Tea is one of the most popular beverages in the world, with billions of cups consumed every single day. For tea lovers, a perfectly brewed cup can be sheer bliss. If you’re a tea aficionado who frequents Starbucks, you may have wondered what brand of tea they use to brew their wide selection of tea-based drinks.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Starbucks uses Tazo teas for the majority of its hot and iced tea beverages on the menu.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take a close look at the Tazo brand and the specific types of tea Starbucks uses for its customer favorites like chai tea lattes, green tea frappuccinos, and its incredibly popular iced black tea lemonade.
We’ll also overview some of Starbucks’ partnerships with other major tea brands like Teavana. So brew a hot cup, sit back, and read on to become a Starbucks tea expert.
An Overview of Tazo Tea
History and Origins of Tazo
Tazo Tea is a well-known brand that was founded in 1994 in Portland, Oregon. The company was created by Steve Smith, who was a co-founder of Stash Tea Company. Tazo quickly gained popularity for its unique and flavorful tea blends, which were inspired by Smith’s travels around the world.
The name “Tazo” comes from a word in a Romany language, meaning “river of life.”
Since its inception, Tazo has been committed to using high-quality ingredients and sustainable practices. The brand prides itself on its ability to create teas that are not only delicious but also ethically sourced.
Tazo’s Tea Sourcing and Production Process
Tazo is dedicated to sourcing the finest tea leaves from around the world. The brand works closely with farmers and suppliers to ensure that only the best quality leaves are used in their products. Tazo’s tea experts carefully select and blend different varieties of tea to create their signature flavors.
When it comes to production, Tazo follows a meticulous process to ensure consistent quality. The tea leaves are carefully harvested and processed to preserve their natural flavors and aromas. Tazo also takes steps to minimize its environmental impact by using eco-friendly packaging and supporting sustainable farming practices.
Tazo’s Core Tea Offerings
Tazo offers a wide range of teas to cater to different tastes and preferences. Some of their popular offerings include:
- Awake English Breakfast: A robust black tea blend that provides a rich and invigorating flavor.
- Zen Green Tea: A refreshing green tea infused with lemongrass and spearmint, perfect for moments of relaxation.
- Passion Herbal Tea: A vibrant blend of hibiscus, orange peel, and rosehips that delivers a fruity and floral taste.
- Chai Classic: A spiced black tea blend with notes of cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom, creating a warm and comforting beverage.
These are just a few examples of the diverse tea offerings from Tazo. Whether you prefer black, green, herbal, or chai tea, Tazo has a blend to suit your palate.
To learn more about Tazo Tea and explore their full range of products, you can visit their official website https://www.tazo.com.
Tazo Teas Used at Starbucks
When it comes to the brand of tea that Starbucks uses, Tazo Teas is the answer. Tazo Teas is a well-known tea brand that originated in Portland, Oregon, and has been providing high-quality teas to Starbucks for many years.
Let’s take a closer look at the different types of Tazo Teas that you can find at Starbucks.
Chai Tea
One popular option is the Tazo Chai Tea, which is a spiced black tea blend. This tea is made with a combination of black tea, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and other warming spices. It has a rich and robust flavor that is perfect for those who enjoy a bold and aromatic cup of tea.
Whether you prefer it hot or iced, the Tazo Chai Tea is a delightful choice that you can find at Starbucks.
Green Tea
If you’re looking for a healthier option, Starbucks offers Tazo Green Tea. Green tea is known for its numerous health benefits, including being rich in antioxidants and promoting weight loss. The Tazo Green Tea at Starbucks is a refreshing blend that is made with high-quality green tea leaves.
It has a light and slightly grassy flavor that is enjoyed by many tea enthusiasts.
Black Teas
For those who prefer a classic cup of black tea, Starbucks has a selection of Tazo Black Teas. These teas are made with premium black tea leaves sourced from around the world. Whether you enjoy the boldness of English Breakfast tea or the smoothness of Earl Grey, you can find a Tazo Black Tea that suits your taste at Starbucks.
These teas are perfect for starting your day or enjoying a relaxing afternoon break.
