What Tea Does Starbucks Use?

If you’ve ever found yourself in a Starbucks line wondering what tea they use, you’re in the right place. Starbucks, one of the world’s most recognized coffee chains, also offers a wide range of tea options. In this article, we delve into the brand of tea Starbucks uses, how they select their teas, the types they offer, and much more. Let’s dive in.

The Brand of Tea Starbucks Uses

Starbucks uses the Teavana brand for its tea offerings. This integration occurred after Starbucks discontinued serving Tazo brand teas in-store. The switch to Teavana allowed Starbucks to offer a selection of the most popular Teavana teas, including various blends of black, green, and herbal teas. Some examples of Teavana teas available at Starbucks are Emperor’s Clouds & Mist, Matcha Tea Latte, Honey Citrus Mint Tea, and Jade Citrus Mint Brewed Tea.

Ethical Sourcing and Sustainability

Starbucks is committed to improving the livelihoods of tea workers, smallholder farmers, and their communities, as well as the environment in which tea is produced. 99.7% of Starbucks’ tea in FY20 came from Rainforest Alliance certified farms. Starbucks is also a member of the Ethical Tea Partnership and The Tea Association of the USA, working closely with local and international organizations, NGOs, and government organizations to evolve and improve their ethical sourcing standards.

Variety of Teas at Starbucks

Starbucks offers a variety of tea options, including hot teas, iced teas, and tea lattes. Here’s a brief overview of the different types of tea available at Starbucks:

Hot Teas:

1. Green Teas:
   • Emperor’s Clouds & Mist®
   • Matcha Tea Latte
   • Honey Citrus Mint Tea
   • Jade Citrus Mint® Brewed Tea
2. Black Teas:
   • Earl Grey Tea
   • Teavana® London Fog Tea Latte
   • Royal English Breakfast Tea
   • Royal English Breakfast Tea Latte

Iced Teas:

1. Bottled Teas
2. Teavana® Sparkling Unsweetened Peach Nectarine Green Tea
3. Teavana® Mango Black Tea

In addition to these options, Starbucks also offers chai, herbal tea, and various customizations and flavors.

Unique and Exclusive Tea Blends

Starbucks also offers some unique and exclusive tea blends that can be found on their secret menu. These tea blends are not part of the official Starbucks menu but are created by customers and baristas, combining different ingredients and flavors.

Most Popular Teas at Starbucks

Some of the most popular teas at Starbucks include Iced Chai Tea Latte, Jade Citrus Mint, Iced Green Tea Lemonade, Peach Green Tea, London Fog Latte, Iced Passion Tango Tea, and Honey Citrus Mint Tea. These teas are popular due to their unique blends, flavors, and the ability to customize them to personal preferences.

Starbucks’ Teas Compared to Other Major Coffee and Tea Chains

Starbucks faces competition from brands like Teavana, Hey Tea, and Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf. However, Starbucks has experienced significant growth in the tea category in its stores and aims to build the Teavana business to over $3 billion over the next five years.

In conclusion, Starbucks’ teas are popular and have experienced significant growth, but the quality and preference for their teas compared to other major coffee and tea chains may vary depending on individual tastes and preferences.

Tea Latte vs. Tea Frappuccino

A tea latte and a tea frappuccino are both tea-based beverages, but they differ in terms of preparation, texture, and temperature. A tea latte is smooth and creamy, while a tea frappuccino is cold, icy, and sweet with a slushier texture.

Conclusion

Starbucks offers a vast range of tea options for every tea lover out there. Whether you prefer a hot, comforting cup of black tea or an iced, refreshing green tea, Starbucks has got you covered. With their commitment to ethical sourcing and sustainability, you can enjoy your favorite tea knowing that it’s not just good for you, but also for the planet.

So next time you’re in Starbucks, why not try a new tea? Who knows, you might just find your new favorite!