# Subtly Sweet Espresso Drinks The Starbucks Blonde Espresso will be Available at All Locations By Michael Hemsworth | Published 2018-01-10 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/blonde-espresso References: [chewboom](http://www.chewboom.com/2018/01/09/starbucks-launches-new-blonde-espresso-nationwide/) & [starbucks](https://www.starbucks.com) The [Starbucks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/coffee-by-nespresso-for-vertuo) [Blonde Espresso](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/brown-sugar-oatmilk-cortado) is the latest core menu offering that will be available in all locations nationwide as a lighter coffee option for consumers to try out. Crafted using beans that have been sourced from Latin America and East Africa, the espresso is reported to have a balanced flavor with a subtle sweetness that is lighter than the traditional profile of the Starbucks Signature option. While the new espresso flavor will be available in all drinks, the brand has placed a number of featured drinks in the spotlight to communicate the new option with consumers. This includes the 'Blonde Caffè Latte,' '[Iced Blonde Caffè Americano](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/iced-shaken-espresso-drinks)' and the 'Blonde Cappuccino.' The Starbucks Blonde Espresso will also be made available in pod form for the Verismo coffee system. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.7/10 - Popularity: 37% | Activity: 37% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Food](https://www.trendhunter.com/food) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Lighter Espresso Options:** Lighter espresso options are gaining popularity among consumers, creating an opportunity for coffee shops and brands to offer new and unique flavors and varieties. - **Pod-based Espresso Innovation:** Pod-based espresso systems such as Verismo are a growing trend, opening up opportunities for coffee brands to innovate with convenient and high-quality products. - **Flavor Innovation in Coffee Beverages:** Consumers are increasingly seeking out unique and flavorful coffee options, prompting coffee shops and brands to create new and exciting recipes and flavor combinations. ### Who This Affects Most - **Coffee Industry:** As a mainstay in the coffee industry, Starbucks and other coffee brands are looking to innovate and differentiate themselves through new and unique offerings. - **Pod-based Coffee Industry:** The rise of pod-based coffee systems and their convenience is driving innovation in the coffee industry, providing opportunities for new products and flavors. - **Beverage Industry:** As consumer preferences change, the beverage industry is adapting to provide new and unique options, such as lighter espresso drinks, to cater to evolving tastes. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Caramel-Flavored Coffee Pods](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/coffee-by-nespresso-for-vertuo.md) - [Three-Shot Espresso Beverages](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/brown-sugar-oatmilk-cortado.md) - [Sweet Italian-Inspired Beverages](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/starbucks-reserve.md) - [Icy Oat Milk Coffees](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/iced-shaken-hazelnut-oatmilk-espresso.md) - [Summery Prepackaged Coffee Beverages](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/starbucks-chilled-range.md) - [Iced At-Home Coffee Capsules](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/iced-double-espresso.md) - [Caramel-Flavored Pumpkin Coffees](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pumpkin-blondie-drink.md) - [Hazelnut-Flavored Shaken Espressos](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/iced-hazelnut-oat-shaken-espresso.md) - [Olive-Infused Vanilla Cream Coffees](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/oleato.md)