REVIEW: Starbucks VIA Caramel Iced Coffee

Starbucks VIA Caramel Flavored Iced Coffee

I feel sorry for the Starbucks baristas out there who have to deal with complex drink orders from insane customers. They say the customer is always right, but those who order an iced ristretto 5-shot grande with 5/8 decaf, six ice cubes, 2-pumps sugar free caramel, 4-pumps caramel, soy, whole milk, extra whip, 12 Splenda, double cupped, and hand stirred to a temperature of 43 degrees have got to be wrong.

Do they feel like their complex order somehow makes them some kind of Starbucks alchemist?

Or are they trying to impress the people behind them in line with the fact that they know how to order something at Starbucks?

Or do they enjoy being a barista puppeteer, making Starbucks employees do their bidding with their purse strings?

You know what, Starbucks baristas? I’m your break from the batty bastards and bitches who order elaborate beverages, because from now on, when I roll into a Starbucks, I’m only there to either use the restroom, steal napkins, be creepy, or to pick up a pack of your new Starbucks VIA Caramel Iced Coffee, all of which don’t involve you lifting any of your well-worked fingers. I’m your coffee break, your latte lull, your ristretto recess, your half-caf hiatus, your Venti vacation, and your Asian persuasion.

Each packet of Starbucks VIA Caramel Iced Coffee is made up of microgrounded 100 percent natural roasted arabica beans, a little bit of caramel flavor, and cane sugar. This powdery partnership produces a Grande of iced coffee goodness, if you’re willing to do all of the following: measure 16 ounces of water, rip off the packet top, pour the contents of the packet into the 16 ounces of water, and then stir it until the powder dissolves.

Or if you have children, you can dress them up in a green Starbucks apron, tell them you’re “playing Starbucks,” and make them do all the work.

After tearing open a packet of Starbucks VIA Caramel Iced Coffee, it farts out a strong caramel aroma. That caramel aroma is also present after the powder is mixed with water. When I drink it, it starts off with a nice caramel flavor, which quickly gives way to the bitterness of the coffee. However, thanks to the caramel flavoring, I’m finding it much easier to drink than regular Starbucks VIA Iced Coffee, which I usually sweeten with either a little more sugar or chocolate syrup.

I really enjoyed the regular Starbucks VIA Iced Coffee, but I have to say I prefer this caramel version more. Adding a little vanilla soy milk makes it even better, although the caramel iced coffee already has 24 grams of sugar, so adding soy milk gives it a little more. While that may sound sweet, it’s not as sweet as I am for giving Starbucks baristas a quick breve breather from impossible drink orders by not ordering anything and just picking up a 5-pack of Starbucks VIA Caramel Iced Coffee.

(Nutrition Facts – 1/2 packet – 50 calories, 0 grams of fat, 20 milligrams of sodium, 13 grams of carbohydrates, 12 grams of sugar, and 0 grams of protein.)

Item: Starbucks VIA Caramel Iced Coffee
Price: $5.95
Size: 5 pack
Purchased at: Starbucks
Rating: 10 out of 10
Pros: Better tasting and easier to drink than regular Starbuck VIA Iced Coffee. Easy to make. Great with a little vanilla soy milk. Makes a Grande of iced coffee. Cheaper than ordering the same drink from Starbucks. Giving baristas a break from making complex drink orders from douchebags. Nice energy pick-me-up.
Cons: Might have too much sugar for those who care about consuming too much sugar. You have to stir or shake it yourself, unless you have children who can do it for you. Waiting in line behind someone who orders complex Starbucks drinks. At home, you have no access to the Starbucks bar.

10 thoughts to “REVIEW: Starbucks VIA Caramel Iced Coffee”

  1. I agree with “Anonymous.” All milk is better. I thought it was lousy when I used water and then “added milk to taste” according to the directions. When I mixed it entirely with 1-percent milk and then added a few ice cubes, it was tasty.

    1. Even better? I tried it with half water, half vanilla soy milk, a little bit of chocolate syrup, and blended with ice.

  2. this sounds deliciousssssss. i love iced coffee, although iced lattes are better. I wonder if they sell this anywhere but starbucks?? I bet target would have it! 🙂

  3. Umm, I’m a Starbucks barista.. (almost 4 years) and their is no such thing as a ” complicated drink.” The effort promoting this crap is so much harder than any drink.
    This product doesn’t deserve a 10. It doesn’t have the strong coffee taste Starbucks is known for.

  4. I usually get the regular Italian Roast, but since you gave it a 10/10, I’ll give it a shot. If I make it w/ more or all milk, will it taste like an iced caramel macchiato? More funny posts about how real-err- I mean lazy & creepy you are, lol.

  5. OK.. I have a question: Why are the nutrition facts listed for only 1/2 packet? Don’t people usually mix a full packet to 16 oz. of water at a time? Of course listing for only 1/2 packet, it sounds better to only say it has 50 calories and 13 grams carbohydrate (rather than the true 100 calories and 26 grams carbohydrates for the drink). That being the case, I’m surprised they don’t list nutrition facts for 1/4 pack? Then it could be said it only has 25 calories and 13 grams carbohydrates. Come on… I want a full grande at a sitting!

    1. Oops… that would only be 6 1/2 grams carbs for 1/4 packet. Hey, that does sound better.

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