Starbucks recently introduced a new line of summery drinks that are similar in caffeine content to a typical cold brew. These sugar-free beverages are made with sparkling fruit flavors and iced tea. Available nationwide, the Starbucks Iced Energy drinks come in three flavors: Melon Burst, Tropical Citrus, and Frozen Tropical Citrus with Strawberry Puree. While Melon Burst and Tropical Citrus will be available year-round, the Frozen Tropical Citrus flavor will only be around for a limited time this summer and can be ordered exclusively through the Starbucks app.
Each 24-ounce Iced Energy drink contains a specific amount of caffeine depending on the flavor: Melon Burst has 180 milligrams, Tropical Citrus has 205 milligrams, and Frozen Tropical Citrus has 140 milligrams. Customers can customize their drink with tea, lemonade, or juice, but caffeine-containing modifications are not allowed. Brewed coffee, espresso, and refreshers cannot be added to the Starbucks Iced Energy drinks.
Compared to Panera Bread’s Charged Lemonade drinks, Starbucks Iced Energy beverages have a lower caffeine content. The range of caffeine in the new Starbucks drinks is between 140 and 205 milligrams, similar to a 16-ounce cold brew. The discontinued Charged Lemonade from Panera had up to 390 milligrams of caffeine, almost double the amount found in the new Starbucks drinks. The recommended daily caffeine intake for adults is between 300 and 400 milligrams.
In addition to the Iced Energy drinks, Starbucks has introduced other new menu items for the summer, including a nondairy vanilla sweet cream, a nondairy vanilla sweet cream cold foam, and a Caramel Vanilla Swirl Iced Coffee. These items, along with the Egg, Pesto and Mozzarella Sandwich and the Blueberry Streusel Muffin, will be available year-round at Starbucks locations.