Starbucks offers an array of breakfast options that complement their diverse tea menu. From savory sandwiches to sweet pastries, customers can find the perfect pairing to start their day. The right combination of tea and breakfast item can enhance flavors and create a satisfying morning experience.
Tea enthusiasts will appreciate Starbucks’ selection of green, black, and herbal teas that can be customized to individual preferences. Whether hot or iced, these beverages provide a refreshing alternative to coffee and pair well with both light and hearty breakfast choices. Exploring different tea and food combinations allows customers to discover new favorites and enjoy a balanced meal.
1) Spinach Feta Wrap
The Spinach Feta Wrap is a popular breakfast item at Starbucks that pairs well with various teas. This protein-packed wrap contains egg whites, spinach, feta cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes wrapped in a whole wheat tortilla.
Priced at around $4.95, the Spinach Feta Wrap offers good value for a quick and nutritious breakfast. It contains approximately 290 calories and 14 grams of protein, making it a satisfying choice for those watching their calorie intake.
The wrap’s savory flavors complement many tea options on the Starbucks menu. Its Mediterranean-inspired taste profile works particularly well with herbal teas or green teas.
For those looking to recreate this popular item at home, the basic ingredients are readily available. Combining wilted spinach, egg whites, feta cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes on a tortilla can yield a similar result.
The Spinach Feta Wrap is available throughout the day, making it a versatile option for breakfast or a light lunch. Its portable nature also makes it convenient for customers on the go.
2) Bacon Gouda Sandwich
The Bacon Gouda Sandwich is a popular breakfast item at Starbucks. It features applewood-smoked bacon, a Parmesan cage-free egg frittata, and melted aged Gouda cheese on an artisan roll.
This savory sandwich pairs well with various teas on the Starbucks menu. A classic English Breakfast tea complements the rich flavors of the bacon and Gouda cheese.
For those seeking a lighter option, a green tea provides a refreshing contrast to the sandwich’s hearty ingredients. The subtle, earthy notes of the tea balance the saltiness of the bacon.
Starbucks offers this sandwich as part of their breakfast pairings menu. Customers can enjoy it with a 12-ounce coffee or tea for a discounted price.
The Bacon Gouda Sandwich contains approximately 370 calories. It provides a satisfying combination of protein and carbohydrates to start the day.
3) Egg White & Roasted Red Pepper Egg Bites
Starbucks’ Egg White & Roasted Red Pepper Egg Bites offer a protein-packed breakfast option that pairs well with tea. These sous vide egg bites are made with cage-free egg whites, Monterey Jack cheese, spinach, and fire-roasted red peppers.
The cooking technique results in a velvety texture that complements the bold flavors of the ingredients. Each serving contains 170 calories and provides 12 grams of protein, making it a satisfying choice for health-conscious customers.
The egg bites’ savory taste profile works particularly well with green or black teas. The subtle notes of the eggs and cheese are enhanced by the earthy flavors of these teas, creating a balanced breakfast experience.
For those watching their cholesterol intake, these egg bites contain only 25 mg of cholesterol per serving. They also offer 3 grams of sugar and 11 grams of carbohydrates, fitting into various dietary preferences.
Priced at $6.95, these egg bites are a convenient grab-and-go option for busy mornings. Their portable nature makes them easy to enjoy alongside a hot cup of tea, whether at the café or on the move.
4) Turkey Bacon, Cheddar & Egg White Muffin
The Turkey Bacon, Cheddar & Egg White Muffin is a popular breakfast option at Starbucks. This sandwich combines lean turkey bacon with fluffy egg whites and melted reduced-fat white Cheddar cheese.
The ingredients are served on a wheat English muffin, providing a hearty and satisfying meal. At 230 calories, this sandwich offers a protein-rich start to the day without excess calories.
The sandwich contains 5 grams of fat and only 2 grams of sugar, making it a healthier choice for those watching their intake. It’s also high in protein, which can help keep hunger at bay throughout the morning.
Tea enthusiasts will find this sandwich pairs well with various Starbucks tea offerings. The savory flavors of turkey and cheese complement both black and green teas, while the mild egg whites allow the nuances of herbal teas to shine through.
This breakfast item is available throughout the day at most Starbucks locations, providing flexibility for customers seeking a quick and nutritious meal. Its balanced flavor profile and moderate portion size make it an excellent choice for tea pairing.
5) Double-Smoked Bacon, Cheddar & Egg Sandwich
The Double-Smoked Bacon, Cheddar & Egg Sandwich is a popular breakfast item at Starbucks. It features bacon smoked for six hours over hickory wood chips, giving it a rich, smoky flavor.
The sandwich includes a cage-free fried egg and a melted slice of sharp Cheddar cheese. These ingredients are served on Starbucks’ signature croissant bun, providing a buttery and flaky texture.
This hearty sandwich contains 500 calories and 27 grams of fat. It also offers 21 grams of protein, making it a filling choice for those seeking a substantial breakfast.
The Double-Smoked Bacon, Cheddar & Egg Sandwich pairs well with various teas. Its savory flavors complement the earthy notes of black teas or the subtle sweetness of green teas.
For those watching their calorie intake, this sandwich can be shared or saved for days when a more indulgent breakfast is desired. Its combination of smoky bacon, creamy cheese, and fluffy egg creates a satisfying meal to start the day.
6) Ham & Swiss Croissant
The Ham & Swiss Croissant is a savory breakfast option from Starbucks that pairs excellently with tea. This flaky pastry combines hickory-smoked ham and melted Swiss cheese wrapped in a buttery croissant.
The croissant has a golden-brown crust and soft, layered interior. It offers a satisfying blend of textures and flavors, with the salty ham complementing the rich, creamy Swiss cheese.
