Since 1971, Starbucks has established itself as a global leader in the coffee industry, with a reputation for high-quality coffee and baked goods. Today, the chain is particularly popular among teenagers, who have helped to make certain drinks bestsellers. To investigate this phenomenon firsthand, I decided to review three top teen drinks, selected based on polls and in-person surveys. The drinks were Strawberry Acai with 3 pumps of raspberry syrup, the Iced Pistachio Latte with almond milk, and the Iced White Mocha with almond milk. I ordered each drink through the Starbucks mobile app and savored them in the comfort of my kitchen.
Strawberry Açaí with Raspberry
Are you looking for something fruity? Then, this drink is the perfect option for you. With a kickstart for your day, the Starbucks Strawberry Açai Refresher with raspberry is a cold drink, “the ultimate pick-me-up your afternoon is calling for.” First introduced in 2016 as a secret menu item, the refresher has attracted quite a following.
The drink comes in a clear cup with freeze-dried strawberries, which create a distinctive pink color, and ice. I suggest getting light or no ice; otherwise, there is almost no drink.
The drink is very fruity, almost too fruity. It would have been a perfect balance without the raspberry added, but the raspberry and lemonade flavors combined with the strawberry are overwhelming. But there is a slight tang, which helps balance the flavors out. The strawberries are very soft and chewy but sugary. The seeds from the strawberries can be too much texture-wise for some people’s taste, but I liked the crunch. The aftertaste leaves a strong fruity flavor that eventually leaves your mouth dry. I don’t like this because it makes me feel like I immediately need to brush my teeth.
Nutrition-wise, this drink isn’t healthy, but it isn’t too bad for you, either. It has 140 calories, 15mg of sodium, 35g of sugar, and 45mg of caffeine.* To find the rest of the nutritional facts, click here. No allergens are provided for this drink.
In the end, I give this drink 4/5 STARbucks. The drink had an intense fruity flavor with raspberry syrup, but that can easily be adjusted with different pumps of syrup.
Iced Pistachio Latte
This drink is a new item to add to your coffee menu. Released January 2023, the Pistachio Latte is a vanilla-y drink with a caramel hint. Like most drinks at Starbucks, the drink is customizable lactose-intolerant customers may drink this latte too.
The Pistachio Latte has a blonde and light shade of coffee and is served with ice, when ordered iced, in a cold drink cup. Oddly, the drink is more golden on top than on the bottom. The drink also has an unexpected hint of cinnamon in the smell.
With only a hint of caramel, the drink felt watered down, and I did not taste the pistachio suggested in the drink’s name. Instead, it reminded me of Nestle Original Coffee Creamer, otherwise known as bland.
This drink isn’t great for you, with 260 calories, 260mg of sodium, 40g of sugar, and 150mg of caffeine.* Allergens aren’t listed; do not drink if allergic to pistachios or any type of nut. More nutritional facts can be found here.
Overall, I give this drink about 3/5 STARbucks. While I enjoyed the vanilla-caramel flavor, my sweet tooth wasn’t satisfied.
Iced White Mocha
Iced White Mochas are no joke. This drink will start your day with plenty of energy. However, this comes with a cost, both literally and nutritionally.
With whipped cream on top, the latte is served in a cold drink cup if ordered iced and a dome lid with whipped cream. The downside to ordering whipped cream is the need for a straw which is still plastic in Missouri. The drink is a typical blonde coffee color.
It is a latte, so it tastes like coffee. There is a strong sugary flavor, and the vanilla taste is prominent, evoking a sense of nostalgia for a French vanilla coffee creamer. Of course, the drink leaves a coffee aftertaste, making you want more and giving you coffee breath.
The coffee is dilute, like most other coffee drinks. The whipped cream is okay; however, it sticks to the top of your mouth and makes it greasy in an annoying way.
Remember when I said the latte comes with a cost nutritionally? Well, I wasn’t kidding. This drink has 420 calories, 200mg sodium, 48g sugar, and 150mg caffeine.* Once again, no allergen information is given. Additional nutritional information is listed here.
I also gave this drink 3/5 STARbucks because there wasn’t enough sweetness to my liking.
