Does Starbucks have black coffee? Depending on whom you ask, you’ll get different answers. For some, Starbucks and black coffee are one and the same, while for others, Starbucks is a synonym for sweet and sugary drinks. For many years, Starbucks has been serving both specialty drinks and plain black coffee but, it’s true to say that the iconic brand is known mostly for its Frappucchino creations, many of which are loaded with sugar and milk. Nonetheless, the answer is Yes – do not despair for all you black coffee lovers; Starbucks does have black coffee, both in stores and for you to make at home, using the famous VIA® Instant of which there are nine types.
The history of Starbucks and black coffee goes back to 1971 when the giant coffee franchise opened up its first store in Seattle, Washington. From the very beginning, Starbucks was committed to being a retailer of premium coffees and espresso drinks, as well as providing tips and recipes to customers. In 1986, they began offering their first drip coffees, which were made from brewed-to-order espresso. These coffees featured flavors such as Pike Place Roast and House Blend. By 2003, Starbucks had rapidly expanded its coffee-offering: selling whole bean coffee, ground coffee, its iconic espresso drinks, as well as black coffee.
In 2014, Starbucks further improved its black coffee offering by introducing VIA® Instant as its proprietary instant coffee brand. The range included nine types of instant coffee, from Ethiopia Yirgacheffe Coffee to Italian Roast. Starbucks VIA® Instant is made from some of the finest Arabica coffee beans sourced from around the world and is great for people who have little time and need an on-the-go coffee solution. It can be just as satisfying as brewing a whole pot, especially when made to the VIA® standards.
When you walk into Starbucks, you’ll notice that the coffee chain has a very wide range of coffee drinks in stock, including flavored lattes, cold brews and specialty hot chocolates. But amidst all of these drinks, you can rest assured that Starbucks still has a selection of plain black coffee available for customers. For a proper black coffee experience, the Barista can make you a freshly brewed Americano, served with a dash of cream and sugar, as well as a French Press coffee, which can be brewed using any of the fresh beans available at the store.
You can also order an Iced Cold Brew or a Nitro Cold Brew that’s served on tap. Both of these options are perfect if you want to get a black coffee fix during the hot summer months. Whether you prefer hot or cold black coffee, the coffee experts at Starbucks will be sure to serve you some of the finest quality coffee you can find.
In addition to the coffee that you can find at Starbucks’ physical stores, you can also buy Starbucks’ range of pre-ground coffees, instant coffee, K-cups and coffee beans online. With these products, you can easily have black coffee in the comfort of your own home. Whether you’re brewing a cup of VIA® Instant or a filter of K-cups ground coffee, you can be sure that Starbucks will always have you covered.
Price
When it comes to the price of black coffee from Starbucks, you’ll find that it’s surprisingly affordable. Depending on which type of coffee you choose and where you buy it from, the price can vary greatly. If you’re looking for the most cost-effective option, you should buy your black coffee from the VIA® Instant range, as the single-serve sachets are much more affordable than buying a whole pot of ground coffee or instant coffee.
For a more affordable option to make at home, you can opt for Starbucks K-cups. The K-cups come in a variety of flavors, and all you need to do is pop the pod into your coffee machine and you’ll have a perfectly brewed cup of black coffee in no time.
Flavor
The flavor of black coffee from Starbucks can vary greatly depending on the type of coffee beans and the method of brewing. Starbucks is known for its signature roast coffees, such as their signature Pike Place Blend, which is a light, mellow blend with hints of cocoa and nut. If you’re looking for a stronger, darker flavor, you should try their French Roast blend, which is a dark and bold blend with a deep and smoky flavor.
For those who are looking for a more intense coffee experience, the Starbucks Reserve® coffees are just what you need. These limited edition coffees are made from hand-selected and roasted beans, as well as freshly brewed iced coffee. The Reserve® coffees are sure to intensify your coffee experience and leave you wanting more.
Instant vs Ground Coffee
When it comes to making black coffee at home, you have the option of using instant coffee or ground coffee. Instant coffee is the easiest and most convenient option as all you need to do is add the powder to hot water and stir. However, many people prefer to use ground coffee as instant coffee does not have the same intense flavor as a freshly brewed cup of coffee. Ground coffee has a fresher and more aromatic flavor, as it only has a few minutes of oxidation before it is brewed.
So, if you’re looking for a more authentic black coffee flavor, you should opt for a ground coffee. On the other hand, if you prefer convenience over quality, then instant coffee is the better option. Either way, with the right preparation, you can make the perfect cup of black coffee with Starbucks.
Brewing Tips
When it comes to making black coffee at home, it’s important to make sure that you’re using the right grind and the right amount of coffee. If you’re using Starbucks ground coffee, it’s best to use a medium coarseness for the grind. This will allow the coffee to develop its full flavor without becoming overly bitter. In terms of the amount of coffee, you should always use one tablespoon of coffee for every 10-12 ounces of water.
Once you’ve got the ground coffee, you can start brewing. It’s important to boil your water before adding the coffee, as this will ensure that the temperature is perfect for the coffee to fully develop its flavor. Allow the coffee to steep for two to four minutes before serving and covering the pot with a lid to help keep the coffee warm.
Final Thoughts
To sum up, there is no doubt that Starbucks has a selection of black coffees available for customers, both in stores and online. From the classic Americano to the dark and smoky French Roast, you can be sure that Starbucks will always have something to satisfy your taste buds. Whether you’re looking for convenience or quality, you can trust that your cup of black coffee from Starbucks will be perfect every time. So, next time you’re looking for a classic cup of black coffee, head over to Starbucks for the ultimate coffee experience.
