When it comes to coffee, Starbucks is a household name. But what about tea? While the Seattle-based coffee giant is synonymous with espresso and cappuccinos, its tea offerings are often overlooked. However, with a vast selection of tea drinks and a loyal customer base, it’s worth exploring the tea brand behind Starbucks’ brew. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of tea and uncover the brand that fuels Starbucks’ tea obsession.
The Evolution of Tea at Starbucks
Before we dive into the brand of tea used by Starbucks, let’s take a step back and examine the company’s relationship with tea. In its early days, Starbucks was primarily a coffee-focused brand. However, as the company expanded and diversified, it began to recognize the growing demand for tea.
In the 1990s, Starbucks introduced its first tea offerings, including a selection of hot and iced tea drinks. These early tea options were primarily sourced from a variety of suppliers, with no single brand dominating the menu. As the demand for tea continued to grow, Starbucks realized the need for a more cohesive tea strategy.
Teavana Acquisition
In 2012, Starbucks made a bold move by acquiring Teavana, a tea retailer specializing in loose-leaf teas and tea-related accessories. The acquisition marked a significant shift in Starbucks’ tea strategy, as the company gained access to Teavana’s extensive tea portfolio and expertise.
Teavana’s tea selection was vast, with over 100 unique blends and single-origin teas. The brand was known for its high-quality, sustainably sourced tea leaves, which were carefully crafted to appeal to a wide range of tastes and preferences.
<h2The Tazo Connection
Following the Teavana acquisition, Starbucks began to phase out its existing tea suppliers and replace them with Teavana’s offerings. However, this didn’t mean that Starbucks abandoned its existing tea relationships entirely. In fact, the company’s partnership with Tazo Tea, a Portland-based tea brand, played a significant role in shaping its tea strategy.
Tazo Tea was founded in 1994 and quickly gained a reputation for its artisanal, sustainably sourced tea blends. In 1999, the company was acquired by Unilever, but its commitment to quality and sustainability remained unwavering.
A Partnership Born
In the early 2000s, Starbucks formed a partnership with Tazo Tea, which became the primary supplier of tea for the company’s North American operations. This partnership allowed Starbucks to tap into Tazo’s expertise and leverage its high-quality tea blends.
The partnership between Starbucks and Tazo Tea continued to grow, with Tazo becoming an integral part of Starbucks’ tea strategy. Today, Tazo Tea remains a key supplier of tea to Starbucks, with many of its blends featuring prominently on the coffee chain’s menu.
What Brand of Tea Does Starbucks Use?
So, what brand of tea does Starbucks use? The answer is complex and multifaceted. While Teavana was acquired by Starbucks, the company still sources tea from a variety of suppliers, including Tazo Tea.
In reality, Starbucks uses a combination of Teavana and Tazo Tea blends, as well as other specialty tea brands, to create its extensive tea menu. This approach allows the company to offer a diverse range of tea options, from classic flavors like Earl Grey and English Breakfast to more exotic varieties like Chai and Matcha.
A Blend of the Best
Starbucks’ tea menu is designed to cater to a wide range of tastes and preferences. To achieve this, the company blends teas from different suppliers to create unique and proprietary flavors. For example, the company’s popular Chai Tea Latte combines Teavana’s black tea with a blend of spices and sweetener, while its Iced Green Tea is made with Tazo’s Japanese-style green tea.
By blending teas from different suppliers, Starbucks is able to create a unique and consistent flavor profile across its tea menu. This approach also allows the company to innovate and introduce new tea flavors, while maintaining the high-quality standards that customers expect.
The Quality Factor
Regardless of the brand, quality is a critical factor in Starbucks’ tea selection process. The company is committed to sourcing high-quality tea leaves that meet its rigorous standards for taste, aroma, and sustainability.
Starbucks’ tea suppliers, including Tazo Tea and Teavana, share this commitment to quality and sustainability. Both brands are dedicated to sourcing tea leaves from environmentally responsible farms and suppliers, which ensures that the tea is not only delicious but also sustainable.
Sustainability in Action
Starbucks’ sustainability efforts extend beyond its tea sourcing practices. The company has implemented a range of initiatives aimed at reducing its environmental footprint, from reducing waste and energy consumption to promoting sustainable agriculture practices.
In the world of tea, sustainability is critical. Tea is a labor-intensive crop that requires careful cultivation and harvesting to produce high-quality leaves. By supporting sustainable tea farming practices, Starbucks and its suppliers are helping to ensure a bright future for tea farmers and the environment.
Conclusion
So, what brand of tea does Starbucks use? The answer is a complex blend of Teavana, Tazo Tea, and other specialty tea brands. By combining the expertise and resources of these brands, Starbucks is able to offer a diverse and high-quality tea menu that appeals to a wide range of tastes and preferences.
