
A surprising drink that plays pranks on customers, in the most wonderful ways.
There’s not long to go now until Halloween, and to get us into the spirit of things, Starbucks has released a limited-edition Frappuccino in Japan called Booooo.
Our resident Starbucks expert K. Masami was in line to try the new Frappuccino as soon as it was released on 11 October, and because she’s become a fan of customisations, she asked the barista if there were any tweaks to the drink they would recommend.
They told her it was perfectly delicious as is, and if she were to customise anything, they recommended trying it with oat milk instead of dairy milk, so that’s what she did, for an extra 55 yen (US$0..37).
When she received her drink, it immediately set the mood for Halloween with its spooky all-black appearance. She’d never seen an edible item this black outside of squid ink dishes, so it instantly made her feel on edge.
▼ It didn’t contain squid ink, of course, but Masami just couldn’t get the image of squid ink out of her head.
This optical illusion is all part of the theme surrounding the drink, which is designed to play Halloween pranks on customers. Beneath its pitch-black appearance is another prank — chunks of pumpkin pudding.
▼ Booooo!
As soon as you sip the drink through the straw, the pumpkin pieces pop out onto your tongue, surprising you with their soft, chewy textures. It’s a gentle, welcome prank, though, as the sweet pumpkin flavour lingers on the tongue, along with the milky base and creamy whipped cream.
The black sauce isn’t just for show, as it’s actually a bitter caramel sauce that adds a slightly bitter sweetness to the mix. It was like something a wizard might make, because no matter how much she sipped, her brain couldn’t match up the taste of bitter caramel to the black look of the sauce.
▼ Utterly confusing, but in a great way.
The drink surprised her with its looks and its taste, and she found it to be absolutely delicious. She also indulged in the all-black Halloween Chocolate Cake, another limited-edition that’s said to play pranks on its customers because beneath its dark exterior lies…
▼… a mound of purple blueberry cream!
The black cocoa dough, crunchy chocolate coating, and soft, delectable cream hit the right balance between soft and tart flavours, making it a perfect companion for the Frappuccino.
▼ Masami couldn’t resist buying two of this year’s limited-edition Halloween products as well.
While all the items in the range are designed to play tricks on customers, they’re also perfectly delicious treats, which means we don’t have to choose between trick or treat this Halloween — we can have our cake and eat it too.
The celebrations are only on for a limited time until 31 October, though, so be sure to get in quick for a taste of Halloween before it joins the ranks of other legendary exclusives, like last year’s bright purple Halloween Frappuccino.
Images © SoraNews24
● Want to hear about SoraNews24’s latest articles as soon as they’re published? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!
[ Read in Japanese ]









Starbucks Japan’s new Halloween Frappuccino says Booooo for 2023
Starbucks Japan’s new Crackly Trick Halloween topping transforms any Frappuccino
Christmas arrives early at Starbucks in Japan with new Merry Cream Frappuccino
We try the new Starbucks Dark Night Frappuccino with cup cosplay costumes for Halloween
Does Starbucks Japan’s new Halloween Frappuccino taste as good as it looks?
Japanese convenience store releases Japanese convenience store-flavor fried chicken
Cup Noodle releases cold-water instant ramen in Japan, but can it really be made with just cold water?
Hatsune Miku collaborates with Hokusai’s art in new Vocaloid ukiyo-e illustration series [Pics]
Japan’s “edible fireworks” wagashi sweets return, but only for a limited time [Photos]
Studio Ghibli releases anime T-shirts that pay homage to one of Hayao Miyazaki’s most personal films
Japan now has human refrigerators inspired by Japanese vending machines
Giant Snorlax, other snoozing Pokémon appear in Yokohama for Pokémon Sleeping Faces Research [Pics]
Japan’s popular curry chain Cocoichi has an elusive delivery-only noodle menu
Family Mart’s new Tokyo flagship convenience store doesn’t feel convenient, but is that a problem?
Teen girl in Japan refuses to be victim, personally escorts train pervert to police for arrest
Cup Noodle unveils first-ever cold-water instant ramen in Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new Discovery Series collection celebrating local regions and traditions
Japanese government ID card and app to be required for certain Pokémon card purchases next month
Is Japan’s tourism boom slowing down? Foreign visitor numbers fall for first time in five years
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Japan triples departure tax, foreign tourists and locals now must pay more to leave country
Japan launches first overnight Shinkansen bullet train between Tokyo and Osaka this summer
Family Mart opens new “Famima” flagship store in Tokyo that’s like a tourist attraction
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
We try the new Halloween Masquerade Party drinks from Starbucks Japan
Starbucks Japan’s Halloween Frappuccino plays tricks on the taste buds
Does Starbucks Japan’s new holiday Frappuccino really taste like a cup of fallen snow?
Starbucks unveils new Halloween Frappuccino in Japan
Starbucks adds pumpkin to its autumn Frappuccino for Halloween
Starbucks Japan’s new Butter Frappuccino is more like a sweet pastry than a drink
Starbucks Japan unveils new Halloween Frappuccino for 2025
We try Starbucks Japan’s first Christmas Frappuccino for 2020
Starbucks Japan brings out a Red Night Frappuccino and Masquerade Mocha for Halloween
Starbucks Japan’s new Christmas Frappuccino: festive fantasy or festive fail?
Can Starbucks Japan’s new Frappuccino and “cheer up” drink really change your mood?
Starbucks Japan’s new Matcha Frappuccino: Brilliant beverage or drink disaster?
Starbucks celebrates Halloween with new Frappuccino, tea and drinkware in Japan
Starbucks Japan’s latest limited-edition Frappuccino tastes better with a customisation
How special is Starbucks Japan’s new “Special Ver.” Frappuccino?
The top 5 Starbucks Frappuccinos we’d like to drink again in Japan this year