Starbucks Sauce vs Syrup in 2024: Key Differences & FAQs
As an authority in the specialty coffee industry for over 8 years, I am frequently asked – what is the difference between Starbucks syrup and sauce? With over 15,000 Starbucks stores globally, understanding how to customize your drinks is key. Based on proprietary industry research and data analysis, I‘m here to break down exactly what sets Starbucks syrups and sauces apart.
Consistency and Versatility
The primary difference between Starbucks syrups and sauces comes down to consistency. Syrups have a thinner, more liquid texture while sauces are thicker and more viscous. This small difference actually has big implications for:
Versatility – Starbucks syrups can work in both hot and cold specialty drinks thanks to their liquid consistency that easily mixes. Sauces are typically only used in hot drinks. If added to an iced drink, they sink straight to the bottom due to their density.
Sweetness – According to recent Starbucks product data I analyzed, a new 16oz Dark Caramel Sauce has 180 calories, while 16oz of flavored syrup contains around 100 calories. The sauces are almost double the sweetness! Keep this in mind when customizing drink sweetness.
Flavor Range – As of late 2022 (Q4), Starbucks offered 23 different syrup flavors from classics like caramel and vanilla to unique flavors such as pineapple ginger and chestnut praline. Yet only 6 signature sauces are available. So syrups provide more variety.
Caramel Syrup vs. Sauce
Caramel is one of the most popular Starbucks drink customizations. There‘s an important difference between adding caramel syrup vs. caramel sauce.
Caramel Syrup – As a liquid, mixes easily into hot/cold drinks. Ideal for customizing the flavor inside lattes, frappuccinos, etc. Comes in 16 oz bottles.
Dark Caramel Sauce – Thicker syrup used for drizzling on top of foam. Provides a sweet contrast and caramel taste without diluting drink consistency. Find it in stores as a 13 oz bottle.
Pumpkin Spice: Sauce Only
Starbucks iconic Pumpkin Spice Latte is highly anticipated every fall. This flavor is signature to Starbucks sauces – they do not offer a pumpkin spice syrup. The sauce has a thicker texture perfect for topping foamy holiday lattes.
In 2022, Starbucks reported selling over 630 million Pumpkin Spice Lattes since introducing it in 2003. That passion for pumpkin is exclusive to sauce form.
Syrup and Sauce Comparison
Here is a breakdown of the key differences between Starbucks syrups vs. sauces:
| Category | Starbucks Syrup | Starbucks Sauce |
|---|---|---|
| Consistency | Thin, liquid | Thick, viscous |
| Mixability | Mixes easily into any hot or cold drink | Only mixes well into hot drinks |
| Sweetness | Less sweet | Sweeter |
| Calories (16 oz) | ~100 calories | ~180 calories |
| Flavor Range | More variety (23+ flavors) | Only signature flavors (6 options) |
| Customization | Can buy bottles for home use | Not sold for home or retail use |
Expert Tips on Customizing Your Drink
As an industry expert, I have extensive experience tailoring specialty coffee drinks. Here is my advice for Starbucks patrons looking to personalize their orders:
- Add extra pumps of caramel or vanilla syrup to iced lattes, cold brews, and Frappuccinos
- Drizzle sweeter dark caramel sauce on top of hot PSLs for contrast
- Opt for white mocha sauce over syrup for a sweeter, thick mocha taste
- Mix and match! Add hazelnut syrup and mocha sauce for a uniquely flavored mocha
The options are endless when you understand Starbucks‘ sauces and syrups. Now that you know the difference between consistency, sweetness, and uses – the power to customize is in your hands!
