Does Starbucks Sell Teavana Tea Bags? The Full Brew on Tea at Starbucks

Yes, the answer is nuanced. Starbucks does not currently sell Teavana tea bags under the Teavana brand in its stores or online. In 2017, Starbucks made the strategic decision to close all standalone Teavana retail locations. While you can still find Teavana tea served hot or iced at Starbucks locations, the pre-packaged Teavana tea bags you might remember are no longer available for individual purchase under that specific brand name. However, the story doesn’t end there.

The Legacy of Teavana at Starbucks

The tale of Teavana and Starbucks is a rich one, steeped in both success and strategic shifts. Starbucks acquired Teavana in 2012 for a cool $620 million, envisioning a rapid expansion of the brand into a leading force in the premium tea market. Initially, this involved opening dedicated Teavana stores designed to mimic the coffee shop experience, but with tea. These stores offered a vast selection of loose-leaf teas, tea accessories, and, of course, Teavana tea bags. The idea was to elevate the tea-drinking experience and introduce a wider audience to the nuances and complexities of high-quality tea.

However, the Teavana retail experiment ultimately fell short of expectations. Starbucks found that the brick-and-mortar Teavana stores weren’t performing as well as anticipated, leading to the decision to close all 379 locations in 2017. This strategic move was part of a broader restructuring effort to focus on the core Starbucks coffee business and streamline operations.

What Happened to the Teavana Tea Bags?

The closure of the Teavana stores did not signal the complete end of the Teavana brand within the Starbucks ecosystem. Instead, Starbucks decided to integrate Teavana teas into its existing Starbucks stores. This meant that customers could still enjoy Teavana tea beverages, prepared by Starbucks baristas, but the focus shifted away from selling pre-packaged Teavana tea bags for home consumption.

Essentially, the retail aspect of Teavana was absorbed into the larger Starbucks experience. You’ll find many of the same tea blends that were previously sold as Teavana tea bags now served as brewed tea in Starbucks stores. The recipes and tea quality remain largely unchanged, but the packaging and retail channels have shifted.

Starbucks’ Current Tea Offerings

So, what can you find on the tea menu at Starbucks today? While the Teavana-branded tea bags are gone, Starbucks continues to offer a diverse selection of teas, including:

• Hot Teas: Starbucks offers a variety of hot teas brewed from tea bags or loose-leaf tea, featuring black teas, green teas, herbal infusions, and more. These are often the same blends that were formerly sold as Teavana tea bags, just prepared by a barista.
• Iced Teas: Iced teas are a refreshing option, available in various flavors and preparations, including black, green, and passion tango tea.
• Tea Lattes: Tea lattes combine tea with steamed milk and often a sweetener, offering a creamy and comforting beverage. Examples include London Fog Tea Latte and Matcha Tea Latte.
• Other Tea-Based Drinks: Starbucks also offers a range of other tea-based drinks, such as Refreshers and blended beverages, incorporating tea with fruit flavors and other ingredients.

While the specific branding might be different, many of the familiar Teavana tea flavors and blends are still available for enjoyment at Starbucks locations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Teavana and Starbucks

Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the relationship between Teavana and Starbucks:

1. Can I buy Teavana tea bags online?

No, you cannot purchase Teavana tea bags directly from Starbucks online or from the original Teavana website, as it no longer exists as a standalone e-commerce platform.

2. Are the teas served at Starbucks still Teavana teas?

Yes, many of the teas served hot or iced at Starbucks are the same blends that were previously sold under the Teavana brand. The tea formulations remain largely consistent, even though the packaging and retail strategy have changed.

3. Why did Starbucks close the Teavana stores?

Starbucks closed the Teavana stores due to underperformance and a strategic shift to focus on its core coffee business. The standalone Teavana retail model did not prove as successful as initially anticipated.

4. Can I still find Teavana tea accessories?

Finding official Teavana-branded tea accessories can be difficult since the retail stores closed. You might find some items through third-party resellers or online marketplaces, but availability is limited.

5. What is the best way to find out what tea options are available at my local Starbucks?

The best way is to check the Starbucks app or visit your local Starbucks store. The app provides an updated menu with available tea options. You can also ask a barista for details on current offerings.

6. Are the tea latte options at Starbucks made with Teavana teas?

Generally, yes. The tea lattes at Starbucks, such as the London Fog and Matcha Tea Latte, are typically made with the same tea blends that were part of the Teavana product line.

7. Has the quality of the tea at Starbucks changed since the Teavana acquisition?

The quality of the tea has largely remained consistent. Starbucks continues to source high-quality teas, and the brewing standards are maintained to ensure a consistent experience.

8. Will Starbucks ever bring back Teavana tea bags?

While it’s impossible to predict the future with certainty, Starbucks has not indicated any plans to revive the Teavana brand as a standalone retail entity or to reintroduce Teavana tea bags for individual sale.

9. Where can I find similar teas to the old Teavana blends?

You can explore tea options from other reputable tea retailers, both online and in physical stores. Look for blends with similar ingredients and flavor profiles to your favorite Teavana teas. Many specialty tea shops offer comparable options.

10. Is it possible to recreate Starbucks Teavana tea at home?

Yes, you can. Many tea enthusiasts have successfully recreated Starbucks tea drinks at home by purchasing similar tea blends and following Starbucks recipes or adapting them to their preferences.

11. Does Starbucks offer seasonal Teavana tea drinks?

Starbucks occasionally introduces seasonal tea drinks, which may feature unique flavor combinations and ingredients. While not always explicitly branded as “Teavana,” these drinks often utilize the same high-quality tea blends.

12. Are there any discounts or rewards programs for tea purchases at Starbucks?

You can earn stars and redeem rewards on tea purchases through the Starbucks Rewards program. Check the Starbucks app for current promotions and offers.

The Final Steep

While the days of purchasing Teavana tea bags directly from Starbucks or dedicated Teavana stores are over, the legacy of Teavana lives on in the teas served at Starbucks locations. By understanding the history of Teavana and Starbucks’ current tea offerings, you can still enjoy a delicious and high-quality tea experience at your local Starbucks. So, next time you’re craving a cup of tea, remember that the spirit of Teavana is still brewing strong within the Starbucks ecosystem. Just ask your barista about their tea selection; you might be surprised at what treasures you uncover.