
Starbucks Vanilla Ground Coffee
Caffeine
85 – 170 mg
Note: Caffeine amounts are based on Starbucks Vanilla brewed from ground coffee and can vary depending on grind size, brewing strength, and preparation method.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Caffeine Level | Moderate |
| Serving Size | 8 – 20 fl oz |
| Serving Size (ml) | 237 – 591 ml |
| Caffeine | 85 – 170 mg |
| Calories | 5 kcal |
| Sugar | – |
| Caffeine per fl oz | 10 mg/fl oz |
Starbucks Vanilla Ground Coffee is a flavored blonde roast designed to deliver a sweet, mellow taste with subtle vanilla notes.
What is Starbucks Coffee?
Starbucks is one of the world’s most recognized coffee brands, operating thousands of stores globally and offering packaged coffees for home brewing. Its reputation is built on consistency, innovation, and ethical sourcing.
Key aspects of Starbucks Coffee:
- Global Reach – Stores in over 80 countries.
- Ethical Sourcing – Coffee and Farmer Equity (C.A.F.E.) Practices support sustainability.
- Product Variety – Brewed coffee, espresso drinks, teas, and packaged grounds.
- Seasonal Innovation – Flavors like Vanilla, Cinnamon Dolce, and Caramel.
- Consistency – Standardized flavor across all locations.
Vanilla Ground Coffee is one example of how Starbucks blends classic Arabica beans with natural flavoring to create a sweet, approachable cup.
Flavor Profile and Roast Level of Starbucks Vanilla
Starbucks Vanilla Ground Coffee is a blonde roast, lighter than medium or dark roasts. Blonde roasts highlight subtle flavors and retain higher caffeine content. Vanilla adds a smooth, dessert‑like sweetness that pairs well with milk or cream.
Flavor highlights of Starbucks Vanilla:
- Vanilla Notes – Sweet, mellow flavor.
- Blonde Roast – Light body with higher caffeine retention.
- Arabica Beans – Smooth, balanced taste.
- Mellow Finish – Approachable for everyday drinking.
- Versatility – Works well black or with milk.
This roast is ideal for those who prefer a lighter, sweeter coffee experience. It balances caffeine strength with flavor, making it suitable for morning energy or afternoon enjoyment.

Caffeine in Starbucks Vanilla by Cup Size
Caffeine levels vary depending on serving size. A standard 8‑ounce cup of brewed Starbucks Vanilla contains approximately 85 mg of caffeine, while larger servings increase proportionally.
Approximate caffeine by cup size:
- Short (8 fl oz) – 85 mg
- Tall (12 fl oz) – 120 mg
- Grande (16 fl oz) – 150 mg
- Venti (20 fl oz) – 170 mg
- Trenta (31 fl oz, iced) – 200 mg
These values are averages and may vary depending on brewing method and grind size. Blonde roasts like Vanilla generally contain more caffeine per ounce than darker roasts.
Caffeine in Starbucks Vanilla by Espresso Shot
Espresso shots are the foundation of many Starbucks drinks. A single blonde espresso shot contains about 85 mg of caffeine. Vanilla, when brewed as espresso, follows similar values.
Caffeine per espresso shot:
- Solo (1 shot) – 85 mg
- Doppio (2 shots) – 170 mg
- Triple (3 shots) – 255 mg
- Quad (4 shots) – 340 mg
Vanilla espresso shots are often used in lattes or macchiatos, where milk balances the sweetness. For those sensitive to caffeine, limiting shots is recommended.
Caffeine Content per Milliliter (ml)
Measuring caffeine per milliliter provides precision. Blonde roasts average about 10–12 mg of caffeine per fluid ounce, translating to ~0.35–0.40 mg per ml.
Caffeine concentration in Starbucks Vanilla:
- Per 1 ml – 0.35–0.40 mg
- Per 100 ml – ~35–40 mg
- Per 237 ml (8 fl oz cup) – 85–95 mg
- Per 473 ml (16 fl oz Grande) – 150–160 mg
- Per 591 ml (20 fl oz Venti) – 170–180 mg
This measurement helps compare Vanilla with other beverages. For example, it has less caffeine per ml than cold brew but more than many teas.
Bean Quality and Sourcing Behind Starbucks Vanilla
Starbucks sources 100% Arabica beans for Vanilla Ground Coffee, ensuring smooth flavor and consistent quality. Beans are ethically sourced through partnerships with farmers worldwide.
Sourcing highlights:
- 100% Arabica Beans – Premium quality for smooth taste.
- Global Origins – Latin America, Africa, and Asia.
- C.A.F.E. Practices – Ethical standards for sustainability.
- Trusted Suppliers – Partnerships with major coffee exporters.
- Flavor Infusion – Natural vanilla flavoring added to beans.
This sourcing approach ensures that Vanilla Ground Coffee maintains Starbucks’ standards while supporting farming communities. Ethical sourcing is central to Starbucks’ brand identity.
Factors That Influence Caffeine Levels in Starbucks Vanilla
Caffeine content can vary based on several factors. While Starbucks provides averages, actual caffeine levels depend on brewing and preparation methods.
Factors affecting caffeine levels:
- Roast Level – Blonde roasts retain more caffeine.
- Grind Size – Finer grinds extract more caffeine.
- Brewing Method – Espresso vs drip alters concentration.
- Serving Size – Larger cups naturally contain more caffeine.
- Bean Origin – Different Arabica varieties yield slight variations.
Understanding these factors helps consumers manage intake. Adjusting serving size and brewing style allows customization of caffeine levels.
Health Considerations of Starbucks Vanilla Ground Coffee
While caffeine provides energy and alertness, it’s important to consume it responsibly. Starbucks Vanilla Ground Coffee offers moderate to high caffeine levels, which may affect individuals differently.
Health considerations:
- Moderate Intake – 200–400 mg daily is generally safe for adults.
- Sensitivity – Some people may experience jitters or insomnia.
- Hydration – Coffee is mildly diuretic but not dehydrating.
- Calories & Sugar – Black coffee is low‑calorie; added syrups increase sugar.
- Balance – Pairing coffee with water helps maintain hydration.
Choosing smaller sizes or limiting espresso shots can help manage intake while still enjoying the sweet vanilla flavor.