Starbucks has become a hugely popular coffee shop chain known for its wide variety of coffee drinks, many of which can be customized to each customer’s preferences. One of the most common customizations offered is the option to add flavoring syrups to drinks. Starbucks uses pumps to measure and dispense their syrups, allowing customers to choose how many pumps of each flavor they would like. But how much syrup is actually in one of these pumps? Read on to find out the answers to all your questions about Starbucks syrup pumps.
What are the standard Starbucks syrup pump sizes?
Starbucks uses pumps to dispense syrups and sauce for most of their espresso and coffee beverages. There are two standard pump sizes used:
- Full pump: 1/4 fluid ounce or 7.5 ml
- CBS pump: 1/6 fluid ounce or 5 ml
The full pump dispenses a greater volume of syrup and is used for hot drinks like lattes and mochas. The CBS (Cold Bar Sauce) pump dispenses a smaller amount and is used for cold beverages like iced coffees, frappuccinos, and macchiatos.
So in summary:
- Full pump: 0.25 oz / 7.5 ml
- CBS pump: 0.17 oz / 5 ml
How many pumps are in Starbucks drinks by default?
The number of pumps of syrup added to a Starbucks drink can vary based on size and the specific beverage. Here are some common Starbucks menu items and their default pump amounts:
Hot coffees and lattes
- Tall (12 oz): 3 pumps
- Grande (16 oz): 4 pumps
- Venti (20 oz): 5 pumps
Hot mochas and white mochas
- Tall: 2 pumps mocha sauce, 1 pump syrup
- Grande: 3 pumps mocha sauce, 2 pumps syrup
- Venti: 4 pumps mocha sauce, 2 pumps syrup
Frappuccinos
- Tall (12 oz): 2 pumps
- Grande (16 oz): 3 pumps
- Venti (24 oz): 4 pumps
Iced coffees
- Tall: 3 pumps
- Grande: 4 pumps
- Venti: 6 pumps
So the amount of pumps can range quite a bit based on your drink selection and size!
How much simple syrup is in one pump at Starbucks?
Simple syrup is one of the most versatile syrups, often used in place of plain sugar to sweeten drinks. The standard Starbucks simple syrup pump dispenses 0.25 oz (7.5 ml) of simple syrup per pump.
So if you ask for 2 pumps of simple syrup in your drink, you’ll be getting around 0.5 oz or 15 ml of added simple syrup.
How do Starbucks syrup pumps compare to other common measurements?
To understand just how much syrup you’re getting with Starbucks pumps, it helps to visualize it compared to other measurements:
Teaspoons
- 1 pump = Around 0.75 teaspoons
Tablespoons
- 1 pump = Around 0.25 tablespoons
Grams
- 1 pump = Around 7 grams
Milliliters
- Full pump: 7.5 ml
- CBS pump: 5 ml
So while pump amounts may seem arbitrary, they translate to around 3/4 of a teaspoon or 1/4 tablespoon of syrup per pump.
Do all Starbucks stores use the same pump sizes?
Yes, all corporate-owned Starbucks locations use the standard pump sizes mentioned above. Licensed Starbucks stores, such as those located inside of grocery stores, hotels, or airports, are also required to use the same syrup pump sizes.
This ensures consistency across Starbucks stores, so you can expect the same amount of syrup whether you order in New York or Los Angeles. It allows customers to better understand how pumps translate to flavor.
Independent coffee shops can sometimes use their own pump sizes and amounts, so always check if you have questions about pump standards at non-Starbucks cafes.
Does the type of syrup change the pump amount?
While the volume of syrup dispensed remains consistent across different syrup flavors, the actual sugar and calorie amounts can vary slightly between syrup types.
For example:
- Vanilla syrup: approximately 20 calories and 5g sugar per pump
- White mocha sauce: approximately 25 calories and 7g sugar per pump
- Caramel syrup: approximately 24 calories and 6g sugar per pump
Heavier syrups like mocha sauce will dispense at around the same volume as lighter syrups like vanilla or caramel, but contain a bit more sugar and calories. However, the differences are usually quite minor.
So the takeaway is that you get around the same amount of syrup from each pump, but nutrition totals can vary a bit depending on the specific flavor.
How can you customize your Starbucks drink pumps?
One of the best things about Starbucks customizable drinks is that you can request more or less syrup pumps to match your preferences!
Here are some tips for customizing pump amounts:
- Request less pumps if you find drinks too sweet
- Ask for extra pumps of your favorite flavors
- Substitute flavored syrups for pumps of simple syrup
- Ask for half pumps of syrups to reduce sweetness
- Combine multiple syrup flavors in one drink
- Order an extra shot of espresso to balance extra sweetness
Starbucks baristas are used to accommodating requests for custom pump amounts, so feel free to ask for your drink made just how you like it!
Should you count Starbucks pumps of syrup as extra sugar?
