Starbucks Logo
International Rank: #798 out of 1134
United States Rank: #442 out of 625
Washington Rank: #15 out of 21

Starbucks

Flag of United States Seattle, Washington
Shop directly with this roaster
Rated 4 stars out of 5

4.00(71)

71 ratings
5 star
8%
4 star
64%
3 star
21%
2 star
5%
1 star
0%

Iconic Seattle roaster and retail coffee chain

Starbucks is a coffee roaster from Seattle, WA United States. We have 103 cataloged roasts with 71 total reviews with a score of 4.00.

101 roasts

Name Roast Level Bean Source
Rated 4.75 stars out of 5

4.75(2)

LightInternational Blend
Rated 5 stars out of 5

5.00(1)

--
Rated 5 stars out of 5

5.00(1)

--
Rated 5 stars out of 5

5.00(1)

--
Rated 4.5 stars out of 5

4.50(2)

DarkInternational Blend
Rated 4.5 stars out of 5

4.50(1)

Medium-
Rated 4.5 stars out of 5

4.50(1)

--
Rated 4.5 stars out of 5

4.50(1)

--
Rated 4.5 stars out of 5

4.50(1)

--
Rated 4.5 stars out of 5

4.50(1)

-Colombia
Rated 4.5 stars out of 5

4.50(1)

--
Rated 4.5 stars out of 5

4.50(1)

Dark-
Rated 4.5 stars out of 5

4.50(1)

--
Rated 4.5 stars out of 5

4.50(1)

Dark-
Rated 4.5 stars out of 5

4.50(1)

MediumMalawi
Rated 4.5 stars out of 5

4.50(1)

Dark-
Rated 4.5 stars out of 5

4.50(1)

--
Rated 4.5 stars out of 5

4.50(1)

MediumAmericas Blend
Rated 4.25 stars out of 5

4.25(2)

BlondeInternational Blend
Rated 4.17 stars out of 5

4.17(3)

-Colombia
Rated 4 stars out of 5

4.00(1)

--
Rated 4 stars out of 5

4.00(1)

--
Rated 4 stars out of 5

4.00(1)

Medium-
Rated 4 stars out of 5

4.00(1)

--
Rated 4 stars out of 5

4.00(1)

-International Blend
Rated 4 stars out of 5

4.00(1)

Dark-
Rated 4 stars out of 5

4.00(1)

Italian-
Rated 4 stars out of 5

4.00(1)

--
Rated 4 stars out of 5

4.00(1)

Medium-
Rated 4 stars out of 5

4.00(1)

--
Rated 4 stars out of 5

4.00(1)

Light MediumInternational Blend
Rated 4 stars out of 5

4.00(1)

Dark-
Rated 4 stars out of 5

4.00(1)

Blonde-
Blonde-
Rated 4 stars out of 5

4.00(2)

--
Rated 4 stars out of 5

4.00(2)

DarkInternational Blend
Rated 4 stars out of 5

4.00(2)

--
Rated 4 stars out of 5

4.00(3)

--
Rated 3.5 stars out of 5

3.50(1)

--
Rated 3.5 stars out of 5

3.50(1)

Medium Dark-
Rated 3.5 stars out of 5

3.50(1)

Medium DarkColombia
Rated 3.5 stars out of 5

3.50(1)

Dark-
Rated 3.5 stars out of 5

3.50(1)

Dark-
Rated 3.5 stars out of 5

3.50(1)

BlondeInternational Blend
Rated 3 stars out of 5

3.00(1)

-Indonesia
Rated 3 stars out of 5

3.00(1)

--
Rated 3.5 stars out of 5

3.50(2)

--
Rated 2.5 stars out of 5

2.50(1)

Blonde-
Rated 2.5 stars out of 5

2.50(1)

-Guatemala
Rated 3.25 stars out of 5

3.25(2)

-International Blend
Rated 3.25 stars out of 5

3.25(2)

--
Rated 3.5 stars out of 5

3.50(3)

DarkInternational Blend
Rated 3.33 stars out of 5

3.33(3)

MediumGuatemala
Rated 0 stars out of 5

0(0)

--
Rated 0 stars out of 5

0(0)

--
Rated 0 stars out of 5

0(0)

--
Rated 0 stars out of 5

0(0)

--
Rated 0 stars out of 5

0(0)

