Starbucks’ Unicorn Frappuccino Criticized By Stratford Health Department

STRATFORD, CT — While the Starbucks Unicorn Frappuccino was only around for a few days, it certainly made its presence felt. From a rant by a Starbucks barista on YouTube that spread on social media to criticism from a local health department, the elusive “magical” drink surely caused a stir in a short time.

Starbucks recently announced that the Unicorn Frappuccino, which it said was “magic” because it turns from purple to pink when you stir it, would be available from April 19 until April 23, or until supplies lasted. It quickly became a social-media sensation. (To sign up for Stratford breaking news alerts and more, click here.)

“The Unicorn Frappuccino blended crème is made with a sweet dusting of pink powder, blended into a crème Frappuccino with mango syrup and layered with a pleasantly sour blue drizzle. It is finished with vanilla whipped cream and a sprinkle of sweet pink and sour blue powder topping," the company said of the drink. "Like its mythical namesake, the Unicorn Frappuccino blended crème comes with a bit of magic, starting as a purple beverage with swirls of blue and a first taste that is sweet and fruity. But give it a stir and its color changes to pink, and the flavor evolves to tangy and tart.”

During his YouTube rant, Braden Burson, a 19-year-old Starbucks barista in Colorado, pleaded with people not to get it because it was too popular, too difficult to make and too messy.

"I've never made so many frappuccinos in my entire life," he says. "It's insane.”

“It's difficult to make," he added. "Please don't get it. My hands are completely sticky. I have unicorn crap all in my hair and on my nose. I have never been so stressed out in my entire life.”

The Stratford Health Department also encouraged people not to get it, but for an entirely different reason.

“While the Unicorn Frappuccino may be pretty to look at, it's loaded with 59 grams of sugar!,” the health department wrote in a post on Facebook. “That is over two times the amount of sugar recommended by the American Heart Association!”

In addition to the sugar, the 16-ounce drink also contained 16 grams of total fat, including 10 grams of saturated fat (50 percent of the recommended daily value) and 410 calories (140 calories from fat). See the full nutrition facts below.

Screenshot via Starbucks.com

Image via Starbucks