Starbucks blending powder triggers barista health complaints
Starbucks employees have warned customers that a newly introduced blending powder used in frozen drinks may be toxic. The powder, added to Blended Energy Refreshers in July, contains gum arabic, maltodextrin, xanthan gum, silica (silicon dioxide), natural flavor and stevia extract, serving as an emulsifier and stabilizer. Baristas across U.S. and U.K. stores report coughing, sore throats, chest irritation and headaches after the fine powder becomes airborne during preparation. Employees posted videos on social media describing the symptoms and urging people to stop using the powder, while the union Starbucks Workers United said it has received multiple reports of respiratory irritation. The controversy has drawn attention to the silica component, which is commonly associated with industrial dust and can be hazardous when inhaled.
Entities: Starbucks · Starbucks Workers United
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Starbucks employees warned that the blending powder could cause cancer. (Employees warned customers in a viral video.)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The blending powder acts as an emulsifier and stabilizer to prevent drink separation. (Company ingredient description.)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The fine blending powder becomes airborne easily when scooped, exposing workers to silica dust. (Union statements and employee observations.)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Starbucks Workers United has received multiple reports of respiratory irritation from the blending powder. (Union communication.)
- [● 2 SOURCES] The blending powder contains gum arabic, maltodextrin, xanthan gum, silica, natural flavor and stevia extract. (Listed by social media research and union statements.)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Baristas report coughing, sore throats and headaches after handling the blending powder. (Reported by Starbucks Workers United and employee videos.)
- [● 2 SOURCES] Starbucks introduced the blending powder in July 2026 for its Blended Energy Refreshers. (Reported by employees and union.)