Does the Starbucks energy drink have caffeine?

December 15, 2025 •

4 min read

Yes, absolutely, all Starbucks energy drinks contain caffeine, though the amount and source can vary depending on the specific product. From the in-store crafted Iced Energy beverages to the ready-to-drink options found in grocery aisles, each is designed to provide a caffeinated boost.

Quick Summary

Starbucks offers multiple caffeinated energy drinks, including in-store Iced Energy and ready-to-drink canned options like Baya Energy and Doubleshot Energy. The caffeine content and source vary by product, ranging from green coffee extract to brewed coffee, and serving sizes also impact the total amount.

Key Points

Yes, they contain caffeine: All Starbucks energy drinks are explicitly caffeinated, with the source and amount varying between product lines.
Sources vary: Caffeine comes from different sources, including green coffee extract in Iced Energy and Refreshers, coffee fruit in Baya, and brewed coffee in Doubleshot/Tripleshot.
Content ranges widely: The caffeine content differs significantly; for example, a venti Iced Energy can have 140–205mg, while a grande Refresher has only 45–55mg.
Types of drinks: Starbucks offers in-store handcrafted Iced Energy drinks, canned Baya Energy, and canned Doubleshot/Tripleshot coffee energy drinks.
Moderation is key: Due to the high caffeine levels in many energy products, it's crucial to monitor consumption to stay within the recommended daily intake.
Not all drinks are equal: The energy drinks should not be confused with Refreshers, which contain much less caffeine and are intended for a lighter boost.
Available in different formats: You can find Starbucks energy beverages both in their cafes (Iced Energy) and in grocery or convenience stores (Baya, Doubleshot).

Yes, Starbucks energy drinks are packed with caffeine

Contrary to some confusion, any beverage explicitly marketed by Starbucks as an "energy drink" contains a significant amount of caffeine. The misconception may arise from the variety of drinks offered, some of which source their caffeine from ingredients other than traditional coffee beans. Starbucks' energy beverage lineup can be broken down into different product categories, each with its own unique caffeine source and content.

Starbucks Iced Energy Beverages

Launched to compete with other cafe-style energy drinks, the in-store crafted Starbucks Iced Energy lineup delivers a substantial caffeine kick. These vibrant, sparkling, and fruity drinks are available year-round and provide an energy boost from green tea and green coffee extract. They come in a venti (24 fl oz) size and are designed to be a refreshing alternative to traditional coffee.

Tropical Citrus: Features passionfruit and citrus flavors mixed with green tea. This option typically contains a higher caffeine dose within the Iced Energy range.
Melon Burst: Combines melon and cucumber flavors with Passion Tango® tea. The caffeine content is slightly lower than the Tropical Citrus variety but still provides a robust boost.
Frozen Tropical Citrus with Strawberry Puree: A limited-time offer available exclusively through the Starbucks app, featuring a blend of tropical flavors and strawberry. This version contains the lowest amount of caffeine among the Iced Energy drinks.

Starbucks Baya Energy Drinks

Available in cans at grocery and convenience stores, Starbucks Baya Energy drinks are another caffeinated option. A key differentiator for Baya is its use of natural caffeine derived from the coffee fruit. This delivers a clean, sustained energy boost without the traditional coffee flavor. The Baya line was introduced to target consumers looking for a fruity, sparkling energy drink from a trusted brand.

Mango Guava: Combines tropical mango juice and guava flavors.
Raspberry Lime: A blend of tart raspberry and zesty lime.
Pineapple Passionfruit: Crafted with refreshing pineapple juice and a hint of passionfruit.

Starbucks Doubleshot and Tripleshot Energy Drinks

For those who prefer their caffeine fix with a familiar coffee flavor, Starbucks offers the Doubleshot and Tripleshot energy drinks. These canned beverages blend bold Starbucks coffee with other energy-boosting ingredients like B vitamins, ginseng, and guarana. They are a creamy, rich option for a strong energy surge.

Doubleshot Energy: A classic combination of bold Starbucks coffee and milk with added energy-enhancing ingredients.
Tripleshot Energy: A more potent version featuring a "Triple Blend" of extra coffee, B vitamins, and protein for maximum effect.

