Starbucks is introducing its “brightest” coffee yet with the launch of Sunsera Blend, a brand-new light roast set to hit cafés nationwide on March 4. This 100% Arabica coffee, a blend of Brazil and Colombian beans, will be featured as the Coffee of the Day and available for customers to enjoy as a brewed coffee at Starbucks locations across the country.
Sunsera is crafted using a light roasting process, resulting in a balanced and approachable flavor profile. Developed by Starbucks coffee expert Leslie Wolford—who also helped create the iconic Pike Place Roast—Sunsera is described as a versatile, crowd-pleasing blend that combines pleasant acidity, sweetness, and smoothness. “It’s got nice acidity, but it’s not pointed acidity. It’s got this sweetness and smoothness, warmth and optimism. It feels right for everyone,” Wolford said.
Light-roast coffees typically have a thinner mouthfeel and a brighter flavor with a lighter appearance. Sunsera offers distinct notes of Meyer lemon zest and toasted almond from the Brazilian beans, while the Colombian beans add subtle hints of Asian pear and apricot.
“If you taste Starbucks Sunsera Blend side-by-side with other light-roast coffees, you can see we have created something very new and different,” Wolford explained. “It’s soft in its approachability with more toasted nuances, which allows the flavors to carry through.”
Sunsera marks the latest addition to Starbucks’ light-roast offerings, following the introduction of Blonde Roast in 2017. The company continues to offer a variety of brewed coffees, from the medium-bodied Pike Place to its darker roasts.
In addition to being served at Starbucks locations, Sunsera Blend will also be available for purchase at major retailers, including Walmart, starting March 4. It will come in whole bean, ground, and K-Cup formats. A Nespresso Vertuo version will also be available in April.
This release coincides with Starbucks’ upcoming spring menu, which also launches in March. While details remain under wraps, customers can look forward to the debut of an Iced Cherry Chai, along with the return of fan-favorite lavender beverages, such as the Iced Lavender Cream Oatmilk Matcha and Iced Lavender Oatmilk Latte. Additionally, Starbucks will offer a new Jalepeño Chicken Pocket for breakfast.
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