Pokémon Announces New Starbucks Collab with Massive Exclusive Merch Collection

Pokémon and Starbucks are teaming up for a huge new official collaboration featuring a Pikachu-inspired latte and 41 pieces of exclusive merchandise starring some of the series’ most popular characters.

Created around the theme of heading on an adventure through the world of coffee, the collaboration features Pikachu, Bulbasaur, Charmander, Squirtle and Eevee interacting with Starbucks baristas across newly created artwork used throughout the drink, cups, bottles, coffee equipment and other goods.

Illustrator Hikaru Ichijo created 12 original pieces of artwork for the project, following Pokémon and their barista partners as they meet, experiment with coffee and eventually work toward the collaboration’s fictional “Barista Battle”.

The Starbucks project arrives during Pokémon’s 30th anniversary year, which has already seen another major coffee collaboration through Suntory’s BOSS Coffee, including new drinks, collectible can designs and exclusive merchandise.

Pokémon’s 30th Anniversary BOSS Coffee Collab 02 0

Pokémon is also preparing another large lifestyle collection with Japanese retailer 3COINS, where the original 151 Pokémon will feature across 62 new pieces of tableware, stationery, bags, towels and everyday accessories when the first wave launches in October.

Pokémon x 3COINS Original 151 Collection Main

At the center of the new Starbucks collaboration is the “Pikachu Honey Cream Latte,” an iced espresso drink that combines honey and caramel flavors with honey-flavored whipped cream.

Its golden honey coloring is designed to evoke Pikachu’s yellow body, while a red heart-shaped topping references the Pokémon’s famous cheeks.

The drink wasn’t simply developed as a standard licensed menu item, as Starbucks first asked baristas around the country to create their own Pokémon-inspired recipes for an internal “Pokémon + Starbucks Barista Battle”.

More than 700 ideas were submitted before six finalists competed with their recipes, with Junko Nitta from Starbucks’ Koriyama Asaka store ultimately creating the winning drink that will now be released to the public.

Anyone ordering the “Pikachu Honey Cream Latte” will also receive one exclusive 60mm collaboration sticker featuring the newly created artwork while supplies last.

The Tall-sized drink will cost ¥690 (approximately $4 / £3) when ordered for dine-in, or ¥678 for takeaway.

The merchandise side of the collaboration is considerably larger, with 41 different physical items covering drinkware, coffee-making equipment, bags, aprons, artwork and accessories.

Many pieces are split between two main visual themes, with “Coffee Connection” focusing on the relationships formed around a cup of coffee and “Coffee Adventure” following the Pokémon and baristas through their journey.

Several products also receive individual versions for Pikachu, Bulbasaur, Charmander, Squirtle and Eevee, using character-inspired colors adjusted into more understated tones for everyday use.

Let’s take a look at the full 41-piece “Pokémon + Starbucks” merchandise collection!

Pokémon + Starbucks Reusable Cup Coffee Connection – ¥1,300 (approximately $8 / £6)

Pokémon + Starbucks Stainless TOGO Bottle Pikachu – ¥6,600 (approximately $42 / £32)

Pokémon + Starbucks Stainless TOGO Bottle Bulbasaur – ¥6,600 (approximately $42 / £32)

Pokémon + Starbucks Stainless TOGO Bottle Charmander – ¥6,600 (approximately $42 / £32)

Pokémon + Starbucks Stainless TOGO Bottle Squirtle – ¥6,600 (approximately $42 / £32)

Pokémon + Starbucks Stainless TOGO Bottle Eevee – ¥6,600 (approximately $42 / £32)

Pokémon + Starbucks Stainless TOGO Bottle Coffee Connection – ¥6,600 (approximately $42 / £32)

Pokémon + Starbucks Stainless Bottle Pikachu – ¥6,600 (approximately $42 / £32)

Pokémon + Starbucks Stainless Bottle Bulbasaur – ¥6,600 (approximately $42 / £32)

Pokémon + Starbucks Stainless Bottle Charmander – ¥6,600 (approximately $42 / £32)

Pokémon + Starbucks Stainless Bottle Squirtle – ¥6,600 (approximately $42 / £32)

Pokémon + Starbucks Stainless Bottle Eevee – ¥6,600 (approximately $42 / £32)

