Nowadays, every other person is crazy for Starbucks’ cold coffee. It has become a fashion – with a Starbucks cup in hand, one feels classy. College students, working professionals, influencers – everyone is crazy for this coffee. But it is not just a matter of taste; it has become a social image.
But have you ever thought what goes inside this coffee? People believe that it is a blend of cold coffee and ice. However, when you take a look at the preparation and the products, you will realize that there are many extra products that have been added to the coffee. Sweetness is added for taste, cream for topping, and syrup for texture. All this affects health as well.
In this blog, we will tell you the hidden facts behind Starbucks cold coffee – ingredients, method of preparation, people’s experiences, and whether it is healthy or just a sweet trap.
What Is Starbucks Cold Coffee – It’s More Than Just Coffee & Ice
There are various forms of cold coffee at Starbucks, and this is why people are frequently confused. Each one of us believes that it is simple coffee plus ice cubes, but all the drinks are different like, cold brew is prepared by left the coffee in cold water over an extended period as opposed to a frappuccino which is a sweet creamy beverage that is created by shaking coffee, ice, milk and syrup together. If we talk about the ingredients of Starbucks’ cold coffee, we need to realize what kind of coffee we are talking about.
Starbucks Cold Coffee Types
There are many types of cold coffee drinks available at Starbucks. Each of the drinks is defined by diverse flavours and methods of brewing:
- Cold Brew: It is a time-consuming procedure where the coffee is poured into cold water and allowed to brew during a period of 20-24 hours. This will add flavor to the coffee, resulting in a stronger and less bitter coffee.
- Iced Coffee: The coffee is prepared in hot water and allowed to cool, and served with ice. It is somewhat bitter and refreshing.
- Iced Espresso Drinks: It can be prepared by mixing milk or water and espresso shots and adding ice, like the iced latte, iced cappuccino, or iced americano.
- Frappuccino: This is a mixture in this drink since milk, syrup, and crushed ice are added to the coffee. On top there are whipped cream and a drizzle. The taste is sweet and creamy.
- Bottled Cold Coffee: This is the ready-to-consume pack, which is sold in retail outlets. It is good for convenience, but cannot be customized.
Ingredients – What’s Really Inside Starbucks Cold Coffee
As there are many varieties of coffee available at Starbucks so the base, milk, syrup, and toppings of each drink are different. The following are the ingredients:
Coffee Base: Mostly high-quality Arabica beans are used. Roasting and grinding determine the taste of the coffee. Cold brew beans and espresso beans are different.
Water & Ice: Safe and filtered water is used. Ice is also food-grade and makes up 40-60% of the total in each drink.
Milk Options: There are various alternatives of milk, such as whole milk, skim milk, almond milk, oat milk, etc. Your drink will have the number of calories that will depend on the level of fat in the milk.
Syrups: Classic syrup (sugar-based), vanilla, mocha, hazelnut, caramel, etc. They are all high in sugar. There are also versions that are sugar-free.
Starbucks’ Hygiene & Safety Aspect
- Starbucks pays great attention to its hygiene as well as safety. All the staff wear gloves.
- Work surfaces are regularly sanitized.
- Ice is food-grade and handled with a scoop.
- Milk and cream are kept in cold stations.
- Espresso machines, blenders, and other tools are washed after each shift for cleaning.
- Hair caps and gloves are also worn by the staff to avoid contamination.
- Starbucks complies with FSSAI guidelines in India as well as operates under FDA guidelines in the USA. Their bottled drinks are also made in certified factories.
Why People Love Starbucks Cold Coffee – What is special?
People like Starbucks’ cold coffee a lot for many reasons. Some of them are given below:
- Taste: Some people feel this coffee tastes sweet, creamy, and like a dessert.
- Brand Value: Starbucks has turned into a luxury symbol.
- Look of the cup: The cup is stylish, and the name of the person is also written on it– people click a photo and post it on Instagram or other social media platforms.
- Personal Choice: You can choose the milk, syrup, and size of your coffee yourself.
- Habit: Sugar and caffeine together are a little addictive.
- Cafe environment: You get AC, music, comfortable seating, and wi-fi – perfect for enjoying and relaxation.
Some people are becoming very addicted to Starbucks coffee. Even some people’s day is not complete unless they drink Starbucks coffee.
Misconceptions – Wrong things people think
Many people think that since cold coffee is cold, it must be healthy too. This is not, however, always true.
- Sometimes there is more than 30 grams of sugar in a Starbucks iced coffee.
- The fat is doubled by using whipped cream on top.
- “Natural flavors” does not mean that everything should be natural.
- Drinking this coffee every day leads to the accumulation of extra sugar and calories in the body.
- Cold coffee does not mean healthy coffee. Do not drink it with your eyes closed.
Healthier Starbucks Cold Coffee – Smart Ways
If you want to enjoy Starbucks coffee but also want to take care of your health, then follow these tips:
- Reduce sugar by saying no to classic syrup.
- Take unsweetened plant milk.
- Don’t add whipped cream – calories will be reduced.
- You may choose a cold brew or an iced Americano, which is a strong and sugar-free drink.
- Use less syrup – each pump has 5-10g of sugar.
- Customize and order from the Starbucks app – you will save time as well as your health.
If you make a little smart decision, you will get taste and fat will also not increase!
Bottled Starbucks Cold Coffee – What is the Difference?
The Starbucks bottles available in the market have a few differences:
- They are ready-to-drink – no need to prepare them.
- You cannot customize them – you will get what is already prepared.
- They have a lot of preservatives, so that it lasts for a long time.
- The label has calories and sugar written on it – read it carefully.
- These bottles are convenient when you need them, but fresh coffee is better for your health.
Final Thoughts – Is it just coffee?
Starbucks cold coffee is not just coffee – it is a sweet treat. It contains sugar, cream, syrup, and flavors in addition to coffee. The cup is classy. If you drink this every day, extra calories and sugar can accumulate in the body.
Enjoy coffee, but think carefully. The cold coffee you get every time is not necessarily healthy.
Have fun with the flavors, but don’t forget your body, as well.
You can also read:
Coffee: Everything You Need to Know About It
The Truth Behind the Advantages of Drinking Black Coffee: What Experts Say