Starbucks Iced Coffee vs. Iced Americano: Which One is better?
Starbucks cold coffee beverages are my favorite, especially during the summer. I find iced coffee and iced americano quite refreshing. Since these drinks have a lot of similarities, many Starbucks customers wonder how they differ. I did a lot of research to learn more about them and created this post. By the end of it, you will learn the differences between iced coffee and iced americano. Read on!
Table of Contents
What are the differences between Starbucks Iced Coffee vs. Iced Americano?
Features |
Iced coffee |
Iced Americano |
Ingredients |
Ice and black coffee |
Water, ice, shots of espresso |
Taste profile |
Lightly sweetened |
Sweet and crispier |
Caffeine content/ Nutritional value |
A grande of this has 80 calories, 165 mg of caffeine, and 20 grams of sugar. |
A grande of this has 15 calories, 225 mg of caffeine, 0 fat, and 0 sugar. |
Availability/ Accessibility |
Available |
Available |
Roast level |
Medium roast |
Dark roast |
Starbucks Iced Coffee vs. Iced Americano – How They Compare.
What it’s made of (ingredients)
Though both beverages are quite popular at Starbucks, they have differing ingredients. Iced americano is made with water, shots of espresso, and then served over ice. Due to the use of espresso in making Iced Americano, the top contains crema. On the other hand, iced coffee is made up of black coffee and ice.
Starbucks iced Americano wins in this category since it includes one more ingredient absent in iced coffee that is espresso.
Taste profile
Starbucks iced americano has a rich taste and highlights the nuances of coffee. This is a refreshing beverage that is sweet and crisp. The coffee house even allows you to enhance its flavor by ordering it with more ingredients like syrups. You can even order the drink with more shots of espresso. Since Iced coffee is also served cold, it also features a crispy flavor. This beverage is slightly sweetened.
Iced Americano wins in this category since it has a better taste than iced coffee.
Caffeine content/nutritional value
If you need a low-calorie drink, you should consider iced americano. A grande of this beverage has only 15 calories. It does not have any fat or sugar and contains 225 mg of caffeine. On the other hand, a grande of Starbucks iced coffee has 80 calories. This comes with 20 grams of sugar, no fat, and 165 mg of caffeine.
Iced americano, therefore, wins in this category since it is healthier due to its low-calorie content and stronger due to its caffeine content.
Availability/ Accessibility
Whether you are looking for an iced coffee or iced americano, you can easily order either of them from Starbucks. Both drinks are available throughout the year.
In this category, Starbucks iced coffee and iced americano draw since both are easy to access.
Roast level
Though any roast can be used to make Iced Americano, Starbucks mostly uses dark roasted coffee. On the other hand, Starbucks iced coffee is made using medium roast. Since dark roast coffee beans get roasted for longer, using them leads to a stronger tasting beverage that is less acidic.
Starbucks iced americano, therefore, wins in this category since it is made with dark roast coffee, which has more advantages than medium roast.
Starbucks Iced Coffee vs. Iced Americano: A comparison review
Starbucks Americano – Overview
This is an espresso-based drink that Starbucks makes by mixing water with two shots of espresso. The light-bodied coffee is then served with ice to help your body cool down on a hot day.
As you order Starbucks iced Americano, you can ask the barista to sweeten it with ingredients like creamer, syrup, or even caramel sauce to enjoy a more delicious flavor. If you often find espresso shots to be too strong, you should consider this beverage since it is watered down.
What I liked
- It is delicious
- You can add different components to it
- The cream at the top looks great
What I didn’t like
- This is watered down
Who it’s best suited for
- Ideal for people who find espresso shots too strong.
Starbucks iced coffee – Overview
Starbucks baristas fill a cup with ice cubes and then pour freshly brewed coffee over brewed coffee to make this beverage. The coffee is then stirred. If you want to try this Starbucks beverage, you can order it with add-ins of your choice.
For instance, you can request the barista to add some sugar syrup or caramel sauce to iced coffee to sweeten it. Since this beverage is made using black coffee, some Starbucks customers even ask for milk while ordering this beverage. Since iced coffee has fewer ingredients, you can even learn how to prepare it at home.
Note that the brewing technique used to make iced coffee has an impact on the flavor and taste of the final beverage. Many people enjoy iced coffee not only due to its refreshing temperature but also due to its taste.
What I liked
- Its tasty aroma
- The drink is quite refreshing
What I didn’t like
- It has more calories
Who it’s best suited for
This drink is for Starbucks customers looking for a simple coffee drink that is easy to order.
Final Verdict: So, Which is Better? – Starbucks Iced Coffee vs. Iced Americano
Starbucks Iced Americano is better than iced coffee. This is because it looks more captivating and has a better taste. This beverage also has more caffeine content and fewer calories. Customizing it is also a breeze.
FAQ section
Which one is healthier between Starbucks iced coffee and iced americano?
Starbucks iced Americano is healthier since it has minimal calories and does not contain elements such as sugar or fat.
Is iced americano sweeter than iced coffee?
Yes. Iced americano is sweeter than iced coffee since it contains shots of espresso. This drink is bolder and has a stronger taste.
Is iced americano stronger than iced coffee?
Yes. Iced americano is stronger since it has more caffeine than iced coffee. For instance, a tall iced Americano at Starbucks has 150 mg of caffeine, while a tall iced coffee has 120 mg.