10 Tempting Starbucks Items You Can’t Get in the U.S.
For most of us, Starbucks is a daily staple. If it’s past 10 AM and you haven’t already had your Venti Vanilla Frappuccino, there’s obviously been some kind of disturbance in the force. But don’t think the U.S. is the only country who can’t get enough of Starbies. In fact, plenty of international locations not only have Starbucks, but they have some pretty amazing menu items that we can’t even buy here in the states. Hold on to your coffee mugs and keep reminding yourself why you love living in America, kids, because these 10 Starbucks items you can’t get in the U.S. are about to get us very jelly.
Lúcuma Frappuccino // Peru
The lúcuma is a mango-like fruit that is native to the subtropical Andean valleys of Peru and Ecuador. It’s a favorite fruit of the region and has even been found on ceramics at some of the burial grounds of the indigenous coastal people of Peru. Needless to say, those indigenous tribes would have been pretty jazzed about his Lúcuma Frappuccino sold only at Peruvian Starbucks locations.
Spicy Chicken Pocket // Malaysia
Lovers of all things spicy will have food dreams about this foreign Starbucks item. A popular Malaysian dish is spicy chicken, which is often combined with curry, chili, or stir fry. No, there’s no stir fry available at Starbucks Malaysia (that we know of, at least…) but Malaysian Starbucks locations do offer a spicy chicken pocket! This seasoned, doughy pocket contains sweet and sour spicy chicken, which is flavored with cumin, ginger, and chilies, among other ingredients.
Greek Yogurt Frappuccino // Europe and Asia
In 2014, Starbucks released a creamy Greek Yogurt Frappuccino for the 15th anniversary of the Frappuccino in the United Kingdom. This decadent Frap comes in both Red Berry and Banana flavors. After a successful run in the U.K., the drink was expanded to most European locations as well as many Asian locations, too.
Meringue Brownie // Argentina
This brownie is the ultimate for anyone with a sweet tooth. Expect a rich, chocolatey brownie covered in a layer of sweet caramel and topped off with cute little meringues. The perfect Insta and the perfect mid-afternoon snack – if you live in Argentina, the only country in which they sell this decadent dessert.
Bacon Buttie // U.K.
Starbucks U.K. has laid claim to a delicious British favorite: the bacon buttie. Yes, this sandwich is exactly what you’re imagining. Pure bacon. The bacon buttie, which is advertised as the “ultimate British way to start the day,” features a pile (and a pretty sizable pile, at that) of heavy smoked bacon strips on a crispy, flour dusted roll. Britain, we speak for all of America when we say that you are doing something so, so right here.
Pancakes // Europe
Not sure about you guys, but I would never be able to say no if I could buy pancakes at Starbucks. I’d be eating pancakes 24/7. Matter of fact, I would probably turn into one giant pancake. At Starbucks locations in the U.K. and Scandinavia, you can order American-style pancakes for breakfast. Swedish locations also offer crepe-style ones, for mornings when you’re feeling extra fancy.
Coffee Jelly // Asia
This major trend in Asia is something few people have ever even heard of in the states. Truth be told, it’s exactly how it sounds. Coffee jelly is a jellied dessert item, made of a mix of agar jelly and sweetened coffee. The treat was invented in Japan and is now frequently used in a variety of Starbucks drinks at most Asian locations.
Strawberry Cheesecake Frappuccino // Australia
Strawberry cheesecake lovers will flip for this drink. Spoiler alert: it’s your favorite sweet treat in a cool, creamy Frappuccino. Before you start to jealously drool over thoughts of a smooth Frapp mixed with swirls of tangy cream cheese and strawberry, consider this: Australian consumers mildly freaked out when the drink was released because baristas used something called “cheese sauce” to make the drink. Nacho Frappuccino, anyone?
Chocolate Star Cake // Ireland
Patrons of Ireland’s Starbucks can have their cake and eat it, too. Literally. Irish Starbucks sell “a dark chocolate cake with a rich butter cream filling, velvety chocolate sauce, and Belgian chocolate ganache, sprinkled with white chocolate and gold stars.” Why am I not eating this right now?
Red Bean Frappuccino // Asia
When you imagine fun toppings for your Frappuccino, red beans are probably towards the bottom of your list. And yet, here we are. In Asia, one of the most popular drink trends (at Starbucks and other cafes across the continent) is the Red Bean Green Tea Frappuccino. This refreshing green tea frapp is made with biting matcha powder and topped off with a generous helping of red beans. Not coffee beans. Like bean beans. Apparently, the drink is incredibly sweet and delicious, although in my opinion, I think this is one trend I could do without trying.
Cheesecake // Europe and Asia
Starbucks locations in Europe and Asia certainly know how to treat their customers. Nothing says, “You look like you’ve had a hard week, treat yo’ self,” quite like a slice of rich cheesecake. Although there is a plain variety offered, Indian locations sell a tart flavored version called Lemon Jazz, while other international stores offer chocolate and blueberry swirl flavors. So jealous.
Algarrobina Frappuccino // Peru
In a nutshell, algarrobina is a sweet, molasses-like sauce that is made from black carrob trees, a species found almost strictly in Peru. The flavoring is often used as a replacement to chocolate sauce; it’s perfect for topping off ice cream, using in decadent cocktails (La Algarrobina is a smooth drink that tastes like eggnog and is very popular at Peruvian bars), or to spice up plain milk. So it’s no wonder this sweet and spicy sauce is used to make one of Peru’s most popular Starbucks frapps.
