What Tea Is Good for Inflammation at Starbucks? Your Complete Guide

December 25, 2025 •

3 min read

Tea contains a variety of bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols and flavonoids, which have been shown to possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Learn what tea is good for inflammation at Starbucks and how to order it to best support your health.

Quick Summary

The best anti-inflammatory teas available at Starbucks include the Honey Citrus Mint Tea and green teas, which contain potent compounds like catechins and polyphenols. Customizing orders by controlling sweetness is crucial for maximizing benefits.

Key Points

Honey Citrus Mint Tea: A top choice for inflammation, featuring green tea, chamomile, and honey with documented soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.
Green Tea: Rich in powerful catechins like EGCG, which are known for their strong anti-inflammatory effects.
Matcha Caution: While potent, Starbucks' standard Matcha Lattes are often high in sugar and may use a lower-quality powder; order plain and customize for better results.
Herbal Choices: Peppermint and Chamomile teas provide additional anti-inflammatory benefits and help with relaxation and digestion.
Customize Your Order: Always ask to reduce or skip sugary syrups and lemonade to maximize the positive health impact of the anti-inflammatory ingredients.

The Anti-Inflammatory Power of Starbucks' Teas

Starbucks offers a variety of teas under its Teavana brand, some of which contain ingredients known for their anti-inflammatory effects. While no tea is a "cure" for inflammation, choosing wisely can contribute to a healthier diet. The best options often feature ingredients like green tea catechins, chamomile, mint, and honey.

The Famous Honey Citrus Mint Tea (aka "Medicine Ball")

One of the most popular cold and flu season drinks, the Honey Citrus Mint Tea is widely praised for its soothing properties. It combines several beneficial components:

Jade Citrus Mint Green Tea: A green tea blend with naturally occurring anti-inflammatory polyphenols.
Peach Tranquility Herbal Tea: Contains chamomile and rose hips, which have documented anti-inflammatory compounds.
Steamed Lemonade: Adds flavor and a dose of vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports the immune system.
Honey: Known for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects, it also coats and soothes a sore throat.

Green Teas: A Catechin Powerhouse

Green tea is one of the most widely consumed teas globally and is particularly rich in catechins, especially epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which possesses potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Matcha Green Tea: Matcha is a finely ground green tea powder with a higher concentration of nutrients and antioxidants than regular green tea. However, Starbucks' standard Matcha Lattes are heavily sweetened and may be made with a lower-quality, culinary-grade powder, diminishing the health benefits.
- Customization Tip: For a more concentrated and less sugary dose of matcha's anti-inflammatory properties, order a plain matcha with water and add your own unsweetened milk or a minimal amount of honey.

Other Herbal Selections

Beyond the popular green teas, several other herbal options can offer anti-inflammatory support:

Peppermint Tea: This caffeine-free herbal tea contains menthol and other compounds with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. It is also great for soothing digestive issues and clearing congestion.
Chamomile Tea: As featured in the Peach Tranquility tea, pure chamomile tea is known for its calming effects and contains key anti-inflammatory compounds like apigenin.

Customizing Your Drink for Maximum Benefits

Maximizing the anti-inflammatory potential of a Starbucks tea involves mindful ordering. Many of the ingredients used are healthy, but the additions can often negate the benefits.

Here are some key customization tips:

Go Light on the Sweetener: Standard Starbucks drinks can contain high amounts of sugar, which can promote inflammation. Ask for fewer pumps of syrup or less lemonade. Consider using honey, which offers some health benefits, in moderation.
Choose the Right Base: For a direct anti-inflammatory effect, opt for a brewed green tea or an unsweetened matcha. Avoid high-sugar bases like flavored lemonades or overly sweet pre-mixed drinks.
Consider Add-ins: A simple squeeze of lemon or a sprinkle of cinnamon powder can boost the flavor and health benefits without added sugar.

Anti-Inflammatory Teas at Starbucks: A Comparison


Tea Name	Key Anti-Inflammatory Components	Best For	Considerations
Honey Citrus Mint Tea	Green tea polyphenols, Vitamin C from lemonade, Chamomile, Honey	Cold symptoms, sore throat, general soothing	Can be high in sugar from lemonade; customize sweetness level
Green Tea (Brewed)	EGCG and other catechins	Antioxidant support, long-term inflammation reduction	Simple, but bitter for some; customize with honey instead of sugar
Matcha (Plain)	Concentrated catechins, L-theanine	Strong antioxidant boost, sustained energy	Starbucks version often sweetened; best to order plain and customize
Peppermint Tea	Menthol, rosmarinic acid	Digestive issues, sinus congestion, general relaxation	Naturally caffeine-free and low-calorie

Conclusion

When seeking a tea at Starbucks to help with inflammation, the Honey Citrus Mint Tea and classic Green Tea are your best bets, offering potent anti-inflammatory compounds from their core ingredients. However, customization is crucial to prevent added sugar from counteracting the health benefits. By ordering thoughtfully—like reducing sweeteners in a Honey Citrus Mint or choosing plain green tea—you can enjoy a comforting beverage that actively supports your body’s health. Incorporating these teas into a balanced diet can provide a delicious way to consume more anti-inflammatory compounds.

Visit the Cleveland Clinic for more on the health benefits of green tea.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, the Starbucks Medicine Ball, officially called Honey Citrus Mint Tea, contains ingredients with anti-inflammatory properties. The green tea has polyphenols, the Peach Tranquility tea includes chamomile, and the honey offers soothing benefits, which can help reduce inflammation.

The Jade Citrus Mint Green Tea, a component of the Honey Citrus Mint Tea, is a great option. For a more concentrated dose, you can also order plain matcha, but specify unsweetened, as the standard lattes contain a high amount of sugar.

You should be cautious with the standard Matcha Latte. It's often high in sugar, which can counteract matcha's anti-inflammatory properties. A better approach is to order plain matcha powder mixed with water and add a minimal amount of honey or other low-sugar sweeteners.

While Starbucks does not have fresh ginger available at most locations, you can mimic the effect with an at-home version or see if the limited Well Lemon + Ginger + Honey Elixir is available in your area. A simple brewed tea with added spices could also work.

Yes, peppermint tea is known for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and soothing properties. It can be a great, naturally caffeine-free option to help with digestive discomfort and congestion.

To reduce sugar, ask for fewer pumps of syrup or less lemonade in your drink. You can also opt for honey instead of syrup for some natural sweetness with added benefits, or choose unsweetened teas and add your own alternative sweeteners.

The caffeine-free Peach Tranquility Herbal Tea contains chamomile and other compounds known for their anti-inflammatory effects. It offers a calming effect and can be a good choice, especially in the evening.