Learn how long to store coffee beans and whether they are raw or roasted and the type of storage to ensure they retain maximum freshness and shelf life.
Coffee is one of the most beloved beverages in the world. The USA tops the list as the country that drinks the most coffee in the world.
Did you know that coffee beans are the main ingredient in coffee? They are the seeds or berries that are used to make coffee.
Coffee lovers prefer to grind coffee beans to make their coffee freshly. But coffee beans are expensive and difficult to store. They may lose their flavor and aroma if not kept properly after a few days.
In this article, we will provide you with an introduction to how long coffee beans last.
Factors That Affect The Shelf Life Of Coffee Beans
You’ve spent a good amount of money on buying the best coffee beans.
But if you are not careful about how you store them, you’ll be disappointed with the results.
So, let’s run through the factors that affect the shelf life of coffee beans.
According to the National Coffee Association, the main factors that affect the quality and taste of coffee beans are:
Heat
Coffee beans are best stored at room temperature or even in a cooler place like in a kitchen cabinet.
Put them too close to the stove or oven, the heat will affect the beans and cause them to lose their flavor and aroma.
Air
When air seeps through the packaging, oxidation occurs where oxygen reacts with the coffee beans and makes them lose their fresh aroma and taste.
That’s why invest in airtight packaging like opaque containers or resealable bags with air valves.
These bags help keep oxygen from entering and reacting with the coffee beans while making a vent for the carbon dioxide to escape from the beans.
Moisture
Water content from the air or humidity can cause coffee beans to become stale and moldy.
Once moisture comes in contact with coffee beans, the flavor will lose its original intensity.
You should not only use airtight containers to store coffee beans but also keep the container in a dry place, away from any source of moisture.
When light contacts the coffee beans, the oxidation process takes place faster and disintegrates the aroma oils from the coffee beans, resulting in a loss of flavor.
What’s The Shelf Life Of Whole Roasted Coffee Beans?
Roasted coffee beans last a long time. Because the whole roasted coffee beans are dry, there is very little chance of mold growth, unless you keep the beans in a moist place.
Freshly roasted coffee beans remain fresh for two to three weeks.
If you store them in an airtight, opaque container with a one-way valve, you can extend their freshness window to one month.
That said, roasted coffee beans won’t last forever even if you store them in airtight canisters and keep them in a dark and dry space. Beyond a specific time, they will lose their flavor and aroma.
Light vs Dark Roasted Coffee Beans
The freshest state of whole roasted coffee beans varies from bean to bean. Compared to light-roasted coffee beans, dark-roasted coffee beans stale faster.
That’s because dark roasted beans have been roasted for a longer time, cracking them open, making them more porous, and releasing more oils to the surface that react with the oxygen in the air faster. This makes them lose their fresh aroma and taste sooner.
Lightly roasted coffee beans last up to six weeks after the roasting date. Due to a shorter roasting time, lightly roasted coffee beans have a longer shelf life since the coffee pods are not cracked and can seal in all the aroma and flavor.
Different Coffee Storage Methods (Impact on Coffee Flavor)
Storage Method
Impact on Coffee Flavor
Room Temperature
Poor flavor preservation, coffee can become stale and develop off-flavors
Refrigeration
Can extend the shelf life of coffee, but can also lead to moisture buildup and loss of flavor
Freezing
Coffee can last for several months, but the quality will deteriorate due to freezer burn and loss of aroma
Vacuum Sealing
Effective at preserving flavor, as it removes air and prevents moisture from entering the bag
Airtight Container
Good for short-term storage, but can lead to buildup of moisture and gases that can alter the taste of the coffee
✍️ Note: It’s best to store coffee in a cool, dark place and to consume it within 2-3 weeks of roasting for the best flavor.
The storage method has a lot to do with retaining the freshness of roasted whole coffee beans.
Within 12 months after the roast date, whole coffee beans will still be fresh if stored in a one-way valve nitrogen-flushed bag or a simple pouch with a valve.
Nitrogen flushing is a process by which oxygen is replaced by nitrogen from food product packaging. Since nitrogen doesn’t react with food or change its texture, flavor, or taste, they stay fresher for a longer period.
Moreover, nitrogen is a denser gas than oxygen and surrounds the food products and protects them in transit or on the shelf.
On the other hand, vacuum sealing simply removes the air from the packaging before it’s sealed. Nitrogen or any other gas is absent from such sealing.
The shelf life of roasted whole beans can be extended to three to five months when they are vacuum-sealed. You can do this at home with the help of a vacuum sealer.
If properly frozen, roasted coffee can have up to three years of shelf life.
However, these should be used within a week after taking them out of the freezer.
How Long To Store Green Coffee Beans?
Green coffee beans are unroasted coffee beans that come in hessian sacks to the coffee roasters.
These unroasted coffee beans stay fresher for a longer time than roasted or ground coffee. This is why many prefer to buy green coffee beans and roast them at home.
These raw coffee beans can last for up to a few years if stored inside a vacuum-sealed bag and at room temperature.
Always store coffee in an airtight, opaque container in a place away from heat, light, air, and moisture, preferably in a kitchen cabinet.
When green coffee beans are exposed to the elements, they lose their flavor.
Stored properly, green coffee beans last up to two years after being opened and stored in a cotton/burlap bag in a cool, dry place. Avoid placing the beans in direct sunlight.
If green coffee beans are frozen in vacuum-sealed bags, they will last for eternity. That’s because the beans are protected from oxidation or exposure to light or other odors – the ideal condition to keep your raw coffee beans fresh for years.
But it’s difficult to keep your freezer space occupied for so long.
Moreover, if you keep all the green coffee beans in the same bag in the freezer, thawing them and then refreezing them will take a toll on the aroma and taste.
Instead, divide smaller portions of the coffee per week and put them away in small freezer bags. This way, you will use them up at the right them without having to worry about the freshness of the beans.
24 hours before you roast the raw coffee beans, take out one bag from the freezer and roast them for the whole week.
Pro Tip: If you’re planning to buy green coffee beans for home, don’t buy more than a year’s worth of them to retain maximum freshness.
How To Keep Ground Coffee Fresh
There are many people like me who don’t have a coffee burr at home and prefer to buy fresh ground coffee.
Ground roasted coffee lasts approximately 2 to 4 months if stored in an unopened bag.
It can lose its flavor within 15 minutes when exposed to air as ground coffee has a larger surface area through which it loses its oils and aroma.
If maintained in its original packaging after opening, ground coffee should ideally be consumed within a week.
By keeping ground coffee in an airtight container, you may extend its freshness.
Did you know that during and right after the process of roasting coffee beans a chemical reaction takes place that releases carbon dioxide from the freshly roasted beans?
Degassing is the process where all the carbon dioxide from the roasted beans is released over a period of time.
This not only has an impact on the taste of the brew but also on the shelf life of the coffee beans.
Coffee beans emit gases more quickly in the early days after roasting.
The newly roasted grounds release CO2 gas throughout the brewing process, creating bubbles.
These bubbles may interfere with the water’s ability to contact the ground beans, which could result in uneven extraction.
That’s why it’s advised to wait for a few days for the coffee to degas after roasting before you proceed to grinding it and making a cup of coffee.
This time frame could range from one to five days, depending on the brewing method.
For instance, if you use a French press to brew your coffee, your coffee beans are ready for use one to two days after roasting.
Wait for five to seven days following the roasting date before using the beans for espresso.
And if you are into pour-over coffee, bubbles from the freshly roasted coffee are a sign of freshness and should be appreciated.
😀 Fun Fact: Coffee beans tend to lose their flavor slower after roasting and during degassing.
So, if you want to know if the pack of roasted coffee beans you just got is fresh enough, simply put them in a plastic Ziploc bag and press out as much air as possible.
Seal the bag and leave it overnight.
If you find out in the morning that the plastic bag has filled out with air, that means the coffee beans are freshly roasted and still degassing.
If you want to find out how long to keep coffee beans after opening, follow the tips below.
Buy fresh coffee beans from a nearby roaster that roasts in small batches.
Buy roasted whole coffee beans instead of ground coffee.
Grind coffee beans at home using a coffee grinder. This way, the coffee beans stay fresh for longer.
Grind coffee only when you need them as storing ground coffee will cause it to go stale.
The simplest solution is just to keep them in there if your coffee is packaged in an opaque resealable bag. Otherwise, use an opaque, airtight container to store the coffee beans to prevent exposure to light.
Avoid bulk buying coffee beans as the quality decreases over time.
Avoid refrigerating coffee beans as this will affect their smell and taste.
Put coffee beans in double bags and store them in the freezer if you’re not going to use them anytime soon. This will prevent moisture from coming in contact with the coffee beans.
How To Detect Stale Coffee Beans
These are the top telltale signs that your coffee beans have gone stale.
Residue
Take some coffee beans in your hands. If you see residue on your hands, that’s a sure sign they have become stale.
Smell
If the coffee beans don’t give off their usual aroma, they are not fresh anymore.
Taste
A cup of coffee that leaves a bitter aftertaste and smells nothing of the caramel, toffee, or nutty flavors that you were expecting is most likely stale.
Looks
By just looking at the coffee beans, you can tell if they’re fresh or not.
Fresh coffee beans release oil that gives them a sheen.
If the sheen is missing, the coffee beans are not fresh anymore.
Moreover, if you notice mold on coffee beans, you need to throw them out.
Packaging
Coffee beans need to release gas after they have been roasted. So, look for air valves or holes in the packaging.
If there are none, the coffee beans inside have indeed gone stale.
The Bottom Line
The key to keeping coffee beans fresh is to store them well.
Even beyond the expiration date on the bag, you can safely use coffee beans if you have stored them in an airtight container.
Remember that any contact with light, air, heat, and moisture will cause coffee beans to lose their fresh taste and even become moldy.
Or, if you bought coffee beans in bulk, freeze them in freezer bags and they’ll be fine.
FAQs
How Do You Store Whole Coffee Beans Long Term?
You can either use a vacuum-sealed bag or store whole coffee beans long term in an airtight and opaque container. Vacuum-packed roasted whole coffee beans will last for three to five months. Roasted coffee beans, if frozen properly in vacuum-sealed bags, will last for at least two to three years.
How Long Do Raw Coffee Beans Last?
Raw coffee beans in a vacuum-sealed bag will last for a few years. They last for up to two years after opening and storing in a burlap or cotton bag in a dry, cool place. Frozen raw coffee beans in vacuum-sealed bags will last forever.
Do Coffee Whole Beans Go Bad?
No, coffee whole beans do not go bad like for example, fruit or other foods that contain moisture and will get moldy. Coffee beans are dry and although they might lose their sheen, aroma, and taste due to oxidation, they don’t go bad.
Why Do Coffee Beans Last Longer Than Ground Coffee?
Coffee beans release oil and aroma when they are roasted. When coffee beans are ground, the surface area expands, releasing more flavors and aroma. Because these come more in contact with the air in ground coffee, it lasts for up to a few weeks or a month. On the other hand, the oils and aroma are trapped inside freshly roasted coffee beans, making these last longer – up to 3 months.
Can I Freeze Fresh Coffee?
It is not advisable to freeze coffee since it may occasionally result in a flat profile and may lessen the intensity of the fragrance, oils, and flavor. Choose a small batch roaster that freshly hand roasts coffee daily so that your cup of coffee has the freshest taste and fragrance possible. Store fresh coffee in an airtight container and keep it in a cool, dry place.
Wondering how many calories are in a coffee with cream? Read this post to know the calories and all the nutrition facts.
I personally love the after effects (higher energy level and better focusing power) of coffee. However, I couldn’t overcome one aspect of coffee in the initial days. Even after a few weeks of sticking to coffee daily, I couldn’t come to peace with the bitter taste. That is why; I began to add cream to my coffee drinks.
While it is undoubtedly an excellent way to cut out on the bitterness but before you do so, it is essential to take a look at the calories in a coffee with cream. Below I will cover those for various coffee types so you can know about the calories before switching.
Coffee with cream certainly means that the number of calories will be higher, which the section below highlights.
Coffee type
Small (cal)
Medium (cal)
Large (cal)
Extra large (cal)
Regular
80
110
140
170
Espresso Con Panna
30
35
40
45
Decaf
33
35
36
38
Mocha
200
290
370
450
Latte
130
180
220
250
Capuccino
100
130
170
230
1. Regular coffee
Regular coffee, in this case, is simple coffee mixed with steamed or hot milk. Of course, most coffee houses allow you to add a splash of cream to such a coffee. After you add the cream, the calorie count is as follows.
2. Espresso Con Panna
Espresso shorts usually do not consist of cream. However, Espresso Con Panna in Italian means espresso with cream. If you do not like espresso’s bitterness, this one is undoubtedly a good choice.
However, cream does add calories to the usual espresso shots. That is because, on a stand-alone basis, espresso consists of just 3 to 8 cal. The extra 30 cal are for the splash of cream you are adding.
3. Decaf coffee
Decaf coffee can help you reduce caffeine content by 90% while still consuming 1 or 2 cups of coffee daily. However, the lower quantity of caffeine doesn’t mean there isn’t a bitter aftertaste in this coffee. You can combat this with a splash of cream but be mindful of the calories it adds.
The calorie count is low because decaf coffees usually do not contain milk; therefore, they are similar to plain coffee, which has very few calories.
4. Mocha coffee
Mocha coffee usually consists of espresso, steamed milk, and bittersweet mocha sauce. Also, most coffee houses serve it with whipped cream on top.
Consequently, when you’re going for this coffee, the cream is already added to it unless you specifically ask for mocha coffee without the cream.
5. Latte
The latte consists of espresso with steamed milk and a layer of foam on top. By adding cream, you can improve the texture even more. However, it also means you are adding to the number of calories.
6. Cappuccino
Cappuccino is famous for its rich foamy texture. Once you add a bit of cream on top, the flavor and texture are enhanced. Before ordering it, look at the calories in this type of coffee.
Apart from this, the cream also has many other nutrients in smaller quantities:
Iron
Calcium
Magnesium
Phosphorus
Potassium
Sodium
Carbs
These values are accurate when you add a splash of cream to your cup of coffee. However, the cream also consists of saturated fat. That is why the cream isn’t an ideal source to gain nutrition.
What are the benefits of cream in coffee?
Despite the saturated fats present in the cream, there are a few benefits of adding it to your coffee. These include:
1. Adds certain nutrients
Of course, when you add cream to your coffee, you also add the nutrients I mentioned above. While most coffee houses offer quite a few additions, if you want an option that adds a few nutrients as well, the cream is a worthy addition.
2. Low trans fats
Unlike what most people believe, the cream that coffee houses use differs from the one you can buy from retail outlets or online.
The process of making cream involves extracting the uppermost layer from full-fat milk. This layer is under-processed extensively. That is why this type of cream doesn’t consist of vegetable oil or sugar on a stand-alone basis. It means that this type of cream doesn’t consist of a high amount of trans fats.
Thus, by going with cream instead of creamer, you reduce the trans fats in your coffee.
Another advantage of choosing such an alternative is reduced risk of diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Therefore, by reducing trans fats, you also reduce the risk of these diseases.
3. Better texture
Have you tried drinking the same type of coffee without cream?
If so, you would know the smooth texture it adds to coffee.
