What brand of tea does Starbucks use? Unveiling the Secret

Step aside coffee lovers, it’s time to explore the world of tea. More specifically, the tea of Starbucks. Have you ever wondered what brand of tea does this coffee giant use? It’s a legitimate question, especially since they offer a variety of unique and tasty tea beverages on their menu.

After thoroughly investigating, it turns out that Starbucks primarily uses Teavana brand for their tea offerings. This makes sense since Starbucks actually acquired Teavana in 2012. Teavana teas come from all over the world and are carefully curated and blended to create their signature flavors. You can find popular Teavana teas such as Jade Citrus Mint and Peach Tranquility on the Starbucks menu.

But wait, there’s more! Starbucks also offers other tea brands such as Tazo and Numi. Tazo is a well-known tea brand that was also acquired by Starbucks in 1999. They offer a wide variety of herbal and black teas that cater to every taste preference. Numi, on the other hand, is a fair trade and organic tea brand that focuses on sustainability and ethical sourcing. With this information, you can now confidently order your favorite cup of tea at Starbucks knowing exactly where it came from.

The History of Starbucks Tea

While most people know Starbucks for their coffee, the company also has a rich history with tea. Starbucks began serving tea in their stores in 1999, around the same time that they acquired the Tazo Tea company.

Tazo was founded in 1994 by Steve Smith, who had previously co-founded the Stash Tea Company. Smith’s goal with Tazo was to create a line of high-quality, innovative teas that were accessible to everyone. The company quickly gained a following, and their teas were sold in grocery stores and specialty shops throughout the United States.

In 1999, Starbucks acquired Tazo Tea for $8.1 million. This move gave Starbucks a foothold in the tea market and allowed them to begin offering high-quality, unique teas in their stores. In the years that followed, Starbucks introduced a variety of Tazo teas in their stores, including popular blends like Zen, Passion, and Awake.

Starbucks Tea Brands

  • Tazo Tea
  • Teavana
  • Juicy Tea

Teavana Acquisition

In 2012, Starbucks made another big move in the tea market when they acquired Teavana for $620 million. Similar to their acquisition of Tazo Tea, this move gave Starbucks access to a wider selection of high-quality teas and allowed them to expand their tea offerings in stores.

Teavana was founded in 1997 by Andrew Mack and his wife, Nancy. They opened their first store at a mall in Atlanta, Georgia, and quickly gained a following for their high-quality teas and tea accessories. Over the years, Teavana expanded to more than 300 locations across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

After acquiring Teavana, Starbucks began introducing Teavana teas in their stores, including popular blends like Earl Grey, Green Tea, and White Tea.

Starbucks Tea Brands List

If you’re interested in trying some of the teas that Starbucks offers, here are some of the brands that you can find in their stores:

Brand Description
Tazo Tea A line of high-quality, innovative teas that are accessible to everyone.
Teavana A selection of high-quality teas and tea accessories.
Juicy Tea A line of refreshing, fruity teas that are perfect for summer.

Whether you’re a coffee or tea drinker, Starbucks has a variety of options to choose from. With their rich history in the tea market and their acquisitions of Tazo Tea and Teavana, Starbucks is sure to have a tea that suits your tastes.

Types of tea blends used in Starbucks

In terms of tea blends, Starbucks offers a wide range of choices for its customers. From classic black tea to exotic herbal blends, there’s something for every tea lover. Here are some of the most popular blends that you can find in Starbucks:

  • Emperor’s Clouds and Mist – This is a green tea that is sourced from the mountains of China. The name “clouds and mist” comes from the way in which the tea is grown, high up in mountainous regions where it is often blanketed in fog and mist. This tea is bright, refreshing, and grassy, with a subtle sweetness.
  • Mint Majesty – As the name suggests, this is a minty tea that is caffeine-free. It’s made from a blend of spearmint and peppermint, which gives it a refreshing, invigorating taste. It’s perfect for those who want a caffeine-free drink that still has a bold flavor.
  • English Breakfast – This is a classic black tea blend that is served in many cafes and restaurants. It’s made from a blend of Ceylon, Assam, and Kenyan teas, which gives it a strong, robust flavor. It’s typically served with a splash of milk and sugar.

In addition to these popular blends, Starbucks also offers a range of herbal teas, including chamomile, hibiscus, and lemon verbena. These teas are naturally caffeine-free and are perfect for those who want a soothing, relaxing drink.

If you’re looking for a unique and flavorful tea experience, then Starbucks’ Teavana brand is worth checking out. This brand offers premium loose-leaf teas, and many of its blends are infused with fruits, flowers, and other flavorful ingredients.

