Starbucks Workers Claim New Blending Powder Leaves Them Coughing and With Sore Throats During Every Shift

Starbucks workers are raising concerns over a newly introduced blending powder, claiming it becomes airborne and leaves baristas with sore throats, coughing and headaches during shifts (Credit: Ade Rifaie/Pexels)

A new ingredient designed to make Starbucks' frozen drinks smoother has quickly become the centre of a growing workplace controversy. Baristas across several stores say the recently introduced blending powder is leaving them coughing, suffering sore throats and battling headaches after preparing drinks throughout their shifts.

While the powder is intended to improve beverage texture and prevent separation, employees claim it easily becomes airborne during use, prompting fresh questions about worker safety and whether the company should rethink the recipe.