Fun fact: your teeth have a lot of nerves connected, which is how you know where the food you’re chewing is. The extra texture the cream provides almost feels like biting into a very soft soft-serve ice-cream.
4. Reduces bitter coffee taste
Even if you ignore the benefits, you won’t be able to ignore the bitterness of coffee without the cream.
Usually, sugar is added to mask out the bitterness. But sugar contains a lot more calories than cream, making your coffees quite unhealthy especially if you drink coffee on a daily basis.
Risks of having coffee with cream:
Because adding cream to your coffee provides you with a few benefits doesn’t mean there are no risks.
1. More calories
Despite the vitamins and minerals, consuming dairy products or byproducts like cream adds to the calories.
More calories mean you are likely to exceed your daily calorie intake limit. If you are already following the diet for weight loss, the daily cream intake in your coffee will hamper that.
As it is, most of us are addicted to coffee and increase our coffee intake frequently. Add to that the cream content, and it is easy to understand why more calories can quickly add up and hamper your diet.
2. High saturated fat
Above, I stated that the transfats are low in cream. However, the same is not true for saturated fat.
According to American Heart Association, saturated fat intake shouldn’t exceed 6% of your daily calorie intake.
When you consume even one tablespoon of light cream, you consume 1.5 g of saturated fat. According to the American Heart Association, you should consume less than 13 g of saturated fat.
Even though a single cup of coffee won’t make you consume such a high amount of saturated fat, such fat content is also present in food items you might consume throughout the day. That is why you are adding to that list by adding cream to your coffee.
As per this report, excessive consumption of saturated fats is closely related to heart disease, including heart attacks. That is why, by regularly consuming cream, even in coffee, you also increase this risk.
Ways to reduce calories in your coffee
I know many of you might not avoid cream and coffee even after the risks associated. So, I will share a few alternate ways to reduce calories in your coffee.
1. Switch to ground coffee
If you brew coffee using grounded coffee beans, you can certainly reduce the number of calories in coffee. While I understand that this might not be possible when ordering from a coffee house like Starbucks.
However, home-brewed coffee should always be made using grounded coffee beans if you truly want to reduce the number of calories.
2. Go with decaf
Even if you check the table above, you will know that decaf consists of much less calories than other coffee variants, even if you add the cream. This is another way to reduce the calories you consume while sticking to your daily coffee schedule.
3. Opt for non-fat milk
The cream is not the only additive that adds calories to your coffee. The type of milk used plays a crucial role. Rather than using 2% milk, it is better to use non-fat or skim milk.
Especially when you go with the non-fat milk, the fat content is 0 g. Consequently, it becomes easier to cut down on calories as well.
4. Avoid syrups and liqueurs
Syrups and liqueurs can help you flavor the coffee the way you want. These can sweeten the coffee. However, these are mostly made from sugar and contain many calories.
Many varieties are made from corn syrup or vegetable oils. Merely by avoiding these, you can eliminate many unwanted calories.
Cream substitutes in coffee
Apart from avoiding other additives, you can also opt for cream substitutes in coffee, which will help you cut down the calories. Such additives include:
1. Skimmed milk
Skimmed milk is a good choice when looking to substitute cream. Even though it might not have the same thick texture as cream, it certainly waters down the bitter taste of coffee. Not only that, it is an excellent low-fat substitute to regular milk as well.
2. Protein powder
Simply add protein powder to your coffee to make it healthier. Sure enough, you might notice the powdery texture, but it is much better than consuming cream daily. It will make the consistency thicker and increase the protein content of your coffee.
3. Monk fruit extract
Monk fruit extract, especially in the powdered form, is an excellent alternative to sugar and cream. It will provide a texture to your coffee and sweeten it.
The ingredient which sweetens your coffee inside the monk fruit is mogroside. It is an antioxidant. It means that you’re substituting sugar and cream with something much healthier.
4. Cocoa Powder
Adding cocoa powder to your coffee can help you balance the strong caffeine flavor. It can result in a thick powdery texture that eliminates coffee’s usual watery texture.
This report states that it is also rich in antioxidants which can help you fight anti-aging effects and prevent heart disease.
5. Egg yolk
Adding egg yolk to your coffee might not sound great. However, it is popular in Korea to do so. It results in a frothy texture, eliminating the need to add cream.
Not only that, as we all know, egg yolk is rich in antioxidants and various vitamins, which means that your coffee is indeed healthier.
Conclusion
Before ordering your next coffee with cream, keep in mind the calories in a coffee with cream. Using my guide above, you can quickly reduce these calories and substitute cream altogether as well. It is time to opt for healthy living while still consuming your daily cup of coffee.
FAQs
How many calories are in 2 cups of Coffee with Cream?
Depending on the size of coffee, the calories in 2 cups of coffee with cream can vary from 160 cal to 340 cal cumulatively.
How many calories are present in a cup of coffee with ice Cream?
There are approximately 200 cal in a cup of coffee with ice cream. That is for the smaller size. If you increase the size, there are 260 cal in medium-sized coffee, 330 cal in large-sized coffee, and around 420 cal in extra-large-sized coffee with ice cream.
Is cream in coffee fattening?
Yes, cream in coffee is certainly fattening. Even if you add a single tablespoon of cream to your coffee, you are adding to the calories, and therefore it is not advisable to do so unless you need cream to improve the flavors. It will go against your weight-loss efforts.
What is the healthiest cream to put in coffee?
Technically, no cream type is healthy. If you want to go with one with the lowest calories, you can choose whipped cream. Coconut cream, heavy cream, and other variants have even higher calories than whipped cream. For example, a tablespoon of cream has 44 cal (still a lot), whereas coconut cream in the same quantity has 49 cal and heavy cream has 51 cal in a single tablespoon.
What is the healthiest cream to put in coffee?
Technically, no cream type is healthy. If you want to go with one with the lowest calories, you can choose whipped cream. Coconut cream, heavy cream, and other variants have even higher calories than whipped cream. For example, a tablespoon of cream has 44 cal (still a lot), whereas coconut cream in the same quantity has 49 cal and heavy cream has 51 cal in a single tablespoon.
Does adding cream to coffee reduce health benefits?
Adding cream to your coffee increases the number of calories in it. While it might not nullify the other benefits of coffee but it certainly makes the coffee better overall.
Learn which Starbucks gluten-free food and beverages are on the menu and how to order them to enjoy every sip and bite without worrying about the consequences.
Gluten – a protein present in wheat, barley, rye, and occasionally oats – is incompatible with millions of people around the world who have celiac disease and gluten sensitivities.
While Starbucks may not typically come to mind when considering locations to visit that are gluten-free, they are actually a rather secure option for a drink and a snack.
As there’s no specific Starbucks gluten-free menu, in this post I will provide a list of options and how to order them.
Disclaimer From Starbucks On Allergens
The Starbucks website specifies whether there are allergens present in your favorite food or drinks.
If you look at the full nutrition and ingredients list for a plain bagel, you can see that beneath Allergens, it’s written Wheat, followed by the disclaimer:
“We cannot guarantee that any unpackaged products served in our stores are allergen-free because we use shared equipment to store, prepare, and serve them. Customers with allergies can find ingredient information for products on the labels of our packaged products or online at Starbucks.com/menu.”
The same applies to the drinks menu. When you look at the full nutrition and ingredients list for Iced Caffè Americano, you can see that beneath Allergens, it’s written “Not available for this item” and underneath it, the same disclaimer as above.
However, be doubly sure by looking at the detailed ingredients list.
Tips On How To Order Starbucks Gluten Free Food And Drinks
Follow the tips below to be sure that your food and beverages have no trace of gluten in them.
Steer clear from anything that mentions barley, oats, wheat, and rye.
Try to read the menu online before going to Starbucks. It will give you a better idea of what you can order.
Prior to placing your order, let the barista know that you cannot consume gluten and that you have an “allergy.”
All packaged food labels should be carefully examined. Depend on packaged items that are labeled gluten free.Anyone following a rigorous gluten-free diet should avoid anything made at the Starbucks manufacturing plant or heated on the premises because you can’t really guarantee no cross-contamination.
In case the barista made a previous drink with oat milk like this one, request that they clean the steam nozzle before making your drink.
For a gluten-free drink at Starbucks, you can choose any of these hot coffee beverages:
However, be careful about beverages containing syrups. Read the ingredients carefully to make sure the sauces and syrups do not contain gluten.
One source claimed that caramel macchiato at Starbucks contained gluten from the caramel drizzle. But if you look at the ingredients, it contains caramel sauce where one of the ingredients is corn syrup, and corn is naturally gluten-free.
🫖 Hot Teas
Among the Starbucks gluten free hot tea selection, you can choose from these options:
Another ingredient in this sauce is cocoa butter and in its natural state, it is free from gluten.
However, beware of food products derived from cocoa butter as they may have come in contact with gluten-containing ingredients during the manufacturing process.
Frappuccino Blended Drinks
The Frappuccino blended beverages selection in Starbucks has some of the most delicious gluten-free beverages available. Check these out:
Caramel Ribbon Crunch Frappuccino
Espresso Frappuccino
Caffè Vanilla Frappuccino
Caramel Frappuccino
Coffee Frappuccino
Mocha Frappuccino
White Chocolate Mocha Frappuccino
Caramel Ribbon Crunch Crème Frappuccino
Chai Crème Frappuccino
Although Starbucks hasn’t listed the Mocha Cookie Crumble Frappuccino as having any allergen, the list of ingredients does mention the presence of wheat flour in the chocolate cookie grind topping.
Another drink from this selection that is out of your bounds is the Java Chip Frappuccino.
Again, no allergens are listed on the Starbucks website for this drink but read through the list of ingredients and you’ll see that the frappuccino java chips contain cookie crumbs made from wheat flour.
You should be able to tell right away from the name that the Chocolate Cookie Crumble Crème Frappuccino is not for celiacs.
Both the frappuccino chips and the cookie crumble contain wheat flour. A similar drink is the Double Chocolaty Chip Crème Frappuccino.
💡Pro Tip: Always read the ingredients list even if there are no allergens listed.
Don’t be alarmed if any of the drinks like the caramel frappuccino have soy lecithin listed as it’s a gluten-free ingredient.
As there is no separate blender for making these frappuccinos, there may be a cross-contamination risk. So, make your decision with caution.
Cold Coffees
Summertime calls for cold coffees and what could be a better way to quench your longing than by enjoying a Starbucks cold brew?
For a gluten-free cold coffee, here are the ones you can order:
It’s not only that we visit Starbucks for its coffees and refreshing beverages but also to enjoy the sweet and savory bites.
🍳 Hot Breakfast
When you’re grabbing a cup of coffee at Starbucks in the morning, you might feel a little hungry and we all know how breakfast is the most important meal of the day.
Although the gluten-free breakfast sandwich was discontinued in 2018 reportedly due to low sales, you can choose:
Please inform your waiter or waitress that you have a severe gluten allergy and request that they warm the sous vide egg bites using clean tongs and gloves on a piece of parchment paper.
The risk of cross-contamination is considerable because the gluten free sous vide egg bites are warmed in the same toaster oven as the breakfast sandwiches that contain gluten.
🥯 Bakery, Sweets, And Snacks
There is only one thing you can pick from the Starbucks bakery section that is certified gluten-free – the Marshmallow Dream Bar.
Milk is the only allergen warning mentioned on the company website.
Made from pillow-soft marshmallows and crispy rice, the marshmallow dream bar is one of the certified gluten-free options for celiacs.
Everything else on the Starbucks menu is made with wheat flour and enriched flour and therefore not made for celiacs.
Other than the Marshmallow Dream Bar, you can snack on the following gluten-free options:
The lunch menu at Starbucks is also limited for celiacs as there are not many gluten-free options.
01. Starbucks Chicken & Quinoa Protein Bowl.
There are no allergens listed on the website for this meal.
It contains two types of quinoa, meat from chicken raised without antibiotics, a healthy serving of spring mix, black beans, tomatoes, smoked paprika, and cheese, tossed in a mild chile vinaigrette.
Although not expressly mentioned as one of the gluten-free options, the ingredients list does indicate the absence of grains.
02. Gluten Free Ham & Cheese Panini
Smoked ham with aged Cheddar cheese, mustard, and cheese sauce is inside a gluten-free ciabatta bun.
For lunch or a gluten-free breakfast sandwich, this will serve you quite well.
Gluten-Free Syrups And Seasonings In Starbucks
Here is a list of syrups and seasonings that are frequently used at Starbucks and are also thought to be gluten-free.
To be absolutely safe, always read the ingredients list on the menu before you order.
Additionally, have a word with the waiter or barista to let them know you have gluten sensitivity.
FAQs
Are Any Starbucks Sandwiches Gluten-Free?
No, none of the sandwiches at Starbucks are gluten-free. The only breakfast options that have no gluten are egg bites.
Why Does Starbucks Not Have Gluten-Free Food?
Starbucks, for most people, is the preferred place to have coffee and coffee beverages. It’s not the first preference for full-fledged meals. However, there are a few gluten-free food options on the menu.
Is Starbucks Oat Milk Gluten-Free USA?
According to a Starbucks press release, there’s no mention of the oat milk used at their stores to be gluten-free. However, another report claims that the oat milk used by Starbucks is gluten-free in USA only. If you’re in a Starbucks in the USA, it’s best to ask the barista to check the label of the oat milk brand they use and confirm it’s gluten-free.
Can Celiacs Have Starbucks?
Yes, there are many beverage options free from gluten at Starbucks, making them suitable for celiacs. Even the canned and bottled beverages are gluten-free although it’s not specifically mentioned on the label. There are no gluten ingredients in these drinks and are safe for celiacs. The food menu in Starbucks is limited for celiacs.
The Starbucks Tall versus Grande debate has been going on for years. But no more! In this post, I’ll define Starbucks Tall and Grande, then share how these sizes differ and which one you should order.
History Of Starbucks Cup Sizes And Names
The Beginning
Everything began in 1982 when Howard Schultz joined Starbucks as Head of Marketing. Jerry Baldwin and Gordon Bowker were the business’s owners at the time.
Source: Starbucks
In 1983, Schultz was dispatched on a business trip to Milan, where he fell in love with the Italian coffee bars and the city’s astounding 1500 coffee shops.
When he came back, he shared his plan to expand Starbucks. However, the owners were not enthusiastic about his plan to grow the chain.
The Split
Due to the disagreement between the owners and Schultz, he left the business in 1985 and opened his own coffee shop, Il Giornale, which was an immediate success.
In the meantime, the proprietors of Starbucks placed it up for sale in 1987. Schultz acquired it and Il Giornale eventually expanded and merged with the Starbucks brand.
Happily Ever After
Schultz grasped the opportunity to adopt the company structure he had observed in Milan. In the US, he wished to introduce the distinctive Italian coffee culture.
He utilized Italian names for the cup sizes, which accounts for Starbucks’ unique cup capacity. For instance, the Starbucks Venti cup can carry 20 ounces of hot coffee because the word “venti” means “twenty” in Italian.
Similar to how “Trenta” means “30” in Italian, a Starbucks Trenta beverage is 30 ounces in size.
Schultz did not stop at the Starbucks cup sizes only.
He also made sure there were distinctive names given to the drinks that sounded Italian. That’s how we have mocha, macchiato, cappuccino, a doppio or double shot espresso, and others.