Tea Blend Flavor Profile
Earl Grey Bergamot-flavored black tea
Jade Citrus Mint Green tea with refreshing citrus and spearmint notes
Peach Tranquility Herbal tea with peach and botanical flavors

Whether you’re in the mood for a classic cup of English breakfast tea, or something more exotic like peach tranquility, Starbucks has a tea blend that will suit your taste buds.

Who supplies Starbucks’ tea blends

Starbucks is known for its high-quality tea blends that cater to all taste preferences. The company’s goal is to provide the best tea experience for its customers, which is why they have partnered with some of the world’s top tea suppliers to source the finest tea leaves and ingredients. In this article, we will discuss the tea suppliers that Starbucks works with to create their signature tea blends.

Starbucks’ tea suppliers

  • Teavana – This premium tea brand was acquired by Starbucks in 2012. Teavana is a well-known supplier of high-quality loose-leaf teas and tea blends from around the world. Starbucks uses Teavana’s products for their hot and iced tea offerings.
  • Tazo – Tazo is a well-known tea company that specializes in organic and fair-trade teas. Starbucks acquired Tazo in 1999 and has been using their products for their tea offerings ever since. Tazo’s tea blends are known for their unique flavors and high-quality ingredients.
  • Jade Leaf – Starbucks’ newest tea supplier is Jade Leaf, a company that specializes in Japanese matcha green tea. Starbucks uses Jade Leaf’s matcha powder for their matcha lattes and other matcha-based drinks.

Starbucks’ commitment to ethical sourcing

Starbucks is committed to sourcing high-quality tea ingredients in an ethical and sustainable manner. The company works with its tea suppliers to ensure that the tea leaves are sourced responsibly and that the farmers are paid fairly for their work. Starbucks also supports community development projects in tea-producing regions to help improve the livelihoods of the farmers.

Starbucks tea offerings

Starbucks offers a wide variety of tea drinks, including hot teas, iced teas, and tea lattes. Their tea menu includes classic teas such as English Breakfast, Earl Grey, and Green Tea, as well as specialty blends like Peach Tranquility and Jade Citrus Mint. Starbucks also offers seasonal tea drinks like the Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte and the Iced Pineapple Matcha Drink.

Starbucks Tea Menu Description
English Breakfast A classic blend of black teas from India, Sri Lanka, and Kenya.
Earl Grey A black tea blend with a hint of bergamot citrus.
Green Tea A light and refreshing green tea from China.
Peach Tranquility A herbal tea blend with notes of peach and chamomile.
Jade Citrus Mint A blend of green tea, spearmint, lemon verbena, and lemongrass.

No matter what your taste preferences are, Starbucks has a tea blend that will suit your needs. With their commitment to high-quality ingredients and ethical sourcing, you can enjoy a delicious cup of tea while supporting a sustainable and responsible supply chain.

The Benefits of Drinking Tea from Starbucks

Starbucks is a renowned coffee chain that is famous for its quality coffee. But, that is not all they offer. Starbucks has a wide variety of teas that can cater to different tastes and preferences. Tea is known for its several health benefits, and drinking tea from Starbucks comes with added advantages. Here are some benefits of drinking tea from Starbucks:

  • Quality Ingredients: Starbucks uses high-quality tea leaves and ingredients to prepare their teas. Their blends are made with premium tea, real fruit pieces, and herbs. These high-quality ingredients contribute to the tea’s flavor and health benefits. Starbucks also sources their ingredients ethically and supports small-scale tea farmers.
  • Wide Variety: Starbucks offers a wide variety of tea blends, ranging from classic to unique flavors. You can choose from popular black teas like Earl Grey, Green tea Matcha, or more exotic blends such as Peach Tranquility and Emperor’s Clouds and Mist. Whatever your preference is, Starbucks has got you covered.
  • Health Benefits: Depending on the tea blend, drinking tea from Starbucks can have numerous health benefits. For example, green tea is known for its antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Herbal teas, like mint tea, can help improve digestion and relieve stress and anxiety.

The Starbucks Tea Experience

When you purchase tea from Starbucks, you are not just buying a cup of tea. You are purchasing the entire Starbucks tea experience. From the moment you enter the store, you are welcomed by the inviting aroma of tea and spices. The tea is prepared with care and precision, ensuring that the flavors and aromas are perfectly balanced. You can choose to enjoy your tea in-store or take it to go, so you can savor it later.

