Starbucks Japan Once Sold An American-Inspired Frappuccino
The best Starbucks Frappuccinos include ribbons of thick, rich caramel, decadent dark chocolate, and smooth, creamy vanilla; however, these flavors weren't originally on Starbucks' blended coffee lineup. Starbucks' first frosty Frappuccino drinks were released in U.S. and Canadian stores in the summer of 1995 and included only two flavors: coffee and mocha (via Starbucks). The original Frappuccinos also lacked the whipped cream topping we've grown to love.
Sales were so successful in-store that Starbucks released the bottled Frappuccino drinks in 1996 without any test-market studies (via Starbucks). Then, in 1999, Starbucks debuted the Caramel Frappuccino. The caramel blended beverage contained the iconic whipped cream topping, buttery caramel drizzle, and domed lid we know today. According to a poll conducted on 600 people in the U.S., 28% of Starbucks lovers prefer the Caramel Frappuccino over the other available flavors (via Mashed).
Over the years, Starbucks flavors have come and gone, including the sweet and sour Unicorn Frappuccino (via Refinery 29). One flavor, in particular, was made available in Japan in the spring of 2017. This American-inspired Frappuccino put a twist on one of the most iconic American desserts.
American Pie Frappuccino
Japan sold the sweet American Cherry Pie Frappuccino in the spring of 2017, according to CNBC. The blended vanilla creme drink swirled with pie crust crumbles, and cherry preserves created a cool crimson and white treat. The frozen masterpiece was topped with creamy whipped topping and a dome-shaped pie crust "lid." The American Cherry Pie Frappuccino was only available in Japan, which is no surprise since Japan is known for carrying unique menu items.
In the past, Japanese Starbucks flavors included Cantaloupe and Cream, Tiramisu, and Baked Apple (via CNBC). According to Grapee, Starbucks Japan also released the Choco Bananana Banana Frappucino, a chocolate-banana blended drink topped with whipped cream and chocolate sauce.
In the summer of 2022, Starbucks Japan released a summertime Frappuccino named the Melon of Melon Frappuccino (via Grapee). This melon treat contained an orange and melon pulp and was topped with green, melon-flavored sauce and whipped cream. Starbucks Japan also released new summertime bakery items, including matcha mousse scones. These Starbucks menu items sound tasty, but remember, they're only available in Japan. American Starbucks cafés released their summertime treats, including the Chocolate Cream Cold Brew, Lime-frosted Coconut Bar, and several vibrantly-colored Starbucks Refreshers.