Starbucks Renames Almonds to Almond Kernels in Some Stores

If you’ve ever bought a pack of "almonds" from Starbucks and wondered whether they were really almonds, you’re not alone. A customer in Beijing recently noticed that one local Starbucks had changed the label on its 50g nut pack from "almond" to "almond kernel," prompting questions about what exactly is being sold — and why the name is changing in some places but not others.

The short answer: some Starbucks locations in Beijing, like the one at Euro Plaza in Shunyi, have quietly renamed their "almond" packs to "almond kernels." This change has been in place for several days, but not all stores have followed suit, and Starbucks China has yet to issue an official explanation.

What’s in a Name? Almond vs. Almond Kernel

The product in question is commonly referred to in the U.S. as the "American almond," but it is botanically not an almond at all. In fact, what Americans call "almonds" are actually Prunus dulcis — more accurately known as "almond kernels" or, in Chinese, (biantao ren). The confusion stems from a long-standing naming discrepancy where the seeds of the Prunus dulcis tree were marketed in China as "" (big almonds), despite not being true almonds (which come from the Prunus amygdalus tree).

Inconsistent Labeling Across Starbucks Locations

At the Euro Plaza Starbucks in Shunyi, a 50g pack previously labeled "almond" now says "almond kernel." Staff explained the name had been changed a few days prior because "the product is almond kernels." Customers were seen asking about the new label, with some expressing surprise that what they’d previously bought wasn’t technically an almond.

However, this change is not universal. At three other Beijing Starbucks locations — in Xidan Joy City and Zhongyou Department Store — the packaging still reads "almond," and staff claimed to have no knowledge of any renaming. One employee stated, "We’ve never heard of changing the name to almond kernel. Our products are always labeled as ‘almond,’ and our stock reflects that."

The Industry Push for Correct Naming

This naming issue isn’t new. On November 23, the China National Food Industry Association’s Nut and Snack Committee officially stated that "American almonds" should be correctly termed "almond kernels." The committee emphasized that the evidence was clear and that businesses should proceed with renaming in an orderly manner. This initiative reflects a broader effort to address what some media have called a decades-long mislabeling of Prunus dulcis as almonds in the Chinese market.

Why the Confusion?

Part of the confusion lies in historical marketing. The seeds of the Prunus dulcis tree were introduced to China under the name "" (literally “big almonds”), leading many consumers to believe they were eating true almonds. However, true almonds come from a different species, Prunus amygdalus. Though similar in taste and appearance, the two are distinct — a fact that has led to concerns about accurate food labeling and consumer awareness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Has Starbucks officially renamed almonds to almond kernels?

No, Starbucks has not made an official, company-wide announcement regarding the renaming of "almonds" to "almond kernels." The change has only been observed at select locations, such as the Euro Plaza store in Beijing’s Shunyi district, where staff confirmed the packs have been renamed. Other Starbucks stores in Beijing continue to use the label "almond."

Are the nuts sold at Starbucks really almonds?

No, the nuts sold at Starbucks under the previous label "almond" are actually almond kernels — botanically known as Prunus dulcis, not to be confused with true almonds from the Prunus amygdalus tree. Though commonly called "American almonds" in the past, they are not true almonds, and the industry is now moving toward more accurate labeling as "almond kernels."

Why did some Starbucks change the label and others didn’t?

The renaming appears to be happening inconsistently. Some stores, like the one in Shunyi’s Euro Plaza, have renamed their 50g nut packs to "almond kernels" in recent days, while others, including locations in Xidan Joy City and Zhongyou Department Store, still label the product as "almond." Starbucks China has not clarified why the changes are not uniform.

Is it unsafe to eat almond kernels?

No, almond kernels (Prunus dulcis) are safe to eat and are widely consumed. However, there has been past concern, particularly in media reports, about the potential health effects of consuming large quantities of Prunus dulcis, which is why accurate labeling is considered important. They are not toxic or harmful but differ botanically from true almonds.

Will Starbucks change all labels eventually?

As of now, Starbucks China has not confirmed whether it will implement a full, company-wide renaming of the product from "almond" to "almond kernel." The change is so far sporadic, with only certain locations making the switch. There has been no official statement addressing a broader plan or timeline for renaming.

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