What Green Tea Does Starbucks Use?
If you’re a fan of green tea, you may have wondered about the specific type of green tea used by Starbucks in their popular beverages. In this article, we’ll delve into the details and uncover the green tea that Starbucks uses to create their signature drinks. From the origins of the tea to its flavor profile, we’ll cover everything you need to know. So, let’s get started!
The Green Tea Blend: Teavana Jade Citrus Mint
Starbucks sources their green tea from a brand called Teavana, which they acquired in 2012. The specific green tea blend used by Starbucks is called Jade Citrus Mint. This unique blend combines green tea, lemon verbena, lemongrass, spearmint, and a touch of natural flavors. The combination of these ingredients creates a refreshing and invigorating flavor profile.
The Jade Citrus Mint tea blend is known for its vibrant green color, mild vegetal taste, and hint of citrusy notes. It provides a well-balanced and soothing experience for green tea enthusiasts. Starbucks carefully selected this blend to deliver a consistent and enjoyable green tea experience across all their stores.
Quality and Sourcing
Starbucks emphasizes quality in their tea sourcing practices. They partner with trusted suppliers to ensure that the tea leaves and other ingredients meet their high standards. The green tea for their Jade Citrus Mint blend is sourced from different regions worldwide, with a focus on quality and sustainability.
Starbucks ensures that the tea leaves are carefully selected and harvested at their peak flavor. This attention to sourcing and quality control contributes to the overall taste and experience of their green tea beverages.
Brewing Method
To prepare a green tea beverage at Starbucks, the baristas typically use a combination of hot water and a tea bag. The water is heated to approximately 175°F (80°C) to maintain the delicate flavors of the green tea. The tea bag containing the Jade Citrus Mint blend is steeped for about two minutes to allow the flavors to fully infuse into the water.
The brewing method employed by Starbucks aims to yield a consistent and enjoyable cup of green tea for their customers. The careful balance of temperature, steeping time, and tea-to-water ratio ensures that the flavors are well-extracted without becoming bitter.
Popular Green Tea Beverages
Now that we know the green tea blend Starbucks uses, let’s explore some of the popular beverages that incorporate this tea:
- Matcha Green Tea Latte: Starbucks uses the Teavana Matcha Tea Blend, which includes matcha powder made from shade-grown Japanese green tea leaves. It is then combined with steamed milk and a sweetener of your choice to create a creamy and indulgent green tea latte.
Iced Green Tea Lemonade: This refreshing beverage combines the Jade Citrus Mint tea with freshly squeezed lemonade. It’s a perfect choice for those hot summer days.
Green Tea Frappuccino: Starbucks blends the Jade Citrus Mint tea with ice, milk, and a sweetener to create a creamy and icy treat. It’s a popular choice for green tea lovers who want a cold and refreshing option.
Customizing Your Green Tea Beverage
One of the great things about Starbucks is the ability to customize your drinks. If you prefer your green tea beverage with a specific milk alternative or sweetener, you can always customize it to suit your taste preferences. You can also ask for additional flavors or toppings, such as vanilla or caramel syrup, to personalize your drink even further.
Feel free to experiment with different combinations and ask the baristas for recommendations to discover your perfect green tea creation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Starbucks offer any other green tea blends besides Jade Citrus Mint?
A: Yes, besides Jade Citrus Mint, Starbucks also offers other green tea blends such as Emperor’s Clouds and Mist, Mint Majesty, and Peach Tranquility.
Q: Can I buy Starbucks’ green tea blend to brew at home?
A: Yes, Starbucks offers Teavana tea sachets in their stores, including the Jade Citrus Mint blend. You can purchase them to enjoy the same green tea experience at home.
Q: Is Starbucks’ green tea organic?
A: While Starbucks prioritizes quality and sustainability in their sourcing practices, their green tea blend is not certified organic. However, they adhere to strict quality standards and work closely with their suppliers to ensure the best tea leaves are used.
Q: How much caffeine does Starbucks’ green tea contain?
A: The caffeine content in Starbucks’ green tea varies depending on the specific blend and serving size. On average, a 16-ounce (grande) serving of Jade Citrus Mint green tea contains approximately 25-30 milligrams of caffeine.
Q: Are there any other green tea beverages I should try at Starbucks?
A: Absolutely! Starbucks offers a range of green tea-inspired beverages, such as the Green Tea Latte (made with matcha), Honey Citrus Mint Tea, and various iced tea options. Don’t hesitate to explore the menu and discover new flavors.
Conclusion
Starbucks uses the Teavana Jade Citrus Mint blend for their green tea-based beverages. This carefully selected blend combines green tea leaves with lemon verbena, lemongrass, spearmint, and natural flavors to create a refreshing and balanced taste. With a focus on quality and sustainability, Starbucks ensures that their green tea meets their high standards. Whether you prefer a latte, frappuccino, or iced tea, Starbucks offers various ways to enjoy their delicious green tea offerings. So, next time you visit Starbucks, don’t hesitate to try their green tea creations!
