Viral Starbucks Video Sparks Concern Over "Toxic" Blending Powder

A viral TikTok video of two Starbucks employees testing a "blending powder" used in some of the chain's drinks has sparked online concern, after one worker could be heard saying, "Bro, you're gonna get cancer," during the clip.

The video, posted by user @estarbucks6767, shows two employees in Starbucks uniforms adding several scoops of a white powder to a blender. As the mixture blends, it turns into a sticky, goopy substance that one employee describes as smelling "bad." Later in the video, the substance appears to change color, though the reason for that shift isn't explained. In the caption, the poster wrote, "Guys, please stop getting blending powder."

The claims made in the video, including the "cancer" remark, are unverified and were not substantiated with any scientific evidence or testing.

What's Actually in the Powder?

The video quickly gained traction online, with viewers asking what exactly the blending powder contains. One account, @WallStreetApes, shared what it said was a breakdown of the powder's ingredients, listing gum arabic, maltodextrin, xanthan gum, natural flavor, silica and stevia extract. According to that post, the powder's purpose is to act as an emulsifier or stabilizer to create a smoother texture in blended drinks. The Daily Dot reported that it could not independently verify the accuracy of that ingredient list.

None of the ingredients listed are new or unusual in commercial food production. Gum arabic, maltodextrin and xanthan gum are common stabilizers and thickeners used widely across the food industry, including in many blended beverages, baked goods and sauces.

The Silica Concern, Explained

Much of the online alarm has centered on silica appearing on the alleged ingredient list, but there's an important distinction worth understanding. The health risks commonly associated with silica involve inhaling crystalline silica dust, an occupational hazard tied to industries like construction, mining and sandblasting, where prolonged exposure to airborne dust particles has been linked to lung damage and silicosis over time.

That's different from food-grade silicon dioxide, commonly listed simply as "silica" on ingredient labels, which is widely used in the food industry as an anti-caking agent to prevent powders from clumping. It's found in everything from powdered spices to coffee creamer to powdered sugar, and it's recognized as safe for consumption by food safety regulators. Swallowing small amounts of food-grade silica in a beverage is not the same exposure pathway as inhaling industrial dust, and the two shouldn't be conflated based on ingredient name alone.

Online Reaction Mixed Between Concern and Support

The video's popularity brought a wave of reactions, many focused on whether the employees who posted it could face consequences at work. "Honestly, even tho they gonna 100% fire you for sure and probably everybody in this video. We appreciate you for your warning," one commenter wrote. Another added, "When you get fired, just know you saved lives on your way out."

Other viewers praised the employees regardless of the outcome. "I love seeing young people doing this. They are so awake, smart and trying to help their fellow man," one comment read.

Starbucks has not issued a public statement addressing the video or the claims made in it.

A Pattern of Viral Food Safety Claims

Videos like this one are part of a broader trend of employees at large chains posting behind-the-scenes clips that raise alarm about ingredients or preparation methods, often without independent verification of the claims made. While such videos can draw attention to legitimate food industry practices, viral claims about "toxic" ingredients frequently outpace any actual evidence, and common food additives are often mischaracterized as dangerous based on appearance or unfamiliarity alone.

As of now, there's no confirmed information from Starbucks about the specific powder shown in the video, its ingredients or its safety.

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