Starbucks is known for its wide variety of coffee drinks, teas, and other beverages. In recent years, Starbucks has expanded its menu to include different syrups and sauces that customers can add to drinks for extra flavor. One sauce that Starbucks has added is a pistachio sauce. So does Starbucks currently offer a pistachio sauce?
Quick Answer
Yes, Starbucks does offer a pistachio sauce that customers can add to drinks for an extra pistachio flavor. The pistachio sauce is available at participating Starbucks locations in the United States and Canada.
More About Starbucks Pistachio Sauce
Starbucks launched its pistachio sauce in Spring 2021 as a limited-time offering. The sauce proved to be popular among customers and Starbucks decided to make it a permanent menu item later that year. Here are some key facts about Starbucks’ pistachio sauce:
- Made with real pistachios – The sauce contains pistachio puree made from real roasted pistachios to provide an authentic pistachio flavor.
- Sweet with nutty notes – The sauce tastes sweet with distinctive nutty pistachio notes.
- Available as an add-on – Customers can request the pistachio sauce added to any beverage for an extra charge.
- Works well with espresso & milk – The sauce complements the flavors of espresso and milk-based drinks like lattes, macchiatos, and frappuccinos.
- Limited availability – The sauce is only available at participating Starbucks locations in the US and Canada at this time.
Nutrition Information
The pistachio sauce contains sugar and calories like other Starbucks syrups and sauces. Here are the nutrition facts for Starbucks’ pistachio sauce:
| Serving Size | Calories | Total Fat (g) | Sodium (mg) | Total Carbs (g) | Sugars (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 tablespoon (18g) | 60 | 0 | 15 | 15 | 13 |
As you can see, a single serving of the pistachio sauce contains 60 calories and 13g of sugar. The sauce contains no fat and minimal sodium. The calories and sugar come from the pistachio puree and added sweeteners. Customers concerned about calories or sugar may want to ask for less pumps of sauce or consider lower-calorie customization options.
Drinks That Can Be Customized with Pistachio Sauce
Starbucks allows customers to add the pistachio sauce to a wide variety of hot, iced, and blended beverages for an additional charge. Here are some recommended drinks that pair well with the pistachio sauce:
Hot Drinks
- Pistachio Latte – Espresso and steamed milk with pumps of pistachio sauce.
- Pistachio Mocha – Mocha sauce and espresso combined with pistachio sauce.
- Pistachio Americano – Shots of espresso with hot water and pistachio sauce.
- Pistachio Cappuccino – Espresso, steamed milk, and foam with pistachio sauce.
Iced Drinks
- Iced Pistachio Latte – Like the hot version but served over ice.
- Iced Pistachio Mocha – Iced mocha with pumps of pistachio.
- Pistachio Cold Brew – Cold brew coffee with pistachio sauce.
- Iced Pistachio Americano – Shots of espresso with water and pistachio sauce.
Blended Drinks
- Pistachio Frappuccino – Blended coffee drink with pistachio sauce and milk.
- Pistachio Creme Frappuccino – Vanilla bean and pistachio sauce blended with milk and ice.
- Pistachio Java Chip Frappuccino – Mocha sauce and chips blended with pistachio and milk.
The pistachio sauce can complement and enhance so many Starbucks beverages. Feel free to customize your go-to Starbucks drink with pumps of pistachio!
Is the Pistachio Sauce Dairy-Free or Vegan?
Unfortunately, Starbucks’ pistachio sauce is not dairy-free or vegan. The ingredient list reveals that the sauce contains both dairy and non-vegan ingredients:
- Sugar
- Water
- Pistachio puree
- Modified corn starch
- Cellulose gel or gum
- Natural flavors
- Salt
- Skim milk
- Whey powder
The skim milk and whey powder make Starbucks’ pistachio sauce unsuitable for people avoiding dairy or following a vegan diet. Those with dairy allergies or sensitivities should also avoid this sauce.
For a non-dairy pistachio flavor, customers can request a custom drink with pumps of sugar-free vanilla syrup and pistachio topping. The pistachio topping consists of pistachio pieces and flavoring without milk-derived ingredients. While not exactly the same, this lets vegans and dairy-free customers enjoy a pistachio-inspired Starbucks beverage.
Is the Pistachio Sauce Containing Nuts or Safe for Nut Allergies?
Starbucks states that their pistachio sauce does not actually contain pistachio nuts, so it is safe for customers with nut allergies. The sauce consists of pistachio puree and natural flavors that give it the distinctive flavor of real pistachios without using any nut ingredients.
This makes the sauce safe for people with allergies to tree nuts like pistachios, almonds, walnuts, etc. Note that the pistachio topping does contain real pistachio pieces so it would be unsafe for nut allergies. But the pistachio sauce contains no nuts.
Of course, customers with severe nut allergies should still exercise caution and notify the barista when ordering a drink with pistachio sauce. But in general, the pistachio sauce does not pose an allergen risk due to its lack of actual nut content.
Why Doesn’t the Pistachio Sauce Contain Nuts?
Starbucks avoids using actual pistachio nuts in their sauce most likely to reduce the risk for customers with nut allergies. Most of Starbucks’ syrups and sauces do not contain nuts for this reason.
The pistachio puree gives the sauce its signature flavor and nuttiness without pistachios. Starbucks likely uses “natural flavors” derived from pistachios to further replicate the flavor. So by avoiding nuts altogether, the pistachio sauce can appeal to more customers while minimizing allergy risks.