As the demand for tea continues to grow, Starbucks remains committed to sourcing high-quality, sustainable tea leaves that meet its rigorous standards. Whether you’re a tea enthusiast or simply looking for a new beverage option, Starbucks’ tea menu has something for everyone. So, the next time you’re in the mood for a cup of tea, stop by Starbucks and experience the perfect blend of quality, sustainability, and flavor.
What is the tea brand behind Starbucks’ brew?
The tea brand behind Starbucks’ brew is a company called Teavana. Teavana was founded in 1997 and was acquired by Starbucks in 2012. After the acquisition, Starbucks phased out the Teavana brand and began using the name “Teavana” only for its tea offerings. Today, Teavana is the exclusive tea brand used in Starbucks stores worldwide.
Teavana offers a wide range of tea flavors and blends, from traditional favorites like English Breakfast and Green Tea to more unique options like Chai and Mango Black Tea. Starbucks’ decision to partner with Teavana was a strategic move to expand its tea offerings and appeal to a growing demographic of tea drinkers. The partnership has been a successful one, with Teavana tea becoming a staple on the Starbucks menu.
What kind of tea does Teavana offer?
Teavana offers a diverse range of tea flavors and blends, including black, green, white, oolong, and herbal teas. The company is committed to using only the highest-quality tea leaves and ingredients, sourced from around the world. From classic flavors like Earl Grey and English Breakfast to more exotic options like Chrysanthemum and Rose Petal tea, Teavana has something for every tea lover.
In addition to its loose-leaf tea offerings, Teavana also offers a range of tea lattes and chai tea drinks. These drinks are made with the same high-quality tea leaves and can be customized to suit individual tastes. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic cup of tea or something a little more unique, Teavana has the perfect option for you.
Is Teavana tea available outside of Starbucks stores?
While Teavana tea is exclusive to Starbucks stores, it is possible to purchase Teavana tea online or in select retail stores. Starbucks offers a range of Teavana tea products on its website, including loose-leaf tea, tea bags, and tea accessories. You can also find Teavana tea in some Starbucks retail stores and select grocery stores.
However, it’s worth noting that the full range of Teavana tea flavors and blends may not be available outside of Starbucks stores. If you’re looking to try a specific flavor or blend, your best bet may be to visit a Starbucks store directly. Starbucks baristas are also happy to help you select the perfect tea and answer any questions you may have about the brand.
Can I customize my Teavana tea drink?
One of the best things about Teavana tea is the ability to customize your drink to your liking. Whether you prefer your tea sweetened, creamed, or flavored, Starbucks baristas are happy to accommodate your requests. You can choose from a range of sweetener options, including sugar, honey, and syrup, as well as creamers like milk, cream, and coconut milk.
You can also ask your barista to add a pump or two of flavor syrup to your tea drink, such as vanilla or caramel. And if you’re looking for a tea drink that’s a little more unique, you can try one of Starbucks’ signature tea drinks, like the London Fog or the Chai Tea Latte. The possibilities are endless, so don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different flavors and combinations!
Is Teavana tea sustainable and eco-friendly?
Yes, Teavana is committed to sustainable and eco-friendly practices throughout its supply chain. The company works with tea farmers and suppliers who adhere to environmentally friendly practices, such as organic farming and fair trade. Teavana also prioritizes reducing waste and minimizing its carbon footprint in its operations and packaging.
Starbucks, the parent company of Teavana, has set a goal of powering 50% of its stores with renewable energy by 2025. The company is also working to reduce its waste and increase its recycling rates. By choosing Teavana tea, you can feel good about supporting a brand that is committed to making a positive impact on the environment.
Can I purchase Teavana tea in bulk?
Yes, it is possible to purchase Teavana tea in bulk, although the options may be limited. Starbucks offers some bulk packaging options for its Teavana tea products, including larger bags of loose-leaf tea and tea accessories like infusers and travel mugs. You can find these products on the Starbucks website or in select retail stores.
However, if you’re looking to purchase large quantities of Teavana tea, you may need to contact Starbucks directly or visit a wholesale website. Starbucks does offer wholesale pricing for businesses and organizations, so if you’re looking to serve Teavana tea in a commercial setting, this may be a good option for you.
Does Teavana offer any tea-related accessories?
Yes, Teavana offers a range of tea-related accessories, including infusers, tea balls, and travel mugs. You can find these products on the Starbucks website or in select retail stores. Teavana also offers a range of tea-themed accessories, such as tea tins, tea strainers, and tea-for-one sets.
In addition to its tea accessories, Teavana also offers a range of tea-related gifts, such as tea gift sets and tea subscription boxes. These make great presents for the tea lover in your life, or a nice treat for yourself. Whether you’re looking to elevate your tea game or simply appreciate the art of tea, Teavana has the perfect accessory for you.