Simply refer to the below table to get the basic bearing on the Starbucks coffee sizes.
Starbucks Cup name
Volume (fl oz)
Demi
3
Short
8
Tall
12
Grande
16
Venti (hot)
20
Venti (cold)
24
Trenta
30
Demi
The demi size is used to serve a solo espresso shot or a doppio espresso and sometimes as sample cups as well.
This size is not available in all Starbucks stores and you’ll most likely be served espresso in a Short (8-ounce) cup if the store does offer it.
You don’t need to go to Starbucks every time you want to drink out of a demi cup. You can buy the official stainless-steel Christmas edition online!
Short
The Short cup is 8 ounces and may not feature on the Starbucks menu board. This is a strategy to get you to buy one of the larger cup sizes.
But if you ask for any hot drink to be served in the Short cup, the barista will accommodate your request. It’s just that you can’t have a cold brew or any cold drinks in this size.
Tall
At 12-ounces capacity is the Tall cup at Starbucks. The menu starts with this size, making it the smallest size you can order from a standard outlet even though the word tall may seem to mean large.
If you order hot and cold drinks in a Tall cup, you will get a shot of espresso for all drinks except flat whites, iced shaken espressos, and Americanos.
These drinks in the Tall size will contain two espresso shots. The Starbucks Tall cup is equal to two six-ounce cups of coffee.
Grande
Even though Grande means large in French, it is considered Medium at Starbucks, having a size of 16 fl oz.
If you order an iced coffee or hot drinks in this cup, it will contain two shots of espresso. But in an Americano, a flat white, or an iced shaken espresso, the Grande size will have three shots of espresso.
Fun Fact: A smoothie at Starbucks will come in the Grande size only.
The Grande cup at Starbucks is equal to 2½ cups (six-ounce cup) of coffee.
Venti
Venti hot drinks are served in a 20-ounce cup size while cold drinks like iced tea are served in a 24-ounce Venti cold size.
That’s because you need to make room for ice in the drink and Starbucks didn’t want to shortchange their customers by making them pay more for less coffee. Hence, the larger Venti size for iced beverages.
Trenta
Lastly, the Trenta can hold 30 ounces of fluid. In this cup, you can have only cold drinks with ice.
Espresso drinks are not offered in the Trenta cup.
Starbucks Tall vs Grande: What is the Difference Between Tall And Grande?
As explained above, the Starbucks Tall holds 12 fluid ounces while the Grande holds 16 fluid ounces of a beverage.
There has been some debate over the Starbucks drink sizes. Some people have even gone so far as to claiming that Starbucks has been misleading their customers by charging more for the same amount of hot and cold drinks.
One such claim was made by a singer in a TikTok video and he said that the coffee in both Tall and Grande cups is the same amount. In fact, the video shows that the Tall cup can hold more fluid than the Grande. Absurd, isn’t it?
The debate further goes on as there have been opinions on the Tall cup being wider and being able to hold more liquid than the taller albeit narrower Grande cup.
That said, the experiment did not clearly show the bottom of the empty cups, raising eyebrows about whether the cups had something inside them already.
Tall vs Grande Size Myths Debunked
For every experiment trying to prove that Tall and Grande are the same, other experiments have proved the opposite.
When the contents of the Tall (12 fl oz) cup are poured into the Grande cup (16 fl oz), it clearly shows that it still has exactly 4 fluid ounces of space left. Don’t believe me? Watch this video.
The experiment goes on to show the same results when the contents of the Grande cup are poured into a Venti cup and the Venti cup contents are added to the Trenta cup.
A good number of Starbucks coffee fans from across the world have also come out with videos debunking the Tall Grande and Venti size myths.
In this day and age of social media, the quickest way to garner views and likes (and more moolah!) is to make outrageous claims.
Before jumping on the bandwagon and causing unnecessary controversy, take a moment to find out both sides of the story.
Thankfully, there are plenty of netizens with the right mind and the sense to refute false claims and prove the truth.
FAQs
What Is The Difference Between Tall And Grande At Starbucks?
The Tall cup size holds 12 ounces of fluid whereas the Grande size holds 16 fl oz of any drink.
Should I Get A Tall Or Grande At Starbucks?
It depends on your personal preference and how much caffeine intake you are getting per a Tall vs Grande cup. The Tall cup uses one shot of espresso except for an Americano, flat white, or iced shaken espresso where two espresso shots are used. In the Grande cup size, two shots of espresso are used but three shots in an Americano, flat white, or iced shaken espresso. As a single espresso of 0.75 fl oz contains 75mg of caffeine, you can count the caffeine in Tall and Grande sizes as per the drinks you want to have. So, if you’re looking for a stronger caffeine kick, the Grande is the right choice for you.
Is Grande And Tall The Same?
No, the Grande cup size holds more liquid than the Tall cup – 16 fl oz as opposed to 12 fl oz. The Grande cup size is larger.
Why Is It Called Tall At Starbucks?
At Starbucks, the original drink sizes were Short, Tall, and Grande. But when a larger size called Venti was introduced, Short had to be taken off the menu to make room for Venti. That’s why the menu now starts with Tall, ironically the shortest size in many Starbucks stores. Grande has hence become the medium size while the largest size is Venti. However, you will still find the Short size in many Starbucks outlets. And there is an extra-large size called the Trenta.
Learn how high the Starbucks Venti caffeine is as well as in all other drink sizes so that you don’t overdo the caffeine intake and cause harm to yourself.
Venti is short for “20 ounces” in Italian. A Venti drink is made with double the amount of coffee, compared to a regular cup.
Whether you’re drinking a venti iced coffee or iced tea, Starbucks is a place where you can get your caffeine fix. But what makes their drinks so caffeinated, and how much caffeine is in their drinks?
This post compiles all the Starbucks drinks as per the caffeine content per cup size in different categories like hot coffees, iced teas, etc.
Before we look into the details of the caffeine amount in each Starbucks drink, let’s set the basis on which the international coffee chain serves espresso-based drinks.
For Short and Tall coffees, one espresso shot; for Grande and Venti, two shots. This applies to almost all espresso drinks except for Americanos, flat whites, iced shaken espressos, and venti cold drinks.
Just remember that in one shot of espresso (0.75 fl oz), there is 75 mg of caffeine.
So, when you order a Starbucks coffee next time, keep a tab on the number of espresso shots to calculate the amount of caffeine in the coffee.
Here’s a table of the amount of caffeine in single or solo, double or doppio, triple, and quad shots of espresso.
Size
Servings (fl. oz)
Servings (ml)
Shots
Caffeine (mg)
Used In
Solo
0.75
22
1
75
Short or Tall
Double
1.25
36
2
150
Grande or Venti
Triple
2.25
60
3
225
Served on request only
Quad
3
88
4
300
Served on request only
Starbucks Cup Sizes In A Nutshell
Briefly, let’s look at the Starbucks cup sizes.
The Short has 8 fl oz, the Tall has 12 fl oz, the Grande has 16 fl oz, and the Venti has 20 fl in hot drinks and 24 fl oz in cold drinks.
Another size is the Trenta which has a 30 fl oz capacity.
If you’d like to know about the Starbucks Cup Sizes, read this article.
Caffeine Amount In Starbucks Hot Coffees
From this table, we can see that among the Starbucks Hot Coffees category, Venti caffeine is highest in a Veranda Blended brewed coffee at 475 mg of caffeine per cup. This is more than 6 espresso shots per cup.
This caffeine amount is also beyond what is recommended by Mayo Clinic – 400 mg of caffeine per day for any healthy adult.
For the least amount of caffeine of 30mg in a Starbucks venti size, you can choose from Decaf Pike Place Roast or Decaf Espresso Roast Clover or decaf brewed coffee like Decaf Sumatra Clover or Clover Brewed Decaf Pike Place Roast.
If you want to walk the middle path within 200mg of caffeine per Venti cup, you can choose from the following hot coffees that include Starbucks brewed coffee:
Caffe Misto
Cappuccino
Flat White
Caffe Latte
Cinnamon Dolce Latte
Starbucks Reserve Hazelnut Bianco Latte
Starbucks Blonde Vanilla Latte
Caramel Macchiato
Caffe Mocha
White Chocolate Mocha
Papua New Guinea Moanti Clover® Starbucks Reserve
Brazil Fazenda Catanduva Clover® Starbucks Reserve®
Clover® Starbucks Reserve® Costa Rica Naranjo
Perú Cajamarca Clover® Starbucks Reserve®
Rwanda Hingakawa Clover® Starbucks Reserve®
If you are feeling a little more adventurous and want to try a Starbucks hot coffee within 300mg of caffeine per Venti cup, try out the following:
Caffe Americano
Honey Almondmilk Flat White
Starbucks Reserve Latte
Starbucks Reserve Dark Chocolate Mocha
For those of you who can stomach within 400mg of caffeine per Venti cup, you can try Featured Starbucks Dark Roast Coffee at 340mg of caffeine.
And for those super caffeine guzzlers out there who can gulp down anything from 400mg and above caffeine per venti cup, the following hot coffees are up your alley.
Veranda Blend brewed coffee
Featured Medium Roast – Pike Place Roast
Clover Brewed® Pike Place® Roast
Organic Yukon Blend® Clover®
Clover Brewed® Gold Coast Blend®
Clover Brewed® Breakfast Blend
Kenya Clover®
Veranda Blend® Clover®
Clover Brewed® Starbucks Willow Blend
Caffé Verona® Clover®
Espresso Roast Clover®
Ethiopia Clover®
French Roast Clover®
Italian Roast Clover®
Komodo Dragon Clover®
Sumatra Clover®
Caffeine Amount In Starbucks Hot Teas
Don’t be under the illusion that only coffee contains caffeine.
Did you know that the caffeine content in tea is affected by a few factors?
The type of leaf used to make the tea affects the caffeine level in your cuppa. Whole leaves release less caffeine than broken leaves in tea bags.
The brewing time also affects the caffeine content in tea. The longer tea is brewed, the more caffeine is released.
How much tea is used in each cup also affects the caffeine level. If you use more tea, there will be more caffeine in each cup.
Finally, the temperature of the water used to brew the tea affects the caffeine content. The hotter the water, the faster more caffeine is released into the tea.
Let’s take a look at how much caffeine is in a Starbucks venti and other cups from the hot tea selection.
Things are much easier to figure out as the range of hot teas is not as wide as those of hot coffees.
The chai tea latte is the only drink with tea that packs in the most caffeine in a venti size at 120 milligrams.
Next in the hierarchy of caffeine content comes the match tea latte with 110mg of caffeine per Venti size.
Within 40mg of caffeine per venti cup, you can choose from the following teas:
Chai tea
Earl Grey Tea
Teavana® London Fog Tea Latte
Royal English Breakfast Tea
Royal English Breakfast Tea Latte
Jade Citrus Mint® Brewed Tea
There are two hot tea drinks that contain only 16mg of caffeine in a venti size – Honey Citrus Mint Tea and Emperor’s Clouds & Mist®.
For a totally caffeine-free tea, you can choose either Mint Majesty® or Peach Tranquility or both! They have refreshing and invigorating flavors that will gently soothe your senses.
What’s The Caffeine Amount In Starbucks Hot Drinks?
Among the Starbucks hot drinks selection, choosing a drink free from caffeine couldn’t be easier as most of the drinks on the menu are caffeine-free. The only exception is the Starbucks Venti hot chocolate which clocks in at 35mg of caffeine per serving.
The Starbucks website doesn’t have any information on the caffeine content of cinnamon dolce crème. This drink is made by combining freshly steamed milk with cinnamon-flavored syrup, sweetened whipped cream, and a cinnamon-flavored topping. If you’re wondering if cinnamon has caffeine, the answer is no, cinnamon does not have caffeine.
Caffeine Amount In Starbucks Frappuccino Blended Beverages
In this category of frappuccino blended beverages at Starbucks, you don’t get any of the drinks in the Short or 8-ounce cup size.
The espresso frappuccino in the venti size will give you the highest caffeine shot of 185mg.
For caffeine-free frappuccino blended beverages, take your pick from Caramel Ribbon Crunch Crème Frappuccino or Vanilla Bean Crème Frappuccino, or White Chocolate Crème Frappuccino.
For a slightly higher caffeine content, try Chocolate Cookie Crumble Crème Frappuccino or Double Chocolaty Chip Crème Frappuccino, each packing in 20mg of caffeine in the venti size.
At 40mg of caffeine per cup, you can have a venti size of Chai Crème Frappuccino.
Starbucks Matcha Crème Frappuccino has 95mg of caffeine in the venti size.
Or, if you want to keep things within 115 to 125 mg of caffeine, opt for one of these:
Caramel Ribbon Crunch Frappuccino
Caffè Vanilla Frappuccino
Caramel Frappuccino
Coffee Frappuccino
White Chocolate Mocha Frappuccino
At 130mg caffeine per venti serving, you can get either Mocha Cookie Crumble Frappuccino or Mocha Frappuccino.
If you want to go higher on the caffeine ladder, there’s Java Chip Frappuccino with 145mg of caffeine.
What’s The Caffeine Amount In Starbucks Cold Coffees?
None of the cold coffees are available in the Starbucks Short size cup.
While most of them are there in Tall and Grande cups, a couple are missing from the Venti cup size like nitro cold brew and vanilla sweet cream nitro cold brew.
There are only seven cold coffee drinks you can choose from in the Trenta or 30 fl oz size at Starbucks:
Chocolate Cream Cold Brew
Salted Caramel Cream Cold Brew
Starbucks® Cold Brew Coffee
Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew
Starbucks® Cold Brew Coffee with Milk
Iced Coffee
Iced Coffee with Milk
Among these, the highest caffeine content is in Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew and Starbucks® Cold Brew Coffee with Milk at 360mg in each drink.
The lowest caffeine at 190mg in the Trenta size is the Iced Coffee with Milk.
Speaking of Venti caffeine content in this range of cold coffees, you can get the least amount of caffeine at only 30mg in the following drinks:
Iced Decaf Sumatra Clover®
Iced Clover Brewed® Decaf Pike Place® Roast
Iced Clover Brewed® Decaf Espresso Roast
Surprisingly, there are six cold coffee Venti size drinks with the highest amount of caffeine at 470mg per serving. These are:
Iced Espresso Roast Clover®
Iced French Roast Clover®
Iced Clover Brewed® Gold Coast Blend®
Iced Clover Brewed® Italian Roast
Iced Komodo Dragon Clover®
Iced Sumatra Clover®
There must be a good demand for these high-caffeinated cold coffees otherwise why would Starbucks offer them!
Let’s take a look at the cold coffees that have a caffeine content of less than 200mg per Venti serving. There is Iced Coffee with Milk at 170mg, Iced Flat White containing 175mg, and the following containing 195mg of caffeine each:
Iced Papua New Guinea Moanti Clover® Starbucks Reserve
Iced Brazil Fazenda Catanduva Clover® Starbucks Reserve
Iced Clover® Starbucks Reserve® Costa Rica Naranjo
Iced Perú Cajamarca Clover® Starbucks Reserve
Iced Rwanda Hingakawa Clover® Starbucks Reserve
Note: In the above five drinks, you get the same amount of caffeine in Tall, Grande, and Venti sizes.
