Starbucks has introduced a new secret menu item to mark the 20th anniversary of Hannah Montana, but fans of the iconic Disney Channel show are roasting the coffee giant for an ironic flavour choice that contradicts the character's known preferences.
The Controversial Secret Popstar Refresher
The limited-time beverage, called the Secret Popstar Refresher, launched on Monday as part of celebrations for the Hannah Montana anniversary special streaming on Disney+. While not appearing on official store menus, customers can order the drink through the Starbucks mobile app or by reciting the specific recipe in person.
The creation consists of a grande Strawberry Acai Refresher topped with raspberry cold foam, two pumps of raspberry syrup, and no strawberry inclusions. The bright pink appearance was designed to reflect Hannah Montana's vibrant personality, but the raspberry components have sparked immediate criticism from devoted fans.
Why Fans Are Calling Out Starbucks
Devoted viewers quickly pointed out that Hannah Montana, played by Miley Cyrus, famously hated raspberries in the original television series. In season one episode 25 titled "Smells Like Teen Sellout," the character tells her best friend Lilly that raspberries made her sick after she consumed too many during a childhood pie-eating contest at a county fair.
"Even a whiff of raspberries makes me sick," Hannah Montana declares in the 2007 episode, establishing her clear aversion to the fruit that Starbucks has now made central to her anniversary drink.
Social Media Reactions Highlight the Irony
Fans took to various platforms to express their amusement and criticism of Starbucks' flavour selection:
- One fan commented on Threads: "Hey Starbucks... there was literally an entire episode about Miley hating the smell of raspberries. As Hannah Montana said, 'everybody makes mistakes.' You had the opportunity for a lavender lemonade or a loco hot cocoa RIGHT THERE."
- Another wrote on X: "Whoever came up with this needs their Hannah Montana fan card REVOKED."
- A third complained: "Starbucks having a raspberry Hannah Montana refresher when Hannah HATES raspberries is so funny to me like did they think this through or ?????"
- Another fan joked: "Raspberry cold foam for a HANNAH MONTANA DRINK? Real ones know she's allergic to raspberries whose flop idea was that?"
Starbucks' Response to Criticism
When questioned about the ingredient choice on an Instagram post, with one commenter asking "doesn't Miley dislike raspberries?", Starbucks responded: "20 years later and Miley decided she's so over that." This playful reply suggests the company is aware of the contradiction but embracing it as part of the anniversary celebration.
Starbucks has not provided additional comment to media outlets regarding the specific reasoning behind selecting raspberry flavours for the Hannah Montana tribute drink. The Independent reported that the company did not immediately return their request for comment on the ingredient choice.
Availability and Additional Celebrations
According to Starbucks' press release, the Secret Popstar Refresher will be available for a limited time only, with orders accepted until April 5th. Beyond the controversial beverage, fans can expect to hear a specially curated Hannah Montana-inspired playlist playing in U.S. stores starting Tuesday.
The drink launch coincides with the premiere of the Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special on Disney+, which features an interview with Miley Cyrus alongside never-before-seen archival footage from the original series. The tribute special was filmed in front of a live audience, adding to the nostalgic celebration that Starbucks has attempted to join with their raspberry-infused offering.
Despite the flavour controversy, the drink's creation demonstrates Starbucks' continued strategy of tapping into pop culture nostalgia through limited-time menu items, even when those creations generate mixed reactions from dedicated fan communities.
