The cream puff lattes and Frappuccinos at Starbucks Japan are less sweet than you might imagine. (Juan King/Stars and Stripes)
The Japanese shu cream, or cream puff, is available in liquid form at most Japanese Starbucks locations for a limited time.
The coffee chain kicked off its Cream Puff Frappuccino promotion on March 13, a first in this flavor, according to the Starbucks Japan website. The offering is part of the chain’s Springtime theme until April 20 at participating stores.
As a huge fan of cream puffs, I took the opportunity to try a coffee drink based on the dessert.
Knowing the typical rush by visitors during Japanese campaigns like this one, I was fortunate to get into a local shop on the morning of the first day with no extensive wait.
The drink can be purchased at the store counter, but the company encourages the use of its mobile order-and-pay application, which often saves time and helps beat the rush.
The beverage comes in Starbucks’ tall size only and is priced at 687 yen – about $4.32 – for takeout, or 700 yen to enjoy it in the shop.
Cream puff Frappuccinos and lattes are available for the first time at Starbucks Japan during the coffee chain’s Springtime promotion. (Juan King/Stars and Stripes)
With no waiting, I indulged and bought two cream puff frappes to go, along with a couple of cream puff lattes. The lattes come in a choice of hot or cold for 609 yen for takeout in the same tall size, and 620 yen for in-store consumption.
Like its dessert equivalent, I expected sweetness from this Frappuccino, but it was not too sweet, which was a good thing. It does ignite the tastebuds with its combination of vanilla-flavored milk and caramel sauce, which creates a similar custard taste to actual cream puffs, along with crunchy bits of pastry on the top.
Neither did the hot cream puff latte overwhelm with sweetness but mimicked a cream puff pastry. You can still taste and feel the effects of the espresso beneath.
The pastry bits drift to the bottom of the hot drink and soften, unlike the cold Frappuccino. That taste of cream puff is better cold, in my opinion.
Additions to the frappe may include a choice of chocolate chunks and chocolate sauce drizzled over top, or a couple of shots of Blonde espresso, which are available at some locations, find out which one for local your area.
Look for signs advertising cream puff coffee drinks at Starbucks Japan available for a limited time. (Juan King/Stars and Stripes)
Starbucks Japan
Location: Available at most Starbucks locations throughout Japan.
Hours: Store hours vary.
Prices: 680 yen for the Cream Puff Frappuccino and 609 yen for the Cream Puff latte with takeout.
Dress: Casual
Information: www.starbucks.co.jp
AloJapan.com