Be on the look out for new Teavana iced teas at your neighborhood Starbucks. The three standard Tazo teas – Green, Black, and Passion – are being replaced by Teavana teas. It’s possible that your local store is not brewing the new Teavana teas yet, but eventually they will be. I believe that Starbucks has told stores to brew through their supply of the Tazo iced teas before switching to the Teavana iced teas.
You may see signs popping up at your neighborhood store that says, “Ask about NEW Teavana Iced Teas.” That’s a sign your store has the new iced teas available!
The previous green tea was Tazo Zen and is now Teavana Jade Citrus Mint. The previous herbal tea was Tazo Passion Tea and is now Teavana Passion Tango Tea. And the Tazo iced Black Tea is now a Teavana Black tea blend of three premium black teas.
I had thought that the iced tea change would be a big dramatic change in the flavor of the teas, but that isn’t really the case. I’ve tried the new Passion Tango and it’s just a little more tart than the previous Passion Tea but still absolutely delicious and flavorful. The new Green Tea has a little more minty flavor, in my opinion. I very rarely ordered the previous black tea, and I struggle to even figure out what the difference in flavor between the old and new black tea is. Perhaps someone who is more of an expert on the iced black tea at Starbucks can weigh in. I genuinely like all three of the new teas! I definitely think the new Green Tea is a big improvement over the last. I like how flavorful it is. Of course, what you like in tea is highly subjective. Do you like the new teas?
I ordered an iced Green Tea today, so here’s what it looks like:
Hope you enjoyed this Teavana Iced Tea teaser! 😉
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Was there a price increase too?
@CD – I hadn’t noticed a price increase, but maybe that’s coming after the transition when all stores have Teavana?
I know the Teavana hot teas have a price increase. Many customers weren’t happy with us when we switched. I’ll let you know tomorrow when I go into work if the cold price switched.
I have mixed feelings about this change. Tazo Passion is my favorite tea. Will this still be sold at Starbucks to purchase even though they are not brewing it? I always have a hard time finding it in my grocery store. Also, I mainly order Iced Passion Tea Lemonade when I visit Starbucks. Not sure how Passion Tango Lemonade will taste, but it “sounds” sour.
@Sarah – Thanks for your help. One reason (of many, many reasons) why it benefits Starbucks to switch to paying with the Starbucks card (or card app) is that if you’re just swiping a card with a balance, a small price increase might be harder to notice. The person who would be the first to notice a price increase is that customer paying in cash who knows the amount to count out, to the very penny. There’s a longer version of this, but generally speaking price increases usually cause less of stir with card users as opposed to those paying in other payment forms.
Thanks for the tea preview, Melody. I frequently get the Passion Iced Tea in the summer. And you’re right; I always pay with my card and never notice price increases. When I have a reward to redeem and I’m getting two items, I always have to look to see which costs more.
I haven’t noticed any specific signs about iced teas yet but my local Starbucks store has a sign on the counter explaining the Teavana tea flavors. I ordered the Youthberry and my daughter ordered a different one. I was really pleased that the barista was knowledgeable and told us how long to let the two different teas steep in our cups. I rarely get tea at Starbucks but do love Youthberry so am glad it’s there now.
Looking forward to trying the iced teas, along with looking forward to warmer weather. Definitely hot chocolate weather today!
This is very unfortunate and further indicates the disconnect between the company and its core users. Whereas Tazo has always produced high-quality natural products often using organic and Fair Trade, Teavana’s items are primarily artificially flavored. Ever wonder why you’re likely to get a headache when walking by one of their awful mall stores? That’s why. And they charge a premium price for treating consumers like a science project! Here’s another way SBUX will turn away not just coffee lovers (who often can’t find drinkable coffee in these stores) but now tea drinkers as well.
@Carl Black –
I am not sure how Teavanna sources their tea. Although, I can say that some of the teas are actually (plain) natural. Those plain ones are the ones that interest me–but I’m not sure if those please the masses and pays the rent. *oh well sigh* I’m happy that Starbucks is far, far past what they used to offer as tea and I can hope they do a better job of promoting tea and not treating it like cigarettes behind the counter in tiny boxes. Real tea properties make it appeal to many senses and gives a reason to show off the sights and smells. I love going to Tevanna–you get to see the tea in the huge canisters. Coffee on the other hand–everyone knows what that looks like and it varies slightly in appearance.
I do get that feeling too, @Carl Black, when I visit any retail establishment. Maybe i’m maturing in age or I just have weird tastes. I feel like Dennis Leary some days. I want coffee flavored coffee, please and thank you! I can appreciate the different flavors of drinks and combinations one can make, but I”m just a plain type of guy who enjoys a good cup of coffee or tea. I guess i’m not in their target demographic :o)
Indeed, Bob, the plain teas (black, white, green, etc) are indeed just that. It’s the blends that they promote and appear to sell quite a bit of that are artificially flavored. Put your nose in one of those giant tons and…ugh.