If you’re looking for a cold coffee with 200-300mg caffeine content in the Venti size, there are a lot of options.
Chocolate Cream Cold Brew
Salted Caramel Cream Cold Brew
Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew
Iced Caffè Americano
Iced Coffee
Iced Shaken Espresso
Iced Honey Almondmilk Flat White
Starbucks Reserve® Iced Latte
Starbucks Reserve® Iced Hazelnut Bianco Latte
Iced Caffè Latte
Iced Cinnamon Dolce Latte
Iced Starbucks® Blonde Vanilla Latte
Iced Caramel Macchiato
Iced White Chocolate Mocha
Iced Caffè Mocha
Starbucks Reserve® Iced Dark Chocolate Mocha
Between 300-400mg of caffeine per Venti cup, these are some of the Starbucks cold coffees available:
Starbucks® Cold Brew Coffee
Starbucks® Cold Brew Coffee with Milk
Iced Toasted Vanilla Oatmilk Shaken Espresso
Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso
Iced Chocolate Almondmilk Shaken Espresso
Iced Shaken Espresso
Iced Honey Almondmilk Flat White
Now, if you want something above 400mg of caffeine per Venti but less than 470mg, you can try these as each comes with a 445mg caffeine count:
Iced Caffé Verona® Clover®
Iced Clover Brewed® Breakfast Blend
Iced Ethiopia Clover®
Iced Clover Brewed® Kenya
Iced Pike Place® Roast Clover®
Iced Organic Yukon Blend® Clover®
For a little lower caffeine per Venti size at 425mg of caffeine, you can choose between Iced Veranda Blend® Clover® and Iced Clover Brewed® Starbucks Willow Blend.
Now let’s not forget that iced espressos are also part of the Cold Coffees selection at Starbucks but we deal with their caffeine count a bit differently because it depends on how many shots of espresso you want in your cup. So, here’s the lowdown on iced espresso caffeine content.
Count The Caffeine In Starbucks Iced Teas
From the Starbucks Iced Teas selection, there are two things to note:
Almost all the drinks are available in four sizes from Tall to Trenta.
The venti size for all cold drinks at Starbucks is not 20-ounce but 24-ounce. This is because Starbucks wanted to make room for ice in the Venti cold drinks without getting the customers to pay the same price for a less amount of the drink base. This also applies to all cold drinks.
You can grab on the go a bottled iced tea that comes in a 14.5-ounce size. Teavana® Mango Black Tea has more caffeine per bottle at 55mg while Teavana® Sparkling Unsweetened Peach Nectarine Green Tea has a much less amount of caffeine at 16mg.
The Iced Tea Chai Latte in the Venti cup has the highest caffeine amount at145mg per serving.
For a caffeine-free iced tea, choose either Iced Passion Tango® Tea or Iced Passion Tango® Tea Lemonade.
Within 110mg of caffeine per Venti cup, you can try Iced Matcha Tea Latte or Iced Matcha Lemonade.
You get quite a few options of iced tea within the 40mg caffeine range. These are:
Iced Black Tea
Iced Black Tea Lemonade
Iced Royal English Breakfast Tea Latte
Iced London Fog Tea Latte
Iced Peach Green Tea
Iced Peach Green Tea Lemonade
Iced Green Tea
Iced Green Tea Lemonade
It’s interesting to note that the Trenta or 30-ounce size of Iced Matcha Lemonade has a lower caffeine amount (120mg) than the Venti size (24-ounce) of Iced Chai Tea Latte (145mg).
Caffeine Amount In Starbucks Cold Drinks
The Cold Drinks selection at Starbucks has both canned and bottled options as well as drinks that are served in Tall, Grande, Venti, and Trenta sizes.
All the drinks served in Starbucks cups contain the same amount of caffeine in the same size cups – 35mg in Tall, 45mg in Grande, 70mg in Venti, and 90mg in Trenta.
SMB milk, lemonade, and blended strawberry lemonade are caffeine-free.
Except for the energy drinks, the rest of the bottled drinks are free from caffeine.
Final Thoughts
The overwhelming choice of drinks at Starbucks with the different sizes and caffeine levels makes it hard to know which one to choose.
We hope that the tables we have shared for each drink category above will help you make the right decision.
Just remember that the daily caffeine intake in a healthy adult should not exceed 400mg. Also, there are people who have certain medical conditions for whom a low-caffeine or no-caffeine drink is the better option.
It depends on which drink you’re ordering in the Venti size. The Veranda Blend brewed coffee in venti comes with 475 mg of caffeine. The lowest caffeine amount at 30mg per venti in the Hot Coffees category can be found in Decaf Sumatra Clover®, Clover Brewed® Decaf Pike Place® Roast, and Decaf Espresso Roast Clover®. In the Hot Teas category, the lowest caffeine amount in venti is 0mg in Peach Tranquility and Mint Majesty. Whereas the highest caffeine amount is in a Chai Tea Latte – 120mg. In a venti-size hot chocolate, you get a caffeine amount of 35mg. For other categories, you can refer to the tables in the post.
How Much Caffeine Is In A Medium Starbucks Coffee?
Once again, it depends on which drink you are ordering. A medium Starbucks coffee is equivalent to the Grande size at 16 fluid ounces. You can refer to the tables for each drink category above to find out how much caffeine is in a medium Starbucks coffee.
Wondering how many calories are in your coffee? We’ve got you covered! Find out the calorie count for coffee with milk and sugar here.
According to a press release by National Coffee Association, coffee consumption by Americans is at a two-decade high. Many Americans consume a cup of coffee daily. However, very few Americans know how many calories a cup of coffee contains.
The post below answers this question and states the importance of keeping track of these calories.
Why should you opt for a coffee with low calories?
Two essential reasons highlight why it is best to go with a low-calorie coffee type.
01. Avoid diet sabotage
I’m also guilty of consuming coffee daily, sometimes even 2 cups. The problem is that the calories quickly add up, and they can sabotage your daily diet. Sticking to low-calorie coffee types helps you get rid of this problem.
02. Eliminate unintended consumption of extras
Low-calorie coffee types do not consist of extras like cream (check out calories in a coffee with cream by clicking here), which further help you stick to a healthy daily diet.
How many calories in a coffee with milk and sugar?
A regular cup of coffee with milk and sugar consists of 30 calories. Plain coffee, on the other hand, consists of almost no calories since it does not have sugar or milk and merely consists of water with the flavor of coffee beans.
Calories in different types of coffee
Of course, plain coffee isn’t the only coffee type you can consume. Depending on the milk and sugar variants, coffee types can vary. I will cover most of them below to help you understand how many calories you consume if you go with any of these coffee types.
Types of coffee
Calories
Coffee with milk and two teaspoons sugar
105
Large coffee with double milk and double sugar
160
Iced coffee with skimmed milk and sugar
70
Instant coffee with milk and one sugar
30 Adding two teaspoons of sugar, will result in 3 extra calories taking the total to 33 cal.
Coffee with milk and sugar small
32
Cappuccino
70
Mocha
290
01. Coffee with milk and two teaspoons sugar
If you go with the large coffee consisting of milk and two teaspoons of sugar, it roughly contains 105 cal.
02. Large coffee with double milk and double sugar
This coffee roughly consists of 160 cal. Added sugar also means extra calories.
03. Iced coffee with skimmed milk and sugar
Iced coffee with skim milk and sugar contains 70 cal.
04. Instant coffee with milk and one sugar
Instant coffee with milk and a single teaspoon of sugar consists of approximately 30 cal. Adding two teaspoons of sugar, will result in 3 extra calories taking the total to 33 cal.
05. Coffee with milk and sugar small
Roughly, the calories in such a coffee are around 32.
06. Cappuccino
A small cappuccino with milk and sugar consists of approximately 70 cal (Starbucks). As the size increases, the calories will increase as well.
For example, Starbucks Venti (Size) cappuccino with milk and sugar contains 200 cal.
07. Mocha
A tall glass of Mocha Coffee contains around 290 cal.
Which coffee type has the lowest calories?
The type of coffee which has the lowest calories is black coffee. A cup of black coffee has around 3 cal. The reason is that it is devoid of milk and sugar.
If you want to know which milk or coffee with sugar has the lowest calories, it is instant coffee without any cream.
What is the best time in the day to consume coffee with milk and sugar?
Cortisol hormone in our body is responsible for focus and alertness. According to this study, since our cortisol level is lowest between 9:30 to 11:30 am or around 3 to 4 hours after waking up, that is when you should consume coffee. Sticking to this time frame ensures that drinking coffee maximizes your alertness.
Suppose you consume coffee when your cortisol levels are already high. In that case, your alertness or focusing power will not increase much since your body already has a high level of alertness and focus.
How many times in a day can I have coffee with milk and sugar?
As per this study, you can safely consume around 400 mg of caffeine daily. This translates into a maximum of four medium cups of coffee in a day. However, increasing consumption gradually is a good idea even if you want to drink that much coffee daily.
If you do not want to consume that much coffee, it is best to consume it during the recommended time (covered above). It will help you extract the maximum benefit from caffeine, so you will not have to drink it in larger quantities.
How to make your coffee healthy?
After looking at the number of calories in most coffee types, you might wonder if there is a way to reduce those calories and still have the same amount of coffee. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do about this.
01. Choose a smaller serving size
The most obvious step is to go with the smaller serving size. Sure enough, the amount of caffeine might reduce but so will the calories. In most cases, our caffeine addiction fuels coffee consumption rather than needing better-focusing power or alertness. That is why you aren’t likely to notice the difference even if you choose a smaller serving size.
02. Go with skimmed milk
The best way to make your coffee healthier is to switch to skimmed milk. As per this report, an 8-ounce serving of skim milk has 83 calories, whereas whole milk has 149 calories. It means that if you’re consuming coffee with skimmed milk, you can reduce calorie consumption.
03. Avoid the extras
If you have been to Starbucks or any other coffee chain, you will know that in addition to coffee, most coffee drinks consist of ample quantities of sugar, cream, and other additives. The problem is that these additives also add extra calories to your coffee drinks.
Another effective way to make coffee drinks healthier is to avoid all the extras. As highlighted above, coffee without any cream consists of around 33 calories. That is why, if you stick to the same, you can consume coffee daily without consuming more calories. You can either stick to instant coffee or plain brewed coffee served by various coffee houses.
04. Add cinnamon to your coffee
Can adding a single ingredient to your coffee make it healthier?
The answer is yes, it can!
The ingredient is cinnamon. According to a study, cinnamon can help you lower blood sugar levels. Apart from that, it can reduce the amount of cholesterol in your blood vessels. All these benefits are retained when you add a dash of cinnamon to your coffee. Surprisingly, the flavor of cinnamon goes pretty well with coffee. Because of the same, it is a good idea to add something like Ceylon cinnamon to not only get all the benefits but also enhance the flavor of your coffee.
05. Use a paper filter to brew coffee
I like to brew my coffee at home whenever possible. Over the years, I have researched ways to make coffee healthier. One tip which I found was using paper filters.
A coffee maker, which consists of a paper filter, does not let most of the cafestol pass through. Cafestol is a compound in coffee that increases cholesterol levels in your body (research report). Thus, by using a paper filter to brew your coffee, you reduce the rate of cholesterol deposition in your body, thereby making coffee healthier.
06. Replace sugar with low-calorie natural sweeteners
This one is the most obvious step you need to follow. Cut out sugar entirely. If you need a sweet flavor, substitute sugar with low-calorie natural sweeteners. I use WHOLE EARTH 100% Zero Calorie Sugar Alternative; it downright eliminates the sugar calories to 0.
When you’re at home, you can easily add such sweeteners to your coffee instead of sugar. While ordering coffee from outside, you can buy it without sugar and carry small packets of natural sweeteners to add to your coffee.
Even though there are few artificial sweeteners which have low calories as well but in the longer run they aren’t beneficial.
Another approach is to eliminate sugar (not perfect for your taste buds) altogether as calories in a coffee with milk only are much lesser.
Conclusion
Thus, before you head to your favorite coffee shop to enjoy coffee, it is better to remember the number of calories that coffee contains. Using my guide above, you can reduce your calorie intake by choosing the low-calorie coffee type and make your existing cup of coffee even healthier.
FAQs
Is coffee with milk and sugar healthy?
In moderation, coffee with milk and sugar is healthy for you and can increase your focus power and alertness level. However, if you simply want to go with the healthiest option, you should switch to Black coffee. Firstly, black coffee has almost no calories. Secondly, the effect of caffeine is more pronounced when it is not accompanied by milk, sugar, or any high-calorie additives. Moreover, when you switch over to Black coffee, you can consume it up to 3 times a day as long as you can handle that much caffeine.
Is coffee good for weight loss?
Yes, in the proper form, coffee is good for weight loss. That is because caffeine can increase your metabolic activity and help your body burn more fat. However, to gain these benefits, consume black coffee.
What can I put in my coffee to lose weight?
Black coffee in its purest form can help you with weight loss. However, if you want to add something to it to make it more flavorful, a few drops of lemon juice is more than enough. Lemon juice can also help your metabolic activity, and therefore it aids the weight loss process.
Which coffee is good for a flat tummy?
It is best to stick to black coffee to lose weight or maintain your flat tummy. A single serving of black coffee consists of only 3 cal and has enhanced caffeine effects.
What is the best time to have coffee for weight loss?
To integrate coffee into your weight loss regime, have a cup of coffee 30 minutes before the workout. That will help your metabolic activity and give you the energy to complete your workout.
Starbucks keto drinks cheat sheet will teach you how to get the best of the Starbucks drinks and food without the carbs and sugars to spoil your ketogenic diet.
If you’re one of the 7% of consumers who followed a keto or high-fat, low-carb diet in the USA in 2022, then you would be interested to know how you can make your favorite Starbucks drinks keto-compliant.
In this post, we will share more than thirty drinks at Starbucks that you can order and customize to comply with your keto regimen.
We will also share tips to make your drinks have a low carb content without compromising too much on the taste and creaminess.
And if you’re in the mood to nibble on something, we will tell you which keto food to order.
What Is Keto Diet?
A ketogenic diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet that helps your body get energy by burning fat, not sugars found in carbs like legumes, fruits, vegetables, and grains.
After reducing carbohydrate intake – only 20 – 50g of carbs per day – the body goes into ketosis or a metabolic state where fat is burned to release energy. You lose weight as a result.
In the liver, the fat is converted into ketones, which provide energy to the brain.
It takes two to four days for ketosis to start after you have started this special diet.
Keto Starbucks Drinks
Just because you’re on a keto diet doesn’t mean you have to stop visiting your local Starbucks.
By using sugar, syrup, and milk substitutes, you can customize your hot or iced drink and make it match your low-carb diet.
No.
