Whether it’s a hot day or a chilly evening, coffee is one of the most commonly consumed beverages around the world. Starbucks, known for its coffee, has many different flavors and variations to try. But does the White Mocha at Starbucks have coffee?
Generally speaking, Starbucks’ White Mocha does contain coffee, but only a small amount. The primary ingredients of the White Mocha are syrup made from a blend of sugar, water, and natural flavors, and white chocolate Mocha Sauce, which contains espresso. This means that a person drinking a White Mocha will experience both coffee and white chocolate flavors.
So while the flavor of this popular Starbucks beverage is enhanced by espresso, and the espresso provides some caffeine, it is not the primary ingredient in the White Mocha. In addition, the amount of caffeine in a White Mocha is much lower than the amount of caffeine in a similar-sized espresso-based drink. Case in point, a typical size of a White Mocha has 95 milligrams of caffeine, while the same size of a Latte has 200 milligrams of caffeine.
Independent consumer research has confirmed that the sweetness of a White Mocha makes it a favorite for many caffeine addicts. Several experts have reported that the sweetness and creaminess of the White Mocha provide an alternative to the bitterness of regular black coffee. Additionally, as the espresso content is relatively low, the White Mocha won’t leave consumers feeling “wired” or jittery.
In addition to the White Mocha, Starbucks also offers a variety of other beverages that contain coffee, such as iced coffees, frappuccinos, and cold brews. Many of these beverages have more espresso than the White Mocha and will therefore provide more of a caffeine jolt to those that need one.
Regardless of the amount of caffeine, the White Mocha should not be consumed in excess as it still contains sugar and caffeine. The drink is best as a treat, instead of a daily habit. There is a large variety of other coffee drinks available at Starbucks and many other coffee shops, so it is best to try different drinks to find the one that suits each individual’s taste.
Other Variants
Besides inserting espresso into the traditional mocha, some shops make the White Mocha with other interesting tweaks. For instance, many shops serve a White Chocolate Mocha flavored with cinnamon, based on the popular “Mexican Spiced Mocha”. Without the espresso, this type of mocha can provide a low-caffeine option. In addition, some shops offer White Mochas made with almond or coconut milk, providing an alternative to dairy milk. These options may also be less sweet, but still contain some caffeine.
Comparison with Other Drinks
When compared to other guest favorites, minus the espresso content, the White Mocha holds its own in terms of calories and fat. A plain Tall White Mocha of size 12 ounces contains 270 calories, 8 grams of protein and 9 grams of total fat. Comparatively, a Grande Latte with whole milk contains more calories at 200, but way less fat with 6 grams total. Additionally, a Grand Frappuccino also contains more calories than the White Mocha, about 420 calories in a Tall sized cup.
Health Benefits
Research suggests that even having small amounts of coffee can still provide long-term potential health benefits. One recent study found that the antioxidant compounds found in coffee may help reduce the risk of certain types of cancer and heart disease. Furthermore, studies have also found that the caffeine in coffee can reduce fatigue, improve mood, and sharpen concentration.
Nutrition Label
The exact nutrition information of a White Mocha drink depends on size and ingredients. However, all sizes of Starbucks White Mochas contain between 90-140 calories, and between 8-11 grams of fat. A Tall size contains 2% milk and 2 pumps of White Mocha sauce, while a Venti size contains 2% milk and 4 pumps of White Mocha sauce.
