Starbucks Japan adds new Customisation Bar to stores, with free ways to hack your food and drink orders

Starbucks Japan has launched an innovative "My Customisation Bar" in stores across the country, offering customers up to 5.27 million potential drink and food combinations. This move comes after the chain has been increasingly focusing on personalising the customer experience. The new bar, reminiscent of a previous iteration seen during Starbucks' early days, allows customers to add five free items to their orders after purchasing.

The bar reinstates two previous favourites and introduces three new creations. The two returning items are Honey, which complements the chain's cappuccinos, and Cinnamon Powder, a popular addition to White Mocha and foam or whipped cream toppings. The three new offerings are Vanilla Sugar & Salt, Pepper Cardamom Maple Sauce, and Ginger Sugar Chips.

The Vanilla Sugar & Salt combines pink salt with vanilla and sugar for a sweet-and-salty, vanilla-scented flavour, ideal with a Caramel Macchiato. Pepper Cardamom Maple Sauce, a blend of maple syrup, black pepper, and cardamom, pairs well with coffee and tea, particularly in a Cafe Misto. Lastly, Ginger Sugar Chips, small pieces of sugar mixed with ginger, offer a subtle ginger flavour and a crunchy texture, recommended for Coffee Frappuccinos.

To help customers, baristas are ready to suggest their favourite combinations, and Starbucks has provided top tips from three of its store employees. Global Barista Champion Nobuki Shimoide suggests pairing a Caramel Macchiato with Vanilla Sugar & Salt, as the vanilla aroma and pink salt enhance the caramel flavour while adding a sweet-and-savoury twist.