21 Strongest Coffees At Starbucks
Looking for a strong kick to wake you up in the morning and keep you on your feet all day? Say no more.
Coffee and Starbucks, in general, have become an integral part of many people’s lives, but with the substantial surge in demand for coffee, many have become accustomed to low or medium doses of caffeine.
If you want something stronger then you have come to the right place!
What are the strongest coffees at Starbucks? Starbucks has a range of caffeinated beverages but some stand out more than others. Coffees like Espresso Roast Clover and Blonde Roast contain upwards of 300mg of caffeine in a tall cup and that’s more than enough to keep you awake for a while.
But if that’s too strong for you then Starbucks also offers a range of other beverages with varying caffeine content and glass sizes. So, let’s dive deep and look at some of the best and strongest coffees offered by this famous brand.
Why More Is Less Now
Before we begin, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind. Take these as precautionary measures before you embark on finding the strongest coffees available.
The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has a guideline on how much caffeine an adult should consume per day.
This guideline is important as coffee is highly unregulated despite being a psychoactive drug, in the sense that you don’t get a prescription for this, you just go out and drink as much as you like.
But there is a daily recommended limit on how much coffee you can drink before showing adverse effects.
The general upper limit is set at 400mg a day. Most coffees max out at 300mg but bigger cups, like the venti size available at Starbucks, can push caffeine levels to well over 400mg.
As coffee consumption increases worldwide, more and more people have started to become resistant to higher caffeine levels. In other words, their bodies have adjusted to the high levels of caffeine present in their system.
This tolerance is built up over years and can change how your body metabolizes caffeine.
Some side effects of drinking too much caffeine can include having an upset stomach, headaches, increased heartbeat, increased perspiration, dizziness, and more.
That being said, you can still easily enjoy a short or regular glass of your favorite coffee any time of the day since everyone processes caffeine differently and thus, have varying tolerance levels.
The 21 Strongest Coffees From Starbucks
Coffee is one of the most consumed drinks in the world and rightfully so, it’s nothing short of awesome! So, if you want a stronger shot to keep you going here are 21 of the strongest coffees available at Starbucks.
| Rank | List of Coffees | 16oz Caffeine Content |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Espresso Roast Clover | 380mg |
| 2. | Iced Espresso Roast Clover | 380mg |
| 3. | Cold Brew | 205mg |
| 4. | Salted Caramel Cream Cold Brew | 185mg |
| 5. | Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew | 185mg |
| 6. | Nitro Cold Brew | 280mg |
| 7. | Iced Shaken Espresso | 200mg |
| 8. | Espresso Macchiato | 225mg |
| 9. | Pike Place Roast Filter | 310mg |
| 10. | Caffè Misto | 150mg |
| 11. | Flat White | 200mg |
| 12. | Iced Almond Milk Honey Flat White with Starbucks Blonde Espresso | 220mg |
| 13. | Starbucks Reserve Latte | 140mg |
| 14. | Espresso Frappuccino | 155mg |
| 15. | Iced Caffè Mocha | 175mg |
| 16. | Blonde Roast | 370mg |
| 17. | Iced Chocolate Almond Milk Shaken Espresso | 225mg |
| 18. | Caffè Americano | 225mg |
| 19. | Cappuccino | 150mg |
| 20. | Java Chip Frappuccino | 105mg |
| 21. | Espresso Con Panna | 225mg |
1. Espresso Roast Clover
This coffee is made using the patented, highly advertised and of course, highly expensive Clover Brewing System.
With the help of this machine, Starbucks is able to extract all the coffee in a highly precise manner without leaving any sediment in the cup.
What you get is a tall glass of black coffee that tastes amazing and has around 380mg of caffeine in a grande cup.
Sure, some people don’t enjoy black coffee but they will want to try this out. It has a highly smooth coffee flavor and will keep you going for hours.
We wouldn’t recommend going for the Venti cup because that could lead to some adverse effects in people who are either new to coffee or have a low tolerance to caffeine.
2. Iced Espresso Roast Clover
On the other end of the spectrum, you have this delicious iced espresso made using the same technology and technique as its hotter counterpart.
This ice coffee is refreshing and tastes great even if you have kept it out for a while.
The grande cup for this coffee contains about 380mg of caffeine and can be a great option for people who are looking to sip up some cool and refreshing beverage before starting their day.
We recommend drinking it fresh so as to not dilute the drink via the melting ice cubes inside.
3. Cold Brew
Continuing with cold coffees, you can also try the highly popular cold brew that is made by resting coffee in cold water for up to 20 hours to extract all the oils and nutrients from the beans.
The coffee then goes through a series of complex processes and you end up with an extremely refreshing and equally delicious glass of cold coffee with a great aftertaste. The cold brew offers up to 205mg of caffeine in the grande cup.
Again, we recommend that you drink this as soon as it is served so that you can enjoy the undiluted taste of this amazing beverage without any adulteration.