--
Rated 0 stars out of 5

0(0)

--
Rated 0 stars out of 5

0(0)

Dark-
Rated 0 stars out of 5

0(0)

--
Rated 0 stars out of 5

0(0)

--
Rated 0 stars out of 5

0(0)

--
Rated 0 stars out of 5

0(0)

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Rated 0 stars out of 5

0(0)

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Rated 0 stars out of 5

0(0)

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Rated 0 stars out of 5

0(0)

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Rated 0 stars out of 5

0(0)

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--
--
Rated 0 stars out of 5

0(0)

Italian-
Rated 0 stars out of 5

0(0)

Medium-
Rated 0 stars out of 5

0(0)

--
Rated 0 stars out of 5

0(0)

--
Rated 0 stars out of 5

0(0)

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Rated 0 stars out of 5

0(0)

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Rated 0 stars out of 5

0(0)

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Rated 0 stars out of 5

0(0)

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Rated 0 stars out of 5

0(0)

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Rated 0 stars out of 5

0(0)

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Rated 0 stars out of 5

0(0)

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Rated 0 stars out of 5

0(0)

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-Ethiopia
-Colombia
Rated 0 stars out of 5

0(0)

-Guatemala
Rated 0 stars out of 5

0(0)

--
Rated 0 stars out of 5

0(0)

--
Rated 0 stars out of 5

0(0)

--
Rated 0 stars out of 5

0(0)

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Rated 0 stars out of 5

0(0)

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Rated 0 stars out of 5

0(0)

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Rated 0 stars out of 5

0(0)

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Rated 0 stars out of 5

0(0)

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--
--
--
Rated 0 stars out of 5

0(0)

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--
Rated 0 stars out of 5

0(0)

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Rated 0 stars out of 5

0(0)

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Rated 0 stars out of 5

0(0)

Medium DarkIndonesia

Top Reviews(71)

  • Avatar
    Victoria S-C

    607 roasts rated, avg score of 4.32

    Rated 5 stars out of 5

    5.00 - Average

    Ted made me have this blind on ice and I was shocked by how good it was!

    Cupping Method:Iced

  • Avatar
    Sherbs Reviews

    40 roasts rated, avg score of 4.23

    Rated 5 stars out of 5

    5.00 - Average

    drink review 10/10 would recommend. first off it's coffee automatically increases the rank. i'm not sure what real chinese coffee tastes like but this is VERY GOOD. it's complex just like me again increasing the rating.

    Cupping Method:Follow @sippingwithsherbs on Instagram for more reviews of coffee and other beverages!

  • Avatar
    Theo Chan, Managing Editor

    1476 roasts rated, avg score of 4.30

    Rated 5 stars out of 5

    5.00 - Average

    As the first person to try the Starbucks Oleato Cold Foam Iced drink at the Natick Sherwood Plaza in Framingham, MA store, I must say it was quite an interesting experience. The unique combination of flavors definitely caught my attention.

    The infusion of high-end olive oil brought about an herbaceous and slightly spicy taste that was surprisingly enjoyable. These were highly characteristic of a high end olive oil. It was a departure from the typical flavors you find in other drinks, and I appreciated Starbucks' effort to think outside the box and introduce something new.

    The smooth texture of the cold foam added a touch of luxury to the overall experience. It provided a creamy consistency that enhanced each sip, making it quite pleasant.

    One aspect that gave me pause was the calorie content. The small size I tried had 330 calories, which is a bit high for a single drink. For those who are conscious about their calorie intake, this may not be the ideal choice. However, if you're looking for a unique flavor experience and can accommodate the calorie count, it's worth giving it a try.

    While it's hard to see this drink gaining widespread adoption, I commend Starbucks for their willingness to take risks and introduce innovative flavors to their menu. Not every experimental drink becomes a hit, but it's great to see them stepping outside their comfort zone.

    As a neutral reviewer, I would say that the Starbucks Oleato Cold Foam Iced drink offers a distinct taste profile and a luxurious texture. If you're open to trying something new and don't mind the higher calorie content, it's worth it as a treat.

    Cupping Method:First person to have one at Natick, Sherwood Plaza location. I had a very confident and expert barista. I paid $6.99.

