🧋 Updated October 2026
Does Starbucks Have Boba or Smoothies? (2026)
Starbucks does not sell classic tapioca boba or traditional fruit smoothies in the US. Here is what it offers instead: popping pearl Refreshers, frozen Blended Energy Refreshers and the closest smoothie-style drinks on the menu.
Short answer: Starbucks does not serve chewy tapioca boba, but it does offer popping pearls, small juice-filled spheres that burst when you bite them, in some seasonal Refreshers. Starbucks also no longer sells traditional fruit smoothies in the US. The closest options are Crème Frappuccinos, the seasonal Blended Energy Refreshers and coconutmilk Refreshers like the Pink Drink.
Does Starbucks Have Boba?
Starbucks first added boba-inspired popping pearls in 2024, and they have returned in several seasonal drinks since. Popping pearls are not the same as tapioca boba: they have a thin gel skin with flavored juice inside instead of a chewy texture.
| Drink with pearls | When | Pearls |
|---|---|---|
| Tropical Butterfly Refresher | From May 12, 2026 (summer) | Mango-pineapple flavored |
| Passionfruit Guava Refresher | From July 14, 2026 (limited time) | Mango-pineapple flavored |
| Apple Pomegranate Refresher | From Nov. 5, 2026 (holiday) | Pomegranate flavored |
Because pearl drinks are seasonal and limited, availability changes through the year. Check the Starbucks app to see whether your store currently has a drink with pearls, and whether pearls can be added to other iced drinks.
Does Starbucks Have Smoothies?
Not anymore. Starbucks phased traditional fruit smoothies off its US menu several years ago and stopped selling fresh bananas in stores in 2022. If you want something cold, fruity and creamy, these are the closest drinks on the current menu:
| Smoothie-style option | Why it’s close | Calories (Grande) |
|---|---|---|
| Strawberry Crème Frappuccino | Blended, creamy and strawberry-flavored, no coffee | 370 |
| Pink Drink | Creamy strawberry and coconutmilk Refresher | 140 |
| Mango Dream | Mango and strawberry with coconutmilk (new in 2026) | See app |
| Blended Energy Refreshers | Frozen, blended fruit drinks (summer 2026) | See app |
| Dragon Drink | Mango dragonfruit with coconutmilk | 130 |
Strawberry Crème Frappuccino
Pink Drink
Dragon Drink
Strawberry Açaí Lemonade Refresher
How to Order a Smoothie-Style Drink
- Thicker and creamier: order a Strawberry Crème Frappuccino with extra ice and no whipped cream.
- Fruitier and lighter: order a Pink Drink or Mango Dream with light ice.
- Blended Refresher hack: ask for any Refresher blended with lemonade, if your store offers blending for Refreshers.
- Add protein: a Protein Cold Foam on top of an iced drink adds about 15 g of protein.
See every fruit drink on the Starbucks Refreshers menu and every blended drink on the Frappuccino menu.
Boba and Smoothie FAQs
Does Starbucks have boba tea?
No. Starbucks does not sell tapioca boba tea. It offers popping pearls, a juice-filled alternative, in some seasonal Refreshers.
What are Starbucks popping pearls?
Small spheres with a thin gel skin and flavored juice inside that pop when you bite them. Starbucks uses them in seasonal Refreshers.
Does Starbucks still have smoothies?
No. Traditional fruit smoothies are no longer on the US menu. The Strawberry Crème Frappuccino and Pink Drink are the closest alternatives.
Can I add pearls to any drink?
Only when your store has pearls in stock, which is usually during seasonal pearl promotions. Check the Starbucks app for your store.
What is the closest thing to a strawberry smoothie at Starbucks?
The Strawberry Crème Frappuccino: a blended strawberry drink with milk and ice and no coffee, at 370 calories in a Grande.
Availability of seasonal items varies by store. starbukmenu.com is not affiliated with Starbucks Corporation.