When finding the best tea at Starbucks, most customers are completely missing out. After spending years behind the counter and countless more as a tea enthusiast, I’ve watched people walk right past some of the most incredible tea drinks on the menu, simply because they didn’t know these hidden gems existed.
Here’s the thing—while everyone’s lining up for their vanilla lattes and caramel macchiatos, there’s an entire world of carefully crafted tea beverages that rival anything you’d find at a specialty tea house. I’m about to share every trick, customization, and insider secret that’ll help you discover the best tea at Starbucks for your taste buds and lifestyle.
What is the Best Tea at Starbucks?
The best tea at Starbucks depends on your mood, health goals, and taste preferences, but if I had to pick one winner, it’s the Medicine Ball (Honey Citrus Mint Tea). This blend has become so popular that it moved from secret menu status to official menu item—and for good reason.
Top 5 Starbucks Tea Picks at a Glance
| Rank | Tea Drink | Best For | Caffeine Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Medicine Ball | Soothing throat, immunity boost | Low |
| 2 | Iced Green Tea Lemonade | Summer refreshment | Moderate |
| 3 | Chai Tea Latte | Cozy comfort, spice lovers | Moderate |
| 4 | London Fog Tea Latte | Elegant afternoon treat | Moderate |
| 5 | Matcha Green Tea Latte | Sustained energy, antioxidants | High |
My Criteria for “Best” Starbucks Teas
I’ve developed a pretty specific set of criteria for what makes a Starbucks tea truly exceptional. It’s not just about taste—though that’s obviously crucial. The best Starbucks teas hit multiple marks.
First, they need to be consistently well-executed across different locations. I’ve tested these drinks from Seattle to Miami, and the ones that made my list taste great whether you’re ordering from a busy downtown store or a quiet suburban location.
Second, customization potential matters. The best teas at Starbucks are like blank canvases—they’re great on their own but become extraordinary with the right tweaks.
Third, value plays a role. Some drinks give you more bang for your buck, especially when you know how to order them properly.
Top Starbucks Tea to Try (Ranked)
Temperature changes everything. A chai latte tastes completely different hot versus iced—the spices hit differently, the sweetness levels shift, and even the caffeine seems to absorb at different rates. That’s why I’ve split this comprehensive ranking into two sections: hot tea drinks for those cozy, comfort-seeking moments, and iced tea drinks for when you need refreshing energy. Each category has its stars, and knowing when to order what can completely transform your Starbucks experience.
Best Starbucks Hot Tea Drinks
1. Medicine Ball (Honey Citrus Mint Tea)
This isn’t just a drink—it’s basically a warm hug in a cup. The Medicine Ball earned its nickname because customers swear by its healing properties during cold season. I remember the first time I made one for myself during a particularly brutal January shift. My throat was scratchy, my nose was running, and I was contemplating calling in sick the next day. One Medicine Ball later, I felt like I could conquer the world.
Why it’s #1? The combination of Jade Citrus Mint and Peach Tranquility creates a flavor profile that’s both soothing and invigorating. The honey adds natural sweetness while providing throat-coating properties, and the steamed lemonade gives it a vitamin C boost that regular hot water simply can’t match.
Taste profile: Citrusy, minty, and subtly sweet with a comforting warmth that spreads from your throat to your toes
Best for: Fighting off colds, soothing sore throats, or when you need comfort without caffeine overload
Price: $3.65-$5.45 depending on size
Customization tips: Add extra honey for more throat-soothing power, request light water for a more concentrated flavor, or ask for half the lemonade if you find it too sweet
2. London Fog Tea Latte
The London Fog is what happens when Earl Grey goes to finishing school. It’s sophisticated, nuanced, and absolutely divine when made correctly. I’ve converted more coffee drinkers to tea with this drink than any other.
The secret to a perfect London Fog lies in the steeping time. Too short, and you miss the bergamot notes. Too long, and it becomes bitter. Most baristas nail this balance, but if you’re particular about your tea strength, don’t hesitate to ask for an extra tea bag or longer steep time.