    1 year ago·See more from Theo
  • Avatar
    Carol C

    2 roasts rated, avg score of 4.50

    Rated 5 stars out of 5

    5.00 - Average

    My favorite but a bit expensive!
    7 months ago·See more from Carol
  • Avatar
    Eric C

    1 roasts rated, avg score of 5.00

    Rated 5 stars out of 5

    5.00 - Average

    Rated 4 stars out of 5

    4.00 - Aroma

    Rated 5 stars out of 5

    5.00 - Value

    Rated 4 stars out of 5

    4.00 - Finish

    Rated 4 stars out of 5

    4.00 - Flavor

    Rated 4 stars out of 5

    4.00 - Acidity

    Rated 4 stars out of 5

    4.00 - Balance

    Rated 4 stars out of 5

    4.00 - Quality

    Great stuff- my favorite coffee at home.

    Cupping Method:KCup

    1 year ago·See more from Eric
  • Avatar
    Sherbs Reviews

    40 roasts rated, avg score of 4.23

    Rated 5 stars out of 5

    5.00 - Average

    9.5/10. this was a brown sugar oatmilk shaken espresso. i love all of those ingredients and this was honestly really good. I was so excited for starbucks holiday cups, one of the very few things i love about the holidays . sorry everyone im kinda a grinch. To me this drink was the perfect sweetness, and i loved that it was made with oatmilk. It was also only 120 calories for a grande and still tasted like a dessert. I loved that it still tasted like a special treat while also not being 500 calories. I by no means care about stuff like that but I also dont prefer to drink my calories in a coffee. The only reason I gave this a 9.5 is because I do prefer black coffee and will probably stick with that.

    Cupping Method:Follow @sippingwithsherbs on Instagram for more reviews of coffee and other beverages!

  • Avatar
    Theo Chan, Managing Editor

    1476 roasts rated, avg score of 4.30

    Rated 4.5 stars out of 5

    4.50 - Average

    Rated 4 stars out of 5

    4.00 - Aroma

    Rated 4.5 stars out of 5

    4.50 - Value

    Rated 4.5 stars out of 5

    4.50 - Finish

    Rated 4.5 stars out of 5

    4.50 - Flavor

    Rated 4.5 stars out of 5

    4.50 - Acidity

    Rated 4.5 stars out of 5

    4.50 - Balance

    In the broad array of Starbucks coffee blends, the Green Apron Blend is a recent addition. I spotted it during a routine coffee run and decided to try it as a regular brew and an iced coffee. As a regular coffee drinker, I found this blend especially refreshing as an iced coffee.

    Green Apron Blend's marketing describes it as a blonde roast. However, this label doesn't tell the whole story. In reality, this coffee aligns more closely with the flavors associated with a light or light-medium roast. Unlike some Starbucks offerings, the Green Apron Blend doesn't have a strong bitter edge. Interestingly, it also lacks the high acidity often associated with lighter roasts. This results in a cleaner, more balanced drinking experience compared to other options like the Veranda Blend.

    When it comes to flavor notes, the Green Apron Blend has a unique combination. It presents a subtle hint of chocolate-orange flavor with a touch of clean acidity, almost devoid of any bitterness. This makes it a solid choice for everyday coffee, as a fitting replacement for a light blend or breakfast blend.

    Hot or cold, the blend has something to offer. When hot, it unveils a more chocolate-oriented flavor, but the iced version is where the blend truly excels. Chilling the Green Apron Blend accentuates its citrus notes, offering a refreshing twist to the usual coffee profile. In conclusion, Starbucks' Green Apron Blend, especially as an iced coffee, is worthwhile for those looking to explore a different facet of coffee flavors.

