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Starbucks Earl Grey Tea Price (2026) + Calories, Nutrition, Ingredients & Best Pairing Tips

$3.35 – 0 Calories

$3.45 – 0 Calories

$3.75 – 0 Calories

$3.95 – 0 Calories

The Starbucks Earl Grey Tea is a classic black tea infused with bergamot oil, delivering a floral, citrusy aroma in every sip. Available in Short through Venti sizes starting at just $3.35, this zero-calorie tea is one of the most affordable and health-friendly drinks at Starbucks — perfect for tea purists who want quality without the calories.

Starbucks Earl Grey Tea

Starbucks Earl Grey Tea Quick Facts (2026)

DetailInfo
Drink TypeHot brewed tea
Tea TypeBlack tea with bergamot oil
Caffeine (Grande)~40 mg
Calories0 (plain, no sweetener)
Default MilkNone (served plain)
SweetenerNone (optional honey/sugar)
SizesShort, Tall, Grande, Venti
Available Iced?No (try Iced Black Tea for cold option)

What Is the Starbucks Earl Grey Tea?

The Starbucks Earl Grey Tea is a classic, aromatic black tea infused with bergamot oil — a citrus fruit related to oranges and lemons. Bergamot gives Earl Grey its signature floral, citrusy aroma that sets it apart from plain black tea. At Starbucks, it is served as a full-leaf sachet steeped in hot water, making it one of the simplest and most calorie-free drinks on the entire menu.

Earl Grey is one of the most popular tea varieties in the world, named after Charles Grey, the 2nd Earl Grey and British Prime Minister in the 1830s. The tea has been a staple of British tea culture for nearly two centuries. At Starbucks, it serves as the base for the popular London Fog Latte (Earl Grey with steamed milk and vanilla). On its own, Earl Grey is a zero-calorie, low-caffeine option perfect for tea purists.

Starbucks Earl Grey Tea Price 2026 (All Sizes)

SizeFluid OuncesTea BagsPrice (2026)
Short8 fl oz1 bag$3.35
Tall12 fl oz1 bag$3.45
Grande16 fl oz2 bags$3.75
Venti20 fl oz2 bags$3.95

Note: Brewed teas are among the most affordable drinks at Starbucks. The $0.60 difference between Tall and Venti means you get 8 extra ounces for very little more. Honey packets are free. Adding steamed lemonade or milk converts it to a different drink category and costs more.

What Affects Earl Grey Tea Prices?

Brewed teas have the smallest price variance at Starbucks. The base price includes hot water and the tea sachet. Honey and sweetener packets are free. Adding steamed milk, lemonade, or syrups increases the cost. Airport and licensed store locations charge $0.50-$1.00 more per size.

Starbucks Earl Grey Tea Calories by Size

SizePlain (No Additions)With 1 Honey PacketWith Splash of 2% Milk
Short0 cal20 cal10 cal
Tall0 cal20 cal10 cal
Grande0 cal20 cal15 cal
Venti0 cal20 cal15 cal

Plain Earl Grey Tea has zero calories in all sizes. It is one of the few Starbucks drinks that is truly calorie-free. Adding honey adds about 20 calories per packet. A splash of milk adds 10-15 calories. Even with additions, Earl Grey remains one of the lowest-calorie options on the menu.

Earl Grey Tea Nutrition Facts (Grande, Plain)

NutrientAmount
Calories0
Total Fat0 g
Sodium0 mg
Total Carbs0 g
Sugars0 g
Protein0 g
Caffeine~40 mg

Earl Grey Tea is nutritionally clean — zero everything except caffeine and natural antioxidants from the black tea leaves. The bergamot oil adds flavor without adding any calories, sugar, or fat.

Earl Grey Tea Caffeine Content

SizeTea BagsEstimated Caffeine
Short1~25 mg
Tall1~25 mg
Grande2~40 mg
Venti2~40 mg

Earl Grey has moderate caffeine from the black tea base — significantly less than coffee drinks. A Grande Earl Grey at ~40 mg has less than a third the caffeine of a Grande Caffè Latte (150 mg). This makes it a good choice for people wanting mild energy without coffee-level stimulation, or for afternoon drinking when you do not want caffeine to affect sleep.