4. Salted Caramel Cream Cold Brew
This is one of our staff favorites. If you are a fan of salted caramel then Starbucks offers a very balanced and refreshing cold brew coffee with a shot of salted caramel.
What makes this coffee so great is that it doesn’t have an overpowering flavor unlike what you would find in some coffeehouses.
Starbucks has really improved this drink over the years and we think that they have perfected it with a very balanced flavor of coffee and caramel.
It is topped with a salted vanilla cream foam and contains about 185mg of caffeine in a grande-sized cup which is great to keep you satiated and awake.
5. Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew
This drink is just like the cold brew we mentioned above but with the addition of vanilla syrup and a dash of sweetened vanilla cream. Vanilla in coffee makes all the difference and is also a not-so-secret ingredient in many amazing coffees.
The sweet undertones mixed with the earthy vanilla flavors make this iced beverage irresistible.
The caffeine content in this gem of a drink is 185mg in a grande serving which is enough to give you a good kick and keep you on your feet.
You can also upsize and get the Venti cup for more of everything.
6. Nitro Cold Brew
Containing a whopping 280mg of caffeine in a grande cup, this coffee is made for people who want a serious kick any time of the day.
If you are someone who has built up a tolerance to lower levels of caffeine then this drink is the answer to all your coffee needs. It’s a black cold brew that is cooled using liquid nitrogen and is served with cold milk foam on top.
Sure, you can get the tallest cup on the menu but we think a Grande will do you justice with 280mg of caffeine – anything more would just be overkill but if you are into extra-large drinks then you will love this.
7. Iced Shaken Espresso
Sometimes simple is best.
This quick and easy drink is made using espresso shots and milk.
It has about 200mg of caffeine in the grande cup and is a great way to introduce anyone to a stronger mix. Starbucks also adds its classic syrup to this drink which gives it an extra special flavor.
One of the best ways to enjoy this beverage is with 2% milk but you can change its nutritional contents by swapping it out for any dairy of your choice.
8. Espresso Macchiato
Made using espresso shots and topped with foamed milk, this drink is a hallmark for many coffee fans all over the world.
It has all the right flavor points that make a great cup of macchiato. Starbucks offers an authentic taste that resembles an Italian macchiato.
If you are looking for a low-calorie drink that offers 225mg of caffeine in a triple then this is the one to get. The milk makes the bitterness much more approachable and adds a great aftertaste too.
This is perhaps the most potent caffeinated macchiato that Starbucks offers right now so you are sure to get your money’s worth.
9. Pike Place Roast Filter
This beverage has been a part of Starbucks since 2008 and has been a signature drink that is available all across the world in every Starbucks coffeehouse.
It has 310mg of caffeine in a grande-sized cup and has a smooth coffee flavor owing to the Latin American coffee beans.
It also has a pronounced yet subtle nutty flavor too. You can customize this drink however you want and can even replace the milk with non-fat or whole milk if you’d like.
10. Caffè Misto
Caffe Misto is a faithful brew that is made using half a glass of brewed coffee and half a glass of steamed milk. Starbucks gives you the option to add in any type of customization.
For example, you can change the milk content of this drink and you can even choose a different roasted blend.
The basic drink comes in at about 150mg of caffeine in a grande-sized cup and has 110 calories.
You can also add in an espresso shot to make it more potent if you enjoy a stronger mix. Add flavors and make this classic drink your own!
11. Flat White
Flat white is a classic everywhere but Starbuck does it justice like no other. A normal flat white has a much more concentrated espresso shot that is made using less water.
This gives this coffee a much intense coffee flavor but is made “soft” by using whole milk.
A grande cup will give you about 200mg of caffeine which is more than enough for most people. If you want more, you can go with other stronger beverage options on this list or add in an extra espresso shot.
12. Iced Almond Milk Honey Flat White with Starbucks Blonde Espresso
If flat white is too traditional for you then you have to try this amazing concoction made using almond milk and honey.
This beverage is the same as a flat white but instead of whole milk, you get delicately flavored almond milk along with just the right quantity of honey and a mix of Starbucks’ famous blonde roast.
With 220mg of caffeine in a grande cup, this delicious and healthy beverage is sure to keep you going for hours.
13. Starbucks Reserve Latte
For anyone new to Starbucks or highly caffeinated drinks, this is a great gateway.
The Starbucks Reserve Latte is a classic and is made using 2 of Starbucks ‘ signature espresso shots along with frothed and steamed milk that floats just above the mixture.
You get 140mg of caffeine in the grande cup which is more than enough to wake anyone up in the morning.
This drink is an all-year-round favorite so you are bound to find it at every Starbucks across the globe.
14. Espresso Frappuccino
This is one of the drinks that put Starbucks in the hearts of millions around the globe. If you love cold coffee then this is going to be right up your alley.
You get a beverage that’s made using whole milk, coffee, and ice. The texture of this drink is out of this world and is one of our favorites.
It’s so popular that Starbucks even sells it prepackaged at some departmental stores around the world.
This particular drink has both roasted Frappuccino and espresso shot making it one of the strongest Frappuccino’s that Starbucks has to offer, standing in at 155mg of caffeine in a grande-sized cup.
Want more? Ask the barista to add in a topping of your liking! We highly recommend that you go with whipped cream for a more polished look and flavor.
15. Iced Caffè Mocha
This is another one of our favorites!
Coming in at around 175mg caffeine in a grande-sized cup, this drink has a hint of chocolate and has a strong coffee flavor which would easily make it every caffeine and chocolate lover’s favorite drink.
It’s the right amount of sweet and although it can be calorie-dense, especially with the whipped cream on top, its flavor and caffeine content make it a very easy recommendation to anyone who is looking for a great coffee option.
16. Blonde Roast
The blonde roast is another one of the strongest coffees available at Starbucks. This cup of joe is made with Latin American and East African coffee beans that are lightly roasted to perfection.
Like other drinks at Starbucks, this one is also made using the Clover Brewing machine. The beans are added to the top of the machine and hot water is poured into it. The barista then mixes the solution and lets it sit for a while.
The machine then works by moving the top solution into the inner chamber by lowering it via an “elevator” thereby creating a vacuum and sucking out all the coffee without any sediment.
This allows for greater extraction of flavors without any impurities that you would normally find in other cups of coffee.
The blonde roast serves up to 370mg of caffeine in a grande cup and the venti cup can contain up to 480mg.
If this doesn’t wake anyone up, we don’t know what will. This drink is known for its citrus undertones and its smooth flavor so we are confident that many coffee aficionados will love this.
17. Iced Chocolate Almond Milk Shaken Espresso
This beverage truly is a treat. It offers 225mg of caffeine in the grande cup and is made to delight people of all ages. Starbucks added this flavor to their arsenal relatively recently and it has been a hot seller in many of its stores.
Made using almond milk, espresso shots, and chocolate malt powder, this is going to be the perfect beverage for people who are looking for a healthier alternative to their usual cup of coffee.
It’s served cold and the flavorings are shaken before almond milk is added to give it a nice and even flavor.
18. Caffè Americano
Most people love espresso shots but others find it to be too strong. Well, Starbucks makes killer Americanos that make the shots more approachable.
The grande cup has about 225mg of caffeine and will be more than enough for most people.
This beverage is great for people who want a refreshing and caffeinated drink while on the go. The drink is made by pouring an espresso shot and then immediately adding hot water to dilute the solution.
The small cup has 1 shot, the tall cup has 2, you get 3 in the grande cup and 4 shots in the venti cup.
There is also a chilled version of this drink that we highly recommend. It is equally refreshing and many people may find it more approachable than its hotter counterpart.
19. Cappuccino
The humble cappuccino needs no introduction. It is perhaps one of the best-known coffee-based drinks in the world. It is served all around coffeehouses and is a great way to acquaint yourself with the world of caffeinated beverages.
With about 150mg of caffeine in a grande-sized cup, this is easily the best way to start your day.
It’s made using frothed milk and espresso shots. While it isn’t over the top, it certainly is a winner for many people because there is very little that can go wrong with it.
It’s straightforward and gets you the kick you need without adding in a lot of calories.
20. Java Chip Frappuccino
Iced coffees are the best and Starbuck knows how to do them well!
It is made using Mocha sauce and Frappuccino chips. It has a chocolatey flavor and due to the cocoa content, it also has a decent amount of caffeine too.
It’s less intense than an Espresso Frappuccino but certainly better than a plain Frappuccino.
The java frappuccino chips add just a bit of texture and crunch to the drink which makes it highly desirable for anyone who loves chocolate-based drinks. It contains about 105mg of caffeine in a grande cup and is calorie-dense too.
21. Espresso Con Panna
This is a quintessential cup of coffee served at Starbucks around the world. It is made using a caramelly flavored espresso shot topped with whipped cream.
You get hints of vanilla and with 3 espresso shots in the triple, you are looking at 225mg of caffeine.
The whole drink is about 50 calories but you can ditch or lessen the amount of whipped cream to tweak the nutritional profile of this drink as per your diet.
Conclusion
No matter what you get at Starbucks, there is something for everyone available at this coffeehouse. Whether you like caloric-dense iced teas or regular plain coffee, you can choose from a range of coffee options as per your tolerance for caffeine.
If you are looking for the strongest coffee offered then the Espresso Roast Clover will be the best option for you since it has 380mg of caffeine in the grande-sized cup and can go up to 470mg in the venti cup.
You can also get a regular cup of your favorite coffee and make additions to it by adding extra espresso shots or flavors to change its caffeine content or flavor profile.
We recommend trying out at least some of these options to get that kick that you are looking for.
Remember, the recommended daily intake of caffeine highlighted by the FDA is 400mg for an adult so you may have to use a bit of caution before consuming large amounts of coffee in the morning.
Ask the barista for more help, they will be more than happy to guide you to your favorite cup of coffee.
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