Starbucks introduces caffeinated iced drinks. Flavors include melon, tropical citrus
Starbucks has dropped a new line of summery drinks that contain about the same amount of caffeine as a typical cold brew.
The sugar-free beverages, which became available at locations nationwide on Tuesday, are made with “sparkling fruit flavors and iced tea," according to a news release.
Starbucks Iced Energy drinks can be ordered in three flavors: Melon Burst, Tropical Citrus and Frozen Tropical Citrus made with Strawberry Puree.
Melon Burst and Tropical Citrus Iced Energy drinks will be available year-round while the third flavor will only be available for a limited time this summer and can only be ordered through the Starbucks app.
Here’s what we know about the new energy drinks and the other goodies set to be offered through the summer.
Caffeine content of Melon Burst, Tropical Citrus and Frozen Tropical Citrus drinks
The caffeine content per Iced Energy drink, which only come in 24-ounce sizes, is detailed below. Additional nutritional information, including calories per serving, can be found online or on the app or in-store.
- Melon Burst: Melon and cucumber flavoring mixed with bright Passion Tango tea. Caffeine content: 180 milligrams
- Tropical Citrus: Passionfruit and citrus flavoring mixed with green tea. Caffeine content: 205 milligrams
- Frozen Tropical Citrus: Passionfruit and citrus flavoring combined with swirls of strawberry puree. Caffeine content: 140 milligrams
Customers also have the ability to customize their Starbucks Iced Energy drink with any tea, lemonade, or juice but will not be able to make modifications that contain caffeine.
Brewed coffee, espresso, and refreshers cannot be added to any Starbucks Iced Energy, a Starbucks spokesperson told USA TODAY.
How Starbucks Iced Energy differs from Panera Charged Lemonade
The release of Starbucks Iced Energy comes nearly two months after Panera Bread pulled its line of Charged Lemonade drinks off its menu amid controversy surrounding the caffeine contents in those drinks, USA TODAY reported. Drinks, that according customer allegations, resulted in permanent health issues or death.
The caffeine content of the new Starbucks drinks varies but the range is between 140 and 205 milligrams, depending on the size, according to Starbucks.
A 24-ounce Iced Energy drink has a similar caffeine content as a 16-ounce cold brew beverage, Starbucks says.
The drinks have between 120 and 185 fewer milligrams of caffeine than the discontinued Charged Lemonade from Panera. While the highest caffeine content in the new Starbucks drinks is 205 milligrams, the highest in the Panera Charged Lemonade was almost double at 390 milligrams.
The recommended daily amount of caffeine for adults is between 300 and 400 milligrams, which is equal to about four to five cups of coffee, USA TODAY reported.
Starbucks drinks, other menu items also make summer debut
Iced Energy drinks aren’t the only menu items making their summer debut.
Starbucks has also announced the arrival of a couple other new beverages and treats, including a nondairy vanilla sweet cream, a nondairy vanilla sweet cream cold foam and a Caramel Vanilla Swirl Iced Coffee.
All of these new drinks and treats, including the Egg, Pesto and Mozzarella Sandwich and the Blueberry Streusel Muffin, will be available year-round.