When tallying your daily added sugar intake, it’s smart to account for pumps of Starbucks syrup.
On average, each full size Starbucks pump contains around 5 grams of sugar. The American Heart Association recommends limiting added sugar to no more than 25 grams per day for women and 36 grams for men.
Just a few extra pumps can put you over the recommended amount pretty quickly:
- Grande Caramel Frappuccino (3 pumps): 15 grams sugar
- Venti Iced Mocha (4 pumps): 20 grams sugar
- Venti Vanilla Latte with 5 pumps: 25 grams sugar
So if you do opt to customize your drink with extra pumps of flavored syrup, be mindful of how those extra pumps impact your daily added sugar total! Choosing sugar-free syrup is one way to get flavor without the added sugar.
Should you limit Starbucks syrup pumps for health?
While Starbucks syrups can add tasty flavor to drinks, going overboard on pumps can start to become detrimental for your health:
- Too much added sugar is linked to obesity, heart disease, and fatty liver disease.
- Excessive intake of added sugars can contribute to insulin resistance.
- Drinking too many liquid calories from sugar-sweetened beverages is associated with weight gain.
To keep your Starbucks order healthy, here are some tips:
- Stick to 1-2 full pumps or less per drink
- Skip the syrup in more indulgent blended or creamy beverages
- Choose sugar-free syrup options when possible
- Opt for skinny versions of lattes and frappuccinos
- Ask for half pumps of syrup to cut down on sweetness
Moderating your use of flavored syrups and making smart swaps can allow you to enjoy your Starbucks fix while avoiding excess sugar and calories.
Should diabetics limit Starbucks syrup pumps?
For those with diabetes, limiting added sugars from syrups can be especially important for controlling blood sugar levels.
The American Diabetes Association provides these pump recommendations for people with diabetes:
- Choose drinks with no more than 2-3 pumps of syrup
- Size down to a Tall drink to reduce pump amounts
- Opt for unsweetened coffee, tea, or cold brew
- Request sugar-free syrups like cinnamon dolce and vanilla
- Avoid syrup in blended drinks which have a high carb count
Checking your blood sugar levels about 1-2 hours after consuming your Starbucks drink can help you determine appropriate pump amounts for your diet. Work closely with your doctor or dietitian when making adjustments.
Should you count Starbucks pumps of syrup when counting carbs?
When tracking carbohydrate intake, such as for medical conditions like diabetes, accounting for syrup pumps can provide a more accurate count.
Here are some estimates for carb counts from just Starbucks syrup pumps:
- Full hot bar pump: approx. 3-4g carbs
- Full CBS pump: approx. 2-3g carbs
- Each pump of sugar free syrup: approx. 0-1g carbs
So a Venti Iced Coffee with 6 full pumps would contain around 18-24g carbs just from the added syrup. Be sure to factor pumps into total carb counts for your drinks. Consulting with a registered dietitian can help determine appropriate carb limits.
Should pregnant women limit Starbucks syrup pumps?
Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding need to be more mindful of their sugar intake, as excess sugar can be harmful to maternal and infant health.
The American Pregnancy Association recommends pregnant women consume no more than 25-28 grams of added sugar per day. Just a few extra pumps of syrup from Starbucks can already meet or exceed this limit.
Here are some better pump options for expectant mothers:
- Limit full pumps to 1-2 per drink
- Choose sugar-free flavored syrups
- Opt for skinny and low-sugar Starbucks menu items
- Size down to a Tall rather than Venti drink
- Ask for half-pumps of flavored syrups
Tracking total grams of added sugar from all sources is important during pregnancy. Discuss appropriate limits with your prenatal care provider.
Do Starbucks syrup pumps ever expire or go bad?
Starbucks puts expiration dates on all their syrup pumps and flavored sauces. Expiration varies based on the syrup type:
- Refrigerated syrups (mocha, white mocha, etc): expire after 30 days
- Shelf stable syrups: expire after 90 days
Dates are tracked electronically, and expired syrups are discarded and replaced. So while that Pumpkin Spice Latte syrup may taste delicious beyond fall, Starbucks employees toss older syrups after their listed expiration date.
At home, also be sure to discard any bottled or leftover Starbucks syrups after 3-4 weeks beyond the printed expiration for safety and freshness.
Conclusion
Starbucks syrup pumps allow for customized sweetness in your coffee drinks, but how much syrup is actually in one of those pumps? Approximately 0.25 ounces or 7.5 ml per full hot bar pump of flavored syrup. That translates to around 20-25 calories and 5-7 grams of sugar per pump.
While pumps provide tasty flavor, limiting to 1-2 full pumps per drink is healthiest, especially if you have diabetes or are pregnant. Knowing the sugar and carb counts from Starbucks syrup can help you make informed choices and enjoy your drink in moderation. So savor the flavor, but stay aware of each pump!