Earl Grey Tea Ingredients

Core Ingredients

  • Black Tea Leaves: Full-leaf sachets for better flavor extraction than paper bag teas
  • Bergamot Oil: Natural citrus oil from bergamot oranges — provides the signature floral-citrus aroma
  • Hot Water: Brewed at optimal temperature for black tea (around 200°F)

Earl Grey Tea Allergen Information

Plain Earl Grey Tea is free of all major allergens: no dairy, soy, nuts, wheat, or gluten. It is vegan, plant-based, and naturally gluten-free. The only allergen risk comes from additions — adding milk introduces dairy, for example. If you have citrus sensitivities, note that bergamot is a citrus fruit, though the oil is present in very small quantities.

Earl Grey Tea Flavor Profile and Taste Review

Earl Grey Tea has a distinctive flavor that is instantly recognizable. The black tea base provides a robust, slightly bitter foundation with malty undertones. Layered on top is the bergamot oil — a bright, floral, citrusy note that gives the tea its perfumed quality. The overall impression is sophisticated, aromatic, and slightly sweet (even without sweetener). The bergamot aroma fills the room as you steep the bag, making it a sensory experience before you even take the first sip.

Who Will Love Earl Grey Tea

  • Tea purists who appreciate classic, unflavored-yet-aromatic teas
  • Calorie-conscious drinkers wanting a zero-calorie option
  • People sensitive to high caffeine who need mild energy
  • British tea culture fans and anglophiles

Who Might Not Like It

  • People who dislike floral or perfumed flavors
  • Those wanting a creamy, milk-based drink (try the London Fog Latte instead)
  • Sweet-drink lovers (plain Earl Grey is unsweetened)

Is the Earl Grey Tea Worth It in 2026?

At $3.35 to $3.95, Earl Grey Tea is one of the best values at Starbucks. You get a premium full-leaf tea sachet, free hot water refills (for Rewards members dining in), and zero calories. It is the lowest-priced drink category at Starbucks besides plain water. If you are a tea drinker, it is hard to beat the combination of quality, price, and simplicity.

Earl Grey Tea vs London Fog Latte vs Chai Latte

FeatureEarl Grey TeaLondon Fog LatteChai Latte
BaseBlack tea + bergamotEarl Grey + steamed milk + vanillaChai concentrate + steamed milk
Calories (Grande)0140240
Sugar0 g28 g42 g
Price (Grande)$3.75$5.75$5.75
Caffeine~40 mg~40 mg~50 mg
FlavorFloral, citrusy, lightCreamy, vanilla, floralSpicy, sweet, creamy

How to Order a Starbucks Earl Grey Tea (2026)

Standard In-Store Order

Say: “I’d like a [size] Earl Grey Tea.” It comes plain by default. Add: “with a packet of honey,” “with a splash of milk,” or “extra hot” for modifications. If you want milk steamed in, order a London Fog Latte instead.

Mobile App Ordering

Search “Earl Grey” in the Starbucks app under Hot Teas. Customize with honey, sweeteners, or milk. Steep time is handled by the barista — standard is 3-5 minutes for optimal flavor.

Best Earl Grey Tea Customizations (2026)

Honey Earl Grey (Classic Enhancement)

Add one honey packet for gentle sweetness that complements the bergamot beautifully. Honey is the traditional sweetener for Earl Grey and adds only 20 calories. The floral notes of honey pair naturally with the citrus bergamot.

DIY London Fog (Budget Option)

Order an Earl Grey Tea and ask for a splash of steamed milk and 1 pump of vanilla syrup. This creates a lighter, cheaper version of the London Fog Latte — saving about $2 compared to ordering the full London Fog.

Lavender Earl Grey (Floral Twist)

Add 1-2 pumps of lavender syrup (when available) for a double-floral experience. The lavender enhances the bergamot’s citrus notes and creates an aromatic, spa-like tea experience.

Earl Grey with Oat Milk (Creamy, Dairy-Free)

Ask for a splash of steamed oat milk. Oat milk’s natural sweetness complements Earl Grey better than almond or soy — it adds creaminess without overpowering the bergamot flavor.

Is Earl Grey Tea Healthy?

