Iced Caramel Via by Starbucks is here! It’s a limited summer promotional flavored Via Ready Brew. I have to be honest, I was a little surprised to be able to purchase it today (July 5, 2011). I didn’t know that it was launching in local grocery stores before the actual Starbucks stores. However, today I happened to swing by my local Safeway store, and I saw it on the shelves, so I picked some up. It is $7.99 for a box of six packets. Each packet makes a 16 ounce serving of Caramel Iced Via.
By the way, Via Ready Brew has been such an interesting topic that I have a whole category on it, in case you want to check out any of the past articles:
So of course, I got home and tried it right away. I used a glass that I knew was 16 ounces, and I had some cold water in my refrigerator. It was indeed pretty good. I liked it better than the plain Iced Via. Somehow I don’t think that Iced Via will ever be my ‘go to’ summer beverage, but it is refreshing for an occasional change of pace. I notice that it tastes dramatically better when the water is really cold. I threw my glass into my freezer for just a few minutes, and when it was really chilled, it was very good. Be sure to use very cold water and/or chill with plenty of ice.
Edit on 7-6-11:
The flavor was very light. Nothing about it was an overly sweet or heavy caramel flavor. I know that Via has “natural flavors” but it lacked the buttery notes of real caramel, like when a person enjoys an apple dipped in caramel. It was a light flavor reminiscent of the caramel notes in a carbonated soda. One thing I still need to do is try this with carbonated water – I expect that will be good!
Feel free to weigh in on this new Via. Have you tried it? Or just weigh in on Via Ready Brew generally. Do you hope to see more flavored Iced Vias available?
Edit on 7-7-2011 –
I heard from a Starbucks corporate-person-friend that Caramel Iced Via Ready Brew actually did launch in the grocery stores in June of this year. This was one year after the launch of the unflavored Iced Via, which launched June 2010. Interesting!
Here are the pics from today!
58 Comments
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Socialize
How did caramel flavor taste? Was it buttery and rich or kind of chemically fake? There is a fine line for me. I absolutely adore the caramel sauce at Starbucks…the caramel syrup is okay. But I am usually not a fan of caramel flavored coffees or creamers…too chemically or fake tasting.
It’s funny because my immediate first thought was “It’s not on sale yet!” We’re having our Summer 2 meeting on Monday, which is when I’ll be able to try it. I didn’t really care for the original Caramel Via (hot), but I’m hoping I’ll like this one so that I can bring something with me to Disney in August.
How did it taste compared to the rest of the flavored non iced vias? I found them all to be very sweet and I’m wondering, is this the same?
That nice! Do you upload it to Youtube? 😀
@Kitenarie – I definitely had a moment of ‘this is a very strange thing to find.’ I remember being told that the launch date for Caramel Iced Via is 7/12/2011, however it appears that Safeway didn’t get that memo.
@Hayley – I didn’t think it was too sweet at all. In fact it was a light caramel flavor, but definitely better than having a plain flavor. I would say that it was a bit chemically, but still very good. Not really buttery. I still haven’t tried it with a sparkling water – I think that would be particularly good.
I’m waiting for the mocha flavor.
I’m intrigued enough that I want to try it. I don’t like the original Iced Via – it tastes almost stale to me. I think that’s the best way to describe it. Although I know that temperature has a big effect on taste, so maybe it would be better if I tried it colder. Now I’m ready to experiment! Too bad I just used my markout on Italian Roast Via!
I find it interesting to see the old logo on new things. 🙂 Its an interesting indicator to show how preconceived some of these new products are.
@CamSpi – I didn’t notice that until you said that. But I have heard stories from a number of different people about how long it takes to plan much of anything at Starbucks. Somewhere, someone probably really is working on Christmas 2012 merchandise, as we speak!
I have heard that the very long time it takes for innovation was one of the things that Howard really wanted to improve upon when he came back. Starbucks had gotten into a routine, because of its size, that any new beverage took eons in planning, and Howard wanted to get much more nimble with executing new ideas. That’s why he implemented so many rapid new tests in 2008. Inadvertently, that was part of 2008 that made it a totally exciting year for me: I got the Clover in January 2008, Vivanno, tried a few test products in the test district in Snohomish County, Thanksgiving Blend was rapidly launched … lots new. MSI was even pushed out fast. It feels a bit like things have slowed since that rapid year.
Sorry for the long tangent.
Great observation on the logo. I am sure you’ve tried this, right? Store samples are in?
Hi Mel,
The flavors and sugars in the VIA’s are 100% natural.
I didn’t love the original iced VIA and was pleasantly surprised with the taste of this one. I made it at work in a venti cup, added some milk and lots of ice. I found it to taste like an iced flavored latte.
Becca
@Bee – I love the idea of using a larger cup, more ice, and adding in some milk. This Via has a flavor that is hard to describe. It’s definitely not buttery. And it tastes more ‘lightly sweetened’ than the last iced Via. I need to keep thinking on the right words to describe it.
Store samples are in at my store, but I think we’re waiting to try it together at the staff meeting. I think we’re having it later than most stores though, especially since we’re having it the day before the Summer 2 launch.
