It may be time to trade that ice-cold frappuccino for something warm and soothing. When one mentions Starbucks, the mind instantly conjures up images of frothy lattes, robust espressos, and ice-blended concoctions. However, the chain also offers an array of hot teas with a medley of international flavors. Tea, with its ancient roots and myriad health benefits, offers a serene oasis in our otherwise bustling days, and Starbucks has masterfully curated a collection that captures this essence. Never ordered hot tea before? You’re in for a treat with our list of the top seven Starbucks hot tea drinks to warm you up.
While tea is often overshadowed by coffee, studies show drinking tea at least three times a week can help you live a longer, healthier life. “Habitual tea consumption is associated with lower risks of cardiovascular disease and all-cause death,” says first author Dr. Xinyan Wang, of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, in a release. “The favorable health effects are the most robust for green tea and for long-term habitual tea drinkers.”
There are plenty more health benefits to drinking tea. It can help reduce your risk for diabetes, lower blood pressure, aid in burning fat, cut your risk of early death, and much more. Each variety comes with its own special set of positive effects.
Armed with insights from experts and a dash of our tea enthusiasm, we’ve brewed up a guide to the top seven best Starbucks hot teas. So, wrap yourself in a cozy blanket of curiosity and let us embark on this steeped journey together. Did we miss your favorite tea? Let us know in the comments below.
The List: Best Starbucks Hot Tea Drinks, According to Experts
1. Chai Tea Latte
Whether you like it hot or cold, this is the number one tea drink ordered at the chain. “The Starbucks chai tea latte is the most iconic combination of black tea and espresso to appease any tea lover or coffee connoisseur seeking a taste of both,” boasts Homegrounds. “Enjoy the warmth radiating from its steamed milk with a foam topping and a balanced spicy infusion of clove and cinnamon.”
2. Teavana London Fog Tea Latte
“The Teavana London Fog Tea Latte is the best Starbucks hot tea, and it’s #1 on our list,” writes Shopfood. “It’s the ultimate cozy warm beverage full of citrus, vanilla, and floral flavors. It’s creamy and subtly sweet, and it’s the perfect hot tea for any time of day or night.”
Coffee Affection loves this tea latte it says is lighter in calories, sugar, and caffeine than the chai tea version. “With citrusy Italian bergamot blended with a touch of lavender and some vanilla syrup, this tea latte is light in taste as well as in calories. And if you switch out the regular steamed milk for soy milk, you’ll get an even bigger vanilla flavor!”
“The London fog tea latte Starbucks has, hot or iced, is pumped full of vanilla syrup with bright citrusy hints of bergamot and lavender notes,” says Homegrounds. “It takes Earl Grey tea up a notch for fancier days.”
3. Mint Majesty Tea
“Whether you’re feeling under the weather or just want a tried and true classic, the Mint Majesty at Starbucks is a charming and wholesome rendition of traditional hot mint tea,” writes Restaurant Clicks. “This tea blend is balanced, and the mint is present without being overwhelming.”
You can’t go wrong with this tea, says Coffee Affection. “It’s nearly identical to the Jade Citrus Mint Brewed Tea, except instead of being blended with lemongrass, this tea is mixed with a hint of lemon verbena. However, mint provides the predominant flavor here, with only a burst of citrus coming through.”
StarbMag states, “If you have not tasted mint in tea, you are missing out. Try ordering Mint Majesty from Starbucks and enjoy how it warms and calms your body. This simple yet classic tea has a slightly sweet and peppery taste. It is a form of herbal tea that does not contain any caffeine.”
4. Matcha Tea Latte
Matcha is a green tea steeped in antioxidants. Coffee Affection says, “This tea is unique in that it’s non-bitter; add in steamed milk, and you have one creamy delight. And the green color will be sure to brighten your day! However, this latte is another that’s extremely high in calories and sugar, so you might not want to indulge too often.”
