What Coffee Does Starbucks Use For Espresso? (+ Other Common FAQs)

The Starbucks Espresso Roast is used for making many of Starbucks’ hot and iced coffee drinks, and has come to define the taste of coffee for millions of customers.

If you’ve been wondering what coffee Starbucks uses for espresso, carry on reading to find the answers below!

What Coffee Does Starbucks Use For Espresso In [currentyear]?

Starbucks uses their Signature Dark Espresso Roast for making espresso and most espresso-based drinks. This roast was blended in 1975 and has been used unchanged since then. In 2018, Starbucks introduced their Light Roast Blonde Espresso, which has a creamier taste and higher caffeine content. You can also get a decaf espresso at most Starbucks stores in [currentyear].

If you’d like to learn which blends Starbucks uses for espresso, their caffeine content and more, keep reading for useful facts, tips and information!

What Coffee Does Starbucks Use For Espresso Shots?

There are three kinds of espresso you’ll find at Starbucks – the classic Dark Espresso Roast,  Light Roast Blonde Espresso, and the Decaf Espresso blend.

Starbucks uses their Signature Espresso Roast for espresso shots, which is made with dark roast beans containing rich flavor and caramel notes.

The Signature Starbucks Espresso Roast was created by Dave Olsen in 1975 and has remained the same since then.

When you go to a Starbucks store, they will serve your drinks made with the Signature Espresso Roast unless the recipe calls for a Blonde Espresso or you specifically request it.

What Is The Starbucks Blonde Espresso?

The Signature Starbucks Espresso Roast is a dark roast, and has been used for espresso shots and espresso-based drinks for nearly 50 years.

However, in 2018, Starbucks introduced its Light Roast Blonde Espresso, which has a smooth taste with sweet citrus notes.

The Blond Espresso uses coffee beans from Latin America and East Africa. It pairs well with plant-based milks like almond milk and oat milk, and goes well with honey.

For example, Blonde Espresso shots are used to make drinks like the Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso and the Blonde Honey Oat Latte.

How Much Caffeine Is There In Starbucks Espresso Shots?

How Much Caffeine Is There In Starbucks Espresso Shots?

One shot of the Starbucks Signature Espresso Roast contains 75 mg of caffeine, while the Blonde Espresso has 85 mg of caffeine in one shot.

It might surprise some people that the lighter roast has more caffeine, because the roasting process reduces the amount of caffeine in the beans while bringing out their flavor.

Therefore, a dark roast will have a more intense flavor, but less caffeine than a light roast.

Finally, decaf espresso shots at Starbucks have around 10 mg of caffeine. 

Which Espresso Blend Does Starbucks Use For Handcrafted Drinks?

Starbucks Espresso drinks are mostly made with their Signature Dark Espresso Roast, but some are made with the Light Roast Blonde Espresso.

As well, customers can request decaf espresso if they can’t drink caffeine.

Starbucks uses their Signature Dark Espresso Roast for making the Caramel Macchiato,  White Chocolate Mocha, Cappuccinos, and the regular Latte.

However, drinks such as the Sugar Cookie Almond Milk Latte and Blonde Vanilla Latte are made with the Blonde Espresso roast, including the iced versions.

What Coffee Does Starbucks Use For Making Iced Coffee?

Starbucks uses Pike Place medium roast to make iced coffee, which is brewed hot and cooled down with ice and sits at room temperature until opened.

However, if customers prefer Blonde or Decaf roasts for iced coffee, they can instead request an iced Blonde or Decaf Americano, as most Starbucks stores are unable to brew Blonde and Decaf coffee for iced coffee (due to a lack of coffee brewing stations).

To find out more, you can also read our posts on Starbucks Chocolate Chip Frappuccino, why does Starbucks coffee tastes burnt, and Starbucks black coffee.

Conclusion

Starbucks espresso is made with their Signature Dark Espresso Roast. Most stores also have the new Blonde Espresso Light Roast and Decaf Espresso available at all times.

The Signature Dark Espresso Roast is used in making cappuccinos, macchiatos and most lattes. As well, some lattes are made with the Blonde Espresso.

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Marques Thomas

Marques Thomas graduated with a MBA in 2011. Since then, Marques has worked in the retail and consumer service industry as a manager, advisor, and marketer. Marques is also the head writer and founder of QuerySprout.com.

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