Los Angeles Starbucks Employees Claim to Test New ‘Blending Powder.’ Then It Allegedly Becomes a Ball, Smells Bad, and Turns Yellow
Concerns have spread on social media.
A viral TikTok from Los Angeles Starbucks employees has sparked questions about a new “blending powder” used in some drinks, after workers claimed the ingredient looked unusual during a test. In the video posted by Estarbucks6767 (@Estarbucks6767), employees examined the powder while making unfounded claims about its safety, including the phrase “gonna get cancer.”
The TikTok shows employees testing the blending powder. During the clip, one person says the powder is “toxic” and says, “Bro, you’re gonna get cancer. Haha.” The workers then move the mixture to the back area and comment that it “stinks so bad” before showing what appears to be a changed consistency.
The video also shows what it claims is the mixed-up blending powder becoming a ball and turning yellow. One commenter wrote, “What is blending powder?”
Blending powder serves several purposes
A commenter responded, explaining its purpose, noting xanthan gum helps give frappes a thicker consistency, keeps the liquid and ice blended, and reduces separation. The commenter claimed Starbucks uses a six-ingredient blend containing silica and other additives, while many other coffee shops rely primarily on xanthan gum to achieve a similar thickening effect.
The commenter also criticized Starbucks’ formulation. They alleged that the company uses additional ingredients to help maintain the beverage’s texture and consistency.
Other online discussions identified ingredients including gum arabic, maltodextrin, xanthan gum, natural flavor, silica, and stevia extract, noting the claims came from online research rather than a confirmed Starbucks ingredient list. Ingredients such as xanthan gum and gum arabic can help stabilize mixtures, improve texture, and keep ingredients combined.
Silica can appear in food products as an anti-caking agent. The presence of an ingredient name alone does not determine whether a product poses a health risk.
Some online discussions have compared the ingredient to industrial silica, which is associated with inhalation hazards. But food ingredients and industrial materials can differ in form and intended use, according to the United States Food & Drug Administration (FDA).
Starbucks did introduce a new blending powder for its Blended Energy Refreshers, which launched in July 2026. Starbucks workers reported concerns about inhaling dust particles when scooping the new ingredient.
Reportedly, some workers have described throat irritation, coughing, and other discomfort after handling it. However, these reports remain individual accounts and have not been independently confirmed as evidence of a broader workplace safety issue.
Starbucks has posted a direct response to queries about whether the blending powder is safe, saying on their website:
“The product used in our coffeehouses is a blending powder which contains a small amount of food grade silica, an FDA-approved ingredient commonly used in food products that helps ingredients mix consistently and supports a consistent beverage experience. It does not contain crystalline silica and is safe for use in food.”
Starbucks has not issued a public response specifically addressing the Estarbucks6767 TikTok video. Estarbucks6767’s claims should not be treated as medical advice.
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