Starbucks Honey Blend syrup is a sweetener that can be added to many Starbucks coffee and espresso drinks. It contains honey as the primary ingredient along with other natural flavors. Understanding the ingredients in Starbucks syrups can help customers make informed choices about customizing their drinks.
Ingredients
The main ingredients in Starbucks Honey Blend syrup are:
- Honey
- Sugar
- Water
- Natural Flavors
- Potassium Sorbate (preservative)
- Citric Acid
Honey
Honey is the primary ingredient in Starbucks Honey Blend. Honey gives the syrup its characteristic sweetness and flavor. The honey used in Starbucks syrups is sourced from beekeepers around the world. The specific floral sources of the honey may vary based on availability.
Sugar
In addition to honey, Starbucks Honey Blend contains sugar to enhance sweetness and thickness. The sugar helps balance out the viscosity of the honey. Plain honey on its own is very thick and difficult to pump and blend into cold beverages. The added sugar makes the syrup smoother and more pourable.
Water
Water helps dilute the thick honey and sugar to create the syrup consistency. The right ratio of water to the sweeteners is important for getting the syrup to the optimal thickness. Too much water would make the syrup runny, while too little water would leave it overly thick and sticky.
Natural Flavors
The “natural flavors” in Starbucks Honey Blend refer to any flavors derived from natural sources like plants, spices, fruits, etc. These enhance the honey taste and give the syrup more complexity. For example, the natural flavors could include extracts of clover, orange blossoms, cinnamon, or other complementary flavors.
Potassium Sorbate
Potassium sorbate is added as a preservative ingredient in small amounts. Since the syrup contains water and natural sugars and flavors, potassium sorbate helps prevent mold, bacteria, and general spoilage. This helps extend the shelf life of the bottled syrup.
Citric Acid
Citric acid is used to add a subtle tart, fruity taste that balances out the sweetness. It adds a brightness to the honey flavor. Citric acid also helps with preservation and stability.
Nutrition Facts
Here are the nutrition facts for 2 tablespoons (30ml) of Starbucks Honey Blend syrup:
| Nutrition Facts | 2 tbsp (30ml) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 70 |
| Total Fat | 0g |
| Sodium | 0mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 18g |
| Sugars | 16g |
| Protein | 0g |
As you can see, the majority of calories in Starbucks Honey Blend come from carbohydrates and sugars. Since honey and sugar are the main ingredients, the syrup is high in natural sugars with 16 grams per serving. There are 70 calories in 2 tablespoons (30ml). There are minimal other nutrients.
Sweetness and Flavor Profile
Starbucks describes the Honey Blend syrup as having “The sweet, golden flavor of natural honey”. It has a thick, rich texture and viscosity thanks to the honey. The sweetness level is approximately half as sweet as regular sugar.
The honey taste is dominant in the syrup, as honey is the primary ingredient. There are light floral notes along with hints of spice and citrus from the natural flavors and citric acid. It provides a smooth, subtly complex sweetness.
Uses in Starbucks Drinks
Some of the most popular Starbucks drinks that feature Honey Blend syrup include:
- Honey Citrus Mint Tea
- Medicine Ball Tea
- Honey Almondmilk Flat White
- Honey Vanilla Latte
- Iced Shaken Honey Black Tea
- Honey Oatmilk Latte
The honey syrup compliments tea drinks particularly well. It also goes nicely with espresso and steamed milk drinks like lattes and flat whites. Some customers even request pumps of honey syrup added to black coffee. It provides a touch of sweetness and honey flavor without overwhelming coffee’s natural taste.
Benefits of Honey
Using real honey in the Starbucks Honey Blend syrup provides some potential health benefits:
- Honey contains antioxidants and enzymes with antibacterial and antimicrobial properties.
- The nutrients in honey, like calcium, potassium, zinc, vitamin C, etc. may help support the immune system.
- Honey can help soothe sore throats and suppress coughs.
- The unique carbohydrates in honey provide a small energy boost.
- Compared to regular sugar, honey has a slightly lower glycemic index, meaning it raises blood sugar levels more gradually.
However, honey still contains natural sugars. Consumed in excess, the calories and carbohydrates can add up. But when used in moderation to flavor drinks, a dash of honey can provide subtle health perks.
Comparisons to Other Starbucks Sweeteners
How does Honey Blend syrup compare to some other Starbucks sweeteners? Here is a quick overview:
| Sweetener | Ingredients | Flavor Profile | Calories and Sugar per serving |
|---|---|---|---|
| Honey Blend Syrup | Honey, sugar, water, natural flavors | Rich, lightly floral honey flavor | 70 calories, 16g sugars per 2 tbsp |
| Vanilla Syrup | Sugar, water, natural flavors, potassium sorbate, citric acid | Sweet, floral vanilla flavor | 50 calories, 12g sugars per 2 tbsp |
| Cinnamon Dolce Syrup | Sugar, water, natural flavors, potassium sorbate, citric acid | Sweet cinnamon spice flavor | 60 calories, 15g sugars per 2 tbsp |
| Sugar Free Vanilla Syrup | Water, glycerin, natural flavors, citric acid, potassium sorbate | Lower calorie sweet vanilla flavor | 20 calories, 2g sugars per 2 tbsp |
Compared to flavored syrups, Honey Blend has a more pronounced source ingredient taste since it contains straight honey. It is higher in calories and sugars than the sugar-free syrup. But it provides more complex flavor than basic sugar syrup.
Possible Allergens
Starbucks Honey Blend syrup contains honey, so it is not suitable for vegans or people with bee pollen allergies.
The honey is processed and filtered, which removes most pollen. But trace amounts may remain that could trigger reactions in those with severe honey/pollen allergies.
As with any menu item, customers with food allergies should inform their barista so drinks can be customized accordingly. All ingredients, including potential allergens, are listed on the Starbucks app and website for transparency.
Non-GMO and Gluten Free
Starbucks states that its Honey Blend syrup does not contain any genetically modified organisms (GMOs). The honey and other ingredients are sourced from non-GMO sources based on supplier information.
Starbucks Honey Blend is also gluten-free, as honey and the other ingredients do not naturally contain any gluten. However, as with any product made without gluten-containing ingredients, there is still a possibility of cross-contamination during processing and preparation. Customers with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should exercise their own judgment.
Availability and Pricing
The Starbucks Honey Blend syrup is available year-round at participating Starbucks locations in the United States and Canada. Customers can add it to any handcrafted beverage for an additional charge.
The current pricing for Honey Blend syrup as of October 2023 is:
- Short/Tall size (8 fl oz drink): Add $0.80
- Grande/Venti size (12-20 fl oz drink): Add $1.00
However, prices may vary slightly by location. Honey Blend can also be purchased in a 16 fl oz bottle at many grocery stores for approximately $10.
Conclusion
Starbucks Honey Blend syrup provides a delicious honey-sweetened addition to coffee, tea, and espresso drinks. It is made with real honey complemented by sugar, water, natural flavors, and citric acid for acidity. Honey Blend contains 70 calories and 16 grams of natural sugars per serving. It has uses and benefits as a mildly healthier alternative to regular sugar. Checking the ingredients list allows customers to make informed decisions about customizing their drinks. Overall, a touch of Honey Blend can provide a nice hint of sweetness and honeyed flavor.
