
Starbucks Breakfast Blend
Caffeine
140 – 330 mg
Note: Caffeine amounts are based on standard brewed Starbucks Breakfast Blend coffee and can vary slightly by store, grind size, and brewing method.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Caffeine Level | Moderate |
| Serving Size | 8 – 20 fl oz |
| Serving Size (ml) | 240 – 591 ml |
| Caffeine | 140 – 330 mg |
| Calories | 5 kcal |
| Sugar | 0 |
| Caffeine per fl oz | 17 – 20 mg/fl oz |
Starbucks Breakfast Blend is a lively, bright coffee designed to start the day with energy without overwhelming bitterness. It is a medium roast crafted from Latin American Arabica beans, offering balanced flavor and moderate-to-high caffeine levels.
What is Starbucks Coffee?
Starbucks is a global coffeehouse chain known for its wide range of beverages and packaged coffees. Breakfast Blend is part of its medium roast lineup, created to appeal to those who want a lighter, more approachable flavor profile with enough caffeine to energize mornings.
Key traits of Starbucks coffee include:
- Global presence with thousands of stores worldwide
- Wide roast spectrum: blonde, medium, and dark
- Signature espresso-based drinks and brewed coffee options
- Packaged ground and whole-bean coffee for home brewing
- Ethical sourcing through Coffee and Farmer Equity (C.A.F.E.) practices
Starbucks coffee represents both quality and accessibility. Breakfast Blend, in particular, embodies the brand’s mission to provide approachable flavors that suit a wide audience.
Flavor Profile and Roast Level of Starbucks Breakfast Blend
Breakfast Blend is a medium roast coffee, designed to highlight lively flavors while maintaining balance. Medium roasting preserves more of the bean’s natural brightness compared to dark roasts, resulting in a cup that is smooth yet vibrant.
Flavor notes of Breakfast Blend include:
- Bright citrus undertones
- Mild sweetness with hints of toasted nuts
- Balanced acidity that adds liveliness
- Smooth mouthfeel with a clean finish
- Approachable taste suitable for everyday drinking
Medium roasting allows the natural flavors of Latin American beans to shine, producing a cup that is less bitter than dark roasts but more robust than blonde roasts.

Caffeine in Starbucks Breakfast Blend by Cup Size
Caffeine content varies by serving size. Starbucks offers Short (8 oz), Tall (12 oz), Grande (16 oz), and Venti (20 oz). A Grande (16 oz) Breakfast Blend contains about 260 mg of caffeine, while an 8 oz cup has ~140 mg.
Approximate caffeine by size:
- Short (8 oz): 140 mg
- Tall (12 oz): 200 mg
- Grande (16 oz): 260 mg
- Venti (20 oz): 330 mg
These values highlight how caffeine scales with serving size. A Venti delivers more than double the caffeine of a Short, making it a powerful choice for those needing sustained energy.
Caffeine in Starbucks Breakfast Blend by Espresso Shot
While Breakfast Blend is brewed coffee, its caffeine can be compared to espresso equivalents. A standard Starbucks espresso shot contains about 75 mg of caffeine, while an 8 oz Breakfast Blend cup has nearly double that.
Comparison with espresso:
- 1 espresso shot: 75 mg
- 1 cup Breakfast Blend (8 oz): 140 mg
- 2 shots espresso: 150 mg
- 12 oz Breakfast Blend: 200 mg
This comparison shows that Breakfast Blend delivers more caffeine per serving than a single espresso shot, though espresso provides a concentrated burst.
Caffeine Content per Milliliter (ml)
Breaking caffeine down per milliliter offers precision. Breakfast Blend averages 5–6 mg of caffeine per milliliter, depending on brewing strength.
Approximate values:
- 100 ml: 60 mg
- 200 ml: 120 mg
- 250 ml (standard cup): 150 mg
- 500 ml (large mug): 300 mg
This measurement helps consumers track intake across different brewing methods. Whether enjoying a small cup or a large thermos, knowing caffeine per ml ensures accurate monitoring.
Bean Quality and Sourcing Behind Starbucks Breakfast Blend
Breakfast Blend is crafted from Latin American Arabica beans, chosen for their bright, lively flavor. Starbucks emphasizes ethical sourcing through its C.A.F.E. program, ensuring farmers receive fair compensation and sustainable practices are followed.
Bean qualities include:
- Medium roast suitability
- Bright, citrus-forward flavor profiles
- Balanced acidity with smooth finish
- Consistency across batches
- Sustainable farming practices
By selecting beans that thrive in Latin American climates, the company ensures a distinctive flavor while supporting global coffee communities.
Factors That Influence Caffeine Levels in Starbucks Breakfast Blend
Caffeine levels in Breakfast Blend can vary based on several factors. While roast level and bean origin play roles, brewing method and serving size are equally important.
Influencing factors include:
- Roast level (medium roast retains moderate caffeine)
- Brewing strength and water ratio
- Grind size affecting extraction
- Serving size (larger cups = more caffeine)
- Bean origin and natural caffeine content
Understanding these factors helps consumers tailor their coffee experience. A stronger brew with finer grind yields higher caffeine concentration, while larger servings naturally increase intake.