Drink Name
Net Carbs
1
Keto Frappuccino
5g
2
Keto Espresso Frappuccino
4g
3
Iced Shaken Espresso
4g
4
Iced Blonde Vanilla Latte
4g
5
Keto Iced Latte
2g
6
Starbucks Nitro Cold Brew
0g \ 3g (with heavy cream and sugar-free syrup)
7
Vanilla Sweet Cream Nitro Cold Brew
4g \ 1g (with two pumps of sugar-free syrup and heavy cream)
8
Iced Coffee
2g
9
Double Shot On Ice
1.5g
10
Iced Mocha
8g
11
Iced Keto Pumpkin Spice Latte
12g
12
Vanilla Bean Coconut Milk Latte
7g
13
Keto Gingerbread Latte
7g (with half and half, sugar-free syrup, and one pump of gingerbread syrup)
14
Iced Flat White
4g
15
Iced Toasted Oat Milk Shaken Espresso
5g (with only oat milk)
16
Iced Skinny Cinnamon Dolce Latte
6g
17
Black Coffee
0g
18
Espresso
1g
19
Espresso Con Panna
2g
20
Americano
1g (with a single espresso shot without any additions)
21
Cappuccino
1g (with any unsweetened non-dairy milk and no sweetener or syrup)
22
Caffe Misto
2g
23
Café Latte
2.5g (without sugar-free syrup)
24
Flat White
1.5g (if Short cup size is used)
25
Espresso Macchiato
1g
26
Caramel Macchiato
As the net carb will depend on the caramel drizzle amount, there’s no specific carb amount for the keto caramel macchiato.
27
Blonde Vanilla Latte
5g
28
Cinnamon Dolce Latte
5g
29
Keto Chai Tea Latte
4.5g (with heavy cream, sugar-free vanilla syrup, and cinnamon)
30
Keto London Fog Tea Latte
0g
31
Iced London Fog Tea Latte
2g
32
Royal English Breakfast Tea
4g
33
Unsweetened Iced Teas
0g
34
Iced Matcha Tea Latte
6g (without any non-dairy milk or heavy cream)
35
Iced Green Tea
0g
36
Starbucks Keto Pink Drink
5g (with heavy cream and sugar-free syrup)
01. Keto Frappuccino
This is a twist on the regular Frappuccino as you will need to opt out of a sugary dollop of the Frappuccino base.
Instead, ask for a double-blended Grande iced coffee with extra ice and without any classic syrup.
Request two to three pumps of your favorite sugar-free syrup or sugar-free vanilla syrup and two to three shots of heavy cream.
You can also choose any unsweetened non-dairy milk like almond milk instead of heavy cream.
If you’re against sugar-free syrup, go for a natural sweetener like stevia or monk fruit.
The result will be a pretty creamy and sweet coffee concoction without the mountain of carbs.
Net carb:5g
02. Keto Espresso Frappuccino
For an extra caffeine kick to get your day started on a smooth and cool note, you can order a keto espresso Frappuccino sans the sugary base.
Just ask your barista for a double blended Grande espresso Frappuccino with 3 pumps of sugar-free vanilla syrup and a splash of almond milk. Voila! You have a keto espresso Frappuccino made to order.
Net carb:4g
03. Iced Shaken Espresso
Just like bartenders use a cocktail shaker to serve up your favorite drink, the expert baristas at Starbucks also shake up an iced espresso to give you a glass of flavorful and cold espresso beverage.
The most basic iced shaken espresso consists of brewed espresso, ice, milk, and classic syrup. Starbucks also offers the same drink with almond or oat milk instead of dairy milk and chocolate malt powder and brown sugar syrup.
To make it keto-friendly, remember to ask the barista not to add the classic syrup, to replace milk with heavy cream or unsweetened almond milk, and to add two pumps of cinnamon dolce or sugar-free vanilla syrup for a bountiful dose of flavor without the carbs.
Net carb:4g
Net carb:2g (without the sugar-free syrup)
04. Iced Blonde Vanilla Latte
The iced blonde vanilla latte is nothing but milk, ice, vanilla syrup, and espresso.
The regular version is chockful of carbs from all the sugar.
But making keto Starbucks drinks is quite simple.
Just replace dairy milk with some heavy cream. The heavy cream will lend a rich texture to the iced blond vanilla latte.
You can ask for an unsweetened non-dairy milk substitute like soy or almond milk instead of heavy cream or 2% milk.
Instead of the regular vanilla syrup, ask for one or two pumps of the sugar-free version.
Net carb:4g
05. Keto Iced Latte
This is a keto take on the traditional iced latte.
Order one Grande iced caffe latte with unsweetened almond milk or heavy cream.
Use a natural sweetener like this one to add some sweetness without the carbs in your drink.
Personally, adding heavy cream makes the iced latte creamy, just the way I like it!
Total carb:2g
06. Starbucks Nitro Cold Brew
Plain old black coffee is rejuvenated into a frothy, dark, rich caffeine experience just by adding nitrogen!
The Starbucks nitro cold brew is a result of nitrogen passed through a cold brew that has been steeped for 20 hours.
It’s served from a keg and has a foamy white top with a velvet-rich feel.
If you’ve been avoiding black coffee for its thin texture, then try the nitro cold brew for a better mouthfeel.
By itself, the drink has zero carbs.
If you can afford up to 3 carbs, then dress it up with two pumps of sugar-free vanilla syrup and a dash of heavy cream.
Net carb:0g
Net carb: 3g (with heavy cream and sugar-free syrup)
07. Vanilla Sweet Cream Nitro Cold Brew
This is the basic cold brew topped with a silky dollop of homemade vanilla cream, mounting to 4 grams of carbs.
If you want less carb intake, ask for a replacement for the vanilla cream with one or two pumps of sugar-free vanilla syrup and some heavy cream.
Net carb:4g
Net carb:1g (with two pumps of sugar-free syrup and heavy cream).
08. Iced Coffee
One of the simplest keto Starbucks drinks at 0 carbs is a plain iced coffee minus the classic syrup.
If you want to jazz it up a bit without straying from your keto diet, ask for two pumps of sugar-free vanilla syrup and a bit of unsweetened almond milk.
Net carb:2g
09. Double Shot On Ice
Another Starbucks keto-friendly drink with a double shot of espresso.
Instead of the 2% dairy milk and sweetener, ask your barista to splash some almond milk.
Carry your natural sweetener and add 2 to 4 packets to sweeten things up.
Net carb:1.5g
10. Iced Mocha
A Grande iced mocha at Starbucks comes packed with 18 grams of carbs as it contains skinny mocha sauce, milk, and espresso.
But you can order the same in either of two ways to stay on track of your keto diet instead of the low-fat, high-carb regular version.
One, in a Grande iced Americano, ask the barista to add some heavy cream, sugar-free vanilla syrup, and mocha sauce.
This will have a net carb content of 8 grams. So, if you want to slash the carbs further, cut down on the sauce and syrup pumps after talking to the barista.
The second way to make keto iced mocha is to order a Grande skinny iced mocha.
Instead of the regular four pumps of syrup, ask for one or two.
Don’t forget to have the regular milk replaced with a non-dairy, unsweetened alternative like soy or almond milk or just heavy cream.
Your drink will have the full mocha flavor and a rich, creamy texture without the carbs.
Net carb:8g (with the first method)
11. Iced Keto Pumpkin Spice Latte
The season is not too far when the Starbucks menu will highlight its Fall favorite – iced pumpkin spice latte.
The regular drink is made with milk, espresso, vanilla and pumpkin syrup, nutmeg, clove, and cinnamon.
It’s served on ice with an extra large helping of whipped cream and some more pumpkin spice sprinkled on top.
No wonder there are 47 grams of carbs in the drink!
But, you can tone down this drink to keep the pumpkin spice flavor and a creamy mouthfeel with the bonus of much fewer carbs.
Just order an espresso with any non-dairy milk of your choice, heavy cream, and a single pump of pumpkin syrup served with nutmeg, clove, and cinnamon. If you want to make it sweet, add a packet of a natural sweetener.
Another way to make this drink keto-friendly is to order an iced coffee, one pump of the pumpkin sauce, three pumps of vanilla syrup (or one pump of sugar-free vanilla syrup), half and half to replace milk or non-dairy milk to cut down the carbs further, and extra pumpkin spice topping to give you the full flavor.
Net carb:12g (with the second version)
12. Vanilla Bean Coconut Milk Latte
Although strictly not on the Starbucks keto menu, you can make a keto version of the vanilla bean coconut latte whether you prefer it hot or cold.
The regular drink is loaded with 26 grams of carbs, thanks to the vanilla bean powder and sweetened coconut milk.
Order your keto version by getting an Americano or a cold brew. Ask the barista to add light coconut milk, a pump of sugar-free vanilla syrup, and a scoop of vanilla bean powder.
This drink will contain 7 grams of carbs and you can slash it down further by not adding the vanilla bean powder. But that would compromise on the vanilla flavor.
Instead, you can still indulge in the vanilla flavor by having the vanilla bean powder and skipping the sugar-free vanilla syrup that contains sucralose.
Net carb:7g
13. Keto Gingerbread Latte
‘Tis the season for merrymaking and some indulging in Christmassy drinks.
But if you’re on a keto diet, the standard gingerbread latte with 40 grams of carbs won’t do for you.
Unfortunately, there’s no sugar-free version of the gingerbread syrup.
So, you have to settle for plenty of powdered cinnamon to make up for the full gingerbread flavor from the syrup.
You can have either a hot or an iced version of the gingerbread latte.
Ask for an Americano with a pump of gingerbread syrup, some half and half, and two pumps of sugar-free vanilla syrup.
Instead of half and half, you can choose unsweetened almond milk or heavy cream to cut down the carb content.
Another way to have fewer carbs in your drink is to ask for a single pump of sugar-free syrup.
Net carb:7g (with half and half, sugar-free syrup, and one pump of gingerbread syrup).
14. Iced Flat White
The iced flat white is simply iced coffee with milk.
So, to make it keto, just order a Grande iced flat white and replace the dairy milk with heavy cream or unsweetened almond or soy milk.
The heavy cream will give the drink a rich taste and texture.
The non-dairy milk will still add a nutty and subtle flavor to the flat white.
Net carb:4g
15. Iced Toasted Oat Milk Shaken Espresso
A relatively newer addition to the Starbucks menu, the iced toasted oat milk shaken espresso is made with blonde espresso, toasted vanilla syrup, and oat milk.
To make a keto version, choose half oat milk and half almond milk, and four pumps of sugar-free vanilla syrup. This will have a carb count of 3 grams as opposed to 5 grams if you opt for oat milk only.
Net carb:5g (with only oat milk)
16. Iced Skinny Cinnamon Dolce Latte
This drink is featured on the regular menu at Starbucks.
Targeted at calorie-conscious coffee drinkers, the iced skinny cinnamon dolce latte is made from espresso, two pumps of sugar-free vanilla syrup, and plenty of cinnamon sprinkles, ice, and fat-free dairy milk.
The drink packs 12 grams of carbohydrates in the Grande size, which is a bit steep if you’re on a ketogenic diet.
Hence, you can create a keto version by swapping the dairy milk with unsweetened plant-based milk like coconut or soy, or almond milk.
Another way to make an iced skinny cinnamon dolce latte is by ordering an iced coffee with unsweetened non-dairy milk and a couple of pumps of sugar-free vanilla syrup topped with plenty of cinnamon powder. This stripped-down version will contain 6 grams of carbs.
If you want, you can add a packet of monk fruit sweetener like this one or stevia sweetener.
Net carb:6g
17. Black Coffee
A Grande cup of dark roast black coffee without any additions like milk or sugar is perfect for you at 0 carbs if you’re following a keto diet.
In my opinion, coffee is at its best when it’s unadulterated with syrups, sugars, milk, or cream.
You get the true coffee essence when you drink it by itself.
There’s hardly any coffee aficionado out there who would not be familiar with espresso or who has never tasted it.
The classic espresso comes in a short cup of 3 ounces and contains a shot or an ounce of espresso.
If you’re looking for more kick, order a doppio or double espresso shot to literally make you wake up and smell the coffee!
With just 1 gram of carbs, the espresso can be your regular morning partner and keep you on track with your keto diet.
Net carb:1g
19. Espresso Con Panna
Treat yourself to a variation of the classic espresso by adding whipped cream to two shots of espresso.
The carb count in this drink is only 2 grams while the fat content from a spoon of whipped cream is 2.5 grams only, helping you to feel full for longer.
The espresso con panna is also served in an espresso cup and so there’s none of the guilt feeling attached when you order a regular drink with swirls of cream.
Net carb:2g
20. Americano
Americano is made by adding 6 ounces of hot water to a single or double shot of espresso.
That means you have 1 to 2 grams of carbs depending on the number of espresso shots.
Black coffee is made in a drip coffee machine whereas Americano is made with espresso shots.
If you want to make a keto version of the Americano, choose any natural sweetener like stevia or monk fruit, heavy cream, or cinnamon.
Net carb:1g (with a single espresso shot without any additions)
21. Cappuccino
Cappuccino is a creamy, frothy cup of coffee decadence that can be an occasional treat for keto dieters.
Regular dairy milk has loads of carbs – 12 grams in a cup – so you will need a keto-friendly replacement.
As espresso is topped with milky foam in a cappuccino, you can tweak it to use unsweetened almond, soy, or coconut milk that contains just one gram of carb per cup.
You could also have the espresso topped with heavy cream and skip the non-dairy milk altogether.
The high-fat, low-carb heavy cream will help you stay on the keto diet and give you a smooth, creamy cappuccino.
If you want to add a tinge of sweetness, go for a couple of pumps of sugar-free vanilla syrup or two packets of stevia. But this will add carbs to your drink.
Net carb:1g (with any unsweetened non-dairy milk and no sweetener or syrup)
22. Caffe Misto
Known as café au lait in France, Caffe Misto in Starbucks uses a 1:1 ratio of coffee to steamed milk.
You get a subtler coffee flavor since it doesn’t use an espresso shot but brewed coffee.
Instead of using 2% regular dairy milk, ask the barista to use unsweetened soy, almond, or coconut milk for a velvety, rich cup.
Net carb:2g
23. Café Latte
In café latte, you get a sweet balance between espresso and steamed milk with a foamy top.
For a café latte keto style, ask the barista to use unsweetened almond or soy, or coconut milk instead of dairy milk.
If you’re okay with some dairy addition, then ask for heavy cream instead of milk.
Use natural sweeteners if you must and you’ll have a drink within 2.5 grams of carbs.
If you add a couple of pumps of sugar-free vanilla syrup, the net carb count will rise to 4.5 grams.
Net carb:2.5g (without sugar-free syrup)
24. Flat White
As the name suggests, the flat white is flat with none of the foamy milk top you find in cappuccino.
Made from two espresso shots and dairy milk, you can turn this into one of the easiest keto Starbucks drinks in two ways.
First, just get almond milk to replace the whole milk.
In the second way to get a keto flat white, order a Short flat white to be made with half water and half heavy cream.
Add two packets of natural sweeteners to make it sweet. The net carb count will be 1.5 grams.
If you need more than two espresso shots in your flat white, order a Grande flat white and ask the barista to make it with ¼ heavy cream and ¾ water.
To sweeten the Grande flat white, you’ll need four packets of any natural sweetener.
Taken this way, the carb content will be 3 grams.
Net carb:1.5g (if Short cup size is used)
25. Espresso Macchiato
If you want a full blast of caffeine in the morning with a creamy texture, then espresso macchiato is your best bet.
Steamed milk is added to two espresso shots to make this classic drink.
But to make the keto version, all you need to do is replace the dairy milk with a splash of heavy cream.
Want to make it sweet? Just add a couple of packs of natural sweeteners and you have a 1-gram carb Keto drink.
