The New Starbucks Iced Energy Drinks
In mid-2024, Starbucks launched its Iced Energy line, explicitly marketing them as combining sparkling fruit flavors with iced tea. These drinks were introduced as a permanent addition to the menu, providing a new option for customers seeking a sugar-free, caffeinated lift without a coffee base. Unlike the earlier Refreshers, which rely on green coffee extract for caffeine, the Iced Energy drinks incorporate real brewed tea.
Melon Burst Iced Energy
The Melon Burst Iced Energy is a refreshing blend of melon and cucumber flavors, balanced with bright Passion Tango® tea. The Passion Tango tea base gives the drink a complex, fruity, and slightly floral depth that complements the crisp cucumber and sweet melon. This unique combination makes it a light and invigorating choice, perfect for a warm day. The Venti size typically contains 180 mg of caffeine.
Tropical Citrus Iced Energy
For those who prefer a zestier profile, the Tropical Citrus Iced Energy combines passionfruit and citrus flavors with a green tea base. The green tea provides a mild, grassy, and clean note that perfectly balances the tangy and sweet fruit flavors. This drink is a vibrant and energizing option with a slightly higher caffeine content than its melon-flavored counterpart. The Venti size contains 205 mg of caffeine.
Frozen Tropical Citrus Iced Energy
A third option, the Frozen Tropical Citrus Iced Energy with Strawberry Purée, was initially a limited-time, app-exclusive offering. It featured the same Tropical Citrus and green tea base but was blended with strawberry purée for a thicker, icy consistency. While not always available, it's a good example of how Starbucks experiments with its tea-infused energy offerings.
How Iced Energy Drinks Differ from Refreshers
It's important to differentiate the Iced Energy drinks from the well-known Starbucks Refreshers, even though both offer a fruity, caffeinated experience. The core difference lies in the caffeine source and ingredients.
Caffeine Source: Iced Energy drinks use traditional brewed iced tea (either green tea or Passion Tango) for their caffeine. In contrast, Refreshers get their buzz from a green coffee extract, which provides caffeine without a coffee flavor.
Ingredients: Iced Energy drinks are made with sparkling fruit flavors and iced tea. Refreshers are made with concentrated fruit juice and green coffee extract, often mixed with water, lemonade, or coconut milk.
Comparison Table: Iced Energy vs. Iced Refreshers
| Feature | Melon Burst Iced Energy | Tropical Citrus Iced Energy | Strawberry Açaí Refresher | Mango Dragonfruit Refresher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tea Base | Passion Tango® Tea | Green Tea | None | None |
| Caffeine Source | Brewed Tea | Brewed Tea | Green Coffee Extract | Green Coffee Extract |
| Primary Flavors | Melon and Cucumber | Passionfruit and Citrus | Strawberry and Açaí | Mango and Dragonfruit |
| Caffeine Level (Venti) | ~180 mg | ~205 mg | ~70-85 mg | ~70-85 mg |
| Additional Elements | Sparkling fruit flavors | Sparkling fruit flavors | Sweetened with fruit juice | Sweetened with fruit juice |
Conclusion
For customers specifically looking for a Starbucks energy drink that comes with tea, the Iced Energy line is the definitive answer. The Melon Burst Iced Energy uses Passion Tango tea, while the Tropical Citrus Iced Energy incorporates green tea, providing a vibrant and sugar-free alternative to standard coffee or Refresher offerings. These tea-infused beverages are a testament to Starbucks' continuous innovation, catering to those who desire a potent energy boost with the refreshing, complex flavors of tea. Whether you prefer the bright, exotic notes of the Tropical Citrus or the crisp, subtle taste of the Melon Burst, there's a tea-based energy drink for you. Find out more about the latest menu changes by visiting the Starbucks newsroom for press releases.
