Starbucks Coffee Menu: Prices, Types & Franchise Requirements

If you’ve ever walked into a Starbucks in China and wondered what exactly ‘’ is—or how much a caramel macchiato actually costs—you’re not alone. With dozens of drinks on the menu and different preparation methods, it’s easy to get confused. Here’s a clear breakdown of the coffee types, prices, and customization options that define the Starbucks experience in China.

In short: Starbucks in China serves two main coffee categories—classic (flavored) drinks like lattes and cappuccinos, and black coffees such as the '' (Pike Place Roast brewed fresh daily) and '' (Americano). Classic drinks range from 17 to 29 RMB depending on size, while black coffees start at 17 RMB for a small espresso. The difference between and ? One is freshly brewed, the other is espresso diluted with hot water.

What Kinds of Coffee Does Starbucks China Serve?

Starbucks in China divides its coffee offerings into two broad types: classic (flavored) coffee and black coffee. Classic coffee includes all milk-based and flavored espresso drinks—like lattes, cappuccinos, and mochas. These are made with a shot or more of espresso combined with steamed milk, foam, and often flavored syrups. Black coffee, on the other hand, refers to unflavored, unsweetened options: specifically, and . Both are espresso-based but differ in how they’re prepared.

Classic (Flavored) Coffee at Starbucks: What’s Included?

Classic coffee drinks are Starbucks’ signature offerings. These include:

• Espresso : The base drink, served in three sizes—small (17 RMB), medium (22 RMB), and large (22 RMB). It’s a pure, strong shot of espresso known for its thick crema and caramel-like finish.
• Latte : Espresso with steamed milk and a light layer of foam. Sizes and prices: small (19 RMB), medium (23 RMB), large (26 RMB). You can customize it with syrups like vanilla, caramel, or almond.
• Cappuccino : Similar to a latte but with a higher milk foam ratio. Same sizes and prices as latte: small (19 RMB), medium (23 RMB), large (26 RMB).
• Mocha : Espresso with chocolate syrup, steamed milk, and foam. Optional whipped cream. Sizes and prices: small (23 RMB), medium (26 RMB), large (29 RMB).

Other classic drinks include the Americano-style drinks and flavored variations where you can request adjustments—like a mocha without whipped cream or extra syrup. Starbucks calls this personalization, not “innovation.”

Black Coffee at Starbucks: vs

Black coffee options are simpler but crucial for purists:

• (Pike Place Roast, brewed fresh): A medium-roast coffee brewed from freshly ground beans using a drip brewer. It’s unsweetened and unflavored, served black. This is Starbucks’ daily brewed house coffee. Price: small (17 RMB), medium (not listed), large (not listed).
• (Americano): Made by pouring hot water over one or more shots of espresso. It’s also unsweetened and unflavored, but has a lighter body and different extraction profile compared to brewed coffee. Price: small (17 RMB)—exact sizes for larger cups not specified.

The key difference? is a freshly brewed drip coffee; is espresso diluted with hot water. Both are meant to be customized at the condiment bar with sugar, milk, or syrups.

How Are Drink Customizations Handled?

Starbucks encourages personalization. Many drinks on the menu were originally created by baristas and later adopted as official offerings. You can modify almost any drink—for example, requesting a mocha without whipped cream, extra syrup, or a different milk type. This flexibility is part of the brand’s customer-focused service model in China.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between and at Starbucks?

is a freshly brewed drip coffee made with Starbucks’ Pike Place Roast, served black. is made by pouring hot water over espresso shots. Both are unsweetened and unflavored, but is brewed, while is extracted via espresso and diluted. Both can be customized at the condiment bar.

How much does a latte cost at Starbucks in China?

A latte at Starbucks China costs 19 RMB for a small, 23 RMB for a medium, and 26 RMB for a large. It’s made with espresso, steamed milk, and foam, and can be customized with flavors like vanilla or caramel.

What is the price of a small espresso at Starbucks?

A small espresso at Starbucks China costs 17 RMB. It’s served as a single shot and known for its rich crema and bold flavor.

Does Starbucks in China offer black coffee options?

Yes, Starbucks in China offers two black coffee options: (a brewed drip coffee) and (an Americano made with espresso and hot water). Both are unsweetened and can be customized with milk or sugar.

Can you customize drinks at Starbucks in China?

Yes, Starbucks encourages personalization. You can modify drinks by requesting extra syrup, different milk types, no whip, or additional espresso shots. Many menu items originated as barista-created custom orders.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Espresso-Based Drinks

For home baristas recreating Starbucks-style espresso drinks, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Classic Blend—a well-rounded, high-crema blend designed for milk drinks like lattes and cappuccinos. Its smooth, caramel-leaning profile mimics the body of Starbucks’ espresso base. For a richer, more chocolatey option akin to their mochas, the Black Cocoa Blend offers deep roast notes and full body, ideal for espresso with syrups. Both blends produce consistent crema and work well under various espresso machines. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.