Taste profile: Floral bergamot notes balanced with creamy vanilla and a hint of lavender
Best for: Afternoon pick-me-ups, pairing with pastries, or when you want something elegant
Price: $4.25-$5.75
Customization tips: Try it with oat milk for extra creaminess, add a pump of lavender syrup if available, or request ristretto shots of blonde espresso for a “dirty” version
3. Chai Tea Latte
Starbucks’ Chai Tea Latte is a spice lover’s dream. Unlike the watery chai you might get at other coffee shops, this one packs a punch. The concentrate they use is loaded with cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and black pepper—it’s basically autumn in a cup.
I’ve noticed that chai preparation varies more between stores than other drinks. Some baristas shake the concentrate before using it (which distributes the spices better), while others don’t. If your chai tastes a bit flat, ask them to give the container a good shake next time.
Taste profile: Bold spices with creamy sweetness, warming and slightly peppery finish
Best for: Cold mornings, dessert replacement, or when you need comfort food in liquid form
Price: $4.45-$5.95
Customization tips: Order it “no water” for a richer, more concentrated flavor, add a shot of espresso for a “dirty chai,” or try it with coconut milk for a tropical twist
4. Matcha Green Tea Latte
Here’s where things get interesting. Starbucks’ matcha is pre-sweetened, which tea purists love to hate. But honestly? For a mainstream coffee shop, their matcha game is pretty solid. The key is knowing how to order it.
The biggest mistake I see people make is not specifying how they want their matcha mixed. A properly made matcha latte should have no clumps and a smooth, creamy texture throughout. Don’t be shy about asking your barista to blend it extra well.
Taste profile: Grassy, slightly sweet with umami undertones and creamy finish
Best for: Sustained energy without jitters, antioxidant boost, or Instagram-worthy drinks
Price: $4.45-$5.95
Customization tips: Ask for it made with coconut milk and no classic syrup for a less sweet version, or request extra matcha scoops for a stronger flavor
5. Green Tea Latte
Often overshadowed by its matcha cousin, the regular Green Tea Latte deserves more love. It’s made with a different green tea blend that’s mellower and less grassy than matcha. Think of it as matcha’s approachable younger sibling.
Taste profile: Mild green tea flavor with natural sweetness and creamy texture
Best for: Green tea beginners, afternoon energy boost, or when matcha feels too intense
Price: $4.25-$5.75
Customization tips: Add vanilla for extra sweetness, try it iced for a refreshing twist, or mix half green tea and half black tea for a unique blend
6. Royal English Breakfast Tea Latte
This is the tea latte for people who think they don’t like tea lattes. It’s straightforward, robust, and reminds you why the British Empire ran on tea. The Royal English Breakfast blend Starbucks uses is actually quite good—malty, full-bodied, and strong enough to stand up to milk.
Taste profile: Bold, malty black tea with creamy finish and optional sweetness
Best for: Morning wake-up calls, tea latte beginners, or when you want tea that tastes like tea
Price: $4.25-$5.75
Customization tips: Add vanilla and cinnamon for a “snickerdoodle” variation, or try it with half and half for extra richness
7. Jade Citrus Mint Tea
This bright green tea blend is like drinking a garden. It’s one half of the Medicine Ball, but it absolutely shines on its own. The combination of green tea, spearmint, and lemongrass creates a refreshing drink that works hot or iced.
Taste profile: Bright, minty, and citrusy with a clean finish
Best for: Digestive aid, palate cleanser, or caffeine-sensitive tea lovers
Price: $2.45-$3.25
Customization tips: Add honey for sweetness, combine with Peach Tranquility for a DIY Medicine Ball, or try it iced with a splash of lemonade
Best Starbucks Iced Tea Drinks
1. Iced Green Tea Lemonade
This is summer in a cup, and I’m not being dramatic. The Iced Green Tea Lemonade strikes the perfect balance between refreshing tea and tangy lemonade. It’s been my go-to drink for years, especially during those brutal August afternoons.
What makes this drink special is the quality of both components. Starbucks brews their iced green tea fresh daily, and their lemonade isn’t overly sweet like some competitors. When combined, they create magic.
