Full Breakdown
Starbucks Removes Blending Powder After Barista Illness Reports
8/29/2026, 12:02:48 AM
Background and Union Action
In July 2024 Starbucks introduced a new blending powder for its Blended Refreshers. Baristas were instructed on July 14 to scoop the powder into blenders as a binding agent. Within weeks, baristas such as Destiny Valencia in San Jose, California, reported headaches, fatigue, coughing, hives and other symptoms they linked to the powder’s fine, airborne dust. A union-conducted survey received nearly 600 responses documenting similar health complaints. Starbucks Workers United, representing more than 12,000 baristas at hundreds of stores, demanded that the company address the inhalation risk and called for consultation before future ingredient changes. The union also pressed for higher wages, more consistent schedules, minimum staffing levels, and just-cause protections.
Health Risks Identified by Occupational-Medicine Expert
The union obtained an analysis from Dr. Peter Orris, an occupational-medicine physician at the University of Illinois Hospital. He confirmed that the powder contains food-grade amorphous silica, gum arabic, maltodextrin, rebaudioside A and xanthan gum. While the FDA deems these ingredients safe for ingestion, Dr. He recommended installing exhaust ventilators, providing N95 masks, and adopting standardized cleaning protocols to reduce exposure.
Official Statements & Company Response
The company also noted that the removal of blended refreshers coincided with a regular seasonal menu transition. In response to union pressure, Starbucks directed stores to discontinue the powder but indicated no plans to reintroduce it.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It was multiple days until I connected the dots that it maybe had something to do with the powder,” — Destiny Valencia
- “We know our collective action prompted the company to direct stores to remove the powder, but the risk of using this product remains, and we won’t stop calling for its permanent removal from every store,” — Jasmine Leli
- “We have multiple powders that we use at work, but this one gets airborne significantly easier than any of the other powders,” — Destiny Valencia
- “There’s no culture at Starbucks where you are asked to move slower,” — Jasmine Leli
- “If you have asthma and if you are in fact sensitized to this material … then very low doses are going to cause you significant respiratory problems,” — Dr. Peter Orris
