Starbucks has launched a new secret menu item to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Disney Channel show Hannah Montana, but fans are criticising the choice of flavour, pointing out that the character famously hates raspberries.
The drink, called the Secret Popstar Refresher, is a grande Strawberry Acai Refresher with raspberry cold foam, two pumps of raspberry syrup and no strawberry inclusions. It is available to order on the mobile app or by repeating the recipe in person from Monday until April 5.
However, devoted fans of the show quickly noted that in season one episode 25, titled “Smells Like Teen Sellout,” Hannah Montana tells her best friend Lilly that raspberries make her sick after eating too many at a pie-eating contest. “Even a whiff of raspberries makes me sick,” she says in the 2007 episode.
On social media, fans expressed their dismay. One wrote on Threads: “Hey Starbucks... there was literally an entire episode about Miley hating the smell of raspberries.” Another commented on X: “Whoever came up with this needs their Hannah Montana fan card REVOKED.” A third joked: “raspberry cold foam for a HANNAH MONTANA DRINK? real ones know shes allergic to raspberries whos flop idea was that?”
When a fan asked on Instagram whether Miley Cyrus dislikes raspberries, Starbucks replied: “20 years later and Miley decided she’s so over that.” The Independent has contacted Starbucks for comment on the ingredient choice.
Meanwhile, a Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special, featuring an interview with Cyrus and never-before-seen archival footage, will stream on Disney+ from Tuesday.
