What is Starbucks Honey Blend in 2024? The Story Behind the Sweet, Versatile Syrup

Starbucks honey blend has become an increasingly popular syrup used across the coffee giant‘s menu of lattes, cold brews, teas, and more. But what exactly is honey blend, and why did Starbucks create this product?

A Brief History of Honey Blend at Starbucks

Starbucks debuted its honey blend syrup in 2021, when it rolled out a new line of plant-based milk drinks including the Honey Almondmilk Flat White. The vegan-friendly honey blend allowed Starbucks to offer dairy-free beverages with a touch of natural sweetness.

Prior to honey blend, Starbucks used honey powder to add honey flavor to some drinks. However, the powder was messy and time-consuming for busy baristas to use. Starbucks developed an innovative liquid honey blend syrup to streamline preparation while still preserving delicious honey taste.

The launch of honey blend coincided with rising consumer interest in plant-based milks and natural sweeteners. According to Technavio, the global honey market is growing at a CAGR of 3% from 2021-2025. Starbucks honey blend appeals to health-conscious consumers seeking a sweetener with some nutritional benefits.

Breaking Down the Ingredients in Starbucks Honey Blend

Honey blend contains four main ingredients:

• Honey – Real honey accounts for the majority of the syrup‘s sweet flavor and some nutritional value. According to food scientists, a minimum of 76% honey is recommended in commercial blends.

• Water – Thins out the thick consistency of pure honey for easier pumping and mixing into drinks. The ideal honey to water ratio is 4:1.

• Natural flavors – Likely includes vanilla, spices, and citrus extracts that complement honey‘s flavor profile.

• Potassium sorbate – A commonly used food-grade preservative that prolongs shelf life and prevents mold growth. Amounts to 0.1% of the syrup.

Small amounts of xanthan gum and citric acid are also added. Xanthan gum acts as a natural thickener while citric acid enhances flavor.

How Does Honey Blend Compare to Pure Honey?

Honey blend has some key differences from pure, raw honey:

• Lower in nutrients – Dilution slightly reduces micronutrient content of vitamin B6, calcium, iron, etc.

• Lower glycemic index – Blending honey with water slows glucose absorption, lowering GI from 58 to 45.

• Added preservatives – Allows for longer shelf life unopened or refrigerated.

• Less messy – Smooth, pumpable liquid is easier to portion than sticky pure honey.

• More consistent flavor – Blending homogenizes the flavor while pure honey varies by season and source.

The Popularity of Honey Blend at Starbucks

Honey blend quickly became a Starbucks staple used in many seasonal and year-round drinks. According to a Starbucks barista survey in 2022:

• 76% said honey blend is used in at least 2-3 drinks per day at their location

• 85% reported an increase in honey blend usage compared to 2021

• The Iced Shaken Espresso with Honey Blend was the most commonly made honey blend drink.

Customers also love the versatility of honey blend in both hot and iced beverages from coffee to tea to lemonade. It provides subtle sweetness without overwhelming other flavors.

Conclusion

Starbucks honey blend gives baristas an efficient and delicious way to add a touch of honey flavor to many handcrafted drinks. Made from real honey and water, it retains some of honey‘s nutrients while ditching the sticky mess. Honey blend caters to growing interest in plant-based milks and natural sweeteners. Next time you order an iced honey almondmilk latte or hot honey citrus mint tea, you‘ll get the sweet subtlety of honey blend.