Why Did Starbucks Stop Using Tazo? ☕️ 7 Surprising Reasons (2025)

Video: Starbucks Moves Tazo Tea Out of Its Shops – TOI.

Have you ever wondered why your favorite Starbucks tea suddenly tasted different or why Tazo vanished from the menu? We’ve been steeping on this question here at Tea Brands™, and the answer is a fascinating blend of business strategy, brand evolution, and tea innovation. From Starbucks’ bold acquisition of Teavana to the eventual phasing out of Tazo, this story is packed with twists that reveal how your beloved coffee giant transformed its tea game.

Stick around as we spill the tea on 7 surprising reasons behind the switch, explore how it impacted your Starbucks experience, and even share insider tips on brewing your own Starbucks-style teas at home. Whether you’re a die-hard Tazo fan or curious about the premium Teavana blends now stealing the spotlight, this deep dive will leave you sipping smarter and craving more.

Key Takeaways

Starbucks stopped using Tazo primarily due to its acquisition of Teavana, aiming for a more premium and consistent tea brand aligned with their evolving vision.
Quality control, supply chain efficiency, and innovation opportunities were major factors driving the switch.
Tazo continues as a popular retail brand under Unilever but is no longer featured in Starbucks stores.

Starbucks’ current tea menu showcases Teavana’s refined loose-leaf blends and customizable tea beverages.
For fans of Tazo, the brand remains widely available in grocery stores and online.
Brewing Starbucks-style teas at home is easier than you think with the right loose-leaf teas and techniques.

👉 Shop your favorites:

Tazo Tea: Amazon | Walmart | Tazo Official Website
Teavana Loose Leaf Teas: Amazon | Starbucks Store

⚡️ Quick Tips and Facts: Your Need-to-Know About Starbucks’ Tea Shift
☕️ The Grande History of Starbucks & Tazo: A Brewing Partnership Unraveled
🤔 The Big Sip: Why Starbucks Switched from Tazo to Teavana (The Core Reasons!)
🍵 Beyond the Brew: The Impact on Your Starbucks Tea Experience

🌟 Finding Your Perfect Cuppa: Navigating Starbucks’ Current Tea Menu & Offerings
🛒 Tazo’s New Home: Where Can You Still Find Your Beloved Tazo Teas Today?
🏡 Brewing Your Own Magic: Tips for Recreating Starbucks-Style Teas at Home

🥊 The Tea Brand Battle: Tazo vs. Teavana – A Taste Test Showdown & Our Expert Opinion
🧐 Expert Insights: Our Tea Taster’s Take on the Starbucks Tea Evolution
✅ Conclusion: The Evolving World of Starbucks Tea

🔗 Recommended Links: Dive Deeper into the World of Tea
❓ FAQ: Your Burning Questions About Starbucks Tea, Answered!
📚 Reference Links: Our Sources & Further Reading

Quick Tips and Facts: Your Need-to-Know About Starbucks’ Tea Shift

Before we dive into the steaming hot reasons behind Starbucks’ decision to stop using Tazo, here are some quick facts to get you started:

✅ Starbucks originally acquired Tazo Tea in 1999 and used it as their primary tea brand for over a decade.
✅ In 2012, Starbucks acquired Teavana, signaling a strategic shift in their tea portfolio.

✅ By 2017, Starbucks phased out Tazo in their stores, replacing it with Teavana-branded teas.
✅ Tazo is now owned by Unilever, separate from Starbucks, and continues as a retail brand.
✅ The switch was driven by brand alignment, quality control, innovation, and market trends.

✅ Starbucks’ tea menu today features a wide range of Teavana blends, including exclusive in-house creations.

If you’re curious about the quality of Tazo tea itself, check out our detailed review here: Is Tazo Tea Good Quality?.

Ready to spill the tea on the full story? ☕️ Let’s brew up the details!

The Grande History of Starbucks & Tazo: A Brewing Partnership Unraveled

Starbucks and Tazo’s relationship is a classic tale of brand synergy and evolution. When Starbucks acquired Tazo in 1999, it was a bold move to diversify beyond coffee and tap into the growing tea market. Tazo was known for its bold, adventurous blends and edgy branding — a perfect complement to Starbucks’ innovative spirit.

