While many people have their signature Starbucks drink order, the food menu is often overlooked. From the beloved egg bites to the whimsical cake pops, enjoying a nibble or a nosh turns a grab-and-go moment into a sit-down one. With the new Starbucks Fresh Baked Food menu, each item celebrates the craft and care that comes with fostering a deeper connection at the coffeehouse.
As Starbucks continues to evolve its brand, the phrase “Back to Starbucks” focuses on the coffeehouse community which is the foundation of the iconic company. From store design to encouraging partners to foster a connection with each guest, the concept is for coffee to be more than refreshment. With one pour, it is a gesture to open a conversation that can continue beyond the cup.
Adding the Fresh Baked Food menu is vital to this overall concept. The coffeehouse is more than just a place to dash in, grab that cup, and run to the next locale. People order a coffee with that impeccable coffee art, enjoy a food with it, and take a moment to simply sit. Whether it is a comfy chair or barstool by the window, it is being present with food and drinks hat make people fully appreciate the moment.
In that space, the food needs to be flavorful, texturally complex, and satisfying. Even though people love a particular cookie or pastry, a sub-par version makes that moment unfilled. Starbucks’ new bakery items put the craft into the recipe, and every bite proves their commitment to a more fulfilling eating experience.
Announced during Starbucks Leadership Experience 25, three food items are joining the Starting Five for potential large scale rollout. They are: Freshly Baked Butter Croissant, Freshly Baked Raspberry Croissant and Freshly Baked Double Chocolate Cookie. Media were given a tasting of all three food items.
First, many people know that Starbucks has a croissant. The difference in this new recipe is immediately apparent in the appearance. Even before the first bite creates a flaky pastry waterfall of delicate layers down your shirt, the crispiness clear. Similar to the signature crack of a well-tempered chocolate, breaking into those lamented layers of pastry is vital to a superior croissant.
Upon first bite, the buttery, well-laminated layers are clear. Although the culinary team did not clarify, it is clear that a high quality butter was used. In order to create those flakey layers, supple texture, and luscious mouthfeel, it is all about the butter.
That superior flavor lends it well to pairing with all types of coffee. From the bold, bitter espresso that is the base of many drinks to the sweet blended drinks, the versatility that this classic croissant offers is tremendous.
The bigger croissant news is the Freshly Baking Raspberry Croissant. While there is a chocolate croissant on the menu, this fruit flavored version pops on the plate with its red striped appearance. That bold visual plays into the need to allow the camera to eat first.
Beyond the compelling visual, the smooth, slightly sweet jam filling is a lovely contrast to the flaky layers. There is just the right amount compared to the pastry. Even bite has a buttery, sweet, and a touch tart. Plus, this jam has no seeds which is a smart choice to enhance the overall eating enjoyment.
Choosing raspberry is smart. Not only does it refer to the popular syrup and cold foam option that is returning to the menu, it is a little more adventurous. Strawberry would be too obvious. If Starbucks is going back to the coffeehouse, it needs to chose food and beverage flavors that cannot be found down the street.
Lastly, the Freshly Baked Double Chocolate Cookie is the dessert that everyone wishes grandma made. It is an over the top, indulgent treat. Both chewy and crisp, it is a chocolate explosion in the best possible way. The contrasting chunks with the tender dough allows people to either take a huge bite or a choose your own adventure nibble.
The smartest part of the cookie is the flake salt finish. That ingredient enhances the sweetness in the dark choice. Just that little touch is another example of an elevated, thoughtful choice that captures Starbucks’ attention to detail.
When will everyone be able to enjoy these Fresh Baked Food menu items? It is unclear. After going through the Starting Five, the hope is some version of them will be here soon.