Herbal Teas
If you’re looking for caffeine-free options, Starbucks offers a variety of Tazo Herbal Teas. These teas are made with a combination of herbs, fruits, and botanicals, resulting in flavorful and soothing blends.
Whether you prefer the calming effects of chamomile or the vibrant flavors of hibiscus, there’s a Tazo Herbal Tea for everyone at Starbucks. These teas are perfect for winding down after a long day or enjoying a cozy evening at home.
So, the next time you visit Starbucks and find yourself craving a cup of tea, you can be confident that you’ll be enjoying the high-quality and delicious Tazo Teas. Whether you choose a Chai Tea, Green Tea, Black Tea, or Herbal Tea, Starbucks has a wide selection to satisfy your tea cravings.
Starbucks Partnerships with Teavana
Starbucks, the world-renowned coffee chain, has formed a strong partnership with Teavana, a leading tea company. This collaboration has allowed Starbucks to expand its tea offerings and provide customers with a wide variety of high-quality teas to choose from.
Let’s take a detailed look at the history of Teavana and the tea offerings available at Starbucks.
History of Teavana
Teavana was founded in 1997 by Andrew Mack and his wife Nancy in Atlanta, Georgia. The couple had a passion for tea and a vision to introduce the world to the rich flavors and health benefits of loose-leaf tea.
Over the years, Teavana grew rapidly and gained popularity for its high-quality teas and unique blends.
In 2012, Starbucks recognized the potential of Teavana and acquired the company for $620 million. This acquisition allowed Starbucks to venture into the tea market and offer a diverse range of tea products to its customers.
The partnership between Starbucks and Teavana brought together the expertise of both companies, resulting in a fusion of quality tea and innovative brewing methods.
Teavana Tea Offerings at Starbucks
Thanks to the collaboration between Starbucks and Teavana, customers can now enjoy a wide selection of Teavana teas at Starbucks stores worldwide. From traditional favorites to unique blends, Starbucks offers an impressive variety of Teavana teas to suit every taste.
Some of the popular Teavana tea offerings at Starbucks include:
- Teavana Shaken Iced Teas: These refreshing iced teas are made with Teavana tea blends, such as Passion Tango Herbal Tea and Peach Green Tea, shaken with ice for a perfect summer beverage.
- Teavana Hot Brewed Teas: Starbucks serves a range of hot brewed Teavana teas, including English Breakfast, Earl Grey, and Jade Citrus Mint. These teas are carefully brewed to bring out their distinct flavors.
- Teavana Chai Tea Latte: This popular beverage combines Teavana black tea with spices and milk, creating a creamy and aromatic drink that is perfect for chai lovers.
- Teavana Oprah Chai Tea: In collaboration with Oprah Winfrey, Teavana created a unique blend of black tea and spices. This chai tea is not only delicious but also supports educational opportunities for youth.
Starbucks also offers a selection of Teavana packaged tea sachets, allowing customers to enjoy their favorite Teavana teas in the comfort of their own homes. These packaged teas are available in various flavors and can be purchased at Starbucks stores or online.
The partnership between Starbucks and Teavana has revolutionized the tea-drinking experience, providing customers with a range of high-quality teas that are both flavorful and satisfying. Whether you prefer a classic cup of tea or an innovative tea blend, Starbucks has something to offer for every tea enthusiast.
The Starbucks Tea Menu
Hot Tea Beverages
Starbucks offers a variety of hot tea options for tea lovers. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic black tea, a soothing herbal blend, or a fragrant green tea, Starbucks has got you covered. Some popular choices include:
- Earl Grey
- English Breakfast
- Mint Majesty
- Chai Tea Latte
Each tea is carefully selected and sourced from around the world to ensure the highest quality and flavor. Starbucks takes pride in offering a diverse range of hot tea beverages to cater to different tastes and preferences.
Iced Tea Beverages
When the weather heats up, Starbucks also has a refreshing selection of iced tea beverages to quench your thirst. From bold and invigorating black teas to fruity and herbal infusions, there’s something for everyone. Some popular choices include:
- Iced Black Tea Lemonade
- Peach Green Tea Lemonade
- Passion Tango Iced Tea
- White Tea Lemonade
These iced tea beverages are made with premium tea leaves and blended with carefully selected ingredients to create a delightful and refreshing experience. They are perfect for those looking for a cool and flavorful drink to enjoy on a sunny day.