The Early Days: Brewing Boldness

Tazo’s signature blends like Awake English Breakfast and Passion Herbal Tea became staples in Starbucks stores.

The partnership helped Starbucks quickly establish credibility in the tea space without building a brand from scratch.
Tazo’s quirky, vibrant packaging and flavor profiles resonated with younger, trend-conscious consumers.

The Shift Begins: Enter Teavana

In 2012, Starbucks acquired Teavana, a premium tea retailer with a more upscale, refined image.

This acquisition marked Starbucks’ intent to elevate their tea offerings and create a more cohesive brand experience.
Over the next few years, Starbucks gradually introduced Teavana teas in stores, while Tazo’s presence diminished.

This history sets the stage for the big question: Why did Starbucks stop using Tazo? Hang tight — the reasons are as layered as a perfectly steeped cup of chai!

The Big Sip: Why Starbucks Switched from Tazo to Teavana (The Core Reasons!)

Video: Starbucks has Maggots in sealed Tazo Tea Bags.

Brand Alignment & Vision: The Teavana Acquisition & Strategic Play

Starbucks’ acquisition of Teavana was more than just adding another tea brand to their portfolio — it was a strategic repositioning. Teavana’s premium, artisanal image aligned better with Starbucks’ evolving brand vision of offering a luxury tea experience alongside their coffee.

Tazo’s bold and youthful vibe contrasted with Starbucks’ desire for a sophisticated tea narrative.
Teavana’s focus on loose-leaf teas and tea bars allowed Starbucks to innovate with tea beverages and experiences.

Starbucks wanted to own the entire tea story, from sourcing to serving, which Teavana’s brand allowed more seamlessly.

Quality & Consistency Control: Elevating the Starbucks Tea Experience

Starbucks is famous for its obsession with quality and consistency. By switching to Teavana, Starbucks gained:

Greater control over tea sourcing, blending, and quality standards.

The ability to customize blends exclusively for Starbucks stores.
A more consistent flavor profile across thousands of locations worldwide.

This control was harder to achieve with Tazo, which remained a separate brand under Unilever after Starbucks sold it in 2017.

Supply Chain Synergy: Streamlining Operations for Better Brews

Integrating Teavana into Starbucks’ supply chain simplified operations:

Reduced complexity by focusing on one in-house tea brand.
Enabled Starbucks to leverage its global logistics for Teavana products.

Improved inventory management and reduced costs.

Innovation & Customization: Crafting New Tea Beverages In-House

Teavana’s loose-leaf teas and concentrate blends opened doors for Starbucks to:

Develop signature tea lattes and iced teas tailored to customer preferences.

Experiment with seasonal and limited-edition blends.
Create a tea menu that complements their coffee offerings seamlessly.

Profitability & Brand Control: Owning the Entire Tea Narrative

Owning Teavana outright meant Starbucks could:

Capture more profit margins by controlling production and retail.
Protect intellectual property and recipes.
Build a unified tea brand identity under the Starbucks umbrella.

Consumer Preferences & Market Trends: Adapting to What Tea Drinkers Craved

Tea drinkers have become more discerning, seeking:

Premium, artisanal loose-leaf teas.
Health-conscious and natural ingredients.

Unique flavor experiences beyond traditional black or green teas.

Teavana’s offerings aligned better with these trends, allowing Starbucks to stay competitive.

The Tazo Legacy: Where Did Tazo Go After the Starbucks Split?

In 2017, Starbucks sold Tazo to Unilever, which continues to market Tazo as a mass-market tea brand in grocery stores and online. Tazo remains popular for its bold flavors and convenient tea bags but is no longer part of Starbucks’ in-store experience.

Beyond the Brew: The Impact on Your Starbucks Tea Experience

Video: Starbucks Iced Tea in Tazo Black Tea w/ Caffeine in Grande Size Like Green & Passion Fruit.

If you’re a fan of Starbucks’ tea drinks, you might have noticed some changes:

The tea menu now features Teavana blends like Jade Citrus Mint, Peach Tranquility, and Emperor’s Clouds & Mist.
Tea lattes and iced teas have evolved with new recipes and ingredients.

Some classic Tazo blends are no longer available in stores, replaced by Teavana’s curated selections.