Starbucks Tea Nutrition Information

If you are concerned about the nutrition information of the tea you are drinking, Starbucks has got you covered. They provide nutritional information for all their teas, including calories, fat, and sugar content. This information helps you make an informed decision about the tea you are drinking and whether it aligns with your dietary goals.

Tea Blend Calories Total Fat Sugar
Green Tea 0 0g 0g
Peach Tranquility 0 0g 0g
Emperor’s Clouds and Mist 0 0g 0g

Overall, drinking tea from Starbucks is a delightful and healthy experience that you should try. With their high-quality ingredients, wide variety of blends, health benefits, and nutritional information, you can enjoy your tea knowing that you are making a smart and informed choice.

Comparison between Starbucks’ tea blends and other brands

Starbucks is known for its high-quality coffee and tea, but what brand of tea do they use? Starbucks sources their tea from Teavana, a premium tea brand that was acquired by Starbucks in 2012. Teavana blends are unique and created with a wide range of flavors to cater to different palates.

When compared to other tea brands, Starbucks stands out due to the premium quality of their teas. Here are some comparisons between Starbucks’ tea blends and other brands:

  • Tazo Tea: Tazo Tea is a popular tea brand and was previously used by Starbucks. Compared to Teavana blends, Tazo teas are less complex and lack the depth and richness found in Teavana teas.
  • Bigelow Tea: Bigelow Tea is a budget-friendly tea brand commonly found in grocery stores. While they offer a wide range of tea flavors, the quality of the tea leaves is not as high as that used by Starbucks.
  • Celestial Seasonings: Celestial Seasonings is another popular tea brand with a wide range of flavors. However, like Bigelow Tea, they use lower quality tea leaves which results in teas that lack depth and richness found in Teavana teas.

Quality is of utmost importance when it comes to tea, and Starbucks understands this well. Their premium tea blends are a cut above the rest, and while they may be slightly pricier than other tea brands, the flavor and quality is definitely worth it.

Furthermore, Starbucks’ commitment to ethical sourcing ensures that tea farmers are paid fairly and work in humane conditions. They also take care to ensure that their tea blends do not contain any artificial flavors or preservatives, making them a healthier option.

Brand Quality Flavor Complexity Ethical Sourcing
Starbucks Teavana High Complex Committed to ethical sourcing
Tazo Tea Medium Less complex Committed to ethical sourcing
Bigelow Tea Low Less complex No specific commitment to ethical sourcing
Celestial Seasonings Low Less complex No specific commitment to ethical sourcing

In conclusion, while there are many tea brands available, Starbucks Teavana stands out due to their commitment to quality and ethical sourcing. Their unique tea blends offer a diverse flavor experience that cannot be replicated by budget-friendly tea brands. So next time you’re at Starbucks, try one of their premium tea blends and experience the difference for yourself!

The Packaging and Marketing of Starbucks Tea

Starbucks offers a range of tea products, including both classic and modern blends. However, the packaging and marketing strategies of Starbucks tea are unique and exceptional. They focus on three major aspects: sustainability, convenience, and aesthetics.

Sustainability

  • Starbucks uses eco-friendly packaging for their tea products to ensure that their impact on the environment is minimal.
  • The company follows strict guidelines regarding the sourcing of their tea leaves, ensuring that they support ethical and sustainable practices sourced from farmers that use responsible agricultural practices.
  • The brand’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond the product itself. Starbucks’ mobile app allows users to earn reward points for bringing reusable cups for their beverage purchases.

Convenience

Starbucks tea comes in convenient packaging to make it easy to prepare at home or on the go. The tea products come in tea bags, sachets, and loose-leaf formats, which offer flexibility to consumers. This flexibility allows customers to enjoy their tea in various settings, including at home, in the office, or on the road.

Aesthetics

Starbucks’ tea packaging is modern and sleek. Clear packaging allows the customers to see the quality of the tea leaves, emphasizing its freshness. The packaging features elegant typography and artful design, which reflects the high-quality products and contemporary brand image.

Teavana Partnership

Starbucks has partnered with Teavana, a leading tea company, which has helped Starbucks bring unique tea blends to the market. The partnership also provided Starbucks with insight into the tea industry, allowing them to increase their tea offerings and enhance their tea marketing strategies.

Tea Product Description
Teavana Oprah Cinnamon Chai Tea This tea is a blend of cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and cloves, with a side of Oprah’s personality.
Teavana Youthberry® White Tea A blend of white tea, sweet peach, and tropical pineapple.
Teavana Jade Citrus Mint Tea A vibrant blend of green tea, spearmint, lemon verbena, and lemongrass.

