Starbucks is releasing a black Phantom Frappuccino for Halloween and it's vegan
23 October 2019, 15:08
Some are worried that the ingredients of Starbucks' new Phantom Frappuccino will affect their medication.
Sorry, Starbucks' Phantom Frappuccino is in and Pumpkin Spiced Lattes are out. Starbucks is kicking off spooky season by launching its new drink – just in time for Halloween.
We've seen a lot of rumoured "secret menu" Starbucks drinks recently, from the sinister Joker Starbucks Frappuccino, to IT: Chapter Two drinks and even The Nightmare Before Christmas Frappuccinos. But none appears to be creepier than the Phantom Frappuccino.
READ MORE: You can order a Joker themed drink at Starbucks and it looks incredible
In keeping with Halloween theme, the new drink is totally black with a little green "slime" drizzled through it. Don't worry though, that slime may look positively ghoulish but it's actually edible. It's made from a special concoction of spirulina extract, charcoal powder, and lime and lemon juices.
The chilled drink is flavoured with a blend of coconut milk, mango and pineapple essence with Starbucks crème Frappuccino syrup. And as an optional topping twist, you can add dark coconut whipped cream made from coconut milk and black charcoal powder.
Even better, the drink is free of animal products, which means it's suitable for vegans and the dairy-free community. "Starbucks has always been committed to offering customers products that meet their diverse needs and taste preferences," a Starbucks spokesperson said.
"As more people choose a dairy-free diet, we are making sure customers don’t have to miss out on new product launches by widening our range of vegan friendly options."
However, the internet has some thoughts on the new beverage. Some are worried that it contains black charcoal, which is sometimes used to detox the body after poisoning or drug overdose, a 2014 study found.
Apparently, black charcoal can neutralise medication that is taken orally, like birth control and anti depressants.
Ya’ll seriously be careful with the Black Charcoal Frap from Starbucks.
— SmushoWeen2019 (@JazzyMudkip) October 22, 2019
That stuff literally is what hospitals use to clear you out and everything in your system.
I’ve had to eat it MULTIPLE times to get shit out of my system at the doctors
Be careful ok?
BE CAREFUL
— Curse-ten, the queer ghost 🌈👻 (@Kirstie_Schultz) October 22, 2019
Black charcoal can make medications like birth control and antibiotics ineffective.
Charcoal is what they give you in the hospital to get out toxic things you've consumed. Don't forget it. https://t.co/fxo1uMOnGK
The more I hear about the @Starbucks charcoal shake, the more I’m concerned about people on birth control or on certain medications.
— Shauna Bones ☠️💀 (@Shauna_c_jones) October 23, 2019
Just out of curiosity, is there a warning when purchasing this drink Starbucks?
IM SO FUCKING MAD GOD DAMMIT IT WAS MORE OF A NICHE HIPSTER THING BUT NOW @Starbucks POPULARIZING CHARCOAL DRINKS EVEN MORE!! FUCK! OFF!
— 🍖Vriska AnarchoRoyalist🍬 (@placeholder4abn) October 22, 2019
UNLESS YOU'RE SERVING THEM WITH DISCLAIMERS YOURE ACTIVELY PUTTING UNWITTING PEOPLE'S HEALTH AT RISK FOR TRENDY INSTABAIT UGGHHHGGH
Starbucks haven't commented on the charcoal ingredient but ingesting charcoal at low levels should cause very few side effects. Besides, it's commonly used in toothpaste and food for its cleansing properties.
READ MORE: There's an IT: Chapter Two Pennywise themed drink on Starbucks' secret menu
If you're thinking of (trick or…) treating yourself to the Phantom Frappe, listen up. The drink is only available for a few days, starting on 21 October and ending on 3 November. Sadly, it's also only available in the UK and Europe too.
The Phantom Frappe will sell for £2.70 ($3.50).