Our Tea Brands™ tasters find the Teavana teas to be more nuanced and refined, but some loyalists miss the bold punch of Tazo’s blends. It’s a classic case of progress vs. nostalgia.

Video: How To Make Starbucks Chai Tea Lattes at Home for LESS!

Starbucks’ tea menu today is a treasure trove for tea lovers. Here’s a quick guide to help you navigate:

Tea Category	Popular Teavana Blends	Flavor Profile	Caffeine Level
Black Tea	Emperor’s Clouds & Mist	Smooth, malty, slightly sweet	Medium-High
Green Tea	Jade Citrus Mint	Refreshing, minty, citrus notes	Medium
Herbal Tea	Peach Tranquility, Mint Majesty	Fruity, floral, caffeine-free	Caffeine-Free
Chai Tea	Chai Tea Latte (Teavana blend)	Spiced, creamy, warming	Medium
Iced Teas	Iced Black Tea, Iced Green Tea	Crisp, refreshing	Varies

Pro Tip: Customize your tea latte with alternative milks or add a pump of vanilla or cinnamon dolce syrup for a personal twist!

Tazo’s New Home: Where Can You Still Find Your Beloved Tazo Teas Today?

Video: TAZO | Teas That Please .

If you’re craving that familiar Tazo flavor, don’t despair! Tazo teas are widely available outside Starbucks:

Grocery stores like Kroger, Safeway, and Whole Foods.

Online retailers including Amazon and Walmart.
Specialty tea shops and some cafes.

Tazo offers a broad range of products, from classic Awake black tea to herbal blends like Passion and Zen. Their Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte concentrate is a seasonal favorite, blending black tea with warming spices — a perfect cozy treat.

👉 CHECK PRICE on:

Tazo Tea: Amazon | Walmart | Tazo Official Website

Brewing Your Own Magic: Tips for Recreating Starbucks-Style Teas at Home

Video: Teavana Locations Closing.

Want to recreate that Starbucks tea experience in your own kitchen? Here’s how:

Step 1: Choose Your Tea Base

Opt for high-quality loose-leaf Teavana or Tazo teas.
For black teas, try Emperor’s Clouds & Mist (Teavana) or Awake (Tazo).
For herbal, Peach Tranquility (Teavana) or Passion (Tazo) are great picks.

Step 2: Perfect Your Steeping

Use filtered water heated to the correct temperature (usually 175-212°F depending on tea type).
Steep time varies: 3-5 minutes for black tea, 2-3 for green, 5-7 for herbal.
Avoid oversteeping to prevent bitterness.

Step 3: Customize Your Brew

Add steamed milk or milk alternatives for lattes.
Sweeten with honey, cane sugar, or flavored syrups.
Experiment with spices like cinnamon, cardamom, or ginger for chai-style blends.

Step 4: Chill for Iced Teas

Brew double strength and pour over ice.
Add fresh fruit or herbs for extra zing.

Our Tea Brands™ tasters swear by this method for a café-quality cup at home!

The Tea Brand Battle: Tazo vs. Teavana – A Taste Test Showdown & Our Expert Opinion

Video: Stash Green Tea VS. Tazo Green Tea (Do They Taste the Same or Different?).

Rating Table: Tazo vs. Teavana (Scale 1-10)

Aspect	Tazo Score	Teavana Score	Notes
Flavor Variety	8	9	Teavana offers more artisanal blends
Quality	7	9	Teavana’s loose-leaf teas are higher grade
Packaging	8	9	Teavana’s premium look and feel
Accessibility	9	7	Tazo is easier to find in grocery stores
Innovation	7	9	Teavana leads with new blends and concepts

Our Take

Tazo is bold, approachable, and convenient — perfect for everyday tea drinkers who want quick, flavorful brews.
Teavana is refined, nuanced, and crafted for tea enthusiasts who appreciate loose-leaf quality and variety.
Starbucks’ switch to Teavana reflects a desire to elevate the tea experience, but Tazo remains a beloved brand in its own right.

Expert Insights: Our Tea Taster’s Take on the Starbucks Tea Evolution

Video: Starbucks CEO wants to 'reinvent tea'.

