The Pop Heard 'Round The World: 5 Must-Try Starbucks Drinks With Raspberry Pearls (2025 Update)

The Starbucks Raspberry Pearls have officially taken the coffee world by storm, marking one of the chain's most significant and successful menu additions of 2025. This isn't just a simple flavor; it's a textural revolution, as the juicy, tangy-sweet raspberry-flavored pearls—inspired by the global boba trend—burst with flavor in every sip, transforming standard beverages into a playful, must-have summer treat. The excitement began with their official debut in the new Berry Pearls Refresher line, quickly leading to viral customizations and a new era of beverage innovation at the coffee giant. Since their initial launch on or around April 29, 2025, the raspberry pearls have become the defining ingredient of the season. They offer a unique, fruity "pop" that elevates everything from creamy Frappuccinos to earthy Matcha Lattes, proving that Starbucks is serious about incorporating new, fun textures into its menu. If you're looking to experience the freshest and most talked-about beverages of the year, here is your definitive guide to the best drinks featuring the iconic Raspberry Pearls.

The Official Starbucks Raspberry Pearls Lineup and Viral Customizations

The raspberry pearls are a type of "popping pearl" that Starbucks introduced to bring a new, exciting element of texture and flavor to their cold beverages, drawing inspiration from the popularity of boba and bubble tea across East Asia and the globe. They are small, spherical, and filled with a sweet, tangy raspberry-flavored juice that bursts when you bite into them.

What Are Starbucks Raspberry Pearls? A Quick Profile

• Type: Popping Pearls (similar to boba or bursting bubbles).
• Flavor Profile: Tangy-sweet, juicy raspberry.
• Texture: Spherical and soft, designed to "pop" in your mouth.
• Launch Date: Circa April 29, 2025.
• Availability: Primarily featured on the Summer Menu, often for a limited time.
• Inspiration: Global bubble tea and boba trends.

5 Must-Try Drinks Featuring Starbucks Raspberry Pearls

The raspberry pearls were designed to pair perfectly with the new Berry Pearls Refreshers, but their versatility quickly saw them migrate to other drinks, both on the official menu and in viral custom orders.

1. The Summer-Berry Refresher with Raspberry Pearls

This is the flagship drink that introduced the raspberry pearls to the world. It’s a vibrant, multi-berry experience that truly screams "summer." The base is a blend of blueberry, blackberry, and raspberry flavors, creating a sweet and slightly tart beverage. The addition of the raspberry pearls provides a delightful textural contrast and an extra burst of concentrated raspberry flavor. This drink is a perfect starting point for anyone new to the pearls.

2. The Iced Matcha with Raspberry Pearls

A surprising but highly successful pairing, the Iced Matcha with Raspberry Pearls offers a sophisticated twist on a classic. The earthy, smooth flavor of the matcha green tea is beautifully contrasted by the tangy-sweet, juicy pop of the raspberry pearls. This drink caters to those who appreciate a complex flavor profile—the subtle bitterness of the matcha is balanced by the bright fruitiness, making for a refreshing and unique experience. This combination quickly became a fan favorite for its unexpected synergy.

3. The Viral "Pink Drink with Pearls" Customization

Perhaps the most talked-about use of the raspberry pearls in 2025 was the viral "Pink Drink with Pearls." This is a customization that took social media by storm, blending the cult-favorite Pink Drink (Strawberry Açaí Refresher with Coconutmilk) with the new texture. The official viral recipe often includes a layer of Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Foam on top, creating a creamy, fruity, and poppy beverage that is rich in flavor and texture. It’s a must-order for those who love sweet, creamy, and visually appealing drinks.

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How to Order the Viral Pink Drink with Pearls:

• Order a Venti Pink Drink (Strawberry Açaí Refresher with Coconutmilk).
• Ask for no strawberry inclusions.
• Ask to add Raspberry Pearls (subject to availability).
• Ask for Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Foam on top.

4. Strawberry Crème Frappuccino® with Raspberry Pearls

For those who prefer a dessert-like indulgence, the Strawberry Crème Frappuccino with Raspberry Pearls is a creamy, dreamy option. This non-coffee Frappuccino is already a sweet blend of strawberries and cream, but the addition of the sparkling fruit pearls provides a sweet and unexpected burst of tartness and texture. It's a playful, brightly colored, and rich drink that appeals to a wide audience, especially those looking for a fun twist on a classic blended beverage.

5. Berry Pearls Lemonade Refresher

The Berry Pearls Lemonade Refresher is another official item on the menu, offering a more tart and zesty experience than the coconutmilk-based Pink Drink. This drink combines the bright, sour notes of lemonade with the mixed berry flavors of the Refresher base, all punctuated by the sweet pop of the raspberry pearls. It’s an incredibly refreshing and thirst-quenching choice for a hot day, with the lemonade cutting through the sweetness of the pearls for a balanced finish.

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The Pop Effect: Why Starbucks Popping Pearls Went Viral

The introduction of the raspberry pearls represents a pivotal moment for Starbucks, marking a clear move into the territory of textural beverages, a space long dominated by independent boba shops. The success of the pearls can be attributed to several key factors that drove their viral popularity in 2025:

The Novelty of Texture

For years, Starbucks focused on flavor and temperature. The raspberry pearls introduce a new dimension: texture. The "pop" is an unexpected sensation that makes the drinking experience more fun and engaging, satisfying a curiosity for new sensory experiences in beverages.

Social Media Appeal and Customization

The vibrant color and unique appearance of the pearls make them highly photogenic and ideal for platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Furthermore, the ability to customize drinks, leading to "secret menu" items like the Pink Drink with Pearls, generates massive user-created content and organic marketing.

Tapping into the Global Boba Trend

By introducing a boba-inspired element, Starbucks is capitalizing on a massive global trend. This move allows the chain to attract a younger demographic and fans of bubble tea who may not typically frequent a traditional coffee shop, broadening their market appeal significantly.

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Availability and Future of Starbucks Popping Pearls

The raspberry pearls were initially launched as a seasonal offering for the 2025 summer menu, and like many limited-time items, their availability is subject to local demand and inventory. While they have enjoyed an extended run, especially with the viral success of the Pink Drink customization, it's crucial to check with your local store. The overwhelming positive reception and the viral success of the raspberry pearls strongly suggest that Starbucks will continue to explore "popping pearls" and other textural additions. The company has previously tested other types of pearls, such as "coffee popping pearls" in select markets, indicating a long-term commitment to innovation in this category. For now, the raspberry pearls remain the freshest, most exciting addition, and a definitive highlight of the 2025 beverage landscape. Don't miss your chance to try them while they are still popping up at a Starbucks near you!