Overall, the packaging and marketing strategies of Starbucks tea products are a combination of convenience, sustainability, and aesthetics. The company’s commitment to sustainability, elegant packaging, and unique tea blends have made Starbucks one of the most preferred brands in the tea industry.

Starbucks Tea Recipes and Recommendations

Starbucks offers a great variety of tea options that are perfect for any tea lover out there. Whether you prefer your tea hot or cold, sweet or unsweetened, there is always a tea option that suits your taste buds. But what brand of tea does Starbucks use? Starbucks uses Teavana tea, a brand that offers high-quality tea blends and has been part of the Starbucks family since 2012. Here are some of the Starbucks tea recipes and recommendations that you can try:

  • Iced Pineapple Green Tea: This refreshing iced tea is perfect for summer days. It is made of Teavana Jade Citrus Mint Green Tea, Pineapple Ginger Syrup, and Coconut Milk.
  • Peach Green Tea Lemonade: This beverage is an excellent choice if you prefer your tea to be fruity and tangy. It consists of Teavana Jade Citrus Mint Green Tea, Peach Syrup, and Lemonade.
  • Iced Blueberry Black Tea: If you love black tea, this iced tea is for you. It is a blend of Teavana Black Tea, Blueberry Flavored Juice Blend, and Classic Syrup.

If you prefer your tea to be hot, you can try the classic Chai Tea Latte or the London Fog Tea Latte, made of Earl Grey Tea, Vanilla Syrup, and Steamed Milk. Both of these hot beverages are perfect for chilly evenings or mornings.

If you are feeling adventurous and want to create your own tea blend at home, you can purchase Teavana teas and experiment with different flavors. Teavana offers a wide range of tea blends, including black, green, oolong, and herbal tea. You can mix and match tea blends to create your own unique flavor, or follow one of the Teavana recipes available online.

Tea Bags vs Loose Leaf Tea

When it comes to tea, there are two types: tea bags and loose leaf tea. Tea bags are convenient and easy to use, but they may not offer the same quality of tea as loose leaf tea. Loose leaf tea is made of whole tea leaves and has a more complex flavor profile than tea bags. It also allows for more flexibility in terms of how strong you want your tea to be.

Starbucks uses both tea bags and loose leaf tea, depending on the type of tea and the serving size. If you want to enjoy a high-quality cup of tea, you may want to try loose leaf tea next time you visit Starbucks. It may take a little longer to prepare, but the results are worth it.

The Bottom Line

Pros Cons
Starbucks offers a wide variety of tea options Some tea blends may contain artificial flavoring
Teavana tea is of high quality Loose leaf tea may take longer to prepare
Tea bags and loose leaf tea are both available Some tea options may be high in sugar and calories

Whether you prefer your tea hot or cold, Starbucks has a great selection of tea options that you can choose from. Experiment with different tea blends and find the one that suits your taste buds. Remember to ask for loose leaf tea next time you visit Starbucks for a high-quality cup of tea.

What brand of tea does Starbucks use? FAQs

1. What type of tea does Starbucks use?
Starbucks uses Tazo Tea for their tea products, including hot, iced, and packaged teas.

2. Is Tazo Tea a high-quality brand?
Yes, Tazo Tea is a high-quality brand known for producing flavorful and aromatic tea blends.

3. Does Starbucks only use Tazo Tea?
Initially, Starbucks only used Tazo Tea, but in 2017, the company acquired Teavana and began incorporating their tea blends into their menu as well.

4. What flavors of Tazo Tea are available at Starbucks?
Starbucks offers a wide range of Tazo Tea flavors, including Earl Grey, Awake English Breakfast, Passion, Zen, and more.

5. Can customers purchase Tazo Tea at Starbucks?
Yes, customers can purchase packaged Tazo Tea blends at Starbucks locations and on the company’s website.

6. Does Starbucks offer any other tea brands?
Aside from Tazo and Teavana teas, Starbucks occasionally offers seasonal tea blends from other brands.

7. Are Starbucks’ tea products made with high-quality ingredients?
Yes, Starbucks uses high-quality ingredients, including loose leaf tea, to create their tea products.

Closing Thoughts

Thank you for taking the time to learn about the tea brand Starbucks uses. Whether you’re a fan of Tazo Tea or another tea brand, Starbucks offers a wide range of tea flavors to cater to different preferences. Don’t hesitate to visit your nearest Starbucks location or their website to try out their delicious tea products for yourself. We hope to see you again soon!