Starbucks Emperor’s Clouds & Mist Tea – Price, Calories & Full Review 2026
$2.95 – 0 Calories
$3.45 – 0 Calories
$3.75 – 0 Calories
Delicate green tea with a misty, floral character. Emperor’s Clouds & Mist is Starbucks signature green tea, a full-leaf Teavana blend from China’s Fujian Province. At $3.45 and 0 calories for a Grande, it is a clean, calorie-free hot tea with gentle vegetal and sweet floral notes.
Emperor’s Clouds & Mist Tea Quick Facts (2026)
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Drink Type | Hot brewed green tea |
| Tea Type | Green tea (Teavana) |
| Origin | Fujian Province, China |
| Processing | Full-leaf, lightly oxidized |
| Sizes | Tall, Grande, Venti |
| Caffeine (Grande) | About 40 mg |
| Calories (Grande) | 0 calories |
| Price Range 2026 | $2.95 to $3.75 |
What Is the Starbucks Emperor’s Clouds & Mist Tea?
Emperor’s Clouds & Mist is a full-leaf Chinese green tea from Starbucks Teavana collection. Sourced from the Fujian Province in China, it is a classic gunpowder-style green tea with leaves that unfurl as they steep, releasing gentle vegetal, sweet, and slightly floral notes. It is served hot as a simple brewed tea — no milk, no sweetener, just tea and hot water.
One of several hot brewed teas on the Hot Tea menu, alongside herbal options like Mint Majesty and Chamomile Mint Blossom. It is the only pure green tea option available at most Starbucks locations.
Emperor’s Clouds & Mist Tea Price 2026 (All Sizes)
| Size | Volume | Price 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Tall | 12 fl oz | $2.95 |
| Grande | 16 fl oz | $3.45 |
| Venti | 24 fl oz | $3.75 |
What Affects Pricing?
- Brewed hot teas are among the most affordable drinks at Starbucks
- All sizes use the same Teavana tea bag, just more hot water
- Adding honey or lemonade may cost extra
- Eligible for free refills during the same store visit with a Starbucks Rewards card
Emperor’s Clouds & Mist Tea Calories by Size
| Size | Calories | Sugar |
|---|---|---|
| Tall (12 oz) | 0 calories | 0 g |
| Grande (16 oz) | 0 calories | 0 g |
| Venti (24 oz) | 0 calories | 0 g |
Zero calories in all sizes when served plain. Adding honey adds about 60 calories per packet. Adding milk or cream will add calories depending on the type.
Emperor’s Clouds & Mist Tea Nutrition Facts (Grande)
| Nutrient | Amount (Grande) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 0 |
| Total Fat | 0 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0 g |
| Carbohydrates | 0 g |
| Sugar | 0 g |
| Protein | 0 g |
| Sodium | 0 mg |
| Caffeine | 40 mg |
Emperor’s Clouds & Mist Tea Caffeine Content
| Size | Caffeine |
|---|---|
| Tall | About 25 mg |
| Grande | About 40 mg |
| Venti | About 40 mg |
Green tea has naturally low caffeine — about a third of what brewed coffee has and half of what black tea has. The Grande and Venti use the same tea bag, so caffeine is similar between those two sizes. A good choice for late afternoon when you want a gentle lift without disrupting sleep.
Emperor’s Clouds & Mist Tea Ingredients
Core Ingredients
- Green tea leaves (Teavana blend from Fujian Province, China)
- Hot water
Allergen Information
Free of all major allergens. No dairy, nuts, soy, wheat, eggs, or gluten. Naturally vegan and plant-based. One of the safest options for customers with food allergies or dietary restrictions.
Flavor Profile and Taste Review
Emperor’s Clouds & Mist brews into a light, pale green cup with a gentle, vegetal sweetness. The flavor is smooth and clean, with soft floral undertones and a subtle grassiness that is more sweet than bitter. It lacks the astringency of cheaper green teas — the full-leaf format means a more nuanced, mellow brew. There is a natural sweetness on the finish that lingers, almost like steamed edamame or fresh snap peas. It is meditative rather than bold, calming rather than stimulating.
Who Will Love It
- Green tea fans who appreciate delicate, high-quality tea
- Calorie-free drinkers looking for a flavorful zero-calorie option
- Afternoon sippers who want gentle caffeine without coffee intensity
- Health-conscious customers who enjoy antioxidant-rich beverages
Who Might Not Like It
- People who prefer bold, strongly flavored teas
- Coffee drinkers expecting a high-caffeine kick
- Customers who need sweetness in their drinks (this is unsweetened)
- Those who dislike vegetal or grassy flavor notes
How to Order the Emperor’s Clouds & Mist Tea at Starbucks
- Say your size: Tall, Grande, or Venti
- Say “Emperor’s Clouds and Mist” or just “green tea, hot”
- It comes plain — ask for honey, lemon, or milk if desired
Popular Customizations
- Add honey — A packet of honey adds natural sweetness that complements the vegetal notes
- Add lemon — A lemon wedge brightens the flavor and adds vitamin C
- Extra hot — Ask for extra hot water if you prefer a stronger steep
- Light water — Less water for a more concentrated, bolder brew
- Add steamed lemonade — Half tea, half lemonade for a green tea lemonade hybrid
Emperor’s Clouds & Mist Tea vs Other Hot Teas
| Drink | Calories (Grande) | Caffeine | Price | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emperor’s Clouds & Mist | 0 | 40 mg | $3.45 | Green tea |
| Mint Majesty | 0 | 0 mg | $3.45 | Herbal (caffeine-free) |
| Chamomile Mint Blossom | 0 | 0 mg | $3.45 | Herbal (caffeine-free) |
| Chai Tea Latte | 240 | 95 mg | $5.25 | Chai (black tea + milk) |
The only pure green tea on the hot tea menu. Lower caffeine than chai but higher than herbal teas like Mint Majesty which are caffeine-free. Much cheaper than milk-based tea drinks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Emperor’s Clouds & Mist caffeinated?
Yes, but lightly. A Grande has about 40 mg of caffeine — roughly a quarter of a Grande coffee. It is a gentle, sustained energy lift rather than a jolt.
What does Emperor’s Clouds & Mist taste like?
Smooth, mellow green tea with sweet, floral, and lightly vegetal notes. No bitterness when steeped properly. It tastes clean and refreshing, like a high-quality Chinese green tea should.
Is this tea available iced?
There is no official iced Emperor’s Clouds & Mist on the menu. You can ask for it iced — the barista can brew it hot and pour over ice. For an iced green tea, Starbucks also offers the Iced Green Tea made from a different green tea blend.
How long should I steep it?
The barista steeps it for you, typically 3 to 5 minutes. If you prefer a lighter brew, ask them to remove the tea bag earlier. Over-steeping green tea can make it bitter.
Where does Emperor’s Clouds & Mist come from?
The tea is sourced from China’s Fujian Province, a region famous for producing high-quality green and white teas for centuries. The name references the misty mountain conditions where the tea grows.