I didn’t even think about the logo either, although I’m a little surprised! Mostly because I didn’t get a partner card for 9 months, with a claim of “being backed up.” But as soon as the new logo launched, we all got our cards! There were people who were waiting longer than me, as well, which indicates to me that they knew about the logo for quite awhile. Maybe they just hadn’t settled on it when they thought about Via? Now that I think about it, I’m pretty sure all the whole bean coffee still has the old logo right now, too…
Strange that it is already on shelves and you can’t find it at an actual store yet. My store receives our samples and actual packages tonight for tomorrow. I look forward to trying it as I am a fan of the regular caramel via.
My store is also having a shift meeting the day before launch; day we set up everything. I believe it is just the shift team, but it is being planned last minute so it could be the whole store.
Would love to try some! Prob won’t get it til late 2012. We are only just getting breakfast blend VIA in the UK! Anyone want to air mail some? 😀
Caramel…the most delicious flavor in my opinion. Would love to try it!
I have only tried a small sample in our store, mixed with cold water and another with some milk added.
My early review is it seems to have some after taste that lingers on the tongue and the sides of my mouth?
When I use to travel a lot, VIA packets were with me at all times, but this….I don’t know.
More to follow as we roll it out in our SC store.
That is intersting that you found this in the grocery before it’s out in Sbux.
The caramel is my favorite of the other flavored (not-for-iced) VIAs, but I do actually like the plain (last yr) “lightly ? sweetened” for-ice VIA. and that was sweet enough.
Just wondering: does it say the sugar content on this package? (it must) 22g in the original non-flavored one. (they consider one package as 2 servings, which I do not..need the whole packet on ice in 16oz cold water)
I’m wondering if the caramel is added sugar? I would think so.
I will defnitely try this but I don’t see myself having any need to keep it on hand.
@Denise and Sebastian – I’ve heard that the caramel Frappuccino is the best selling Frappuccino flavor. Since caramel does so well at Starbucks, (as a cold flavor) makes sense they would launch the iced flavored via in caramel.
And I really wonder if it was some kind of an odd fluke that I stumbled upon it at the grocery nearly a week before its launch!
This seems really cool!! I will have to try some when this launches since caramel was my favourite of the hot flavoured VIAs. I also found it was the easiest to sell (along with Vanilla).
In my opinion, the iced via is not as refreshing. I definitely prefer regular iced coffee made with terraza and with a pump or two of classic sweetener. 🙂
this actually sounds very good 🙂 i will have to try it as soon as i find some.
Caramel anything sells well at any store I have ever worked at – more so the sauce not the syrup so it may be a hard sell to those who prefer the sauce(buttery sweet and rich versus a sugary syrup flavor).
The UK has breakfast blend via? I’ll airmail you some of this for breakfast blend via! Lol.
Did not notice any signs at my local SB store. I am not clear as to when the roll out for this will be. Roll out at all stores across the country at the same time?
Breakfast Blend Via? I would love to try that! I’d trade you for some Iced Caramel Via, too!
I didn’t realise breakfast blend via wasn’t available in the us! We have Columbia, Italian roast, deaf Italian roast, and from tomorrow we will have breakfast blend VIA :). Love to send some via your way guys!
James W.- Breakfast Blend Via?? Super cool!
I guess we get some interesting things the us doesn’t! But you guys get so much cooler drinks and Starbucks Cards (I would KILL for the ‘Onward’ starbucks card!)
@James W: you can likely find an “Onward” card on ebay, for sure. Or, if you want to buy the book from a Sbux here (which would cost $29.99 BUT then comes with the
“Onward” card, which has $5.00 on it… likely useless to you but if you arranged this ‘buy’ with one of us, the $5.00 could be spent here and useed toward the postage of sending the book with the card.
I don’t know…..or, maybe you already have the book? Then I guess you have to go to ebay.
I don’t see this as too complicated or impossible. ???
@Melody: when you get a chance, just curious, would you check the # of grams of sugar in this caramel one. (total) ? thanx.
@James – I have an onward card that I registered but don’t use it. If I deactivate it, would you still be able to use it because I wouldn’t mind sending it to you. If so, let me know.
Well I work in Starbucks in the UK so I already have the book! We have the books here but no card. I’m not wanting to use it, just want to collect them! If there’s no money on it Amy then would be amazing!
I tried the Iced Caramel VIA yesterday. I found it to be very sweet, but then I don’t often have anything with sugar in it. Today was an iced coffee vs iced kenya tasting.
Honestly? I just like my coffee to be hot. I am definitely not the target market for these products. 🙂
Funny, I am a big fan of Via yet I have somehow skipped ever trying the iced version. Thanks, Melody. The Caramel sounds good for an afternoon treat.
Speaking of Via, did you know you can buy the Italian Roast, Columbian and Decaf version in 50 count boxes on the Starbucks website?
We got the order of these in today! My partners and I loved it. Delicious!
@CamSpi – Awesome! I still have tried it with a sparkling water yet. I really wish I could order it at Starbucks shaken. Shaken makes everything taste better! LOL. Baristas can make this better than I can!
