Starbucks American Menu

Rated at 3 out of 5 green leaves, the Starbucks American Menu Hot Teavana® London Fog Tea Latte falls into the middle ground of our cleaner food options scale. This beverage combines milk with a blend of water, black tea, bergamot essence, and lavender flowers, sweetened with vanilla syrup comprised of sugar, water, natural flavors, potassium sorbate, and citric acid.

The absence of organic certification results in a lower rating for this product. The use of non-organic milk and tea leaves raises concerns about potential exposure to pesticides and synthetic fertilizers in the growing process. Additionally, the lack of non-GMO verification brings into question the genetic integrity of the ingredients, particularly given the prevalence of GMOs in the food supply.

Sugar, a significant ingredient in the vanilla syrup, contributes to the overall caloric content and detracts from the healthfulness of the beverage. Citric acid, while generally recognized as safe, is commonly used as a preservative and may be a concern for those seeking a more natural profile.

The inclusion of natural flavors and potassium sorbate is notable. ‘Natural flavors’ is a broad term that encompasses a range of substances, not all of which align with a cleaner eating philosophy. Potassium sorbate serves as a preservative, extending the product’s shelf life but straying from a purely natural ingredient list.

This product occupies a space that is neither commendable nor problematic in its entirety. It offers a blend of tea and spices that appeals to those looking for a warm, comforting beverage, yet its reliance on non-organic ingredients, added sugars, and certain additives prevents it from achieving a higher standing within our rating system. Consumers seeking a more natural and environmentally conscious choice may find this product falls short of their standards, while those less stringent about organic or GMO-free ingredients may be content with its middle-of-the-road status.