What Are the Ingredients in Starbucks Watermelon Burst? (Melon Burst & Canned Twist)

In early to mid-2025, many Starbucks patrons were surprised to learn that the handcrafted Iced Energy beverages, including the popular Melon Burst, had been officially discontinued. This came after the company released a new line of ready-to-drink canned energy drinks, which are not the same as their in-store predecessors.

Quick Summary

The in-store Starbucks Melon Burst Iced Energy, now discontinued, was a handcrafted beverage made with a melon-cucumber energy base and Passion Tango Tea, distinct from the newer canned Watermelon Twist Iced Energy sold in stores.

Key Points

• Name Confusion: The customer-named "watermelon burst" was actually the discontinued handcrafted Melon Burst Iced Energy, not the new canned Watermelon Twist.

• Melon Burst Ingredients: The in-store version was made with a Melon Cucumber energy mix (containing B vitamins, taurine, sucralose) and Passion Tango Tea (hibiscus, cinnamon, apple).

• Watermelon Twist Ingredients: The newer canned version is formulated differently, with plant-based caffeine from green coffee bean extract and natural flavors for watermelon and lime.

• Discontinuation Reason: The in-store Iced Energy line was removed from the menu in 2025 due to a strategic shift to focus on handcrafted drinks and launch a new line of pre-packaged cans.

• At-Home Recreation: To mimic the original Melon Burst flavor, combine a melon-cucumber flavored energy drink with brewed Passion Tango Tea over ice.

From Melon Burst to Canned Twist: The Real Story

Many customers searching for the ingredients in the Starbucks watermelon burst are actually referring to the popular but now discontinued handcrafted Melon Burst Iced Energy. This fizzy, melon-cucumber flavored beverage was served in Starbucks stores alongside other Iced Energy drinks until it was phased out. Its place was ultimately taken by a line of pre-packaged, zero-sugar energy drinks, including a Watermelon Twist Iced Energy flavor, sold in cans. It is a common misconception that the two are identical, but they have distinct ingredients and flavors.

Ingredients of the Discontinued Melon Burst Iced Energy

The handcrafted Melon Burst Iced Energy was made by combining a specific canned energy mix with Passion Tango Tea and ice. For a detailed breakdown of the ingredients in both the Melon Cucumber Energy Drink mix and the Passion Tango Tea, see {Link: Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/TopSecretRecipes/comments/1ex6dmm/starbucks_melon_burst_iced_energy_drink/}.

Ingredients of the Canned Watermelon Twist Iced Energy

The modern, ready-to-drink Watermelon Twist, sold in cans, is a zero-sugar energy drink formulated differently from its handcrafted predecessor. For a detailed breakdown of its ingredients, including green coffee bean extract for caffeine and fruit/vegetable concentrates for color, see {Link: Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/TopSecretRecipes/comments/1ex6dmm/starbucks_melon_burst_iced_energy_drink/}.

Melon Burst vs. Watermelon Twist: A Side-by-Side Comparison

For a detailed side-by-side comparison of the features of the Handcrafted Melon Burst (Discontinued) and the Canned Watermelon Twist (Current), including availability, format, flavor profile, and key ingredients, refer to {Link: Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/TopSecretRecipes/comments/1ex6dmm/starbucks_melon_burst_iced_energy_drink/}.

The Reason Behind the Discontinuation

The Melon Burst Iced Energy was phased out as Starbucks shifted towards a more traditional handcrafted drink experience. Additionally, the Iced Energy line reportedly did not meet sales expectations in some locations. The introduction of canned energy drinks, a collaboration with PepsiCo, provided a more consistent and scalable product for the energy drink market. While the decision disappointed many customers, it aligned with the company's strategic focus.

How to Recreate the Melon Burst Flavor at Home

Since the Melon Burst is no longer available in-store, many fans turn to at-home copycat recipes to satisfy their cravings. One method involves acquiring the key components and assembling the drink yourself.

Ingredients:

• 1 can of Melon Cucumber Energy Drink Mix (often sold online or at select retailers)
• Brewed Iced Passion Tango Tea (available as sachets from Starbucks or alternatives)
• Ice cubes

Instructions:

1. Fill a large (venti-sized) glass with a generous amount of ice.
2. Pour the entire can of Melon Cucumber Energy Drink mix over the ice.
3. Slowly top the drink with the brewed and chilled Passion Tango Tea.
4. Stir gently to combine the vibrant flavors and enjoy the homemade version of this classic drink.

Alternatively, creative substitutions can be made for the discontinued energy base. For a caffeine-free option, you could mix a melon-flavored sparkling water with a cucumber-flavored water, then add the Passion Tango Tea and a zero-calorie sweetener if desired.

Conclusion: From Nostalgia to New Alternatives

The search for the ingredients in the Starbucks watermelon burst reveals a tale of two different products. The much-loved, discontinued handcrafted Melon Burst Iced Energy was a complex blend of a melon-cucumber energy base and herbal Passion Tango Tea. Its removal from the menu was a strategic decision by Starbucks to refocus on their handcrafted image and streamline their energy drink offerings. The new canned Watermelon Twist Iced Energy, while carrying the Starbucks brand, is a distinct product with a different ingredient list, most notably using green coffee bean extract for its caffeine. For those who miss the original, recreating it at home is the best path to relive that specific, sparkling combination of melon, cucumber, and hibiscus.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Starbucks watermelon burst available in stores?

No, the original handcrafted Melon Burst Iced Energy drink is discontinued. It was replaced by a zero-sugar canned energy drink line, which includes a Watermelon Twist flavor.

What is the main difference between Melon Burst and Watermelon Twist?

The main difference is the format and ingredients. Melon Burst was a handcrafted drink with a melon-cucumber energy base, while Watermelon Twist is a pre-packaged can with plant-based caffeine from green coffee bean extract.

Why did Starbucks discontinue the Melon Burst Iced Energy?

Starbucks discontinued the drink as part of a larger menu change. Employee accounts suggest the company wanted to move away from using pre-packaged cans in handcrafted drinks and focus on fully barista-made beverages.

What are the core ingredients of the discontinued Melon Burst?

The core components were a Melon Cucumber Energy Drink mix, containing caffeine, B vitamins, taurine, and artificial sweeteners, and a Passion Tango Tea infusion.

Is the canned Watermelon Twist sweetened with sugar?

No, the canned Watermelon Twist is a zero-sugar energy drink, sweetened primarily with Sucralose and Acesulfame Potassium.

Can I still order the Melon Burst or a similar drink at Starbucks?

You cannot order the exact Melon Burst, as the key ingredients are no longer stocked. You can, however, find the canned Watermelon Twist at some Starbucks locations or in grocery stores.

How can I make a copycat version of the Melon Burst at home?

You can try mixing a melon-cucumber flavored energy drink with brewed Passion Tango Tea and serving it over ice. The canned energy drink mix used for the original may still be available from third-party retailers.