Taste profile: Crisp green tea balanced with tart lemonade and optional sweetness
Best for: Hot weather hydration, afternoon slump recovery, or low-calorie refreshment
Price: $3.45-$4.95
Customization tips: Ask for light lemonade if you prefer more tea flavor, add peach juice for a fruity twist, or request no classic sweetener for a sugar-free version
2. Iced Chai Tea Latte
The iced version of the chai latte is a completely different animal from its hot counterpart. The spices seem brighter, the sweetness more balanced, and the overall experience more refreshing. It’s become increasingly popular, and for good reason.
Pro tip: Always ask for light ice. The standard amount of ice can dilute the drink too much, especially if you’re a slow sipper like me.
Taste profile: Spicy-sweet with cooling effect, creamy texture without heaviness
Best for: Warm weather spice cravings, dessert substitute, or afternoon treat
Price: $4.45-$5.95
Customization tips: Try it with oat milk for extra creaminess, add vanilla for a sweeter profile, or mix with cold brew for an extra caffeine kick
3. Iced Matcha Green Tea Latte
Iced matcha lattes have become Instagram famous for a reason—they’re gorgeous and delicious. The key to a great iced matcha is proper mixing. I’ve seen too many separated, clumpy disasters that could have been avoided with proper technique.
Taste profile: Earthy, creamy, and refreshing with natural sweetness
Best for: Instagram posts, energy boost without coffee, or hot weather pick-me-up
Price: $4.45-$5.95
Customization tips: Ask for it shaken extra well, try it with coconut milk for tropical vibes, or add vanilla for a sweeter treat
4. Medicine Ball Iced Version
Yes, you can get the Medicine Ball iced! Not many people know this, but it’s absolutely possible and surprisingly refreshing. You’ll need to explain what you want since it’s not an official menu item, but most baristas are happy to accommodate.
Taste profile: Refreshing mint and citrus with honey sweetness
Best for: Summer cold prevention, unique refreshment, or when you love Medicine Ball but it’s too hot for hot tea
Price: $3.65-$5.45
Customization tips: Ask for iced Jade Citrus Mint and Peach Tranquility with lemonade and honey, specify light ice, add extra honey packets on the side
5. Iced Black Tea Lemonade
The classic. The OG. The drink that started America’s obsession with tea lemonades. Starbucks’ Iced Black Tea Lemonade is perfectly balanced—neither too sweet nor too tart.
Taste profile: Bold black tea with bright lemonade, refreshing and slightly tannic
Best for: Traditional tea lovers, Arnold Palmer fans, or simple refreshment
Price: $3.45-$4.95
Customization tips: Add peach or guava juice for fruit flavor, try half sweetened for less sugar, or add mint for extra refreshment
6. Iced White Tea Lemonade
The discontinued white tea might be gone, but when it was available, this was a hidden gem. Light, delicate, and refreshing, it was perfect for those who found green tea too grassy or black tea too strong.
Taste profile: Delicate, floral tea notes with bright lemonade
Best for: Light refreshment, caffeine-sensitive individuals, or subtle tea flavor
Price: Was $3.45-$4.95 when available
Customization tips: When available, try with light lemonade, add berry inclusions, or mix with green tea for complexity
7. Paradise Drink Refresher
While technically a refresher, the Paradise Drink deserves mention in the tea category because of its tea-based ingredients. It’s one of the newer additions that bridges the gap between tea and refresher.
Taste profile: Tropical, creamy, and subtly tea-forward
Best for: Tropical flavor cravings, Instagram-worthy drinks, or non-coffee energy
Price: $4.45-$5.95
Customization tips: Add extra coconut milk for creaminess, request light ice for stronger flavor, or blend it for a smoothie-like texture
Secret Menu Tea Drinks Worth Trying
Let me share some off-menu creations that’ll make you look like a Starbucks wizard. These aren’t official drinks, so you’ll need to explain how to make them, but trust me—they’re worth the extra effort.
Strawberry Green Tea
Order an iced green tea with strawberry inclusions and a splash of strawberry puree. It’s like drinking summer, and the antioxidants from both green tea and strawberries make it secretly healthy.
