Starbucks Has Taken The Classic Cappuccino Off The Menu At Many Locations

The cappuccino, one of the most classic espresso beverages, has been a mainstay on the Starbucks menu since 1986. But since the advent of ever-more-complicated caffeinated (and sugary) beverages, like the pumpkin spice latte, caramel macchiato, and cinnamon roll Frappuccino, Starbucks seems to be slowly phasing out the cappuccino. In recent years, the cappuccino has disappeared from menus in New York City, San Francisco, and Seattle, although you can still order it with no problem.

But, according to Business Insider, this change makes total sense. When Starbucks first opened, espresso drinks were made in the traditional Italian style: as espressos, espresso macchiatos, lattes, or cappuccinos. The difference between a cappuccino and a latte often eludes the layman, claims Kitchen Riddles. A latte combines one part espresso with two parts steamed milk, but a cappuccino combines equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and frothed milk, according to this handy Daily Meal guide.

As a result, according to Business Insider, many Starbucks locations have conflated the two. When the flat white drink, of Australian origin, was added earlier this year, it made things even more complicated. Does this explain the Great Starbucks Cappuccino Disappearance of 2015? Perhaps, but the company says it isn't permanent.

A Starbucks representative has confirmed to the media that "the cappuccino has been and will always be part of our espresso portfolio," and will appear on menus later this year when menu boards begin to change again. According to Starbucks, menu boards switch out at least six to seven times a year, which explains the cappuccino no-show.