Starbucks Cup Sizes Overview
You’ve seen the routine. You enter your local Starbucks, and before you’ve even spoken, “a little coffee, please, “a small coffee, please,” you’re bombarded with an assortment of odd Starbucks cups along with names and descriptions that sound similar to an Italian coffeehouse than an American cafe.
You smile and say, “small coffee,” What you receive in return is a tall cup. Why is that?
You don’t seem to know the difference between your Venti and Grande or Tall.
But don’t fret because you’re not the only one. Many people don’t know what the various Starbucks cups are called, what they refer to, or why they’re named that way.
In this article, we will look at the various Starbucks cup sizes and address many of the most frequently asked questions regarding these sizes. We’ll also take an in-depth look at why Starbucks utilizes Italian terms for the cup sizes and determine which is the most well-liked at Starbucks. We’ll also consider whether their names for cup sizes are just a bit pretentious or result from a stroke of genius in marketing.
Relax and unwind with a hot cup of tea (or tea) since we’re about to begin!
What Are the Starbucks Cup Sizes?
The official Starbucks cup sizes are:
Tall (12 oz or 355 mL) – Hot and Cold Drinks
Grande (16 oz or 473 mL) – Hot and Cold Drinks
Venti (20 oz or 591 mL) – Hot Drinks Only
Venti Cold (24 oz or 710 mL) – Cold Drinks Only
The Short (8 oz or 236 mL) – Hot Beverages Only
1. Tall Starbucks Cup Sizes
The Tall cup size is the small cup size at Starbucks. It holds 12 oz or 355 mL of coffee.
1. Tall Starbucks Cup Sizes
The Tall cup size is the small cup size at Starbucks. It holds 12 oz or 355 mL of coffee.
It’s not a simple task to consider”the Tall cup size as small size, however. In most regions (outside North America), a standard cup is 8 oz or 236 milliliters. What do we mean by that?
“Tall” is the name that Starbucks uses. “Tall” for Starbucks’ tiny cup size is an issue. It’s not the tallest of cups and certainly not the largest cup size available (there are some secret drink sizes – read more below).
2. Grande Starbucks Cup Sizes
It is the Grande Cup size can be described as medium in Starbucks. It can hold 16 oz, or 457 mL of coffee, or about the same as two regular cups.
In a way, Grande in Italian (and Spanish) refers to ‘large’; however, it’s the medium-sized drink available at Starbucks. In addition, it’s called “Gran-day.” You can think of “Grande” from Ariana Grande!
Despite the confusion of the name, it is still the most requested size of drink at Starbucks.
3. Venti Starbucks Cup Sizes
Venti cup size is the most giant Starbucks coffee cup. Venti Cup size refers to the largest cup size available at Starbucks.
However, it’s not as easy as it sounds. Two Venti cups in the sizes listed. One size for hot drinks, with 20 oz or 591mL of coffee, and another for cold drinks that weigh 24 oz, or 710 mL of coffee. This is equivalent to three standard cup sizes large indeed!
The Venti name is derived from the Italian word for “twenty.” It’s pronounced ‘ven’tee.’ It references the 20-ounce cup size (although it’s true that the Italians will be looking at their feet as they don’t have an imperial scale).
Why Are There Two Venti Sizes?
We’re happy that you asked us this question!
This is so that you can accommodate all ice cubes into your Venti size. If you’re ordering a cold coffee, you’ll not lose all the caffeine goodness.
We’re a little perplexed about how this applies only to the Venti size and not to the Grande and Tall measures. Perhaps they are trying the “encourage you” to order larger sizes?
4. Short Starbucks Cup Sizes
Short seems like a cute title for the cup with the smallest size at Starbucks. It’s also the only name for a cup that’s logical.
This cup is extra small, 8 oz, or 236 milliliters, comparable to the standard-size cup. Consider your regular coffee mug that holds about 8-12 OZ of coffee.
This means it’s not so tiny (and not very cute). In the case of proper drinkware, a cappuccino weighs around 5 ounces. Don’t begin to discuss espresso.
Okay, too late. The size of the espresso cup is crucial. The espresso shot is approximately 1 oz. Espresso must be served using a demitasse ceramic espresso cup. The espresso you pour into the size of a small cup will ensure it’s cool before drinking it. It can ruin your crema.