    Cupping Method:At Starbucks in Burlington, MA, both hot and iced

    1 year ago·See more from Theo
  • Avatar
    Theo Chan, Managing Editor

    1476 roasts rated, avg score of 4.30

    Rated 4.5 stars out of 5

    4.50 - Average

    Rated 5 stars out of 5

    5.00 - Aroma

    Rated 4.5 stars out of 5

    4.50 - Value

    Rated 4.5 stars out of 5

    4.50 - Finish

    Rated 4.5 stars out of 5

    4.50 - Flavor

    Rated 4.5 stars out of 5

    4.50 - Acidity

    Rated 4.5 stars out of 5

    4.50 - Balance

    I had the pleasure of trying the Starbucks Reserve Colombia Cerro Azul Gesha Reserve at the Starbucks Reserve Roastery in Chicago, and it was a truly delightful experience. I would give this coffee a rating of 4.5 stars, as it showcased some notable qualities. One of the highlights of this coffee is its distinct Gesha nose, which captivates with its floral and complex aromas. It immediately sets the stage for the brewing journey ahead. However, in terms of flavor, I found it to be a simple and clean cup with prominent blackberry and cocoa notes. While enjoyable, it did not quite reach the heights of some specialty Gesha coffees that offer more complexity and depth of flavors. Smoothness and acidity were both pleasing aspects of this coffee. The texture was notably smooth, providing a pleasant mouthfeel. The acidity, while present, was well-balanced and added a touch of brightness to the overall profile. It is important to note that this experience took place at the Starbucks Reserve Roastery, which added to the ambiance and overall appreciation of the coffee. In addition, the setting, with its meticulous design and attention to detail, enhanced the tasting experience and made it even more memorable. In conclusion, the Starbucks Reserve Colombia Cerro Azul Gesha Reserve is a coffee that deserves recognition for its pleasant qualities. While it may not offer the same complexity as some other specialty Gesha coffees, it still delivers an enjoyable cup with distinct flavors of blackberry and cocoa. In addition, the smoothness and balanced acidity further contribute to its appeal. This offering from Starbucks Reserve is worth trying for those seeking a refined and aromatic coffee experience. Note: I paid $8 and 16 oz bag was priced at $40 in the store.

    Cupping Method:At Starbucks Reserve Roastery in Chicago

    1 year ago·See more from Theo
  • Avatar
    Theo Chan, Managing Editor

    1476 roasts rated, avg score of 4.30

    Rated 4.5 stars out of 5

    4.50 - Average

    Rated 4.5 stars out of 5

    4.50 - Finish

    Rated 4 stars out of 5

    4.00 - Flavor

    Rated 4.5 stars out of 5

    4.50 - Acidity

    Rated 4.5 stars out of 5

    4.50 - Balance

    On May 7, 2024, Starbucks quietly changed its iced coffee blend—no fanfare, no announcements, just a subtle shift that left many regulars none the wiser. Perhaps this low-key approach was a way to avoid the uproar Coca-Cola faced with "New Coke" years ago. Then again, whether Starbucks iced coffee has that devoted following is debatable. Nevertheless, they gathered market feedback organically rather than risk a more dramatic launch.

    I hadn't had Starbucks iced coffee in a while, so I tried the new blend at their Marlboro, Massachusetts location. It was served from a steel container with a spigot, and the barista poured the coffee into a cup before adding ice. Right off the bat, it felt familiar—no drastic differences from what I remembered, but still solid.

    Starbucks iced coffee has always been a reliable option, and this blend continues that tradition. It's chocolate-forward, well-balanced, and smooth. There's a richness to it that reminds me of those Christmas chocolate oranges, though this blend is nutty and has a caramel mid-palate. It's a bit heavier than what I usually go for—I prefer lighter, fruitier coffees—but this hits the spot on a hot day.

    What I appreciated about this iced coffee is how it manages to be satisfying without being overwhelming. The chocolate and caramel notes give it a dessert-like quality, but it's not too sweet or heavy. It's the coffee you can sip on a sweltering day and feel refreshed. Even if you typically drink their coffee black, there's a smoothness here that makes it enjoyable.

    While the changes to Starbucks' iced coffee blend might not be groundbreaking, they've done an excellent job keeping it consistent with what people love about it. The new blend is well-rounded, with enough depth to appeal to a broad range of tastes. Whether you're a regular or just dropping by for a cold drink on a warm day, it's worth trying this updated blend. It's still the reliable, crowd-pleasing iced coffee that Starbucks is known for—with a bit more character.

    Cupping Method:In the Starbucks in Marlborough, MA

    6 months ago·See more from Theo
  • Avatar
    Theo Chan, Managing Editor

    1476 roasts rated, avg score of 4.30

    Rated 4.5 stars out of 5

    4.50 - Average

    Rated 4.5 stars out of 5

    4.50 - Aroma

    Rated 4.5 stars out of 5

    4.50 - Finish

    Rated 4.5 stars out of 5

    4.50 - Flavor

    Rated 4.5 stars out of 5

    4.50 - Acidity

    Rated 5 stars out of 5

    5.00 - Balance

    Starbucks is tough for me since what I'm creating here is a specialty coffee focused site. Of course Starbucks is a big chain but also has its roots and still has a clear foot on the ground in the specialty coffee world.

