Starbucks Is Saying Goodbye to Its Gingerbread Latte This Year
Updated: Nov. 06, 2020
The Gingerbread Latte is missing from the holiday menu this year.
The Starbucks holiday menu, with its slew of seasonal drinks and treats (Cranberry Bliss Bar, anyone?), has always been a gateway to the Christmas season—and it’s already back for 2020!
But as much as we love a good Peppermint Mocha, there’s one glaring omission: the beloved Gingerbread Latte.
What’s Going on, Starbucks?
It turns out, this seasonal spiced latte is now a Canada-only exclusive. Short of crossing the border to get your hands on a Gingerbread Latte, there are some tasty alternatives. The U.S. is the only country that’s going to get the Toasted White Chocolate Mocha. That means marshmallowy white chocolate instead of spicy gingerbread cookies. Seems like a fair trade-off.
Our Gingerbread Latte is only available in Canada this year. We recommend a Cinnamon Dolce Latte for a similar taste! ✨
— Starbucks Coffee (@Starbucks) November 5, 2020
You might remember the Gingerbread Latte was also omitted from the U.S. menu last year. 2019 is when the Gingerbread Latte officially became a Canada-exclusive, and while we’re happy to get some U.S.-only treats, we’re still missing one of our favorite, steaming holiday sippers. (If you’re in Canada, though, make sure you pick up a Gingerbread Latte ASAP!)
If celebrating Christmas seems a little premature, head over to Starbucks for a Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew while you still can.
Here’s Your Replacement
In-store, your alternative beverages are the Chestnut Praline Latte and Eggnog Latte. If you’ve never had a Chestnut Praline Latte, you should know it’s much more toned-down in terms of sweetness, as opposed to the Toasted White Chocolate Mocha. It’s still got some sweet kick to it, but it’s best for Starbucks lovers who like to cut those syrups on their go-to order.
The Eggnog Latte, on the other hand, is pretty darn sweet and packs all of the flavor you’d expect out of seasonal eggnog. You can order both the Eggnog Latte and the Chestnut Praline Latte as Frappuccinos, too. That’s even more goodness just in time for the holidays.
Short of sending Starbucks angry letters, you could also create your own holiday cheer with a gingerbread cake, gingerbread men or gingerbread pancakes. But if you have your heart set on a beverage, not cake or cookies, then try all of our very favorite Christmas drinks. Stay cozy out there!
Inspired by: Starbucks Salted Caramel Mocha
Indulge in a coffeehouse-quality drink with this caramel mocha recipe. With whipped cream and a butterscotch drizzle, this treat will perk up even the sleepiest person at the table. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Inspired By: Starbucks Coconut Creme Frapuccino Blended Creme
I love frozen beverages, so I wanted to create one similar to those in coffee shops but without coffee as an ingredient. When I drink this frosty treat it's as good as any specialty shop drink but without the hassle or the cost. —Emily Semmelrock, Jewett City, Connecticut
Inspired By: Starbucks Iced Lemon Pound Cake
My family always asks for this love-me-tender lemon loaf cake. Sometimes, I shake things up and make cupcakes with the batter. So awesome for brunch! —Lola Baxter, Winnebago, Minnesota
Inspired By: Starbucks Berry Trio Yogurt
Expecting brunch company, but short on time? My quick, delicious and beautiful parfaits are the perfect solution. Feel free to mix and match your favorite berries. —Lisa Speer, Palm Beach, Florida
Inspired By: Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino Blended Beverage
The winter holidays are my favorite time of year, and this spiced pumpkin drink is one reason I love the season so much. If you don't have a coffee maker, it's OK to use instant coffee—just make it stronger. —Kathie Perez, East Peoria, Illinois
Inspired By: Starbucks Caffe Mocha
When I'm sipping this delicious coffee, I almost feel like I'm visiting my favorite coffeehouse. —Jill Rodriguez, Gonzales, Louisiana
Inspired By: Starbucks Iced Caffe Latte
This amazing alternative to regular hot coffee is much more economical than store-bought coffee drinks. Sweetened condensed milk and a hint of chocolate lend a special touch. —Heather Nandell, Johnston, Iowa
Inspired By: Starbucks Cranberry Orange Scone
Moist and scrumptious, these scones come out perfect every time. I savor the chewy dried cranberries and sweet orange glaze. There's nothing better than serving these remarkable scones warm with the delicate orange butter. —Karen McBride, Indianapolis, Indiana
Inspired By: Starbucks Pumpkin Bread
An enticing aroma wafts through my house when this tender cake-like pumpkin bread is in the oven. I bake extra loaves to give as holiday gifts. My friends wait eagerly for it every year. —Linda Burnett, Prescott, Arizona
Inspired By: Starbucks Turkey & Havarti Sandwich
This is not your ordinary sandwich! Everyone loves the combination of chutney and chopped peanuts. I like to make this when I have company in the afternoon or at night after a game of cards. —Agnes Ward, Stratford, Ontario
Inspired By: Starbucks Hot Chocolate
This is our daughter's favorite hot chocolate recipe. It may look like ordinary cocoa, but a touch of vanilla sets it apart from the rest. And the melted marshmallows give it a frothy body you won't get from a cocoa packet. —Jo Ann Schimcek, Weimar, Texas
Inspired By: Starbucks Chai Latte
My wife loves chai, but I have never been satisfied with any of the store-bought mixes, so I created my own. —Justin Weber, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Inspired By: Starbucks Chocolate Chunk Muffin
Muffins are one of my favorite things to bake, and these are the best. I always keep some in the freezer for breakfast on the run. I can zap one in the microwave before I head out the door. —Kelly Kirby Westville, Nova Scotia
Inspired By: Starbucks Banana Nut Bread
This quick bread is a family favorite, so I always try to have ripe bananas on hand for this recipe. I'm sure your family will love this tasty, nutty bread as much as mine does. —Susan Jones, La Grange Park, Illinois
Inspired By: Starbucks Peppermint Mocha
Make spirits bright with a minty mocha to share under the mistletoe or around the piano. I’ve also stirred in coffee liqueur instead of peppermint. —Lauren Brien-Wooster, South Lake Tahoe, California
Inspired By: Starbucks Egg Salad Sandwich
I love the versatility of egg salad, especially with this recipe. You can serve it on a nest of mixed greens, tucked into a sandwich or with your favorite crisp crackers. —Cynthia Kohlberg, Syracuse, Indiana
Inspired By: Starbucks Everything Bagel with Cheese
Who has time to make from-scratch bagels? You do, with this easy recipe! The chewy golden bagels offer a hint of honey and will win over even the pickiest eaters. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Inspired By: Starbucks Mocha Frappuccino Blended Coffee
Coffee ice cubes power up this refreshing drink. Have it morning, noon or—if you dare—night! —Beverly Coyde, Gasport, New York
Inspired By: Starbucks Blueberry Scone
I love serving this blueberry scone recipe to visiting friends and family. I always make sure a have a few in the freezer. Just pop a frozen scone in the microwave for 20 seconds or so. —Joan Francis, Spring Lake, New Jersey
Inspired By: Starbucks Sausage, Cheddar & Egg Breakfast Sandwich
Wake up your taste buds with eye-opening breakfast sandwiches featuring spicy sausage, fluffy egg, tomato and creamy avocado piled high on a flaky croissant.—Emory Doty, Jasper, Georgia
Inspired By: Starbucks Classic Whole-Grain Oatmeal
There’s no better feeling than waking up to a hot, ready-to-eat breakfast. The oats, fruit and spices in this homey meal cook together while you sleep! —Valerie Sauber, Adelanto, California
Inspired By: Starbucks Homestyle Chicken & Double-Smoked Bacon
Everyone likes this tasty chicken breast sandwich. Flattening the chicken breasts helps them cook faster, and the mango chutney and other toppings make them better than anything you could order in a restaurant. —Agnes Ward, Stratford, Ontario
Inspired By: Starbucks Caffe Mocha with Cinnamon
Most store-bought flavored coffees are expensive. Here's a special early-morning beverage you can make at home. The aroma of cinnamon and cocoa makes this mocha coffee hard to resist. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Inspired By: Starbucks Italian-Style Ham & Spicy Salami
Olive lovers are sure to rejoice over this stacked sandwich! Stuffed and ripe olives are marinated in white wine vinegar and garlic before using them to flavor these speedy salami, ham and provolone subs.—Delores Christner, Spooner, Wisconsin
Inspired By: Starbucks Roasted Tomato & Mozzarella Panini
Why settle for ordinary grilled cheese when this is so easy to fix? Pair the sandwiches with your favorite soup for a fast, satisfying meal. —Arlene Reagan, Limerick, Pennsylvania