Net carb:1g
26. Caramel Macchiato
Caramel doesn’t exactly sound keto-friendly but you can reduce the drizzle amount to still get the flavor and sweetness without throwing your ketogenic diet off track.
The regular Grande caramel macchiato has an espresso shot, oodles of steamed milk, a generous caramel drizzle, and three pumps of vanilla syrup. Small wonder it has 35 grams of carbs.
But with a little adjustment, you can bring down the carb content by ordering a skinny caramel macchiato that uses a sugar-free vanilla syrup.
Choose unsweetened almond milk instead of dairy milk for a nutty flavor.
And reduce the portion of caramel drizzle to give you the flavor without going crazy on the carb count.
As the net carb will depend on the caramel drizzle amount, there’s no specific carb amount for the keto caramel macchiato.
27. Blonde Vanilla Latte
This is the hot version of the iced blonde vanilla latte.
To make it keto, ask for a Grande blonde vanilla latte to be made with heavy cream or almond milk instead of the usual 2% dairy milk.
Go for two pumps of sugar-free vanilla syrup.
If you still miss the sweetness, add a couple of packets of stevia or monk fruit natural sweetener.
Compared to the iced version, it has one gram more carbs.
Net carb:5g
28. Cinnamon Dolce Latte
One of the most favorite winter warmers, the Grande cinnamon dolce latte is made by using two shots of espresso, 2% milk steamed, milk foam, and four pumps of cinnamon dolce syrup topped with whipped cream and cinnamon dolce sprinkles.
As you have figured out by now that the regular version is full of sugars and carbs.
Therefore, to make it keto-friendly, ask for a Grande cinnamon dolce latte without the whipped cream and cinnamon dolce toppings.
Instead of the 2% milk, replace it with heavy cream or almond milk.
Add three to four pumps of sugar-free vanilla syrup.
To get the maximum cinnamon flavor, ask the drink to be topped with regular powdered cinnamon.
Pro Tip: You can make your own cinnamon sugar by adding ground cinnamon to a natural sweetener.
Net carb:5g
29. Keto Chai Tea Latte
The chai tea base at Starbucks clocks at 45 grams of carbs due to the honey and sugar in the chai concentrate.
Create a keto chai tea latte by asking the barista to use two teabags and none of the chai concentrate in a Grande Teavana tea.
If you have this version, there are zero carbs.
But for some decadence, ask for a couple of splashes of heavy cream or almond milk, a natural sweetener, two pumps of sugar-free vanilla syrup, and a good sprinkling of cinnamon.
The carb count with heavy cream, sugar-free vanilla syrup, and cinnamon comes to 4.5 grams.
Net carb:4.5g (with heavy cream, sugar-free vanilla syrup, and cinnamon).
30. Keto London Fog Tea Latte
Filled with hints of bergamot, lavender, and citrus flavors, this light tea latte is the perfect winter afternoon companion.
You can have a zero-carb keto version by ordering two teabags of Early grey and hot water.
For a richer taste and creaminess, top with heavy cream and a maximum of two pumps of sugar-free vanilla syrup or a natural sweetener.
Net carb:0g (without sugar-free vanilla syrup or sweetener or heavy cream)
31. Iced London Fog Tea Latte
In the summers, you can make an iced London fog tea latte by ordering a Grande iced London fog tea latte with almond milk and three pumps of sugar-free vanilla sauce.
Another of the wide range of keto Starbucks drinks that help you to indulge without derailing your diet.
Net carb:2g
32. Royal English Breakfast Tea
Another Starbucks keto hot tea option, the Royal English Breakfast tea comes at 4g carbs if you order a Grande Royal English Breakfast Tea Latte with three pumps of sugar-free vanilla syrup and almond milk.
You can have the same drink in summer with its iced version.
Net carb:4g
33. Unsweetened Iced Teas
Choose from a range of iced teas like black tea, passion tango tea, and green tea to have a refreshing keto-friendly summer drink without any carbs.
Add any natural sweetener if you want to dial things up a bit.
Net carb:0g
34. Iced Matcha Tea Latte
The base of this drink is the matcha tea blend which contains sugar. Milk and ice are added to the regular matcha tea latte.
Since the Grande uses three scoops of the match tea blend, start by asking for only one scoop to make it keto-friendly. One scoop has 6 grams of carbs.
Compensate with a green tea bag to get the full green tea flavor.
Replace the 2% regular dairy milk with coconut or almond milk. A heavy cream is also an option.
Net carb:6g (without any non-dairy milk or heavy cream)
35. Iced Green Tea
There’s nothing remotely refreshing than an iced green tea at Starbucks on a hot summer day.
With an infusion of lemongrass, mint, and lemon verbena, this is one of the zero-carb Starbucks drinks that will not only recharge your body and mind but will also give you plenty of health benefits if you have it by itself without any syrup.
The original pink drink at Starbucks has 27 grams of carbs, thanks to the strawberry acai refreshers drink that’s made with coconut milk and uses freeze-dried strawberries as toppings.
The keto pink drink has become popular although it doesn’t taste the same as the classic one.
However, you can still taste the pink drink by ordering an iced Passion Tango tea served with a couple of heavy cream splashes and a pump of sugar-free vanilla syrup.
In my opinion, you can skip the heavy cream and go for a splash of unsweetened coconut milk to make the drink taste as close as possible to the original one.
Net carb:5g (with heavy cream and sugar-free syrup)
Tips On How To Order Keto Starbucks Drinks
Always keeping track of the carb count in your food and drinks is a problem, especially if you’re in a local Starbucks where the menu board that greets you doesn’t give you any indication of being keto-friendly or not.
The plethora of hot and cold coffee, tea, and other categories of drinks may be confusing if you don’t how to order or customize a keto drink.
So, here are the top six tips to keep in mind when you visit Starbucks so that you’re sure you’re not adding carbs to your diet.
01. Bring Your Own Natural Sweeteners
Instead of depending on the sweeteners offered at Starbucks, bring your own packets of stevia or monk fruit sweeteners.
This will keep you from having sugars and carbs that would hamper the ketosis state in your body.
Contrary to what we think, sugar-free is not necessarily free from carbs.
A pump of sugar-free syrup in Starbucks has 1 gram of carbs.
So, it’s good to go easy on the pumps. Add one or two pumps of any sugar-free syrup to give your drink your desired flavor.
06. Skinny Drinks At Starbucks Are Not Keto-Friendly
Skinny doesn’t mean low-carb!
Starbucks skinny drinks are made with sugar-free syrups and no-fat milk.
This means the dairy milk still has sugars in it and that means carbs!
And as mentioned earlier, sugar-free syrup does have carbs in it.
Keto Food From Starbucks Menu
Besides a wide range of keto drinks, if you want to eat something that’s keto, here’s a list of the food you can buy.
01. Creminelli Sopressata Uncured Salami And Monterey Jack Cheese Plate
Satisfy your craving with something meaty and cheesy with this plate that has 0 carbs.
02. Babybel Cheese Wheel
The perfect on-the-go snack that won’t come in the way of your keto diet, these cheese wheels come at 0 carbs.
03. Cheddar Moon Cheese
Each bag of Cheddar Moon Cheese has just 5 grams of carbs, making it a great keto snack option.
04. Starbucks String Cheese
The house brand of string cheese has only a gram of carb and is a fun snack when you’re feeling light hunger.
05. Squirrel Brand Classic Almonds
Almonds are dry-roasted and sea salt is added to give this snack a super crunch and taste.
One pack of these almonds contains 4 grams of carbs.
The Bottom Line
You don’t need to deprive yourself of the range of Starbucks hot and cold drinks on the menu.
Just ask the barista to replace the flavored syrups with sugar-free ones, the sugars with a natural sweetener, and the dairy milk with heavy cream or a non-dairy alternative like soy, almond, or coconut milk.
Carry your preferred natural sweetener with you if you want to be absolutely sure of sticking to a keto regimen. If you are interested in Starbucks all cup sizes, check it here!
FAQs
How Do You Order A Keto-Friendly Drink At Starbucks?
To order a keto-friendly drink at Starbucks, ask for a replacement of the regular classic syrup with a sugar free vanilla or other syrup, sugars with a natural sweetener, and dairy milk with a plant-based milk like almond, coconut, or soy milk or heavy cream.
Is Starbucks Sugar-Free Keto?
Yes, the Starbucks sugar-free syrups are keto friendly and won’t pile on the carbs in your drink.
Here’s a complete list of caffeine-free drinks you can order at Starbucks. Some are obvious and some might surprise you.
Grabbing a drink from Starbucks has become a routine for me. It is only after I grab a drink that I’m able to commence work. However, the caffeine in such drinks wasn’t something I was comfortable with.
That led to a search for caffeine free Starbucks drinks. Before I disclose my list, it is time to understand the benefits of living caffeine-free.
What are the health benefits of living caffeine-free?
Here are some benefits of doing so for those who are still in two minds regarding switching over to a caffeine-free lifestyle.
1. Improved sleep quality:
According to a study, consuming caffeine has a disruptive effect on our sleeping function. Once you consume caffeine, your alertness will increase, and you are likely to suffer from sleep deprivation. That is why the disruption will be eliminated when you switch to a caffeine-free lifestyle.
2. Better nutrient absorption:
There are studies that conclude that consumption of caffeine hampers the absorption of nutrients in the gut. According to some estimates, the absorption of nutrients like iron decreased by 39% after the consumption of coffee. Needless to say, once you stop this consumption, the nutrient absorption in your body can improve.
3. Improved bone health:
A study proves that caffeine decreases the absorption of vitamin D in the body. This results in lower bone growth and reduced bone density. That is because there is a close association of vitamin D with calcium, according to this report by archives of medical science.
Once you stop consuming caffeine, your body will absorb vitamin D regularly, improving bone density and overall bone health.
4. Reduces anxiety:
Oftentimes, people consume caffeine-based drinks because of the burst of energy that they provide. However, this burst of energy also results in higher anxiety levels, as articulated by this journal report.
The list below makes the switch easier by highlighting 25 of my favorite caffeine free Starbucks drinks. The Starbucks official menu has been used to source the ingredient and nutrition information mentioned below, though not every drink is available at your store.
White Chocolate Crème Frappuccino Blended Beverage
cold
18
frappuccino
Strawberry Crème Frappuccino Blended Beverage
cold
19
frappuccino
Eggnog Crème Frappuccino
cold
20
frappuccino
Caramel Brulee Crème Frappuccino
cold
21
frappuccino
Pistachio Crème Frappuccino
cold
22
frappuccino
Pineapple Coconut Green Smoothie
cold
01. Blended Strawberry Lemonade
The best thing about this lemonade is the hint of strawberry. This ensures you still get the refreshing lemonade taste but with a unique strawberry flavor. The ice-cold temperature ensures that blended strawberry lemonade is perfectly chilled. Blended strawberry lemonade’s simplicity is why it is such a great alternative.
02. Lemonade
Sometimes the simplest drinks are the best ones to have. That is why you can go with lemonade when looking for a caffeine-free drink at Starbucks.
True to its name, it’s the classic lemonade with a tangy taste; therefore, there are no surprises here.
If you’re looking for a unique lemonade taste, you can go with Strawberry Acai Lemonade. It brings quite a few flavors together, like strawberry, passion fruit, and acai.
To provide some unique texture, it also consists of freeze-dried pieces of strawberry. Needless to say, it is devoid of caffeine.
Thus, if you’re looking for something simplistic, these Starbucks lemonade variants can serve you well.
03. Iced Guava Passionfruit Drink
The blend of guava and passionfruit juice makes iced guava passion fruit drink unique.
Apart from that, it is hand shaken. However, these aren’t the only flavors in this drink.
Along with that, you have pineapple and ginger as well. The milk used is coconut milk. That is why; the taste of the milk in itself is unique. It is hand shaken along with ice to cool it down to the right temperature.
The result is a smooth and creamy iced guava passion fruit drink that is unique in every aspect.
04. Iced Passion Tango Tea
Iced passion tango tea is an excellent option for a healthier alternative to caffeine drinks, as it consists of 0 g of sugar and 0 g of fat. As for the ingredients, you have lemongrass, hibiscus, and apple juice which is shaken along with some ice.
To top it all, iced passion tango tea is infused with a slight tinge of passion fruit color. Combining all these ingredients gives you a vibrant drink that is refreshing in taste and completely healthy for you.
05. Comfort Brewed Wellness Tea
The comfort brewed wellness tea consists of numerous ingredients which make it special. Sometimes simple drinks are the best. Especially, when you’re looking for non-caffeinated drinks.
Mint certainly brings freshness to the tea. For example, it consists of lemon, fennel, licorice root, ginger, and even mint. The advantage of these ingredients is that they have multiple health benefits.
Even if you visit any other coffee house near you, it is difficult to find the blend consisting of such ingredients.
Additionally, if you’re looking for a drink that you can have regularly, this one meets your requirement. Couple that with the fact that it consists of 0 cal, zero fat, and zero sugar, and it is easy to understand why it is such a good choice.
06. Mint Majesty
Mint Majesty is a great option when looking for a simple drink. It consists of mint and lemon added to caffeine-free herbal tea. Since it does not contain fats or sugar, it is a drink you can regularly have without guilt.
07. Peach Tranquility
Next on my list is another healthier alternative to caffeine drinks. The ingredients of peach tranquility include candied pineapple, peach, chamomile blossoms, lemon, and rose hips. Along with that, an infusion of herbal tea further enhances this drink’s taste and nutrient value.
Similar to the Iced Passion Tango Tea, Peach Tranquility consists of 0 g of sugar and 0 g of fat despite the candied pineapple pieces. Thus, if you’re looking for a hot tea-based drink as an alternative to caffeine, Peach Tranquility is the perfect choice.
08. White Hot Chocolate
Most of the alternatives highlighted up until now consist of quite a few additives, syrups, and purees. Going with white hot chocolate is one of your best choices if you’re looking for something simplistic.
Needless to say, this drink consists of white chocolate sauce along with steamed milk. On top, you get a whipped cream dollop, making it even tastier. With ingredients like these, it will certainly satisfy your taste buds and your appetite.
09. Toasted White Hot Chocolate
Does white chocolate sound boring to you?
Then, a good option is toasted White hot chocolate. While it might seem that there is little difference between the two, you will find the stark difference when you go through the ingredient list and the preparation recipe.
White chocolate syrup is caramelized and added to the steamed milk. The caramelization makes the flavor unique. Apart from that, sugar sparkles, as well as crispy white balls, are added on top. Of course, there is whipped cream on top as well. These little additions certainly make it much better than traditional white chocolate.
10. Peppermint White Hot Chocolate
Since I’m discussing white chocolate variants, let me add another one to the list.
The difference in this one is that it consists of white chocolate mocha sauce. Along with that, there is a dash of Peppermint flavored syrup. While these might be unique ingredients, the usual ones, like steamed milk and a topping of whipped cream, are present. Additionally, the dark chocolate curls on top certainly make it unique.
Thus, even with hot chocolate, Starbucks offers you quite a few variants without worrying about the caffeine content.
11. Caramel Apple Spice
Many of us love apple juice; however, we need some addition to the pure apple juice taste. If your opinion is the same, this drink will fulfill it.
It consists of steamed apple juice with whipped cream on top. Additionally, it consists of cinnamon syrup and caramel sauce on top.