Feeling all kinds of cozy with every sip:
☕ Chai Tea Latte with Soymilk*
☕ Caffè Latte with Oatmilk*
☕ Starbucks® Blonde Vanilla Latte with Oatmilk*
☕ Matcha Tea Latte with Soymilk*
☕ Honey Almondmilk Flat White*Customize milk preference in the app pic.twitter.com/MWLty9m7PP
— Starbucks (@Starbucks) January 26, 2022
“Made creamy with its steamed milk, this smooth sipping experience gives you the perfect mix of espresso and matcha powder,” according to Homegrounds. “I would personally classify this drink as the best hot tea at Starbucks.”
According to Shopfood, “People love matcha for its health benefits and slow-release caffeine. It’s great for anyone searching for a pick-me-up but avoiding the jolt and jitters that some people experience with coffee.”
5. Emperors Cloud And Mist Tea
This is a very simple green tea, which Shopfood calls “soft and ethereal, with a slight sweetness and a hint of smoke.” The website goes on to say the leaves are ground on a mountainside in China. “If you’re a green tea drinker, you’ll love the Emperor’s Clouds and Mist.”
“If it’s just a cup of tea you’re after, give Emperor’s Clouds & Mist a go,” chimes in Coffee Affection. “Not only does this tea have no calories or sugar—making it a healthier choice—but it also has a very mild amount of caffeine, so it’s a fabulous option for an afternoon pick-me-up.”
And we love this quote from Homegrounds, “You’ll be floating all day after sipping this deliciously sweet and uniquely smoky green tea.”
6. Jade Citrus Tea
“This yummy drink gives you that citrusy flavor without all the calories and sugar,” according to Coffee Affection. “Instead of lemonade, this green tea is mixed with lemongrass and lemon verbena. Throw in a touch of spearmint, and you have a refreshing minty citrus flavor you’ll adore!”
For a subtly sweet treat.
☕ Honey Almondmilk Cold Brew (10g sugar)
☕ Caffé Misto (10g sugar)
☕ Jade Citrus Mint® Brewed Tea (0g sugar)
☕ Chai Tea (0g sugar)
☕ Iced Starbucks® Blonde Espresso Americano (0g sugar)
☕ Peach Tranquility® Tea (0g sugar) pic.twitter.com/toczT8oPOM— Starbucks (@Starbucks) January 27, 2021
Want a mint tea that’s soothing and rises to a new level? Restaurant Clicks says this is it. “This tea is the ideal relaxation beverage on a chilly day—I especially enjoy getting it to-go and sipping on it at home when it’s too cold to be outside.”
Shopfood writes, “The hot infusion of green tea and herbs is simultaneously warming and cooling, and it tastes energizing and healthy.”
7. Royal English Breakfast Tea Latte
“With a unique blend of rich, full black teas hailing from Sri Lanka and India mixed with cane sugar and topped off with foam and milk, this latte is smooth as can be,” states Coffee Affection. “Plus, the caffeine boost is mild with this one, so if you want to avoid that jittery, overcaffeinated feeling, this is a good option.”
Passion Tango 🌺💃
Youthberry 🍍🍓
Jade Citrus Mint 🍋🍵
Royal English Breakfast 👑🇬🇧🍳 pic.twitter.com/j4Rp0xSrwS— Starbucks (@Starbucks) March 3, 2016
If you need a sweeter morning wake-up, Homegrounds says, “Take the royal English breakfast tea and turn it into a hot or iced latte with velvety steamed milk, espresso, and many pumps of liquid cane sugar.”
“This beverage is made with some of the best black tea leaves on the mainstream market and blended with smooth, creamy milk for a sophisticated and elegant iced drink,” according to Restaurant Clicks. “This drink is rich without being overpowering and is a great option if you want to mix it up and get something different from your usual morning iced latte.”
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Sources:
- Restaurant Clicks
- Oh How Civilized
- Home Grounds
- Coffee Affection
- Foodie Restaurants
- Coffee Geek
- StarbMag
- Whimsy and Spice
- Pure Wow
- Tasting Table
- Shop Food
- Tasting Table
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations.