Starbucks' new green cups are causing an uproar — here's why you don't need to panic

Starbucks

On Tuesday, Starbucks began serving its holiday beverages, with the return of its Chestnut Praline Latte, Caramel Brulée Latte, and Peppermint Mocha.

But one seasonal mainstay — the chain's iconic red holiday cup — didn't return with the classics. 

Instead, customers found themselves being served festive drinks in green cups. The cups feature an illustration by Shongo Ota featuring the faces of more than a hundred people, drawn with a single continuous line. 

"The green cup and the design represent the connections Starbucks has as a community with itspartners (employees) and customers," Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz said in a statement. "During a divisive time in our country, Starbucks wanted to create a symbol of unity as a reminder of our shared values, and the need to be good to each other." 

While few can argue with the new cups' message, some customers took to social media to complain and express confusion about the lack of red cups, which Starbucks typically reveals in early November. 

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I went to Starbucks this morning and I got a green cup...WHERE IS MY RED CUP WHAT IS THIS GREEN CRAP.

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I need an explanation for this ugly ass green cup from Starbucks

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My Starbucks cup is green. What level of outrage should I be at Twitter?

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The holiday cup has arrived at Starbucks, green with faces. ???? https://t.co/LsVQGhKc2Q

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When it's red cup season but Starbucks is giving out green ones ???? #GetItTogether

Confused customers need not worry. It looks like red cups should be back on the counter by mid-November. 

Last week, Reddit user DasUberSquid posted a photo of what looks like Starbucks' new red cup in the r/Starbucks subreddit, with the title "I peeked." The cups feature an abstract pattern with a bird and holly leaves.

Starbucks

Last week, a Starbucks spokesperson declined to comment on the authenticity of the leaked photo. 

Other posts on social media showed photos boxes that said, "No peeking until November 10." Presumably, that's the date for the return of the red cups.

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There are also rumors that the chain has other red cups on the way this holiday season. In fact, a Reddit user said in a comment there will be at least three designs for the red cups.  

So, enjoy the green cups while you can — they probably won't be around for much longer. 

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