10-cent discount and 25 extra stars when ordered through the app, where you can also specify a personal cup order.

For Starbucks drinkware devotees, new cups are available to expand your collection. Bright yellow, teal, and purple metallics shine in stainless steel and ceramic tumblers, cold cups, mugs, and water bottles in a variety of sizes.