Honey Almondmilk Flat White Tea
This is my personal creation: Earl Grey tea latte made with almond milk, honey instead of vanilla, and topped with the signature flat white microfoam. It’s sophisticated and naturally sweetened.
Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew Tea
Ask for cold brew tea (they’ll cold brew any tea bag for you if you ask nicely) topped with vanilla sweet cream. It’s indulgent without being overly sweet.
Lavender Earl Grey
London Fog with lavender syrup instead of vanilla. Some locations have lavender syrup year-round, others only seasonally. When you find it, stock up—this combination is pure magic.
Dirty Chai
The classic secret menu item: chai latte with espresso shots. The coffee amplifies the spices while adding depth. Start with one shot and work your way up—this drink packs a serious caffeine punch.
Healthiest Starbucks Tea Options
Not all Starbucks teas are created equal when it comes to health benefits. Here’s your guide to making the smartest choices for your wellness goals.
The healthiest options are typically the straight teas—no added syrups, milk, or sweeteners. Jade Citrus Mint, Emperor’s Cloud Green Tea, and Royal English Breakfast all clock in under 5 calories per serving. But let’s be real—sometimes you want something more exciting than plain tea.
For a healthy compromise, try these modifications: Order tea lattes with almond or oat milk to reduce calories and saturated fat. Ask for half the pumps of syrup or substitute honey. Request sugar-free options when available. The Starbucks Calorie Calculator can help you track exactly what you’re drinking.
Best for Digestion
Ginger-based teas: While Starbucks doesn’t have pure ginger tea, adding fresh ginger to any hot tea can aid digestion. Most stores have fresh ginger for making Medicine Balls.
Mint teas: Jade Citrus Mint and Mint Majesty are excellent for soothing upset stomachs. I always keep a few bags in my desk drawer for post-lunch digestive issues.
Chamomile blends: The Comfort Wellness tea (when available) contains chamomile, which has been used for centuries to calm digestive troubles.
Best Tea Pairings with Food
Here’s something most customers don’t realize: Starbucks teas pair beautifully with their food offerings. After years of experimentation (tough job, I know), I’ve discovered some combinations that elevate both the drink and the snack.
Morning Teas
English Breakfast + Butter Croissant: The robust, malty tea cuts through the buttery richness perfectly. It’s like a sophisticated version of coffee and donuts.
Matcha Latte + Lemon Scone: The earthy matcha complements the citrus notes in the scone while the creaminess balances the texture. This pairing makes me feel like I’m at a fancy tea house, not a chain coffee shop.
Afternoon Teas
Earl Grey + Shortbread: The bergamot in Earl Grey plays beautifully with buttery cookies. Order a London Fog and a pack of shortbread cookies for an instant afternoon tea experience.
Chai Latte + Pumpkin Bread: Spice on spice might seem like overkill, but trust me on this one. The creamy chai mellows the pumpkin bread’s sweetness while amplifying the warm spices.
Evening Teas
Chamomile + Vanilla Cake Pop: When Comfort Wellness tea is available, pair it with a vanilla cake pop. The mild tea won’t overpower the delicate vanilla flavor.
Mint Tea + Dark Chocolate: Grab a Mint Majesty and any dark chocolate item. The combination is reminiscent of after-dinner mints but more sophisticated.
Seasonal Tea Recommendations
Starbucks’ tea menu subtly shifts with the seasons, and knowing what to order when can enhance your experience dramatically.
Spring: Jade Citrus Mint and Green Tea Lemonade shine during spring. The fresh, bright flavors match the season’s renewal energy. I particularly love iced green tea with a splash of peach juice during cherry blossom season.
Summer: This is iced tea season. Green Tea Lemonade, Paradise Drink, and any iced tea lemonade combination work perfectly. Pro tip: Order trentas (where available) for maximum hydration value.
Fall: Chai lattes were made for fall. The warming spices complement everything from changing leaves to cozy sweaters. Don’t miss the seasonal holiday menu items that often include special tea varieties.
Winter: Medicine Ball season is real. From December through February, you’ll hear this drink ordered constantly. London Fog also hits differently when it’s cold outside—something about the creamy warmth just works.
