As one of the most well-known global coffee brands, Starbucks continues to be the popular choice for both daily caffeine junkies and the occasional lattes lovers alike. But just how many ounces in a small Starbucks coffee? It’s a question we’ve all wondered before, so let’s take a deep dive into the measurements.
Most Starbucks locations serve coffee in three different sizes – tall, grande, and venti. However, while the average cup of coffee is typically 8 ounces, a small from Starbucks comes in at 12 ounces. This is the equivalent of 369 milliliters, approximately.
The coffee beans used for a small coffee can vary, depending on the store. The amount of water used for the coffee can be adjusted to the size of the coffee depending on the variety of espresso and/or drip-brewed coffee. Furthermore, some stores also offer a cortado, which is mixed with a 1:1 ratio of espresso and milk.
A cup of Starbucks coffee contains approximately 95 milligrams of caffeine, so it’s important to keep in mind the amount of caffeine you are consuming. Caffeine content can also range depending on the specific ingredients and size of the coffee. For example, a tall cappuccino contains significantly more caffeine than a tall cup of decaf coffee.
Different down-the-line components also matter when discussing how many ounces in a small Starbucks coffee. Baristas may opt for different types of milk and milk alternatives, additives such as sugar or syrup, and essentially any other flavoring one can think of. All these factors will add to the overall size and mass of the coffee, which can ultimately impact the measurements.
When considering the measurement of coffee, the coffee experts usually refer to a small coffee as 6 ounces and a large coffee as 12 ounces. Although this is not the case for all coffee brands, it is a industry standard to refer to coffee sizes in this manner.
Pros of a Small-Sized Coffee
When ordering a small coffee from Starbucks, one can expect to get 12 ounces of a delicious drink. This is great for individuals that are not particularly a fan of drinking coffee yet desire a more approachable cup of coffee.
Compared with a large or grande coffee, a small one is the ideal size which not only provides a great taste, but also a manageable amount of liquid. Additionally, since the small option is reserved for those who want a milder coffee, it is convenient to control the desired taste.
In addition, since a small cup might cost a bit less than other sizes, it can be a great way to save some money when ordering your favorite latte. By starting with a small cup you can enjoy a generous amount of coffee without breaking the bank.
Cons of a Small Coffee
On the other hand, one of the downsides of a small-sized coffee from Starbucks is that an 12 ounce cup may not be sufficient for those who are accustomed to a larger cup of coffee. It can be disappointing for bigger caffeine fanatics not to have enough coffee to last them throughout the day.
Some may find that by drinking a small cup of coffee, one might need to consume multiple coffees to experience a similar buzz or effect. As a result, it is important to observe the guidelines set in place by your doctor before exceeding a certain amount of caffeine.
Finally, the taste of a small coffee may vary depending on how the barista prepares it. If the barista is inexperienced or not precise, the coffee might not be as enjoyable. Thus, if a high-quality cup of coffee is desired, opting in for a larger size might be the way to go.
Other Factors to Consider
Although the amount of caffeine and the size of the cup may be the first considerations when pondering over the ‘How many ounces in a small Starbucks coffee’ question, there’s much more to consider. Generally speaking, Starbucks offers several types of coffee to choose from, like espresso, pour-over, and cold brew.
It’s important to bear in mind that some of the more exotic types of coffee may alter their measurements when compared with a standard drip-brewed cup of coffee. The amount of espresso shots and the type of syrup used can also tweak the overall ounce size of a small stage.
Similarly, the type of milk and the make-up of the brew can make a small cup of coffee seem larger or smaller, depending on the recipe. For instance, extra foam will take up more space in the cup, thereby making a small cup appear larger.
Tools to Measure Coffee by Volume
Tools exist which can help measure the amount of coffee that one can fill in a cup or the consistency of one’s coffee shots or cappuccinos. Devices such as coffee jugs and thermometers can provide the user with better insight into the exact measurement of their preferred cup of coffee.
Taste is an essential element in the coffee-drinking experience. By investing in the necessary tools to measure all of the components that go into a cup of coffee, the user can be assured that the taste of the coffee will be as good as possible, no matter the measurement.
Summary
To quickly summarise the answer to ‘How many ounces in a small Starbucks coffee?’, it is 12 ounces – 369ml to be exact. Different drinks and ingredients can vary the size and flavor of the cup, and there is an array of tools and products available to help keep it to a specific measurement.
