Dubai – Qahwa World
Starbucks is experimenting with a new ChatGPT integration designed to help customers decide what to order and customize their drinks before using the Starbucks app.
Starting April 15, users can tag @starbucks inside ChatGPT to activate a beta experience connected to the coffee chain. The feature allows people to describe what they’re in the mood for—such as cravings, feelings, or even images—and receive tailored drink suggestions.
For example, a prompt like “@starbucks, I’m looking for an iced pick-me-up” could return options such as an Iced Dragon Energy Drink along with other menu recommendations.
According to Paul Riedel, senior vice president of digital and loyalty at Starbucks, the idea reflects a shift in customer behavior. “Customers aren’t always starting with a menu. They’re starting with a feeling,” he said in a blog post announcing the feature.
The integration is designed not only to suggest drinks but also to encourage discovery of lesser-known menu items. Users can refine recommendations, customize their selections, and place orders through the Starbucks app.
Starbucks joins other retailers, including Etsy and Walmart, that are integrating ChatGPT into shopping and discovery experiences as consumers increasingly use AI tools for recommendations.
Riedel described the goal as meeting customers at the moment of inspiration, making it easier to find a drink that fits their preferences.
The rollout is part of Starbucks’ broader “Back to Starbucks” strategy aimed at improving sales and customer engagement. The company recently reported its first U.S. sales growth in two years, alongside continued investment in AI.
However, the announcement has also drawn criticism online. Some users questioned the need for AI assistance in choosing coffee, arguing that ChatGPT can already provide similar suggestions without direct integration into Starbucks systems.
The experiment highlights the growing role of AI in retail experiences—and ongoing debate about how far that integration should go.
