"Supersize me" used to be the catchphrase of many a restaurant chain customer. But now Starbucks may ask you to think small.
Starbucks is testing out a smaller size for its popular Frappuccino drink. The coffee chain is currently calling it the Frappucino Mini, which will be 10 ounces and slightly lower in calories than Starbucks' current 12-ounce Tall size. It is also expected to cost about 30 cents less than a Tall drink.
The test, taking place in Denver and Houston, will determine if the smaller version of the drink heads to other markets, Starbucks spokeswoman Lisa Passe told USA Today. She also said the move came as a result of "customers looking for choices." The test also follows the trend of national restaurant chains opting for smaller versions of sweet and savory foods that appeal to Millennials and those looking for healthier lifestyles for themselves and their families, USA Today reported. However, if that latter option is a concern, you probably shouldn't be drinking a Frappuccino at all.
USA Today also notes that the new size could help reignite excitement among Starbucks customers, who are always interested in the coffee chain's new products. The Frappuccino is one of Starbucks' most popular drinks, bringing in approximately $2 billion in annual sales.
StarbucksMelody, which first reported the news, asked customers about their theories on why Starbucks would create this smaller size. Some ideas include to encourage customers to try new drinks, initiate competitive pricing in other chains' drinks, train customers to order from the menu since these drinks are less customizable and to offer a better size for children.
Going to the extreme is nothing new for Starbucks. Back in 2011, the coffee chain introduced a new Trenta size, a 31-ounce cup available for its iced coffee and iced tea drinks. Starbucks' 8-ounce Short size is also available for warm drinks, only if you know that it's on the secret, unlisted menu, that is.
So the Frappuccino Mini proves to be another successful outing by Starbucks. It seems that the coffee chain can just reduce one of its cup sizes by 2 ounces and be able to make national news. That is certainly impressive.
But as someone who thinks Starbucks' Tall size is already too small (What? A girl needs her coffee.), I'll probably pass on the Frappuccino Mini. When it comes to Starbucks, I will forever be a Grande type of gal.