Pros

  • Zero calories, zero sugar, zero fat (plain)
  • Rich in antioxidants from black tea polyphenols
  • Bergamot may support heart health and cholesterol levels
  • Low caffeine (~40 mg Grande) — gentler than coffee
  • Hydrating and calming without stimulant overload

Cons

  • Minimal protein or nutritional value beyond antioxidants
  • Bergamot can interact with certain medications (consult your doctor if concerned)
  • Tannins in black tea can affect iron absorption if consumed with meals

Ways to Make It Even Healthier

  • Drink plain — it is already one of the healthiest options on the menu
  • Use honey instead of sugar for natural sweetness with antioxidants
  • Let it steep the full 3-5 minutes for maximum antioxidant extraction

Best Food Pairings with Earl Grey Tea

Earl Grey pairs beautifully with bakery items. The bergamot complements buttery pastries — try a Butter Croissant or Petite Vanilla Bean Scone. For a classic afternoon tea experience, pair with the Iced Lemon Loaf — the citrus in both creates harmony. Avoid pairing with heavily spiced foods that can overpower the delicate bergamot notes.

How to Make Earl Grey Tea at Home

DIY Earl Grey Tea Recipe

  1. Boil fresh water to about 200°F (just before a full rolling boil)
  2. Place one Earl Grey tea bag or 1 tablespoon loose-leaf Earl Grey in a cup
  3. Pour hot water over the tea bag and steep for 3-5 minutes
  4. Remove the tea bag — over-steeping makes it bitter
  5. Add honey or a splash of milk if desired

A quality box of Earl Grey tea bags costs $4-8 and makes 20-40 cups — about $0.10-$0.20 per cup compared to $3.75 at Starbucks. Twinings, Harney & Sons, and Ahmad are popular brands that replicate the Starbucks experience closely.

Customer Favorites and Popular Feedback

Earl Grey Tea fans at Starbucks love its consistency and simplicity. The full-leaf sachets brew a cleaner, smoother cup than supermarket tea bags. Common praise includes the aromatic bergamot scent, the zero-calorie benefit, and the fact that it is one of the few drinks you can get for under $4. Tea drinkers appreciate having a quality hot tea option at a coffee-dominated chain. The most common complaint is that some locations over-steep or under-steep the tea — ordering through the app and specifying “tea bag on the side” lets you control steep time.

How to Save Money on Earl Grey Tea

  • Free Refills: Starbucks Rewards members get free refills on brewed tea when dining in — this is the best deal at Starbucks
  • Order Venti: Only $0.60 more than Tall for 8 extra ounces
  • Bring Your Own Cup: $0.10 discount with a reusable cup
  • Make at Home: Premium Earl Grey tea bags cost $0.10-$0.20 each

Frequently Asked Questions About Earl Grey Tea

How much is Earl Grey Tea at Starbucks in 2026?

A Tall costs $3.45, Grande costs $3.75, and Venti costs $3.95 at most U.S. locations.

Does Earl Grey Tea have caffeine?

Yes, about 25-40 mg depending on size and steep time — much less than coffee drinks but enough for mild energy.

What does bergamot taste like?

Bergamot is a citrus fruit that tastes floral and slightly sweet with a subtle orange-lemon character. It gives Earl Grey its distinctive perfumed, aromatic quality that separates it from plain black tea.

Can I get Earl Grey iced at Starbucks?

Starbucks does not have a standard iced Earl Grey on the menu. For a cold tea option, try the Iced Black Tea or ask for an iced London Fog Latte which uses Earl Grey as its base with vanilla and cold milk.

What is the difference between Earl Grey and English Breakfast tea?

Both are black teas, but Earl Grey is scented with bergamot oil (citrus-floral notes) while English Breakfast is a blend of plain black teas with malty, robust flavor. English Breakfast is stronger and more traditional; Earl Grey is more aromatic and perfumed.

Is Earl Grey Tea vegan?

Yes, plain Earl Grey Tea is completely vegan — just tea leaves, bergamot oil, and water. It is also gluten-free, dairy-free, and allergen-free.

Do I get free refills on Earl Grey at Starbucks?

Yes, Starbucks Rewards members get free refills on brewed tea (including Earl Grey) and brewed coffee during the same store visit. This is one of the best perks of the Rewards program.

Final Verdict: Is the Starbucks Earl Grey Tea Worth It?

The Starbucks Earl Grey Tea is the best value on the menu for tea lovers. At $3.35 to $3.95, you get a quality full-leaf tea with zero calories, free refills for Rewards members, and the classic bergamot aroma that has made Earl Grey a worldwide favorite for nearly 200 years. Whether you drink it plain, with honey, or upgrade to a London Fog Latte, Earl Grey is a timeless choice. Browse the full Starbucks menu for all tea options.

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