Top 5 Starbucks Teas: A Must-Try Review Guide

Ever stood in front of the Starbucks menu, staring at the tea section, feeling completely lost? You want something refreshing or maybe a cozy warm cup, but the sheer number of choices—black, green, herbal, iced, hot—can feel like a maze. It’s a common struggle! Many people love Starbucks for their coffee, but the tea menu often leaves them guessing which brew is the perfect fit for their mood or craving.

Choosing the right Starbucks tea should be easy, not stressful. You might worry about ordering something too bitter, too sweet, or just plain wrong for your taste. This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down the best and most popular teas Starbucks offers, from their invigorating Black Teas to their soothing Herbal infusions.

By the end of this post, you will know exactly which tea to order next time you visit. Get ready to unlock delicious secrets and find your new favorite Starbucks tea! Let’s dive into the wonderful world of Starbucks steepings.

Top Teas At Starbucks Recommendations

No. 1
Teavana SBK13091 Harmonic Mint Decaf Tea Bags, 24/Box
  • Caffeine free
  • Herbal tea with spearmint, peppermint, and lemon verbena.
  • Serving size: 0.05 oz. filterbag.
  • Caffeine-free.
No. 2
Teavana, SBK12434017, Ginger Peach Green Tea, 24 / Box
  • Ginger Peach provides medley of green tea and crisp ginger
  • Individually packaged bags ensure lasting freshness
  • Easy-to-brew recipe can be prepared in just 2 minutes
  • Dispenser carton provides convenient access to each bag
No. 4
Teavana Jasmine Citrus Green Tea
  • Jasmine Citrus offers sunny, lemon-citrus finish
  • Individually packaged bags ensure lasting freshness
  • Easy-to-brew recipe can be prepared in just 2 minutes
  • Dispenser carton provides convenient access to each bag
No. 5
CHAI Classic Tea Concentrate - Highly Concentrated Spiced Black Tea; With Cinnamon, Ginger,...
  • Now you can use the same store quality ingredients used at cafes but at your own home! Bring the in-store taste to all your favorite Chai drinks made at home with this Black Tea Concentrate. It Is a flavorful and aromatic blend!
  • This Classic Chai Concentrate is a blend of black tea, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and vanilla. Made with real brewed tea, the spiced chai latte concentrate has a deliciously vibrant, warm flavor. We're serious tea lovers, and we believe in the joy of tea. We believe each cup of tea should add a little joy to your day, whether you're drinking it as your morning tea or as an afternoon refreshment.
  • That's why we seek out the most delicious tea leaves, spices, and botanicals to craft exhilarating and unexpected blends that delight the senses. Our tea buyers travel to origin countries regularly to taste and select the world's finest-quality teas and botanicals, and we carefully create our blends to craft complex flavors that complement each unique tea.
  • Makes mug after mug of warming, spiced black tea latte that you can mix up in an instant. Delicious with steamed milk, or with cold milk over ice. Caffeine gives it the boost you need.
No. 6
TAZO Passion Herbal Tea Bags, Hot or Iced, Caffeine Free, 20 Total Tea Bags
  • TAZO PASSION HERBAL TEA: This TAZO Passion Herbal Tea allows you to plunge into a paradise of lush hibiscus, orange peel, rose hips, and other natural flavors for a soothing taste
  • WHAT YOU'LL GET: TAZO Passion Herbal Tea, non-GMO and kosher certified, 20 tea bags per pack
  • ENJOY TAZO TEA ANYTIME: TAZO Passion tea bags are caffeine free and mix refreshing herbal tea with a tropical blend so you can enjoy a barista-quality hot tea or iced tea anytime of the morning, afternoon, or night
  • EASY TO MAKE: Bring fresh water to a boil at 212 degrees Fahrenheit for five minutes, pour eight fluid ounces of water over the tea bag, and let it steep patiently for a perfect brew, or pour over ice for iced tea
No. 7
Teavana, SBK12434018, Classic Chai Black Tea, 24 / Box
  • Classic chai offers rich, traditional flavors with light kick of pepper
  • Individually packaged bags ensure lasting freshness
  • Easy-to-brew recipe can be prepared in just 5 minutes
  • Dispenser carton provides convenient access to each bag

The Ultimate Buying Guide: Discovering Your Perfect Starbucks Tea

Starbucks offers a wide variety of teas. Finding the right one can be exciting! This guide helps you choose the best tea for your taste. We look at what makes a great cup of Starbucks tea.

