Nutrition Diet: What is in the medicine ball when you're sick?

October 6, 2025 •

3 min read

With approximately 30 grams of sugar in a standard Venti size, the Starbucks “Medicine Ball” is a popular comfort drink, but what is in the medicine ball when you're sick besides just honey and tea? This article delves into the ingredients and their effects to offer a clearer picture of this comforting concoction.

Quick Summary

The popular Honey Citrus Mint Tea, known informally as the “Medicine Ball,” combines herbal and green teas, steamed lemonade, and honey to soothe cold and flu symptoms. While not a cure, its ingredients provide hydration and temporary relief, but it contains a significant amount of sugar.

Key Points

Standard Ingredients: The Starbucks Medicine Ball includes Teavana Jade Citrus Mint green tea, Peach Tranquility herbal tea, steamed lemonade, and honey.
Soothes Symptoms: Warmth, steam, and honey in the drink help to soothe a sore throat, ease congestion, and provide hydration.
High Sugar Content: A Venti size contains over 30 grams of sugar, making the commercial version more of a sugary treat than a true health tonic.
Healthy Homemade Alternative: A homemade version can significantly reduce sugar by using fresh lemon juice and adjusting the amount of honey or using natural sweeteners.
Contains Caffeine: The green tea component adds a small amount of caffeine, which can be an important consideration for some individuals.
Not a Cure: While it can provide temporary comfort and symptom relief, it is not a medicinal cure for colds and should not replace professional medical advice.

Unpacking the “Medicine Ball” Ingredients

The Starbucks drink, now officially named Honey Citrus Mint Tea, originated as a 'secret menu' item and is popular for those feeling unwell. Its components aim to provide comfort and alleviate symptoms.

The Herbal Tea Base

The drink's base is a mix of Teavana Jade Citrus Mint green tea and Peach Tranquility herbal tea, providing a blend of mint, lemon verbena, and fruity notes.

Steamed Lemonade and Hot Water

A combination of hot water and steamed lemonade is used. The warm liquid and steam help with hydration, keeping mucous membranes moist and potentially clearing stuffy sinuses. The lemonade contributes vitamin C, which supports the immune system.

The Role of Honey

Honey is added for sweetness and its well-known ability to soothe a sore throat and act as a mild cough suppressant.

The Health and Nutritional Angle

While the ingredients offer some symptomatic relief, the commercial Medicine Ball is high in sugar, with a grande size containing around 130 calories and 30 grams of sugar. This positions it as a comforting treat rather than a health drink.

Ways to Make a Healthier Version at Home

A homemade version allows you to control the sugar content by using fresh lemon juice instead of sweetened lemonade and adjusting the amount or type of sweetener. You can also enhance the health benefits by adding ingredients like fresh ginger or cinnamon.

To make a healthier version, you can:

Use fresh lemon juice instead of pre-sweetened lemonade.
Control the amount and type of sweetener, such as using raw honey or a sugar-free alternative like liquid stevia.
Brew high-quality herbal teas with mint and peach notes, or add fresh herbs and ginger for extra flavor and health benefits.
Add additional immune-boosting spices like cinnamon or fresh ginger.

Comparing the Medicine Ball to Other Cold Remedies


Feature	Starbucks Medicine Ball	Homemade Lemon & Honey Tea	Salt Water Gargle
Key Ingredients	Teas, Steamed Lemonade, Honey	Lemon Juice, Honey, Hot Water	Salt, Warm Water
Primary Benefit	Soothes throat, eases congestion, hydration	Soothes throat, boosts Vitamin C	Kills bacteria, reduces swelling
Sugar Content	High (30g+ for a Venti)	Adjustable	None
Symptom Relief	Temporary, comforting	Effective for cough and sore throat	Effective for throat irritation
Cost	High	Low	Very Low
Convenience	Easy to order	Easy to make at home	Simple and quick

Potential Issues and Considerations

The high sugar content in the commercial version is a notable concern, especially for individuals managing blood sugar. The green tea also contains a small amount of caffeine (16-25 mg in a Venti) which might affect sensitive individuals. Pregnant individuals should consult a healthcare provider regarding the herbal tea ingredients.

Conclusion: A Comforting Treat, Not a Cure

The Medicine Ball offers a comforting blend of warm liquids, soothing honey, and fragrant teas that can provide temporary relief from cold symptoms like sore throat and congestion. However, it is important to remember that it is not a medicinal cure and the commercial version contains a significant amount of sugar. Making a homemade version allows for better control over ingredients and sugar content, offering a healthier way to enjoy the soothing benefits. For additional remedies, Medical News Today lists several options for soothing a sore throat.

Frequently Asked Questions

The core ingredients of the Starbucks Medicine Ball, officially called Honey Citrus Mint Tea, are Teavana Jade Citrus Mint green tea, Teavana Peach Tranquility herbal tea, steamed lemonade, and a honey blend.

Yes, because it contains green tea, the Medicine Ball has a small amount of caffeine. A Venti size typically contains between 16 and 25 mg of caffeine.

Yes, you can request fewer pumps of the honey blend or ask for no lemonade when ordering at Starbucks. When making it at home, you have full control and can use fresh lemon juice with less honey.

Yes, the warmth of the tea and the addition of honey can provide soothing relief for a sore throat. Honey has natural antimicrobial properties and coats the throat, while the steam helps with congestion.

To make a homemade version, steep a mint-flavored green tea and a peach-flavored herbal tea in a mix of hot water and heated lemonade. Stir in honey to taste.

While small, occasional servings are likely fine, some herbal ingredients like lemongrass and rosehips can be a concern with large quantities. It is best to consult with a doctor before consuming herbal tea blends during pregnancy.

Alternatives include a simple hot lemon and honey tea, a ginger tea, or a peppermint tea. For a more intense throat remedy, a saltwater gargle can also be effective.