Right now, it only lists limited kids’ items, such as milk and hot chocolate, in a smaller size, while teenagers have the choice of adult-sized, and often heavily caffeinated, beverages. A 16-ounce Caramel Frappucino coffee drink, for example, has nearly three times the caffeine as a 12-ounce can of regular Coke or Pepsi.

Quite honestly, I think Starbucks is a greater risk to the health of teenagers than McDonalds. The fact that the company targets teenagers should not surprise anyone, but what should shock you is the nutritional data on their products.

We’ve all probably noticed many parents do bring their young children into Starbucks when they’re seeking their own caffeine fix. And I’m pretty sure that anybody who frequents a Starbucks near a high school has seen their local cafe jam-packed with teens at certain times of the day. I’ve definitely experienced the high-volume chatter and rapid rate at which baristas must sling Frappuccinos when a whole bunch of high school kids alight on a Starbucks all at once.
- Motley Fool

I think Starbucks is at risk of a mid-life crisis where all the small decisions they have made along the path to building a huge retail company costs them in the marketplace. This business about marketing to kids is troubling, what’s next… playgrounds and movie toy promotions? In Howard Schultz’s own words, the company needs to find it’s soul again.

Tags: Starbucks