This cup is the size of a child (for cold drinks) and is ideal for your puppy when they require puppuccinos.
Wait, There Are Secret Starbucks Cup Sizes?
We’ve mentioned this earlier. There are two hidden Starbucks cups that aren’t listed on the menus of Starbucks. They are secret because Starbucks doesn’t explicitly advertise them, but most Starbucks stores offer them.
Then, enter.
The Trenta (31 1 oz, or 918 milliliters) Ice Drinks Only.
Yes, it’s true, 31 ounces, and not an error: nearly a kilo, or more than 2 lbs of coffee, in your mouth.
5. Trenta Starbucks Cup Sizes
This Trenta cup dimension is the enormous cup size available at Starbucks. It can hold 31 oz or 918 milliliters of coffee, that’s equivalent to the size of four regular cups. That’s right, Trenta cup. Trenta cups can hold around the same volume of liquid as four STANDARD cups!
It is possible that ‘Trenta’ is a reference to thirty in Italian, pronounced ‘aren’t.’
This size of cup is only suitable for drinking cold drinks. This means that you won’t have the ability to get a large quantity of freshly made coffee. The hot beverage you order will have at least a Venti. This is a great thing!
The quantity is limited to iced drinks like iced coffee, cold coffee, iced tea, and ice-mixed drinks (Frappuccinos). You can also get an iced tea lemonade or refreshers in size Trenta.
I did some math because Starbucks does not provide nutrition data on its giant, but here are some fun facts for you to know:
A Toasted White Chocolate Mocha Frappuccino Blended Drink Trenta size will include 103g of sugars. I’d probably get a flight after having this.
How Many Shots of Espresso is in Each Starbucks Cup Size?
It’s a valid question since, as you’ll see, the larger cup size doesn’t mean you will get a greater espresso shot.
We’ve created this handy table to explain the number of espresso shots every cup size contains!
| Cup Size | Most Espresso Drinks | Americanos | Flat Whites | Iced Shaken Espressos |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Short | 1 | N/A | 2 | N/A |
| Tall | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Grande | 2 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Venti | 2 | 4 | 3 | 4 |
| Trenta | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Why Are Starbucks Cup Sizes in Italian?
According to the Starbucks site, Howard Schultz, former Starbucks CEO, visited Milan in 1983. At that time, he had the opportunity to experience Italian coffeehouses. There was something in the way that intense Italians loved coffee. It that was more than just a boost in caffeine. It was a full-fledged drinking culture!
After his visit, Schultz became inspired and determined to bring Italy’s know-how and culture to the US. He would like his cafes to offer the same atmosphere as Italian coffee shops. He, therefore, introduced Italian terms for Starbucks’ sizes of drinks.
The rest, according to the saying, is the history of humankind.
The first sizes of cups included Short, Tall, and Grande. Due to demand, an additional measure was introduced, Venti. Venti. Also, the Short size was eliminated (at least, officially).
Many people may think that the names of the cups of Starbucks are a bit pretentious. It’s a clever choice because people can associate Starbucks cafes with Italy (even though the Italian barista might not be a fan of the concept of a Grande Latte). These Italian names help distinguish Starbucks’ brand from other brands.
No, Crush the Sea Turtle Didn’t order a Trenta Sized Drink
Okay, so putting the wit and humor aside, there’s something important to discuss.
According to Star bucks, Starbucks distributes 6 billion cups of paper and plastic worldwide annually. Most of these cannot be recycled and are not recyclable, which is why they end up in our oceans, killing marine animals, from whales that are giants to sea turtles to birds and sea turtles.
Fortunately, Starbucks is taking initiatives to reduce carbon emissions and air pollution. One example is the shift from single-use plastic bags to reused packaging.
As a consumer, you have the power to help! Consider purchasing a reusable tumbler. There are many exciting designs. If you’re an avid Starbucks lover, Starbucks makes its own too.
There are some advantages when using a reusable tumbler:
- They keep your drink hot or cool for several hours.
- Their designs are much cooler than the standard single-use cup designs.
- Starbucks gives a small discount to customers who bring their own reusable cups!
- They make you look cool because you care about the future generations and for a greener future.