I wonder if the refill policy will stay the same with the new teavan teas.
I will have to do a taste test of the Teavana vs. Tazo iced teas. Free Refills should not be impacted by this…I hope
Prices went up on the teas. They went up March 5th along with chai lattes and caramel flan lattes. There was a bulletin in my store that was posted in February about the price increase.
I actually think the new passion tea tastes significantly better. Tastes very similar to the Teavana Passion Berry. My store hasn’t gotten to the green or black yet.
Thumbs up to both the Jade Citrus Mint and Passion Tango iced teas! I tried them today and like them both better than the Tazo versions. The mint in the green tea and the slightly tangier flavor in the passion tea are welcomed changes.
@Kristina – I like the green tea a lot more than before too. I’m with you. Two thumbs up for your comment.
If Starbucks is going to stop carrying Tazo, does this mean I should start hoarding Tazo Green Iced Tea for home use? This might mean a sad breakup with Starbucks since that is the only thing I buy there. Well, except for the salted almonds.
I tried the new passion tea and I did not like it – less flavor!
I notice a big difference. I loved the old Zen so I am biased. The new green tea is good but not the same 🙁
Iced Green Tea no sweetener is my drink. I am so used to the taste of Tazo, Zen it is what happy tastes like to me. I noticed the change right away. It has taken on a more traditional green tea flavor, but I want my old tea back. Sad face.
Unless I’m losing my mind, which is entirely possible… I finally noticed a small sign (as pictured above) this weekend at one store, although they’ve been available for a month. I’m surprised not to see more signage; maybe that’s coming with a full roll-out including hot teas? (Not all stores I visited offer the hot Teavana selections yet.)
I thought all three iced teas were comparable. I was hoping the black tea would have a detectable difference, but agree it tasted the same to me, blend or no blend.
– I am lucky that the supermarkets and Target I frequent have a pretty good selection of Tazo hot/iced teas (including new organic bramblewine, chun mee green, and iced citrus bliss). The online store has some too (U.S.).
So sad to hear about the tea change. I’m a every day puchaser at Starbucks. Had the first hand experience over the weekend in Florida. First Starbucks – black ice tea – was so light in color that I went to another Starbucks – same thing. Tastes like water. Was told that Starbucks bought Teavana – big mistake Starbucks. Finally went to a Target and they were still brewing the old Tazo; success!!! I’m stocking up on the Tazo black ice tea bags and will start soucing for a new place to buy my ice tea. Its depressing – went from Dunkin to Starbucks because I could count on Starbucks consistency in taste. Now I have to find the next new stop for the best black ice tea because it is unfortunately not the new Teavana. Ugggh.
The price of a grande ice tea jumped from $2.15 to $2.40 in one day. Not the 1% mentioned
I am an avid iced tea drinker, and a loyal Starbuck’s iced tea fan. There is a very definite difference between the Tazo black iced tea and the Teavana black iced tea. The Teavana tea has a spicier taste almost peppery. I am disappointed in the change. It is not as freshing. I’m still struggling to drink the Teavana iced tea I just bought at 3:00 p.m. today.
.17 cent jump today for venti iced green tea for Starbucks in the Dallas, TX area.
The black tea change is not a good one. Tazo has a little extra citrus at the end and the new Teavana is just black tea. Very disappointed.
The new teavana green tea is such a dissapointment. Not only has the price increased for a cold tea, but it tastes like water. I miss tazo and Won’t be going to Starbucks as much for teavana when I can buy tazo at Walmart for the price of 1 awful teavana tea. Starbucks I’m disappointed in you.
Say it ain’t so! I LIVE on their Tazo iced green tea. I am terribly disappointed in the change.
I am a black coffee and tea drinker. When I order coffee I want it black, and when I order Iced tea, I want a glass of tea. No lemon wedge no sweetener, just a plain black iced tea. I could not drink the Tazo black iced tea, but am LOVING the new Teavana Tea!
I love the new Sweet Tea. I really want to buy it and brew it myself at home because I am spending way too much money buying it at Starbucks. Will they be selling it to brew at home anytime soon?
I have been a Starbucks iced tea drinker for years and they continue to disappoint me. Years ago you could get more varieties and the quality was better. They would steep it when you ordered it and then pour it over ice. The irish breakfast was crazy good and really strong – loved it. Over the years, they reduced the choices and gone with lesser quality tea, not to mention how much they water it down – disgraceful really.
I do think there is a difference between the Tazo and Teavana, but you probably don’t notice much of a difference because of how watered down it is.