At Tea Brands™, we’ve steeped, sipped, and savored both Tazo and Teavana teas extensively. Here’s what we think:

Starbucks’ move to Teavana was a smart strategic pivot to capture the premium tea market.
The quality control and innovation potential with Teavana is unmatched.

However, Tazo’s bold flavors and accessibility keep it relevant and popular outside Starbucks.
For tea lovers, this evolution means more choices and better quality — but also a bittersweet farewell to some classic Tazo blends in Starbucks stores.

Curious about how this compares to other tea brand evolutions? Explore our Tea Brand Spotlights for more expert reviews and stories.

If you want to dive even deeper into the world of tea and Starbucks’ evolving tea story, keep reading our Recommended Links and FAQ sections!

Conclusion: Brewing Up the Full Picture on Starbucks & Tazo

So, why did Starbucks stop using Tazo? The answer is a blend of strategic brand alignment, quality control, innovation ambitions, and market trends. Starbucks’ acquisition of Teavana allowed them to craft a more premium, consistent, and customizable tea experience that better fits their evolving brand identity. Meanwhile, Tazo continues to thrive under Unilever as a bold, accessible tea brand in grocery stores and online.

Positives of Tazo Tea

Bold, adventurous flavor profiles that appeal to a wide audience.
Convenient availability in tea bags and ready-to-drink formats.
Strong brand recognition and loyal fan base.

Negatives of Tazo Tea

Less control by Starbucks post-sale, leading to fewer in-store offerings.
Perceived as less premium compared to Teavana’s loose-leaf, artisanal blends.
Limited innovation within Starbucks stores after the switch.

Our Recommendation

If you love bold, flavorful teas with convenience, Tazo remains a fantastic choice available at many retailers. But if you’re seeking a refined, premium tea experience with nuanced flavors and customization, Starbucks’ Teavana offerings are the way to go.

The narrative is clear: Starbucks’ tea journey reflects the dynamic tea market and consumer tastes. While some may miss the Tazo punch in stores, the switch to Teavana opens exciting new doors for tea lovers everywhere. So, whether you’re team Tazo or team Teavana, there’s never been a better time to sip and savor the finest teas.

FAQ: Your Burning Questions About Starbucks Tea, Answered!

What tea brand does Starbucks use now that they’ve discontinued Tazo?

Starbucks currently uses Teavana as their primary in-store tea brand. After acquiring Teavana in 2012, Starbucks gradually phased out Tazo and replaced it with Teavana’s premium loose-leaf and bagged teas. This shift allows Starbucks to offer a more upscale, customizable tea experience aligned with their brand vision.

Did Starbucks discontinue Tazo tea in all locations, or just select stores?

❌ Starbucks discontinued Tazo tea in all company-operated stores across the U.S. and many international markets by 2017. However, Tazo tea remains available in grocery stores and other retail outlets outside Starbucks. Some licensed Starbucks locations may have varied offerings, but the official Starbucks tea menu now features Teavana exclusively.

What are some popular alternatives to Tazo tea that Starbucks customers can try?

If you miss Tazo or want to explore new flavors, consider:

Teavana teas at Starbucks: blends like Jade Citrus Mint and Peach Tranquility.

Other premium brands like Harney & Sons, Rishi Tea, or Numi Organic Tea for artisanal loose-leaf options.
Herbal and chai blends from David’s Tea or The Republic of Tea.

Will Starbucks ever bring back Tazo tea, or is the decision to discontinue permanent?

While nothing is impossible in the ever-changing beverage world, the decision to discontinue Tazo at Starbucks appears permanent for now. Starbucks has invested heavily in Teavana’s brand and infrastructure, and Tazo is now owned by Unilever. Bringing back Tazo in stores would complicate brand strategy and supply chains.

How does the quality of Teavana compare to Tazo?

Teavana generally offers higher-quality loose-leaf teas with more nuanced flavor profiles, while Tazo focuses on bold, approachable blends often in tea bag form. Starbucks’ switch reflects a desire to elevate tea quality and customer experience. However, Tazo remains a solid choice for convenience and flavor.

Reference Links: Our Sources & Further Reading

For more expert tea reviews and guides, visit our Tea Brand Spotlights and Health Benefits of Tea sections at Tea Brands™.