A tall Starbucks coffee is a classic coffee size in most Starbucks stores that is 12 ounces. So, how many ounces are in a tall Starbucks coffee? The simple answer is that a tall Starbucks coffee is 12 ounces, but there is much more to be explored beyond the answer itself.
Size Variations
A tall coffee is the smallest size at Starbucks, but there are also several variations that change size. Not every Starbucks store will offer every size, but typically there is a Grande (16oz), Venti (20oz), and a Trenta (24oz). Depending on what a person is looking for, there are several different sizes to choose from.
Gold Cup Standard
In addition to the classic Starbucks sizes, every store must abide by the Gold Cup Standard. This means that a 12 ounce of Starbucks coffee must have 355 milliliters of liquid in order to be considered a tall. This amount of liquid is the same for all size cups of coffee, so the amount of coffee beans used for the 12-ounce cup will be the same for a venti cup.
Caffeine Content
Although all tall coffees are the same size, not every tall coffee has the same caffeine content. A tall cup of Starbucks coffee contains about 260 milligrams of caffeine. Larger coffees, like a handcrafted espresso shot, can have 145 to 200 milligrams of caffeine, depending on the variation. But, for brewed coffee, a tall contains about 260 milligrams of caffeine.
Cups and Fluid Ounces
Although a tall cup of Starbucks coffee is 12 ounces, it is important to note that coffee is measured in fluid ounces and not the same as regular ounces. One cup of coffee is 8fl oz and 12 fl oz is 1.5cups. A tall cup of Starbucks coffee contains 375mil liters, which is 12.68fl oz or 1.58cups.
Other Drinks
In addition to coffee, Starbucks also serves many other drinks ranging from frappuccinos, iced coffees and lattes to chai teas and cold brews. Since all the various drinks come in the four classic sizes, an individual does not just need to consider the 12 ounce size for their drinks. Depending on the type of drink and size, the quantities and measurements will vary.
Extras
A tall cup of Starbucks coffee can also come with additional ingredients such as syrups or creamers. If someone were to order a tall cup of coffee with two pump of vanilla syrup and cream, they would not be receiving a full 12 ounces of coffee. The extra ingredients, syrups and creamers, will cut down on the amount of coffee.
Upsizing
Starbucks also offers the option of “upsizing” when ordering a drink. This means that sometimes a tall cup of coffee can come in a larger cup with additional liquid. This upsizing is not charged for, but it does contain about 10-15 extra fluid ounces. This does not necessarily mean that a tall cup of Starbucks coffee becomes a venti, but it can mean that more liquid comes with the drink.
Spiked Drinks
Sometimes a tall cup of coffee can have additional ingredients such as liqueurs and alcohol. In this situation, the amount of liquid in the cup will be cut down with the addition of the alcohol, but the size of the cup is still the same. So, while ordering a spiked tall, an individual will still be receiving 12 ounces of liquid, but that liquid will not just include coffee.
Signature Drinks
Starbucks stores also offer signature drinks made with unique flavors, ingredients and combinations to make unique drinks that differ from the standard. Since these drinks are different from the standard and tailored to individual preferences, the amount of fluid ounces in the drink may be different from a standard tall cup of coffee. This number could be up or down, but the 12 ounce size will still be the same.
Sizes Across Different Countries
The sizes of Starbucks coffee can vary from country to country, since a tall cup of coffee in the US is 12 ounces, a tall cup of coffee in other countries such as Australia may be 8 ounces instead. Different cultures also have different sizes they prefer, which is why it is important to consider the size of coffee being ordered in other countries.
Differing Prices
The size of the coffee may also dictate the price. A tall cup of Starbucks coffee may be priced lower than a venti cup of coffee, even if it is the same type of coffee. This might be because the tall cup of coffee contains fewer liquid ounces than the venti cup. Additionally, when ordering a signature or custom drink, the price will be impacted by the ingredients used as well as the size of the cup.
