For newbies, it can be hard to tell what size you’re ordering at Starbucks and how much you’re actually getting with options like tall, grande, venti and trenta. In fact, there’s more to the drink sizes than meets the eye. There’s even a “short” and a “trenta cold” to add to the confusion.
So, if you’re wondering how many ounces is a Starbucks venti and whether or not the drink you’re ordering has a bigger size than a venti, this post has the answers you’re looking for.
Is a Starbucks venti 24 ounces?
Starbucks venti comes in two variations: a venti hot is 20 ounces, which is equal to a little more than three (six-ounce) cups of coffee, and venti cold, which is 24 ounces.
How many ml is a Starbucks venti?
A venti hot is 591 ml while a venti cold is 709 ml.
What’s the biggest cup size at Starbucks?
The largest cup size at Starbucks is the 31-ounce and it’s called trenta, available only for iced coffee or tea drinks. “Trenta” means 30 in Italian. Interestingly, a trenta cold brew contains 360 milligrams of caffeine which is equivalent to five shots of espresso.
What are the Starbucks sizes available?
On the Starbucks menu, you’ll only find 4 sizes – tall, grande, venti and trenta but there’s more than 4 in actual. Take a look:
Demi
The smallest size at Starbucks is the 3-ounce demi, used exclusively for espresso shots — either a single or double. The term “demi” is derived from the French word “demitasse,” which means half-cup, referencing its petite size.
Short
Contrary to popular belief, “Short” is the smallest hot drink size at 8 ounces, not “Tall.” This size is available for standard brewed coffee and espresso drinks, which contain one shot of espresso for a latte, cappuccino, or Americano.
Tall
A “Tall” drink measures 12 ounces and is available for both hot and cold beverages. For milk-based drinks, it contains one shot of espresso, while Americanos and shaken espressos include two shots.
Grande
“Grande,” meaning “large” in Italian, is a 16-ounce drink size. Both hot and cold beverages are available in this size. A grande drink typically includes two shots of espresso, except for Americanos or shaken espressos, which have three shots.
Venti
The “Venti” size means 20 ounces for hot drinks and 24 ounces for cold ones. Hot venti drinks contain the same amount of espresso as grande drinks, which is two shots, but the extra volume is filled with milk and syrup. Cold venti drinks have an additional shot of espresso – three shots for milky drinks and four for shaken espressos.
Trenta
The “Trenta” size is the largest at 31 ounces and this is offered only for cold drinks. Apparently, its size is larger than most human stomachs.
Where do Starbucks cup sizes come from?
The unique naming convention for Starbucks cup sizes stems from the company’s roots. In 1983, former Starbucks chairman and CEO Howard Schultz visited Italy and was inspired by the Italian coffee bar culture. He brought this concept to the U.S. with his caramel coffee shop, Il Giornale, which later evolved into Starbucks.
At the beginning, Starbucks menu had three sizes: short (small), tall (medium), and grande (large). With the introduction of the venti size, the tall became the new short, and the short size was removed from the regular menu (though it can still be ordered). The distinctive names for Starbucks cup sizes are part of the company’s effort to convey an exotic and unique coffee experience and honor the Italian heritage of the coffee bar tradition.
Should I order the next size up at Starbucks?
When visiting Starbucks for your morning coffee, consider ordering the next size up. Why? Because if your drink includes cream or milk, ordering a larger size allows for a better balance of coffee and add-ons. Baristas often leave extra room in your cup for milk or cream, which means you get less coffee so by ordering a venti instead of a grande, you get a grande-sized amount of coffee with additional space for milk or cream.
Which Starbucks cup size gives you the best value?
If you want the best value at Starbucks, go for the Venti and Grande sizes. The Venti size is the largest available for most drinks and offers the lowest price per ounce. Meanwhile the Grande size provides a good balance between cost and portion control. It’s a popular choice for those who want a satisfying drink without the larger volume of a Venti.
While the Tall size might seem more budget-friendly, it often has a higher price per ounce compared to the Venti and Grande. However, if you’re mindful of your calorie or caffeine intake, the Tall size might still be the best option for you.