Thus there is the right number of ingredients to break the monotony of apple juice.
12. Steamed Apple Juice
How about some hot steamed Apple juice?
Most consumers do not know that most Starbucks outlets offer 100% pure apple juice. This is not in the form of a concentrate or derived from any extract. It is freshly steamed.
Consequently; the taste is quite distinct and pure.
Apple juice has a soothing taste. That is why, if you’re looking for a simple drink that can uplift your spirits and does not consist of caffeine, go with steamed apple juice.
13. Cinnamon Dolce Crème
Cinnamon Dolce Crème consists of cinnamon Dolce syrup added to steamed milk. The texture is extremely creamy. On top, you get sweetened whipped cream along with the cinnamon topping. This one makes for a great drink when looking for a special treat.
14. Vanilla Crème
Sometimes, you just crave a heavy drink at Starbucks. Heavy isn’t synonymous with high caffeine content. Vanilla Crème is the perfect example of such a drink.
The creamy vanilla flavor and the hot temperature make it taste great. Couple that with the frothy texture, and it is easy to understand why this drink is so popular with regular Starbucks customers.
15. Chestnut Praline Crème
This drink will often satisfy your taste buds when craving a unique flavor. The caramelized chestnut in this drink is certainly refreshing. Along with that, you will find a hint of spices which certainly breaks the monotony. All this added to the steamed milk makes for a great drink.
That is why, when you’re looking for an option to experiment with, go with this one. On top, you will get praline crumbs with whipped cream. That will satisfy your appetite in addition to your tast
16. Caramel Ribbon Crunch Crème Frappuccino
Caramel Ribbon Crunch Crème Frappuccino consists of caramel syrup, providing a buttery texture. To add texture, there is a sprinkle of crunchy caramel on top. You get a creamy, rich drink when you mix this up with ice and water. While it might not be the healthiest alternative Starbucks offers, it is undoubtedly one of the tastiest.
Caramel Ribbon Crunch Crème Frappuccino tastes and looks delicious.
17. White Chocolate Crème Frappuccino
Starbucks offers many Crème based Frappuccinos. Most of them are an excellent alternative when looking for caffeine-free Starbucks drinks. The latest one to add to the list is White Chocolate Crème Frappuccino.
The drink consists of white chocolate sauce along with ice and milk. These are blended well together, along with a dollop of whipped cream on top.
While the ingredients might seem simple but the resultant drink is undoubtedly delicious. It might not be healthy, but it is certainly worth having once in a while.
18. Strawberry Crème Frappuccino
Strawberry Crème Frappuccino is a rich blend of strawberry purée with milk and ice. On top, you get a thin layer of strawberry purée. Apart from that, the vanilla whipped cream on top certainly makes it delicious.
Of course, if you crave more strawberry flavor, you can add extra strawberry purée to the mix.
19. Eggnog Crème Frappuccino
Prefer a bit of protein in your drink?
If yes, you can go with this one. In a single serving, this drink offers you 7 g of protein. It is one of the few drinks offering you protein without caffeine. As for the texture, it has a creamy texture because of the eggnog in the drink. With subtle spices, milk, and ice mixed, this drink is full of flavors. The whipped cream on top and nutmeg powder make it a bouquet of flavors.
20. Caramel Brulee Crème Frappuccino
Caramel Brulee Crème Frappuccino offers a mix of caramel brulee sauce, milk, and ice. On top, you get whipped cream. While these ingredients provide great taste, some crunchy caramel is on top to break the monotony.
If you’re craving something delicious and do not mind extra calories, this drink is worth having.
21. Pistachio Crème Frappuccino
Pistachio Crème Frappuccino consists of sweet pistachio flavor. Of course, the base is milk and ice.
The highlight, however, is the salted brown butter topping on top. It is in great contrast with the whipped cream on top.
The smooth icy consistency and the creamy taste of this drink certainly help it stand out. Not only that, but with 360 cal, it is also immensely fulfilling.
22. Pineapple Coconut Green Smoothie
The best way to switch from caffeinated drinks is to go with entirely healthy drinks. This one consists of juicy pineapple along with kale and spinach. All these are blended together with toasted coconut. The milk used is coconut milk. Also, ice is blended to bring it to the right temperature.
If you wish to customize it, choose the milk of your choice. With multiple things blended together, you can be confident that it is one of the healthiest drinks Starbucks has on offer.
6 Amazing Facts About Caffeine Free Starbucks Drinks
1. Decaf doesn’t mean no caffeine
While ordering non-caffeinated drinks, you shouldn’t go with decaf drinks. Decaf simply means that there is little caffeine in such drinks. It doesn’t mean that there is no caffeine in it.
For example, grande size decaf coffee consists of 25 mg of caffeine. That is certainly less than your usual brewed coffee, but it is still present.
2. Refreshers have caffeine
The usual perception is that refreshers do not consist of caffeine. However, some of them use green coffee extract. It means that caffeine is present in one form or the other. Take the example of a pink drink which consists of 35 mg of caffeine.
Rather than assuming that a particular drink doesn’t have caffeine, it is a good idea to stick to the 25 options highlighted to be doubly sure.
3. Chocolate also has caffeine
Caffeine is the base of many drinks offered by Starbucks. That is why many consumers think that after changing the base to chocolate they won’t have to worry about caffeine. However, in many cases, the chocolate used in such drinks can have caffeine as well. Sure enough, the amount of caffeine is less, but it is a good idea to double-check.
However, traditional hot chocolate drinks (click here for recipe) are an exception to this rule, and they do not contain caffeine.
4. Steamers have no caffeine
Steamers like Steamed milk, Vanilla crème are devoid of any caffeine. In fact, whichever drink you pick from this category, you won’t have to worry about caffeine.
5. Most crème frappuccinos have no caffeine
While there are frappuccinos that consist of caffeine, most of them do not. The exceptions to this tip include matcha-based frappuccinos.
6. Go with herbal teas
Most teas in Starbucks have a limited amount of caffeine. However, when herbal tea is the base of any drink, you need not worry about caffeine. The two prime examples include mint majesty and peach tranquility.
Conclusion
Your quest for caffeine free Starbucks drinks shouldn’t include trial and error. Simply follow my curated list above, and you shouldn’t have a problem spotting the strings on the Starbucks when pre-ordering them when heading to the store.
FAQs
Can you get a refresher without caffeine?
Unfortunately not! The caffeine in the refreshers is added because of the syrup used. Since caffeine is an integral part of the refreshers, you cannot remove it. Separate coffee powder or coffee beans aren’t used.
Can you get decaf drinks at Starbucks?
Yes, you can get decaf espresso and decaf coffee at Starbucks. However, contrary to popular perception, they do consist of some amount of caffeine. The former consists of 12 mg of caffeine, and the latter consists of 25 mg of caffeine in the larger size.
Can you get Starbucks pink drink without caffeine?
While the Starbucks pink drink cannot be ordered without caffeine, a good alternative is strawberry crème Frappuccino. The core ingredient is strawberry and is the same in consistency as a milkshake. That is why it is certainly as tasty as the pink drink.
Does the Mango Dragon fruit have caffeine?
Yes, the Mango dragon fruit refresher does have some caffeine in it. As compared to your average glass of coffee, the quantity of caffeine is much less. For example, the caffeine content is 55 mg in the grande size.
Do you love the rich taste of espresso but hate how it burns your hands? As coffee becomes more popular than ever, people are looking for the best way to enjoy their cup of joe.
The answer? The best espresso cups: the fancy name is “Demitasse” (aka half cup)!
Some people may be content with whichever tiny cup they have on hand right now, but for many devoted coffee lovers, sipping espresso is a ritual. And those coffee junkies need a stylish and functional go-to cup.
We’ve rounded up the best of the best along with a buying guide, so you can find the perfect one for you. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy your espresso in style.
We love this made-in-Spain Bormioli Rocco Verdi Espresso Cup because it is a very cute and durable set that is perfectly sized for a single or double shot of espresso served.
The double-wall tempered glass ensures resistance to thermal shock, breakage, chipping, and dishwasher wear, and the elegant design with the feel of a European cafe is perfect for a delicious espresso experience.
Additionally, the handle is made of stainless steel and comes off for easy cleaning. Moreover, the coffee cup is dishwasher-safe and microwave-safe for all kinds of experiments!
The clear borosilicate glass is ideal for the presentation of multi-layered hot drinks. To be honest, you won’t find a better one on this budget!
How Should You Choose Espresso Cups?
When it comes to finding the best espresso cups, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.
Espresso Cups Best Material
Choosing the right material is the single most important thing when buying Espresso cups.
First, you want to make sure the insulation is good. The cup should be made from a material that will retain heat well. This is important because you want the espresso to stay hot while you drink it.
Espresso-based drinks tend to lose temperature quickly because of the lower brewing temperature and the limited amount of coffee.
Another thing you need to consider regarding material is the sturdiness and flexibility of use.
It’s wise to invest in a material that won’t break easily, is dishwasher safe, and can be used in the microwave. Also, it should be lead and BPA-free.
Here are some common materials used to make Espresso cups. Each of these materials has its benefits and drawbacks –
1. Stoneware Glasses
Stoneware isn’t the most common material in Espresso cups.
Though they’re long-lasting, scratch-resistant, and able to sustain temperature well, they’re more costly than the other alternative; the luxury option in some cases.
However, if you have got the money, you can bid on them for exceptional quality and longevity.
2. Ceramic Cups
Ceramic material makes the more traditional espresso cup that has long been appreciated by baristas. They don’t leak any unpleasant taste into your beverage. And they retain the heat longer.
Besides these benefits, ceramic cups are often less costly since they don’t need double walls because baked clays are thermally insulating.
However, it’s better to use them only in the household since they are naturally more delicate than steel.
Glass has almost similar properties as ceramic, except it’s more fragile.
There is only one thing you need to make sure of while buying glass cups is that they should be double-walled cups since glass isn’t a fantastic insulator like ceramic.
The best thing about glass Espresso or latte cups is that you can actually see your Espresso while drinking it.
They display crema, one of the signs of a successful espresso shot and it is unquestionably lovely to look at.
4. Stainless Steel espresso cups
Finally, stainless steel is the most durable when it comes to espresso cup material, making it a fantastic option for travel or if you’re clumsy
The problem with steel is they’re efficient heat conductors and not so excellent at retaining the heat of a newly poured espresso shot.
For the same reason, they’re perfect for cooking pots and pans.
Like glass, choose a double-walled construction to help retain the heat longer. Otherwise, you’ll wind up with burned fingertips and iced coffee.
Cups constructed of this material are all dishwasher-safe!
Just be aware of the cheap stainless-steel cups because they give your beverage a metallic taste.
Choose the material that is best for your routine based on the sort of home barista you are!
5. The No-Nos
There are a few materials that are an absolute “nope”:
Cheap metallic cups
Melamine cups
Plastic cups
Paper cups
Any substance of polystyrene will make the coffee taste awful and plasticky. Also, Styrofoam in plastic materials may cause cancer and other horrific health issues.
Quantity
This is important if you tend to share your drink with other family members or friends and if you tend to misplace or damage kitchen equipment often.
Depending on how many you need to serve or clean up for, a set of four like the Dragon Glassware Espresso Cups might sometimes be enough.
You could need more at other times, and it might be helpful to have backups.
Size
A typical espresso cup weighs between 2 to 3 ounces (60 ml to 90 ml).
To find your ideal size, first, you need to find out what kind of espresso drinks you consume the most.
Small demitasse cups of 2 to 4 ounces will be best if you just need to use the cup for espresso. They can carry single or double shots without affecting the crema or the espresso’s overall quality.
If you often drink drip coffee or espresso beverages like cappuccinos, begin shopping for a 5-to-5.5-ounce cup and go higher.
You could need a bigger mug of 11 to 15 ounces if you often take a big latte.
Some coffee drinkers just buy bigger cups, thinking that they’ll accommodate all types of drinks.
The problem with big cups is that the additional materials will cause the Espresso to cool down more quickly.
Another thing to consider about size is whether the cup is compatible with your Espresso maker.
You need to measure the distance between the spout and the drip tray.
If your automated home espresso machine has an adjustable spout, be sure you are aware of the maximum clearance that the machine can provide before choosing a cup.
Think About Extras
Do you need saucers with your cup? Do you need a handle or a set of spoons?
Saucers are practical (stop the coffee from spilling) and aesthetically pleasing for an espresso lover.
You may require a handle with bigger cups because your cup could become warm. It’s never fun to have your fingers burned.
For espresso drinkers who like sugar cubes or cream in their drink, espresso spoons can be great to break up the crema and gently stir.
Our Review of the Best Espresso Cups
From classic ceramic to modern glass, there’s an espresso cup for everyone. Here are the best Espresso cups on Amazon, according to your preferred material choice.
For folks who like to add steamed milk and froth to their Espresso and drink large, these 8-ounce cups are just perfect.
This XUFENG Cappuccino Cups Set with Saucer is a great way to enjoy your favorite cappuccino, latte, or espresso. The set includes 4 porcelain cups and saucers that are microwave and dishwasher-safe.
The cups are also oven and freezer safe. The cups are made of high-quality porcelain. The set is a great gift for any coffee lover.
Good Things About This
The cups are thick, smooth, and well-made; has a heavyweight feeling
The spoons are adorable, and the saucers are all the same
They are a simple design but look great and feel good in the hand
Perfect sizing for a coffee aficionado to use with lattes and specifically practicing latte art
What Could’ve Been Improved
The handle holes could be bigger, not for fat finger people
The saucers could be smaller
The color is not as white as other white ceramic Espresso cups
Oggi’s insulated 4-ounce espresso cups and saucers are the perfect size for the committed barista, with a beautiful mirror finish that exudes European chic.
The double-wall insulated construction reduces heat loss and heat transfer to your hand, keeping your espresso hot longer. The easy-to-grip handles with large openings aid comfort and reduce spills.
The demitasse cups come with elegant saucers including catching any drips. They’re easy to care for – just rinse with warm water after each use and dry.
Good Things About This
Made with high-quality stainless steel, which makes it durable and long-lasting
It also has a good fit and finishes, making it more enjoyable to drink from
They are easy to clean after use
Also available in 6, 8, and 12 oz sizes
Things That Need to Improve
The saucer doesn’t go with the cup
The handle may fall off after some time
Though it says 4 oz, it doesn’t fit double espresso shots (3-3.5 oz)
The double wall isn’t as thick as some of the more expensive stainless-steel espresso cups
The WhopperIndia’s double wall espresso cups set is a great way to enjoy your favorite espresso while at home.
The set includes six silver demitasse cups that are made of high-quality stainless steel. They have a wide mouth that accommodates full-size ice cubes and makes cleaning easy.
The compact, lightweight design takes up minimal space and is a great addition to any kitchen.
What’s So Special About It
These cute little espresso mugs are made from 100% food-grade stainless steel, making them durable and long-lasting
Perfect capacity of 5 ounces – not too small cup, not too large
They are perfect for small parties, serving tea or coffee in Indian style
They are also great to keep your coffee hot
Things That Need Improvement
The handle on the stainless steel cup may not be well-designed, and water or other substances may get caught in the gaps and cause contamination
The company’s customer service response was not satisfactory
Dragon Glassware’s espresso cup set is perfect for at-home brewing stations like Nespresso or Keurig espresso machines while holding up to 4 ounces.
