Starbucks is known for its iconic green and white paper cups that fuel busy commuters and college students alike. In recent years, Starbucks has released limited-edition reusable plastic cups that change color when a hot drink is added. These color-changing cups have become popular collectible items for Starbucks fans.
A Brief History of Starbucks Reusable Cups
Starbucks first released reusable plastic cups in 1985 as an eco-friendly alternative to paper cups. The earliest reusable cups were simply green or white plastic cups with the Starbucks logo. Over the years, Starbucks has frequently released limited-edition reusable cup designs for holidays and special occasions.
In October 2015, Starbucks launched its first-ever color-changing reusable plastic cup. This 12-ounce plastic cup appeared green when empty but transformed to reveal a red holiday design when a hot drink was added. Due to the cup’s popularity, Starbucks has released new color-changing designs each holiday season since 2015.
How the Starbucks Color-Changing Cups Work
The Starbucks color-changing cups contain thermochromic ink, a heat-sensitive pigment that changes color at different temperatures. At room temperature, the ink appears green. When a hot drink is added, the heat triggers the thermochromic ink to turn red, revealing a hidden design underneath the green overlay.
As the drink cools down, the ink reverts to its original green color. The color change is fully reversible, so the cups can go through many heating and cooling cycles while maintaining their special effect.
Ounce Capacities of Starbucks Color-Changing Cups
Starbucks has produced color-changing reusable plastic cups in 12-ounce, 16-ounce, and 24-ounce capacities over the years. Here is a breakdown of the sizes that have been available:
| Cup Size | Ounce Capacity |
|---|---|
| Short | 12 oz |
| Tall | 16 oz |
| Grande | 24 oz |
The 12-ounce “Short” size cups are intended for hot espresso drinks like lattes and cappuccinos. The 16-ounce “Tall” size works well for larger hot coffee drinks. Finally, the 24-ounce “Grande” size can accommodate even larger blended cold coffee drinks.
Popular Color-Changing Cup Designs
While designs vary each year, here are some of the most popular color-changing cup designs Starbucks has released:
| Year | Cup Design Theme |
|---|---|
| 2015 | Holiday red with snowflakes and stars |
| 2016 | Green with brushed gold accents |
| 2017 | Red holiday plaid |
| 2018 | Glittery holographic |
| 2019 | Green camouflage print |
| 2020 | Red and white candy cane stripes |
| 2021 | Red and green holiday print |
The color-changing effect helps make these cups fun collectibles for Starbucks fans. The 2022 holiday design has not been revealed yet, but based on past releases, it’s likely to feature red, green, snowflakes, or other festive themes that “pop” in color when filled with a hot drink.
Availability and Cost
The Starbucks color-changing cups are only available for limited times each holiday season, typically selling out before the end of the year. They are usually priced between $18-$22 USD depending on the size.
Supplies tend to be limited, with many locations selling out entirely before Christmas. So customers need to shop early in the holiday season if they want to collect the latest color-changing cup design.
The cups are normally available at Starbucks retail stores as well as on the Starbucks website while supplies last. They are not usually restocked once sold out.
Care and Handling Tips
To get the longest life out of a Starbucks color-changing cup, here are some usage and care tips:
- Hand wash only – do not microwave or place in the dishwasher
- Avoid using abrasive sponges or cleaners
- Do not leave hot liquids in cup for prolonged periods, as this can damage the plastic
- Store cup with lid on to prevent dust buildup in the rim when not in use
- Avoid dropping or denting the cup, as impacts can damage the plastic or ink
- With proper care, the cup’s color change ability should last for many years
The color change effect is fully reversible, so the cups can be used for both hot and cold beverages. But take care not to microwave the cups or leave hot liquids inside for too long, as excess heat can warp or damage the plastic.
Do Color-Changing Cups Impact Taste?
Many customers wonder if drinking from a plastic color-changing cup impacts the taste of their coffee versus a traditional paper cup.
According to Starbucks, the plastic material has no effect on the coffee flavor. Thecups are made from polypropylene plastic, which is food-grade, BPA-free, and chemically inert.
Of course, some people may perceive subtle taste differences based on psychology. But any difference would be due to the individual’s expectations rather than a true change in flavor.
Environmental Impact
Reusable cups are generally considered more eco-friendly than standard paper cups. Reusing a plastic cup prevents the waste of paper cups and plastic lids after each use.
According to Starbucks, a reusable plastic cup needs to be used at least 10 times to outweigh the larger initial environmental impact of producing the plastic cup.
Starbucks offers a small discount as an incentive for customers to bring reusable cups rather than using paper cups for their drinks. This helps reduce waste and environmental impact.
Of course, plastic cups will still end up in landfills or recycling eventually. So reusable cups are not a perfect solution. But they are a step in the right direction and raise awareness around sustainability.
Conclusion
Starbucks’ color-changing reusable plastic cups have become a holiday tradition for many coffee enthusiasts. The thermochromic ink provides a fun surprise effect when filled with a hot drink. While designs change annually, the cups are typically available in 12-ounce, 16-ounce, and 24-ounce sizes for prices ranging from $18-$22 USD.
With proper care, the color-changing effect can be enjoyed for many years. And using a reusable cup over paper helps reduce waste and environmental impact. Just be sure to shop early each holiday season if you want to add the latest color-changing Starbucks cup to your collection!
