Caffeine content in Starbucks Medium Roast Iced Coffee
Starbucks, the world’s most recognizable coffee brand, is known for its decadent, robust flavour. Their beverages are brewed to create an impactful and aromatic experience, no matter the serving size. But how much caffeine is their medium roast iced coffee containing? Here, we’ll give the answer.
It is assumed that caffeine content isn’t usually a concern for coffee drinkers. However, some individuals are sensitive to the effects of caffeine, and can be unknowingly consuming more than is generally recommended. Starbucks understands this, and is transparent with its caffeine content, which varies in its different drinks.
A 12oz Grande Starbucks medium roast iced coffee contains 155mg of caffeine. While a 16oz ‘Venti’ contains more than double that amount, at 215mg. This exceeds the amount of caffeine found in a single shot of espresso, which generally ranges from 75mg to 150mg per shot.
GP and aesthetic doctor Dr Alexis Granite says: ‘caffeine provides an extra kick of alertness and energy when one is feeling lethargic. It is pertinent to be aware of the amount of caffeine content in the chosen beverage, in order to pair it with other foods and drinks, or moderate its intake in order to prevent caffeine overload’.
It is important to note that consuming too much caffeine can affect one’s heart rate; making it flutter or racing. While some individuals find this feeling enjoyable, too much of it can lead to panic attacks and make one more jittery than normal. Additionally, caffeine can take up to 8 hours to fully leave the body, meaning a late cup of coffee, can affect an individual’s sleep patterns.
An alternative drink to traditional coffee is cold-brewed coffee. Although it contains more caffeine than regular drip brewed coffee, cold-brewed coffee will generally contain less caffeine than its iced cousins per serving. For example, a 16oz iced cold-brewed coffee from Starbucks will contain 175mg of caffeine, which is a significant loss of 40mg compared to the Starbucks medium brewed iced coffee.
Caffeine-Reduced Alternatives
Although it may seem to be the case, one does not have to completely forgo the rich, robust taste that Starbucks iced coffee offers. By selecting Starbucks Blonde Roast iced coffee, one can cut the caffeine content drastically, without losing that signature taste. A 12oz Grande Blonde Roast iced coffee contains 65mg of caffeine, and and a 16oz Venti contains 95mg, both being far lower than the 155 and 215mg per cup of their medium roast iced coffee counterpart.
Further caffeine-reduced alternatives that Starbucks has, includes their ‘Blonde Espresso’, their ‘Decaf’, and their ‘Decaf Iced Coffee’. These drinks contain significantly less caffeine than their regular and iced counterparts, however still offer a great amount of taste and satisfaction. Interestingly, the Starbucks Decaf beverages still contain a small trace of caffeine, which has been found to aid individuals in the digestion of large meals, and enhance the flavour profile of their coffee and espresso.
Caffeine-Activated Satisfaction
Caffeine will always be a major factor when selecting a drink, however, it should never stand in the way of an all-around satisfying experience. To get the full experience of Starbucks coffee and espresso, an individual must also consider other factors such as sweetness, creaminess, and temperature. Additionally, the taste of coffee and espresso can vary, depending on the roast, the brewing method and the ingredients used, taking into consideration the calorie content of the drink.
Starbucks offers a plethora of drinks, and each individual must find their own perfect combination. Never should their caffeine be the only caveat to their experience. By selecting the size and roast of the coffee or espresso, one can create their own personalised caffeine content, guaranteeing a pleasant, satisfying experience.
Caffeine Management
The human body can become highly dependant on caffeine, with individuals finding themselves lethargic and unable to focus without their daily dose. Pairing a sensible consumption of caffeine with regular exercise, and a balanced diet, individuals can better manage their caffeine consumption, without compromising on the performance and positive effects caffeine can have.
Research conducted by NYU School of Medicine states that caffeine improves cognitive function, and gives one the feeling of being energized and energized. However, by having a cup of coffee too close to bedtime, this can put one at risk of sleeping poorly. Thus, to ensure one can replenish and restore their energy levels, having a cup of coffee at least six hours prior to sleeping is advised.
Health Benefits of Caffeine
Caffeine has often been demonised for its effects on the body, however, if taken in moderation, the effects can be incredibly beneficial. Studies have found that a moderate intake of 2-4 cups of coffee per day can reduce the effects of Alzheimers, can help individuals with ADHD and AHDH like symptoms, and may help reduce the risk of diabetes and stroke.
However, one should take caution when using caffeine as medicine. Overdosing on caffeine can lead to further complications, such as anxiety and aggression, both of which can be made worse due to its withdrawal symptoms.
Conclusion
Caffeine in Starbucks’ medium roast iced coffee contains 155mg per 12oz cup, and 215mg per 16oz ‘Venti’ cup. It is important to note how much caffeine an individual is consuming in order to avoid caffeine overload, and instead take full advantage of the positive effects that caffeine can provide. Caffeine is only a piece of the puzzle that creates a satisfying Starbucks experience – by drinking in moderation and taking other factors in consideration, one can enjoy their coffee or espresso to its fullest.
