Starbucks’ move to substitute its classic clear plastic cups for cold beverages with biodegradable fiber-based cups has not been welcomed by customers. The new cups, which have a bioplastic lining, look like the ones used for hot drinks.

Even though there is an environmental-friendly transformation, most of the Starbucks clients are dissatisfied with the change. A Starbucks official confirmed that the new white opaque cups have been rolled out in 14 states: California, Washington, Hawaii, Minnesota, Arizona, New Mexico, Massachusetts, Michigan, Maryland, Connecticut, Virginia, South Carolina, Colorado, and Georgia.

Social Media Reactions

Enraged customers have taken their complaints to social media. One Reddit user spoke of his own puzzlement at the change, while another tweeted, “The look of that is upsetting.”

On X, the clients just went on complaining. As one of the commenters put it, “Starbucks your new cups are awful. You can’t see your drink, which is half the fun. And the lids are awful. Change back! Thanks for restoring straws and sugar, but now awful new cups.”

@starbucks your new cups are horrible- you can’t see your drink, which is part of the fun. And the kids are terrible. Change back! Thank you for bringing back straws and sugar but now terrible new cups 😢 pic.twitter.com/bUSqXhuSzN

— Jennifer Landsman (@jklandsman) February 15, 2025

One critic of the action said, “So I actually think we should prob figure out how to use less plastic. These are the new ‘compostable’ cups that Starbucks is rolling out. They are for ALL the drinks: hot/cold/blended. I HATE IT.”

So I actually think we should prob figure out how to use less plastic.
These are the new “compostable” cups that @Starbucks is rolling out .
They are for ALL the drinks: hot/cold/blended.
I
HATE
IT pic.twitter.com/dAOBNo8vGL

— Caitlin Francis (@MrsCMFrancis) February 20, 2025

Customers also mentioned problems with the new lids. One said, “Starbucks, one of these is an iced tea and the other is a hot coffee. This is the new cup top for hot drinks. Disgusting looking after only a couple sips. It drips like a sieve. You get an F.”

@Starbucks one of these is an iced tea annd the other an hot coffee. this is the new cup top for hot drinks. Disgusting looking after only a couple sips. It drips like a sieves. You get an F pic.twitter.com/iNP1M0IDSm

— Blair Slavin (@BlairSlavin) February 14, 2025

While Starbucks aims to reduce plastic waste, the transition to biodegradable cups has not been well received by many customers who are struggling to adjust to the new design.