Tea Frappuccinos and Fusion Drinks
For those who prefer their tea in a blended and creamy form, Starbucks offers a range of tea Frappuccinos and fusion drinks. These unique creations combine the flavors of tea with other ingredients to create a harmonious and indulgent beverage. Some popular choices include:
- Matcha Green Tea Frappuccino
- Black Tea with Ruby Grapefruit and Honey
- Pineapple Black Tea Infusion
These drinks showcase Starbucks’ creativity in experimenting with different flavors and textures. Whether you’re a fan of matcha or enjoy a combination of fruit and tea, these fusion drinks offer a delightful twist on traditional tea beverages.
For more information about the Starbucks tea menu, you can visit the official Starbucks website at www.starbucks.com/menu/drinks/tea. Here you can explore the full range of tea options available and discover new and exciting flavors to satisfy your tea cravings.
Brewing the Perfect Cup of Starbucks Tea
If you’re a tea lover, you may have wondered about the brand of tea that Starbucks uses. Well, you’re in luck! In this article, we will take a detailed look at how Starbucks brews the perfect cup of tea, from the water temperature and steeping process to the milk, sweeteners, and ingredients they use.
So, grab your favorite mug and let’s dive in!
Water Temperature and Steeping
One of the keys to brewing a great cup of tea is getting the water temperature just right. At Starbucks, they take this seriously. The water for their tea is heated to specific temperatures depending on the type of tea being brewed.
Green teas, for example, are typically brewed at a lower temperature than black teas to bring out their delicate flavors. This attention to detail ensures that the flavors and aromas of the tea are not compromised during the brewing process.
Steeping time is also crucial when it comes to brewing the perfect cup of tea. Starbucks follows recommended steeping times to ensure that the tea is not over or under steeped. This ensures that you get a consistently delicious cup of tea every time you visit Starbucks.
Milk, Sweeteners and Ingredients
Starbucks offers a variety of milk options for their tea, including whole milk, 2% milk, soy milk, and almond milk. This allows customers to customize their tea to their liking. Additionally, they offer a selection of sweeteners, such as sugar, honey, and stevia, to enhance the flavor of the tea.
They also have a range of ingredients, like lemon, mint, and ginger, that can be added to certain teas for an extra kick of flavor.
It’s worth noting that Starbucks is committed to using high-quality ingredients in their teas. They source their tea leaves from reputable suppliers and prioritize sustainability and ethical sourcing practices.
This ensures that you’re not only getting a great-tasting cup of tea but also supporting responsible farming practices.
Pro Tips for Great Tea
If you want to recreate the Starbucks tea experience at home, here are a few pro tips to keep in mind:
- Invest in a good quality loose-leaf tea or tea bags. This will ensure that you’re starting with a flavorful base.
- Pay attention to water temperature and steeping times. Follow the recommended guidelines for the type of tea you’re brewing.
- Experiment with milk options and sweeteners to find your perfect cup of tea.
- Consider adding some extra flavor with ingredients like lemon, mint, or ginger.
- Don’t forget to relax and enjoy your cup of tea. After all, tea time is a moment to unwind and savor the flavors.
So, the next time you visit Starbucks or brew a cup of tea at home, you can appreciate the care and attention that goes into brewing the perfect cup of tea. Whether you prefer a classic English Breakfast or a refreshing Green Tea, Starbucks has you covered. Cheers to a great cup of tea!
Conclusion
Starbucks has carefully crafted its tea menu over the years, partnering with major tea brands like Tazo and Teavana to source quality whole leaf teas and signature blends. Whether you prefer traditional black tea lemonade or more exotic fusion drinks like the Matcha Green Tea Creme Frappuccino, you can rest assured you’ll get a high quality cup of tea on your next Starbucks visit.
With this comprehensive guide, you now have extensive knowledge about the specific Tazo teas that Starbucks uses and how to brew your own Starbucks-quality cup. So next time you’re craving an invigorating Emperor’s Clouds and Mist green tea or soothing Zen chai tea latte, you’ll know exactly what’s steeping in your cup.
Happy sipping!