They feature double-walled glass insulation to keep your drinks hot or cold longer than traditional glassware.
The cups are made of lead-free, high-quality borosilicate glass that is microwave, refrigerator, and freezer safe. They come with a lifetime limited manufacturer’s warranty and ready-to-gift packaging.
Unique Characteristics
The espresso cups have a sleek design and are made of good-quality glass materials
The cups are extremely lightweight and have a smooth edge
They come in 4 oz and 6 oz variants; so, you can choose accordingly
They can accommodate an Espresso Lungo measure
Drawbacks
The double-walled espresso glasses are top-heavy when empty and the bottom is slightly too narrow, causing it to easily tip over
They will get stained in the dishwasher and printing may wash away soon, hence not dishwasher safe
The DeLonghi espresso mugs are made from borosilicate glass and are clear in color. The sturdy material helps guard against breakage and is BPA-free.
They’re double-wall insulated to help keep liquid hot or ice cold and prevent condensation. The dishwasher-safe design allows quick and easy cleaning.
The double-walled glass comes in a set of two and has a capacity of 2 ounces without handles.
Why Should You Use It
The glasses are available in different sizes (Cappuccino and Latte) to accommodate different drinks
They’re double-walled, which keeps drinks warmer than single-wall glasses.
The glasses have a sleek design and are easy to hold
Superior choice compared to other expensive coffee cup brands
Things Yet to be Considered
You may have to ‘supervise’ your coffee-making process if you want to avoid filling the glasses to the brim
Glass is glass; it’s fragile and may break easily if you drop it from a distance
You may be charged for returning broken glasses
FAQs
1. What is the proper espresso cup size?
Some coffee aficionados believe that the best espresso cup size is half cup around 2 ounces, although many people believe that 4 ounces is a more realistic serving size.
2. Should espresso cups have saucers?
The saucer serves a few purposes – it can help to keep the cup warm; it provides a place to put your spoon, and it can help to catch any spills. However, the best espresso cups are often small, and some people prefer to drink their espresso without a saucer.
3. Why are espresso coffee cups so thick?
Because they need to be able to withstand the high temperatures at which the espresso is brewed. The thicker the demitasse cup, the better it will be able to retain the heat and allow the espresso to stay hot.
The popularity of coffee is prevalent in almost all corners of the world. It is one of the most heavily consumed beverages, and the numbers are rising every year. The financial year of 2020/2021 saw over a staggering 160 million bags of coffee being consumed all over the world, each bag weighing 60 kilograms on average. This shows the love people of all ages and circumstances have for coffee.
On top of that, with modern innovations, there are more coffee varieties available in both online and offline marketplaces than ever before. This is attracting more consumers every day and expanding the global coffee market along the way.
The purpose of this article is to provide a comprehensive review of one such innovative coffee brand that has taken the world by storm ever since its introduction in 2004.
What Is Volcanica Coffee?
Volcanica Coffee is an organization that specializes in retailing premium and exotic coffee of the finest quality with ingredients from volcanic areas around the world. Volcanica Coffee offers over 150 varieties of coffee, with some of the most popular ones being single-origin, peaberry, estate, decaf, and many flavored variants. Despite the varying origins and differences in brewing procedures, the company has dedicated a facility located in Atlanta, Georgia, for the purpose of roasting the beans.
Volcanica Coffee’s company motto states “Volcanica Coffee Company focuses on one simple mission. They want to make sure your morning cup of coffee comes from the best-tasting beans.” The roasting facility is state-of-the-art, meaning that what they promise in terms of freshness and quality, they have the means to back up. The professional roasting masters working in Volcanica Coffee have years of experience in this field, and they understand the delicacies and subtleties involved in the process of roasting.
Company officials work tirelessly with local agencies and coffee farms that are mostly located in extremely remote locations in order to source the highest quality breeds for their devoted consumers. Due to their efforts, Volcanica Coffee is now a renowned brand around the globe. The top ratings they generally receive on online platforms effectively solidify this claim.
The History of Volcanica Coffee
Volcanica Coffee initiated its operations on a very small scale almost 18 years ago. It began as a family business after members of the family, who originated in Costa Rica, realized that the local markets were getting overwhelmed by coffee beans that were either overly roasted or were of very bad quality overall. The very first variant of coffee that they went on to sell was from volcanic regions in Costa Rica. They never looked back.
The coffee market in the United States accepted this new Costa Rican breed with open arms. Demand started to rise, and soon the customers started to ask for more varieties of coffee from other volcanic regions like Jamaica and Hawaii. These regions are located in extremely high altitudes (over 3,000 feet above sea level) and contain some of the richest volcanic soil around, ideal for growing coffee.
The demand never stopped, and soon Volcanica Coffee became an established name in the world of coffee. Even today, it is safe to assume that some of their core researchers are on the lookout for more volcanic regions to extract coffee beans from.
The ideologies they follow are also noteworthy. They are not solely focused on making money; they give back as well. They donate 1 percent of their overall yearly revenue to charities and claim to have built the foundations of their organization based on Christian principles. The company has indeed come a long way from the time it first began its operations.
Quality and Certifications of Volcanica Coffee
The fact that Volcanica Coffee specializes in processing and retailing coffee grown in distant, remote, and risky volcanic locations speaks volumes about the quality they focus on sustaining. The company also provides fully or partially ground beans depending on the customers’ preferences. The processing is done only after receiving an order, which helps in keeping the beans as fresh as possible until the customer receives them.
Furthermore, the fact that company employees make the trip to the coffee farms themselves means that there is no involvement of any intermediaries or third parties. This ensures that the beans do not go through multiple entities before ending up at the roasting facilities in Atlanta. No intermediary commissions are paid, which reduces the final cost of their products in general.
Volcanica Coffee is recognized and certified by the Coffee Industry Board of Jamaica or CIB, one of the world’s leading organizations that specialize in promoting, monitoring, regulating, and guiding the development of the Jamaican coffee industry. The certification acts as a form of guarantee that the coffee is of the highest quality and worthy of fetching appreciation from even the harshest critics.
Organically Grown Coffee
Volcanica Coffee is labeled “USDA Certified Organic,” a significant accolade for any coffee brand. This essentially proves that no synthetic pesticides or chemicals are used to cultivate the beans. Every bit of it is completely grown using natural means.
In fact, as claimed by Volcanica officials, they rely on natural wildlife for dealing with bug or pest issues in the coffee farms. Natural compost is used to enhance the fertility of the soil, which is already rich in nutrients being in close proximity to volcanos. In simple terms, quality is prioritized above all.
Fair Trade
The Fair Trade certification is provided by an organization known as FairTrade International. It establishes and imposes regulations on the exporters and importers on behalf of the producers.
According to a Volcanica employee, the Fair Trade certification gives farmers the means to drag themselves out of poverty through making investments in their villages and farms, safeguarding the environment, and honing the professional skills needed to compete globally on all fronts. Thus, Volcanica Coffee is not only delicious but is also an ethical choice.
Shade Grown
If you have any prior idea about breeding coffee, chances are, you are already aware of certain breeds being grown in the shade. The “Shade Grown” certification essentially proves that the coffee is grown in the shade of a natural canopy.
This not only responds to the needs of certain breeds but also provides a suitable platform for coffee growth due to the presence of natural plant habitats all around.
Furthermore, shade-grown coffee does not need additional fertilizers or chemicals for pest control as the whole system represents a closed ecosystem that is completely nurtured by nature itself. Costs are reduced as little to no soil conservation steps need to be taken.
Rainforest Alliance-certified Coffee
Many coffee manufacturers desire to get a certification from the Rainforest Alliance, an international organization dedicated to aiding in the conservation of biodiversity in regions specialized in the production of coffee.
The Rainforest Alliance leaves no stone unturned to ensure that the coffee production methods used by farmers fall under environmentally sustainable systems. Not only that: The organization also works with consumers and business owners so that all the entities remain profitable and avoid degrading the quality of the coffee.
A Quick Glance at Volcanica Coffee
Now that you have substantial knowledge about Volcanica Coffee as a whole, let us take a quick glance at it again, in the form of pros and cons. This way, you can easily judge the many benefits as well as the drawbacks of Volcanica Coffee.
Pros
Check the list of pros below.
They sell a wide assortment of coffee types for their customers to explore for months, if not years.
They sell premium certified coffee beans like Kona and Jamaican Blue Mountain.
They start roasting only after receiving a confirmed order.
They offer options like whole beans or ground beans for sale. Even the latter comes with three options for grind sizes.
The flavors they have available are unique in their own ways.
The coffee can easily be considered a splendid gift option for your loved ones on almost any occasion or event.
Cons
Check the list of pros below.
The coffee they sell is not particularly cheap, although subscriptions can be purchased which take off around 10 percent of the cost.
As they specialize in a particular type of coffee based on the origin, at times, due to intense demand, they do resort to non-organic breeding methods. However, they do let the customers know of this in such circumstances.
Most of the beans sold are Arabica—something that does not appeal to Robusta lovers.
The entire company is built on Christian ethos and beliefs—again, something that does not appeal to some individuals.
What Makes Volcanica Coffee Special?
The fact that intense efforts are put into the production of Volcanica Coffee makes it really special compared to other regular coffee brands. Had they not been effective in sustaining high standards, they would have gone out of business a long time ago. Being competitive in the coffee industry is no small feat, especially for years on end. So what makes Volcanica Coffee so special? Learn it in the following sections.
Minimal Impact on the Environment
Volcanica Coffee takes great measures to minimize the carbon footprint left by the company. As the employees directly communicate and deal with local farms, they are able to provide hands-on training to the farmers in order to help them with environmentally sustainable farming practices.
The roasting facility they have in Atlanta implements a state-of-the-art Ovenpak 400 afterburner which is capable of removing odor, smoke, and any other byproducts with incredible efficiency. It also removes toxic pollutants like NOx, CO, and dust by transforming them into harmless natural gas.
Thus, the emissions are steadily controlled, and the company stays well within the environmental regulations. In fact, 1 percent of their entire retail earnings are donated for the development of various water projects owned by the community.
Diverse Options
The Volcanica Coffee beans are collected from all around the world. Africa, Arabia, the Caribbean, the Americas, the Pacific, Asia—you name it. More exotic coffee types include shade grown coffee, rainforest coffee, low acid coffee (like Kopi Luwak), creme brulee coffee, and many more. If you visit their website, you will find an entire section dedicated to selling estate coffee, meaning all the beans came from a particular estate or coffee farm.
Ensures Freshly Roasted and Fast Delivery
Even if you order the best beans available, you might end up with lower quality or botched products if the logistics are not prioritized. Volcanica Coffee deals with such cases by giving the customer complete information regarding the source and delivery route. Try synchronizing your order with their schedule dedicated to roasting beans. Volcanica Coffee will always try to ship on the day of order. Place your order well before 12 pm EST if you want an expedited delivery.
Different Types of Volcanica Coffee to Try
Let us now take a look at some of the most popular types of coffee served by Volcanica Coffee. We have mainly focused on their specifications in the sections below.
Tanzania Peaberry
Origin: Tanzania Nitin Estate
Type: Single Origin
Roast: Medium Roast
Processing: Wet Process
Varietal: 100% Arabica Coffee
Certification: UTZ, Kosher
Taste Notes: Savory Chocolate, Dried Fruit, and Orange
Kenya AA
Origin: Nyeri Hill Estate
Type: Single Origin
Roast: Medium or Light Roast
Processing: Wet Process
Varietal: 100% Arabica Coffee
Certification: Rainforest Alliance, Kosher
Taste Notes: Cranberry, Raspberry, and Redwood
Low Acid Coffee
Origin: Sumatra, Brazil, and a few other low altitude regions
Type: Blend
Roast: Medium Roast
Processing: Wet Process
Varietal: 100% Arabica Coffee
Certification: Kosher
Taste Notes: Nuts, Chocolate, and Tangerine
Kona Extra Fancy Coffee
Origin: Aloha Farms
Type: Single Origin
Roast: Medium Roast
Processing: Wet Process
Varietal: 100% Arabica Coffee
Certification: 100% Kona Coffee, Kosher, Extra Fancy
Taste Notes: Jasmine, Fruits, Sweet Caramel, and Citrus
Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee
Origin: Wallenford Estate
Type: Single Origin
Roast: Medium Roast
Processing: Wet Process
Varietal: 100% Arabica Coffee
Certification: 100% JBM Coffee, Kosher
Taste Notes: Chocolate and Orange Peels
Regional Volcanica Coffee Selection
Certain groups of customers do not necessarily prefer any particular brand but are more interested in the origin. For instance, the coffee produced in the Caribbean will have a slightly different taste than that grown in Indonesia, despite both belonging to the same breed. In order to respond to the regional preferences of their customers, Volcanica Coffee has categorized its entire collection into different classifications based on origin.
Caribbean
Many individuals turn to Volcanica Coffee just to taste the array of Caribbean coffee flavors they have in store. The thing that makes this variant of coffee so unique is the distinct flavor it boasts, something that cannot be found in any other coffee breed. Jamaica, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic are the biggest producers of Caribbean coffee. Anyone looking for a captivating experience should definitely try this out.
Americas
The coffee produced in the Americas is especially clean flavored and is the most accessible to both organizations and individuals alike. The coffee comes from Central America, South America, and Hawaii, and is the most common among American households.
Africa & Arabia
African and Arabian coffee, like in the Caribbean, is unique in its own way. The fact that coffee production and cultivation have been going in the Arabian peninsula for centuries proves that whatever they grow nowadays oozes quality. The coffee has a distinct taste of fruits and a slight floral aroma.
Indonesian & Pacific
Individuals looking for a more complex experience in terms of flavors often opt for the Indonesian and Pacific coffee breeds. These variants boast intense aromas that resemble tropical flavors, making the coffee stand out among other breeds when kept together. If you crave dark roast coffee, Indonesian & Pacific is what you need.
Consider an Assorted Volcanica Gift Box for Coffee Aficionados
Volcanica Coffee is not just about ordering and treating yourself. The company offers a sensational assortment of gift boxes that individuals can order and give as gifts to their loved ones on occasions of any sort. Examples include the Jamaican Blue Mountain Clydesdale Coffee 8 oz gift box that arrives in an elegant coffee barrel, the Coffee Lover gift box that includes four of the most popular breeds the company sells, and a whole lot more. In fact, Volcanica Coffee delivers gift boxes priced above $60 completely free of cost.
FAQ
Is Volcanica Coffee legit?
Volcanica Coffee offers high-quality beans from all around the world, from the Caribbean to Arabia and further. They are certified by theCoffee Industry Board of Jamaica and are considered a gourmet coffee company.
Where is Volcanica Coffee from?
All of Volcanica’s coffees are roasted fresh in Atlanta, GA, while their selection of over 150 coffee beans comes from all over the globe.
Conclusion
Be it your curiosity or a response to your daily needs, opting for Volcanica Coffee is indeed a smart choice, due to all the reasons comprehensively explained throughout this article. It is unlikely that you will not find a flavor of your liking among the innumerable options provided by Volcanica Coffee. After all, they are specialists, following special methods and making special deliveries to their very special customers. We believe this Volcanica Coffee review will come to your aid and can act as a form of reference when you enter their site to place your order.