A manager from another store suggested using half the water it suggests. I was not impressed with it. It tastes more syrupy and artificial than buttery, rich, and slightly sweet. I will experience further as I am required to suggest it to customers and I can’t do it knowing it tastes awful to me!
Will keep my eyes open for this, looking forward to trying it!
(@denise r – glad you like them!)
This morning, thanks to your post, I asked my store about caramel iced via
they looked at me funny and said it was not out yet, but would gladly give me a sample since i am an addict and they’re pretty sure i’d buy it
i mixed some up in a waterbottle with cool water (no ice at work, just a water fountain).
I agree it was a very light coffee, with a sweet fake caramel syrup flavor. It’s nice for a quick pick me up, and better than normal iced via, but not amazing
maybe i need cooler water or soy….
Acosta now stocks the CPG outlets taking the place of Kraft…I guess they are doing a bang up job (but from the stories I have read about Starbucks Distribution system, I am not surprised)
In fact, I would be surprised if K-Cups don’t appear in Supermarkets first also…
Amazon – Yes, it tastes so much better when it’s colder! I’d say you definitely needed ice.
Melody – I mixed the Iced Caramel VIA with a Pellegrino…it wasn’t good at all. Of course, someone suggested that the Pellegrino wasn’t the best carbonated water to use, so it may be good with something better.
and the sugar content is…….? thanx.
Hi Denise! I’m sorry I am late getting back to you! Sorry sorry sorry!
The packaging says 50 calories per serving. No fat, and 1% sodium. It is 4% carbohydrates. There 13 grams of carbohydrates. It says sugars 12 grams. There is no protein. Does this help?
yes, thank you! (did not mean to sound so snotty but I think I did 🙁 sorry. was just curious. So, I assume they mean 2 servings per/pckg (same as the other ‘for-iced’ one)
same calories as the plain one (50 X 2)….or 100 for whole package. and the caramel apparently has just a tad more sugar…. 24g vs 22g in the plain. (and a tad of sodium in the caramel one vs zero in the plain)
I really don’t care seriously about this stuff much but was wondering about the sugar.
Thanx. also saw in another thread here that the summer coffee isn cleared up, NOT Gazebo. too bad.
Saw the Breakfast Blend Via for the first time tonight. I bought a 3 pack and asked one of the Baristas if they would make one up for me to try… The supervisor said that it’d be ok to do that and she’d yet to try it herself. I offered to let them make up all three so we could all taste it but she insisted on using her partner discount to buy her own 12 pack and make one for me instead! That way I’d still have my three left.
The coffee was duly made – it’s a mild blend and I’ve gotta say it’s very reminiscent of… gravy browning, or Bisto to be precise! (Do you have Bisto in the US?) It smelt like it and tasted like it! The other two people with me agreed, though one seems to like that in a coffee(!)
I asked the Supervisor her opinion and she said that it was ok, though not really her thing as she preferred a stronger flavoured coffee being a regular filter (drip) drinker and she laughed when I told her my description.
Needless to say, I passed my three pack onto the person who could tolerate the (non) taste. I’ll be interested to find out what others think of this blend.
BTW, the alternate filter (i.e. not Pike Place) on offer at the moment is TANZANIA. It’s a medium coffee from Africa with citrus and blackcurrant flavours. For a medium coffee it packs one heck of a punch – try it if you get a chance. (It’s available as wholebean in the UK).
Klair
we just got the caramel VIA in today took a couple of the samples home with me so that i could try them out this weekend! i will let you know what i think when i get back into town!
I was kind of hoping to get the chance to try it at work tonight, but no such luck!
However, though off topic for sure, I did get a chance to try a bistro box! We got in samples of the Chicken Chipotle and the Sesame Noodle. Two of us shared the Sesame Noodle one – I liked it, but she doesn’t like peppers, so she didn’t care for it too much. It came with sesame peanuts, but I didn’t get any of those because she REALLY liked them. It also came with tofu (okay, but I’m not the biggest tofu lover, so not the best judge), a cucumber salad thing, and a piece of dark chocolate. It was bigger than I had expected.
We don’t have Bistro or Tanzania in the US ….love hearing about the international offerings, but wistful at the same time too!
Nevermind…
1 – I misspelled bisto as bistro! Sorry about that *blushes*
2- I am getting the impression Bisto isn’t a coffee either…*blushes more*
No, it’s bistro, you were right! It’s one of the new things coming to the US next week. They’re food items – we were talking about the in the decaf iced coffee thread, awhile back. There’s going to be a bunch of them, and we got sent some samples this week to try. I’m hoping tomorrow that there’s different ones.
I am extra jealous of the Tanzania and the Bali – would LOVE to try both.
I had the opportunity to try the new VIA on Wednesday. We made a sample using 2% milk, instead of water. I’m just a plain latte or iced coffee kind of girl. If I had a craving for something sweet and caffeinated while away from Starbucks – this would satisfy my sweet tooth. I didn’t think it was over the top sweet and I liked that it didn’t taste chemical-ish.
I look forward to seeing our customers sample this!
@Klair – I think it’s cool that you got to try the Breakfast Blend Via, though it sounds a bit thin. It would be totally interesting to compare a press of Breakfast Blend next to the Via version.