Key Features to Look For

When you pick a tea, look closely at a few things. These features tell you a lot about the tea experience.

  • Flavor Profile: Does the tea taste fruity, spicy, earthy, or minty? Starbucks labels their teas clearly. Read the descriptions to match your mood.
  • Caffeine Level: Some teas, like black tea, have lots of energy. Others, like herbal teas, have none. Decide if you need a morning boost or an evening calm.
  • Hot vs. Iced Suitability: Some blends taste better hot. Others shine when served over ice. Check if the tea is marketed for hot or cold brewing.
  • Sweetness Level: Starbucks offers naturally sweet teas, like certain fruit infusions. Others are plain and need added sweetener.

Important Materials (Ingredients)

The ingredients are the heart of your tea. High-quality ingredients make a big difference in taste.

  • Tea Leaves: Starbucks uses real tea leaves. Look for whole or large pieces of tea leaf if possible. This usually means better flavor extraction.
  • Natural Flavorings: Good teas use real dried fruit, flowers, or spices. Avoid teas that rely only on artificial flavors.
  • Additives: Check the ingredient list for unnecessary fillers. Simple is often best when it comes to tea.

Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

What makes a Starbucks tea taste amazing, and what might make it less tasty?

Quality Boosters:
  • Freshness: Tea quality decreases over time. Freshly stocked teas taste much better.
  • Proper Steeping Time: Baristas should follow the correct brewing instructions. Over-steeping makes tea bitter.
Quality Reducers:
  • Water Temperature: Boiling water can “burn” delicate green or white teas, making them taste harsh.
  • Tea Bags vs. Loose Leaf (Where Applicable): While most Starbucks drinks use sachets, some blends are inherently better when brewed from loose leaves, as the leaves have more room to expand.

User Experience and Use Cases

Think about when and how you plan to drink your tea. This guides your choice.

  • Morning Wake-Up: Choose a strong black tea like Earl Grey or English Breakfast for caffeine.
  • Afternoon Relaxation: Mint Majesty or a simple Green Tea are great choices for a gentle lift.
  • Evening Wind-Down: Herbal teas like Chamomile or Passion Tango (which is caffeine-free) help you relax before bed.
  • Refreshing Summer Drink: Many fruit infusions taste fantastic when sweetened and poured over ice.

10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Teas At Starbucks

Q: What is the most popular tea at Starbucks?

A: The Iced Passion Tango Tea is extremely popular, especially in warmer months. Many people also love the classic Black Tea.

Q: Does Starbucks offer any caffeine-free options?

A: Yes, they do. Herbal infusions like Mint Majesty and Passion Tango are naturally caffeine-free.

Q: Can I order my tea less sweet?

A: Absolutely! You can always ask for “no classic syrup” or “fewer pumps” if you prefer a less sweet drink.

Q: What is the difference between the standard black tea and Earl Grey?

A: Standard black tea is usually a simple blend. Earl Grey adds a distinct citrus flavor from bergamot oil.

Q: Are Starbucks teas organic?

A: Not all of them are certified organic. Starbucks sources ingredients carefully, but you should check the specific ingredients list for organic certification on individual teas.

Q: How do I make my Starbucks tea taste better at home?

A: Use water that is just below boiling for green teas. Always steep for the recommended time. Fresh lemon or honey can also enhance the flavor.

Q: Do Starbucks teas contain artificial sweeteners?

A: The tea sachets themselves usually do not. However, the liquid syrups they add (like Classic or Raspberry) contain sugar or sweeteners.

Q: Can I get a tea latte?

A: Yes. Many teas, especially Chai and Matcha, are popular when prepared as lattes with steamed milk.

Q: What is Matcha, and is it considered tea?

A: Matcha is a finely ground powder of specially grown green tea leaves. It is very strong in flavor and contains caffeine.

Q: How long is a brewed tea bag good for once steeped?

A: Once steeped, the brewed tea should be consumed within a few hours for the best flavor and safety, especially if it contains milk.