I love the new teavana black tea… It’s lighter and more refreshing. The last Tazo blend was a tad bit sharp!
Okay so I just tried the new teavanna Green Tea and I hate it! Tastes horrible! Why did they have to change it? Looks like I won’t be going to Starbucks anymore. So mad!
Glad to find this discussion. Do you know if any of the new teas are organic? Thanks!
Carl I agree with you, it’s a sad day and I for one will seldom darken the Starbucks door now. I lived for the Tazo Zen green tea. It was subtle with just a small tint of mint. I use it all the time at home and certainly hope it stays on the market for my Keurig and regular tea bags. I get so sick of big companies buying out the small wonderful ones. Starbucks is right on the “bucks” part, you’ve made a big mistake this time.
I am a gold member and only drink green ice tea. I do not like the new green ice tea. Disappointed….
New black tea is horrible compared to the old iced tea. With the new price increase it just means I never have to go there again. What were they thinking. $4.75. Are you kidding me.
I have been drinking unsweetened green tea lemonades for years, a lot of the time 2 a day. I’m am so hugely disappointed in the new tea. It is terrible! No flavor and there is no mintiness to it the tazo has. Why did they have to change? They lost one gold member here.
Don’t like the Teavana shaken tea/lemonade drinks at all. There’s zero flavor. Used to love the Tazo black tea lemonade with no sweetener (or maybe just a single pump of classic). Tried the new Teavana flavors when they debuted and have noticed that the drinks are MUCH weaker (not enough tea color or taste!). I’ve had lots of Teavana teas, and they’re fine. I think the problem is that they need to brew them stronger to hold up to the water, ice, and lemonade base.
I am so disappointed in the black iced tea. I used to stop almost every
day after the gym. No more. I buy Tazo and make my own but when I
do get a Starbucks I order no water added so it’s costing them more
to make my iced tea. I hope everyone who reads this will consider
doing the same. Don’t settle for tasteless iced tea!!! And consider
keeping a pitcher of Tazo in your frig. Buy the tea bags at your
local grocery. Give them your business. It’s time for Starbucks
to listen to their clientele. A novel concept!!!
Last time I was in Starbucks Honolulu the Black Ice Tea Tazo was $1.65, I ‘ve been out of the country for 8 months come back, the Tazo is gone replaced with a Shaken Black ice tea that is not black, has no flavor and is $2.45 for the tall. What happened SB?
Sadly disappointed.
Doc
Yep I agree the new black tea tastes like total crap. I guess this concludes my career going to starbucks . Hope they go back to
The old one
Just found out that the Kahala SB there is an 70 cents price more difference between the price paid for a Tall Ice Tea at the Pearl City or most of the islands SB’s. What is the Kahala branch an airport? No, just a more pricier neighborhood for houses. Booo on SB, they are gougers.
Doc
Very disappointed with the new Teavana Green Tea. The change combined with the price increase prompted me to go elsewhere, despite having to pay for refills! I have not tried the Black Tea, but my friend, formerly an avid SB Black Tea drinker has discontinued their patronage also.
Agree about the green tea change. Hugely disappointing. Is there a site where we can give Starbucks some … constructive criticism?
I am not a fan, I have been drinking the black iced tea unsweetened for over a year. I just had the new version and it tasted almost sour. I hope the green tea isn’t as bad…
Soooo disappointed with the Teavana black iced tea. Absolutely NO FLAVOR. I was back east and tried Dunkins black iced tea, great full rich taste! Hoping for more locations in California. Until then the Coffee Bean will be my stop for their Pacific Coast or Southern Blend black teas. Lost my business Starbucks unless you bring back the Tazo!!
Omg I just came home with a teavana ice green tea from Starbucks and after taking a few sips I just felt sick, it taste nasty, does not taste like green tea at all! It left a gross aftertaste as well.I had to Google to see if my drink even look like it’s suppose to because it seriously just looks like urine
with a slight foam around the rim (ugh) or maybe the barista made a nasty drink on purpose! I will never order this drink again.
I love the strbx that I go to.! The people are great, the atmosphere is fabulous.
The new Teavana and the La Boulange is total crap.
It first started with the switch to the La Boulange, horrible tasteless garbage with a much higher price than the excellent goods that they replaced.
I have been a tea drinker, iced black tea,and hot brewed Earl Grey. I dank tea since my first visit and everyone after. Now they switched from Tazo to Teavana, and increased the price of the brewed, I haven’t had an iced tea yet. My first Teavana, had no flavor, the fragrance was gone. And now as of Jan. 13 2015 the price has gone up.
Thank you Starbucks for thinking of the customer. Oh,I’m sorry that wasn’t what you were thinking of.$$$$$$