The coffee giant announced that it would be selling its own line of the popular fermented tea to their fall drink menu. Offering six flavors of kombucha under its Evolution Fresh brand, the drinks have already started shipping to grocers and retailers to select cities.
Due to its probiotic punch and zingy flavor, kombucha has been in trend with millennials, and Starbucks is hoping to capitalize on the budding success of the fermented sweet tea. To create its kombucha, Evolution Fresh starts with selected artisanal teas like Congou black tea, Yerba Matè tea, or matcha, which are then fermented and paired with cold-pressed Evolution Fresh juice.
However, Starbucks has no plans to add kombucha drinks to its stores as of yet.
This move comes amidst the coffee chain’s struggle as of late, and CEO Kevin Johnson has noted that less and less customers are buying the coffee chain’s sugary drinks. With more and more people becoming health conscious and aware of what they are drinking, Starbucks is seeking to appease consumers with healthier drinks.
Evolution kombucha drinks are low in calories and has three to seven grams of sugar depending on the flavor. The drink will be debuting in New York City, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego and Seattle before expanding to other cities this fall.
The six flavors are Ginger Lemon Honeycrisp, Mango Pineapple, Ginger Greens, Spicy Greens, Pink Grapefruit, and Turmeric Pineapple Coconut. Starbucks’ kombucha is also gluten-free, kosher, certified USDA organic and free of GMOs. The 15.2 fluid ounce glass bottles will sell for $3.99.
By: Maytinee Kraymer