Pokémon + Starbucks 2-Way Stainless Steel Cup / Holder Coffee Connection – ¥4,000 (approximately $25 / £19)

Pokémon + Starbucks 2-Way Stainless Steel Cup / Holder Coffee Adventure – ¥4,000 (approximately $25 / £19)

Pokémon + Starbucks Cold Cup Tumbler Coffee Connection – ¥4,000 (approximately $25 / £19)

Pokémon + Starbucks Cold Cup Tumbler Coffee Adventure – ¥4,000 (approximately $25 / £19)

Pokémon + Starbucks Stacking Mug Coffee Connection – ¥3,800 (approximately $24 / £18)

Pokémon + Starbucks Stacking Mug Coffee Adventure – ¥3,800 (approximately $24 / £18)

Pokémon + Starbucks Stacking Demi Mug Coffee Connection – ¥2,200 (approximately $14 / £11)

Pokémon + Starbucks Stacking Demi Mug Coffee Adventure – ¥2,200 (approximately $14 / £11)

Pokémon + Starbucks Strap Straw Tumbler Coffee Adventure – ¥4,800 (approximately $30 / £23)

Pokémon + Starbucks Glass Drip Coffee Maker Coffee Adventure – ¥4,900 (approximately $31 / £23)

Pokémon + Starbucks Stainless Steel Kettle Coffee Connection – ¥5,800 (approximately $37 / £28)

Pokémon + Starbucks Ceramic Canister Coffee Connection – ¥3,800 (approximately $24 / £18)

Pokémon + Starbucks Heat-Resistant Glass Mug with Stainless Steel Strainer Coffee Adventure – ¥4,400 (approximately $28 / £21)

Pokémon + Starbucks Utility Apron Coffee Connection – ¥4,800 (approximately $30 / £23)

Pokémon + Starbucks Milk Foamer & Cup Coffee Adventure – ¥4,400 (approximately $28 / £21)

Pokémon + Starbucks Kids Apron Pikachu – ¥4,000 (approximately $25 / £19)

Pokémon + Starbucks Acrylic Charm Coffee Connection – ¥1,500 (approximately $10 / £7)

Pokémon + Starbucks Art Sticker Set – ¥1,800 (approximately $11 / £9)

Pokémon + Starbucks Acrylic Charm Coffee Adventure – ¥1,500 (approximately $10 / £7)

Pokémon + Starbucks Art Postcard Set – ¥2,000 (approximately $13 / £10)

Pokémon + Starbucks Art Poster Coffee Connection – ¥2,500 (approximately $16 / £12)

Pokémon + Starbucks Art Poster Coffee Adventure – ¥2,500 (approximately $16 / £12)

Pokémon + Starbucks Tote Bag Coffee Connection – ¥5,000 (approximately $32 / £24)

Pokémon + Starbucks Tote Bag Coffee Adventure – ¥5,000 (approximately $32 / £24)

Pokémon + Starbucks Cup-Shaped PVC Pouch Pikachu – ¥2,200 (approximately $14 / £11)

Pokémon + Starbucks Cup-Shaped PVC Pouch Bulbasaur – ¥2,200 (approximately $14 / £11)

Pokémon + Starbucks Cup-Shaped PVC Pouch Charmander – ¥2,200 (approximately $14 / £11)

Pokémon + Starbucks Cup-Shaped PVC Pouch Squirtle – ¥2,200 (approximately $14 / £11)

Pokémon + Starbucks Cup-Shaped PVC Pouch Eevee – ¥2,200 (approximately $14 / £11)

The collaboration extends beyond those 41 products with three physical Starbucks Cards featuring Coffee Connection, Pikachu and Eevee artwork, each of which can be issued after adding at least ¥2,000 (approximately $13 / £10) to the card.

Six Starbucks Card Gift sets will also feature Coffee Connection, Pikachu, Bulbasaur, Charmander, Squirtle and Eevee, with each priced at ¥2,700 (approximately $17 / £13) and including a card preloaded with ¥2,000.

Digital Starbucks Cards will be offered in another six designs with selectable balances between ¥1,000 and ¥30,000, while special Pokémon eGift designs will also be available for drinks, food and coffee beans.

The “Pokémon + Starbucks” collaboration launches on September 30 through Starbucks stores across Japan and the official Starbucks Japan online store, with the exact selection differing between physical and online sales.