Comparison of Starbucks Energy Drinks


Drink Type	Caffeine Source	Caffeine Content (approx.)	Format	Flavors (Examples)	Target Audience
Iced Energy	Green tea, green coffee extract	140–205mg (Venti, 24oz)	In-store prepared, sparkling	Tropical Citrus, Melon Burst	Fans of fruity, refreshing, zero-sugar options
Baya Energy	Coffee fruit extract	160mg (12oz can)	Canned, sparkling	Mango Guava, Raspberry Lime	Natural energy seekers, fruit flavor fans
Doubleshot Energy	Brewed Starbucks coffee, guarana	145–165mg (15oz can)	Canned, creamy coffee	Vanilla, Mocha	Coffee lovers needing a creamy, quick energy boost
Tripleshot Energy	Brewed Starbucks coffee	165mg (15oz can)	Canned, creamy coffee	Rich Vanilla, Bold Mocha	Strong coffee drinkers seeking maximum energy

Potential side effects and safe consumption

While Starbucks energy drinks offer a convenient boost, it's important to be mindful of their caffeine content. The FDA recommends a maximum daily intake of 400mg of caffeine for healthy adults, and consuming multiple energy drinks can easily exceed this limit. Side effects can include anxiety, jitters, increased heart rate, and digestive issues. Always consume in moderation and be aware of how much caffeine is in each product. For pregnant women, individuals with heart conditions, or those sensitive to caffeine, these drinks should be approached with caution or avoided altogether.

How Starbucks energy drinks differ from Panera's 'Charged Lemonade'

The release of Starbucks' Iced Energy beverages came amid controversy surrounding Panera Bread's now-discontinued 'Charged Lemonade'. The key difference lies in the extreme caffeine discrepancy. While a venti (24oz) Starbucks Iced Energy maxes out around 205mg of caffeine, Panera's product contained up to 390mg in a similar size. This significant contrast in caffeine levels highlights Starbucks' more moderate approach to energy beverages.

What about Starbucks Refreshers?

It is crucial not to confuse Starbucks' energy drink line with its Refreshers beverages, though they both contain caffeine. Refreshers get their caffeine from green coffee extract, but they contain significantly less than a true energy drink. For example, a grande (16oz) Refresher has only 45-55mg of caffeine, closer to a cup of matcha tea than an energy drink. This makes Refreshers a lighter, more hydrating option for a milder caffeine lift.

Conclusion

Yes, every Starbucks energy drink, from the handcrafted Iced Energy beverages to the canned Doubleshot and Baya lines, contains a deliberate dose of caffeine. The type of caffeine and the total amount vary widely, providing different options for consumers depending on their preference for flavor and intensity. Always check the specific product's nutrition information to understand the caffeine content and ensure responsible consumption.

Sources

For more detailed information on caffeine content and ingredients for Starbucks beverages, refer to the official Starbucks website and the nutritional information provided in-store and on canned products.

Citations

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Frequently Asked Questions

The caffeine source varies by product. For example, the handcrafted Iced Energy drinks use green coffee extract and green tea, while the canned Baya Energy uses coffee fruit. The Doubleshot and Tripleshot products use brewed Starbucks coffee.

A venti (24 fl oz) handcrafted Iced Energy beverage contains between 140 and 205 milligrams of caffeine, depending on the flavor.

No, Starbucks Refreshers are not the same as their energy drinks. While Refreshers do contain caffeine from green coffee extract, the amount is much lower (45-55mg in a grande) and they are intended for a lighter boost.

Yes, Starbucks sells a variety of canned energy drinks, including the Baya Energy line and the Doubleshot and Tripleshot energy coffees, which can be found in grocery stores and convenience stores.

While originally sold in cafes, some reports suggest the Baya line was discontinued at Starbucks stores due to low sales, though cans may still be available at other retailers like grocery stores.

A standard 15-ounce can of Starbucks Doubleshot Energy contains approximately 145 milligrams of caffeine.

The primary difference is the caffeine level. Iced Energy drinks have a significantly higher caffeine content (140-205mg in a venti) compared to Refreshers (45-55mg in a grande), making them a stronger energy booster.

Yes, the in-store crafted Iced Energy drinks are sugar-free, sweetened with sucralose, and are available in various fruity flavors.