What is iced coffee at Starbucks (what is in it, how to order + more FAQs)

While some people prefer hot coffee, others like going against the norm and taking their coffee chilled. So, what is iced coffee at Starbucks?

Starbucks Iced Coffee refers to coffee that is brewed hot and then chilled over ice and sweetened with classic syrup. Some customers confuse iced coffee with cold brew, but these two are not the same. I remember the first time I heard a Starbucks customer on the line ordering iced coffee. I felt like I was in a foreign place since I could not understand anything.

I no longer go through such experiences since I am now familiar with how to order this drink. I created this post to help you learn everything about iced coffee at Starbucks. You will not only learn what it is but also how to order it.

What is Starbucks iced coffee made of?

This is a freshly brewed coffee beverage that contains ice and a sweetener like classic syrup. The coffee blend Starbucks uses to make iced coffee is the Terraza blend. This comes in a medium roast, and it is pre-packed and pre-ground. The syrup that Starbucks uses to make iced coffee comprises natural flavors, sugar, water, citric acid, and potassium sorbate.

What does Starbucks iced coffee taste like?

This Starbucks drink is lightly sweetened and has hints of caramel and cola. Iced coffee has a crispy flavor since it is served with ice cubes. However, the taste of this drink may vary based on the milk and syrup you order it with. Burnt Starbucks iced coffee may have a bitter aftertaste.

When the ice cubes melt, the taste of iced coffee may become watery as the drink gets diluted. To prevent this, Starbucks has been experimenting with coffee ice cubes. Starbucks iced coffee can be quite refreshing, especially during the summer months, since it can keep you cool.

If your tummy is sensitive, you should avoid iced coffee from Starbucks since this drink is more

acidic compared to hot coffee. It can therefore lead to heartburn.

Nutritional information for the Starbucks iced coffee

A grande cup of Starbucks iced coffee contains 80 calories. This drink has 20 grams of sugar, 165 mg of caffeine, and zero grams of fat. If you choose the tall cup of this drink, you will be consuming 60 calories. This is made of 15 grams sugar, 10 mg sodium, and 120 mg caffeine.

Starbucks also sells iced coffee in a venti. This contains 120 calories, 30 grams of sugar, and 235 mg caffeine. Though this drink is sweetened, you can order it unsweetened and reduce the number of calories. Unsweetened iced coffee at Starbucks has less than five calories and zero grams of sugar. This is a great choice for a person watching their calorie intake.

When was Starbucks iced coffee released?

Starbucks released iced coffee in 1986. Though Starbucks started operating in 1971, introducing this drink took more than a decade. Since iced coffee did not gain popularity immediately after its release, the introduction of Frappuccino enabled many customers to learn about Starbucks iced coffee.

This drink gained traction in 1995. In 2006, Starbucks introduced iced coffee in its retail stores. This beverage is available throughout and forms part of the Starbucks menu.

How do you order iced coffee at Starbucks?

The simplest way to order this drink is by asking the Starbucks barista for iced coffee with a sweetener. You can also ask for milk and cream if you don’t like black coffee. If you want your ice coffee strong, you can ask for a shot of espresso.

Pay attention to the cup sizes that Starbucks offers with this drink and choose one. These include tall, trenta, venti, and grande. Note that you cannot order Starbucks iced coffee in a short cup since this option is unavailable.

If you want more room for ice, you can order Starbucks iced coffee in a larger size than you normally do when ordering a regular cup of coffee. If you don’t want a very sweet iced coffee drink, you can order it with fewer pumps of classic syrup. Feel free to order this drink from a Starbucks store or the app.

FAQ section

Which iced coffee has the most caffeine?

Starbucks iced brewed coffee has the most caffeine. A trenta of this drink has 360 mg of caffeine.

Can I order an iced coffee with more or less ice?

Yes. You can order an iced coffee with more ice if you want it very cold or with less ice if you want more coffee in your drink.

What’s the difference between Starbucks cold brew and iced coffee?

Cold brew is less acidic than Starbucks iced coffee, while Iced coffee has a lighter body.