Regional Availability & Limited Editions
One frustrating aspect of Starbucks tea selection is regional variation. Not every store carries every tea, and some locations have exclusive options based on local preferences.
West Coast stores often have more extensive tea selections, particularly matcha variations. I’ve found exclusive tea blends in Seattle and Portland that never made it to other markets. Asian markets sometimes get special tea lattes that combine traditional flavors with Starbucks’ style.
Limited editions come and go frustratingly quickly. The Teavana acquisition brought amazing blends that have since disappeared. If you find a limited edition tea you love, buy extra bags—they might not return.
Which Starbucks Teas Are Available Nationwide?
The core tea menu is pretty consistent across the US:
- All basic hot teas (English Breakfast, Earl Grey, Jade Citrus Mint, etc.)
- Chai Tea Latte (hot and iced)
- Matcha Green Tea Latte (hot and iced)
- Green Tea Latte (hot and iced)
- All iced tea bases (black, green, passion)
- Medicine Ball (Honey Citrus Mint Tea)
London Fog availability can be spotty—some stores make it regularly, others look confused when you order it. Always have a backup plan.
Tea vs Coffee: When to Choose Tea
After years of serving both tea and coffee lovers, I’ve noticed patterns in when each beverage shines. Coffee hits fast and hard—great for Monday mornings and deadline crunches. Tea plays the long game, offering sustained energy without the crash.
Caffeine Content Comparison
Let’s talk numbers. A grande coffee packs about 310mg of caffeine. A grande black tea? Around 40-50mg. Green tea comes in around 35mg, while matcha lands at about 80mg. This isn’t a weakness—it’s a feature.
Afternoon Energy Without Crash
Here’s why I switched my afternoon coffee to tea: no 3 PM crash. The L-theanine in tea moderates caffeine absorption, creating what I call “smooth energy.” You’re alert but not jittery, focused but not anxious.
Better for Hydration
Coffee is a mild diuretic, but tea—especially when iced—contributes to daily hydration. During summer, I’ll drink three or four iced teas throughout the day and feel great. Try that with coffee and you’ll be vibrating.
Digestive Benefits
Tea wins hands-down for digestive support. Mint teas soothe stomach upset, green tea aids metabolism, and ginger-based blends can calm nausea. I’ve converted many coffee lovers who struggled with acid reflux to tea, and they’ve never looked back.
Final Verdict: Which Starbucks Tea Should You Try?
After thousands of tea drinks and countless experiments, here’s my prescription for your Starbucks tea journey:
For Tea Beginners: Medicine Ball—it’s approachable, delicious, and converts everyone
For Green Tea Lovers: Matcha Latte—when made right, it’s transcendent
For Chai Fans: Iced Chai Latte—somehow even better than the hot version
For Health-Conscious: Plain Green Tea—simple, effective, and practically calorie-free
For Sweet Tooth: London Fog—sophisticated sweetness without sugar overload
For Hot Weather: Green Tea Lemonade—refreshing, energizing, and endlessly customizable
For Comfort: Chai Tea Latte—like a warm hug from your favorite sweater
FAQs
Q: What’s the strongest tea at Starbucks?
A: Matcha lattes pack the most caffeine among tea lattes, followed by black tea-based drinks. For maximum strength, order extra tea bags or matcha scoops.
Q: Can I order any tea iced?
A: Technically yes! While not all have official iced versions, baristas can brew any tea bag over ice. Some work better than others—stick to black, green, and herbal teas for best results.
Q: What’s the difference between Starbucks matcha and traditional matcha?
A: Starbucks matcha comes pre-sweetened with sugar, while traditional matcha is pure ground tea leaves. It’s less authentic but more approachable for mainstream palates.
Q: How do I order a less sweet tea latte?
A: Ask for fewer pumps of syrup (or none at all), substitute sugar-free syrups, or request honey instead. You can also ask for drinks made with just tea and milk, adding your own sweetener to taste.
Q: What happened to Teavana teas at Starbucks?
A: Starbucks phased out the Teavana brand but kept many of the same tea blends under their own label. The recipes remain largely unchanged.