Price and Availability of Pistachio Sauce
The pistachio sauce is available at most company-operated Starbucks locations in the United States and Canada. Like other Starbucks syrups and sauces, adding the pistachio sauce to a beverage incurs an additional charge:
- Tall size (12 oz): $0.50 extra
- Grande size (16 oz): $0.60 extra
- Venti size (20 oz): $0.70 extra
These prices may vary a bit by region but represent the typical upcharge for adding sauces at Starbucks.
Availability can depend on supply and demand at each store. If a location is out of pistachio sauce, customers can ask when it may be restocked or visit another Starbucks that has it in stock. The pistachio sauce is considered a permanent menu item but occasional shortages are possible.
Tips for Ordering Drinks With Pistachio Sauce
Here are some tips for ordering a customized Starbucks drink with pistachio sauce:
- Clearly state you want the “pistachio sauce” – Say “pistachio” so baristas don’t confuse with other sauces.
- Specify hot or iced – The pistachio sauce can be added to both hot and iced drinks.
- Choose number of pumps – Recommended is 3-4 pumps for 12 oz, 4-5 for 16 oz, 5-6 for 20 oz.
- Confirm availability – Politely ask if pistachio sauce is currently available before ordering.
- Be flexible – If pistachio is out, ask for recommendations of other sauces to try.
With its sweet nutty flavor, pistachio sauce can be a tasty addition to coffeehouse beverages. By clearly communicating your order and understanding availability, Starbucks customers can enjoy customizing their drinks with this unique sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions about Starbucks Pistachio Sauce
Many customers have questions about Starbucks’ pistachio sauce. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions:
Does the pistachio sauce taste like real pistachios?
Yes, Starbucks’ pistachio sauce provides an authentic, nutty pistachio flavor, though the taste may be a bit sweeter and more dessert-like than plain pistachios. The sauce contains real pistachio puree made from roasted pistachios. Natural flavors in the sauce also replicate the distinctive notes of real pistachios.
Is Starbucks pistachio sauce seasonal or limited edition?
No, the pistachio sauce is now a permanent menu item. It was originally introduced as a limited-time spring flavor in 2021 but Starbucks decided to add it to the permanent lineup later that year due to popular demand. Availability can still vary between locations depending on supply.
Does the pistachio sauce contain caffeine?
No, Starbucks pistachio sauce does not contain any caffeine. It is just made from pistachio puree, sugar, thickeners, and natural flavors – no coffee or tea ingredients. Caffeine would come from the coffee or espresso added to the drink.
Can kids or teens order the pistachio sauce at Starbucks?
Yes, the pistachio sauce is available for customers of any age to order at Starbucks. Since it does not contain coffee or caffeine, kids and teens can safely enjoy it in custom drinks tailored to their preferences. As always, guardian discretion is advised.
Does heating or chilling change the pistachio sauce’s flavor?
The pistachio sauce maintains its core flavor whether heated in hot drinks or chilled in iced and blended beverages. Heating may bring out more richness while chilling makes the nutty notes more pronounced. But the sauce retains its key pistachio taste profile regardless of temperature.
Trying the Pistachio Sauce in Popular Starbucks Drinks
The pistachio sauce pairs deliciously with many Starbucks menu items. Here is a look at some of the best drinks to try with pumps of pistachio sauce:
Pistachio White Mocha
A white chocolate mocha with added pistachio creates a tasty, nutty dessert-like coffee drink. The white mocha and pistachio complement each other perfectly in sweet harmony. Recommended customization:
- Grande White Chocolate Mocha
- Add 3 pumps pistachio sauce
- Whipped cream topping
Iced Pistachio Vanilla Latte
Cool and creamy, this iced latte gets flavor from shots of espresso, vanilla syrup, milk, and pistachio sauce. The pistachio adds its signature nuttiness to the classic vanilla latte. Suggested custom order:
- Venti Iced Vanilla Latte with almond milk
- Add 4 pumps pistachio sauce
- Add caramel drizzle on top
Pistachio Frappuccino
Blending milk, coffee, and pistachio sauce creates a nutty, frozen coffee treat. Topped with whipped cream, it’s like a liquid pistachio ice cream. Customize it so:
- Grande Pistachio Creme Frappuccino
- Add 2 pumps pistachio sauce
- Whipped cream
- Pistachio sprinkles on top
The options are endless for crafting a satisfying Starbucks beverage with pistachio sauce! Feel free to get creative and design your perfect pistachio drink.
Pistachio Sauce Benefits and Drawbacks
Adding pistachio sauce to your Starbucks beverage provides some benefits but also comes with a few drawbacks to consider:
Benefits
- Delicious, unique pistachio flavor
- Plant-based – made from pistachio puree
- Highly customizable in drinks
- Usually dairy-free and nut-free
- Non-caffeinated if avoiding caffeine
Drawbacks
- Contains dairy ingredients
- Adds 60 calories and 13g sugar per pump
- Extra charge per pump
- Can sell out or be unavailable
- Flavor isn’t for everyone
Overall, the pistachio sauce is a fun way to make your Starbucks order unique and more flavorful. But it may not suit all dietary needs or taste preferences. Customize mindfully keeping the pros and cons of this sauce in mind.
Conclusion
Starbucks’ pistachio sauce provides a distinctive flavor that sets customized Starbucks drinks apart. Made with real pistachio puree, this sweet nutty sauce can complement myriad hot, iced, and blended Starbucks beverages when pumps are added for an extra charge. Though not dairy-free or vegan, the pistachio sauce is a safe, nut-free way to get creative and concoct a Starbucks drink uniquely your own (as long as it’s available). So next time you visit Starbucks, consider livening up your latte, mocha, or Frappuccino with a shot of pistachio sauce for a tasty, on-trend treat.