    I've had Veranda blend many times but this is the first time under a critical eye. It does stack up against other light-medium roasts especially for drip/filter chain coffee.

    It's nicely balanced, smooth, chocolatey and has a nice strawberry acidity.

    Cupping Method:This review comes from a Starbucks at Logan Airport

    1 year ago·See more from Theo

Editor's Overview

As Editor of Coffee Roast, I always seek to understand the appeal of brands rather than immediately knock them. One such brand that has captured the hearts of millions and revolutionized the coffee industry is Starbucks. With its consistent and well-thought-out coffee offerings, Starbucks has become a global icon and a gateway to deeper specialty coffee exploration for many individuals. Even as I've shifted towards microroasters, I find myself frequently working out of Starbucks, knowing I'll have good Wi-Fi and their baristas will provide a consistent flat white or cold brew.

The history of Starbucks dates back to 1971 when three coffee enthusiasts, Jerry Baldwin, Zev Siegl, and Gordon Bowker, opened a small coffee shop in Seattle's Pike Place Market. The store initially sold only coffee beans, but it quickly gained a reputation for its quality products and knowledgeable staff. Inspired by the novel Moby Dick, the founders named Starbucks after the first mate on the whaling ship Pequod.

In 1982, entrepreneur Howard Schultz joined the company as the director of retail operations and marketing. During a trip to Milan, Italy, Schultz became fascinated by the Italian coffee culture and the concept of espresso bars. He was convinced that Starbucks could bring a similar experience to the United States. However, the founders were initially reluctant to abandon their primary focus on selling coffee beans.

Undeterred, Schultz left Starbucks in 1985 to start his coffee company, Il Giornale. A year later, he acquired Starbucks with the help of investors and merged the two companies, retaining the Starbucks name. Schultz's vision was to transform Starbucks into a place where people could gather, enjoy high-quality coffee, and experience a sense of community.

Under Schultz's leadership, Starbucks embarked on a period of rapid expansion. The company began opening new stores across the United States, introducing innovative concepts such as espresso bars, drive-thrus, and cozy seating areas. Starbucks quickly became synonymous with the "third place" - a welcoming space between home and work where people could relax, socialize, and savor their favorite coffee beverages.

By the early 1990s, Starbucks had become a household name, and its growth continued domestically and internationally. The company went public in 1992, allowing it to raise funds for further expansion. Starbucks stores began popping up in major cities worldwide, and the brand became a symbol of premium coffee and urban sophistication.

However, as Starbucks expanded rapidly, some critics argued that it was losing touch with its craft coffee roots and becoming too focused on mass production and standardized drinks. Despite these criticisms, Starbucks remained a powerful force in the coffee industry thanks to its ability to adapt and innovate.

Recognizing the need to reconnect with its origins and cater to the growing demand for specialty coffee, Starbucks introduced the "Starbucks Reserve" concept in 2010. Starbucks Reserve is a collection of small-lot coffees, carefully sourced from different regions and roasted in limited quantities. These coffees showcase various coffee origins' complexity and unique flavors, appealing to the more discerning coffee connoisseurs.

Starbucks has continued to prioritize innovation and adapt to changing consumer preferences. The company has expanded its menu to include various beverages, including seasonal favorites, nitro cold brew, and tea-based concoctions. Additionally, Starbucks has promoted sustainability by offering ethically sourced coffee, implementing recycling programs, and reducing its environmental footprint.

In recent years, Starbucks has embraced technology to enhance the customer experience. The company introduced mobile ordering and payment options, allowing customers to order ahead and skip the line. They have also invested in digital innovations, such as the Starbucks Rewards program and the development of the Starbucks mobile app, which further streamlines the ordering process and offers personalized recommendations.

While Starbucks has faced its fair share of criticisms and challenges over the years, it remains a beloved brand with a massive global presence. Its ability to consistently deliver a reliable coffee experience, commitment to innovation and occasional nods to its craft roots through Starbucks Reserve, has helped Starbucks maintain its appeal and relevance in the coffee industry.