At 320 calories, this croissant provides a substantial morning meal. It contains 17 grams of fat and 5 grams of sugar, making it a more indulgent choice on the Starbucks breakfast menu.
The Ham & Swiss Croissant works well with various tea selections. A robust black tea like Royal English Breakfast can stand up to the strong flavors of the ham and cheese. For a lighter pairing, green tea offers a refreshing contrast to the rich pastry.
This breakfast item is ideal for those seeking a quick, portable meal. It’s easily eaten on-the-go, making it convenient for busy mornings or as a satisfying mid-morning snack.
7) Sausage & Cheddar Breakfast Sandwich
The Sausage & Cheddar Breakfast Sandwich is a hearty option on Starbucks’ breakfast menu. It features a savory sausage patty, fluffy cage-free eggs, and aged Cheddar cheese.
These ingredients are served on a perfectly toasted English muffin. The sandwich provides a satisfying combination of protein and carbohydrates to start the day.
With 480 calories, this sandwich is a substantial meal choice. It contains 29 grams of fat and only 2 grams of sugar, making it a high-protein option for those seeking a filling breakfast.
The Sausage & Cheddar Breakfast Sandwich pairs well with various teas. A bold black tea can complement the rich flavors of the sausage and cheese. For those preferring a lighter taste, green tea offers a refreshing contrast to the sandwich’s savory profile.
This breakfast item is available at most Starbucks locations. Customers can easily add it to their order for a quick and tasty morning meal alongside their favorite tea.
8) Avocado Spread
Starbucks’ Avocado Spread offers a nutritious and flavorful addition to any breakfast. This creamy spread combines ripe avocados with lime, sea salt, garlic, and a hint of spice.
The spread comes in a convenient single-serve package, maintaining freshness without preservatives. Its smooth texture and mild taste complement various tea options on the Starbucks menu.
Pairing the Avocado Spread with a plain bagel creates a satisfying vegan breakfast. For a more robust flavor combination, try it alongside a cup of Royal English Breakfast Tea.
The spread’s 90-calorie content makes it a health-conscious choice for those watching their intake. Its natural ingredients provide essential nutrients and healthy fats to start the day.
Customers can also use the Avocado Spread to enhance other breakfast items. It adds a creamy element to breakfast sandwiches or serves as a dip for Egg White & Red Pepper Sous Vide Egg Bites.
9) Butter Croissant
The butter croissant is a classic Starbucks bakery item that pairs exceptionally well with tea. Its flaky, buttery layers provide a delightful contrast to various tea flavors.
For those seeking a budget-friendly option, Starbucks offers a pairing deal. Customers can enjoy a 12-ounce tea with a butter croissant for just $5, representing significant savings compared to purchasing each item separately.
The croissant’s rich, buttery taste complements both black and green teas. Its subtle sweetness enhances the natural flavors of herbal infusions as well.
The light, airy texture of the croissant makes it an ideal morning treat. It satisfies hunger without feeling too heavy, allowing the tea to remain the star of the pairing.
Starbucks bakes these croissants fresh daily, ensuring customers receive a quality product. The butter croissant serves as a versatile choice for those looking to elevate their tea experience at Starbucks.
10) Plain Bagel
The Plain Bagel is a classic breakfast staple at Starbucks. Its simple, unadorned taste makes it an ideal canvas for various spreads and toppings.
This bagel pairs exceptionally well with a variety of teas. Its neutral flavor complements both bold and delicate tea varieties without overwhelming the palate.
For a traditional morning combination, try the Plain Bagel with English Breakfast tea. The robust flavors of the tea balance nicely with the bagel’s subtle taste.
Those who prefer herbal teas might enjoy pairing the Plain Bagel with chamomile or peppermint tea. These soothing beverages enhance the bagel’s comforting qualities.
Green tea enthusiasts can opt for a Japanese Sencha or Chinese Dragonwell. The light, grassy notes of these teas provide a refreshing contrast to the bagel’s hearty texture.
At 280 calories, the Plain Bagel offers a satisfying yet moderate breakfast option. It can be enjoyed on its own or customized with Starbucks’ selection of spreads and toppings.
11) Everything Bagel
The Everything Bagel stands out as a popular choice on Starbucks’ breakfast menu. This savory option features a blend of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, onion, and garlic, creating a flavorful and textured exterior.
With approximately 290 calories, the Everything Bagel provides a satisfying start to the day. It offers a balance of carbohydrates and protein, making it a filling breakfast choice.
For tea enthusiasts, the Everything Bagel pairs well with various Starbucks tea offerings. Its savory profile complements the earthy notes of black teas like English Breakfast or Earl Grey.
Customers can customize their Everything Bagel with spreads or toppings available at Starbucks. Some locations may offer a cheese-topped version, adding extra flavor and protein to the meal.
The Everything Bagel’s versatility makes it suitable for both morning and afternoon tea pairings. Its hearty nature can help offset the caffeine in stronger teas, providing a balanced eating experience.
12) Blueberry Muffin
Starbucks’ Blueberry Muffin is a popular breakfast item that pairs exceptionally well with tea. This moist and flavorful muffin is studded with juicy blueberries and topped with a light dusting of sugar.
The natural sweetness of the blueberries complements a variety of tea flavors. A classic English Breakfast tea provides a robust backdrop that enhances the muffin’s fruity notes.
For those who prefer lighter options, a cup of green tea offers a refreshing contrast to the muffin’s richness. The tea’s subtle grassy notes balance the sweetness of the pastry.
Herbal teas like chamomile or peppermint can also be excellent choices. Their soothing qualities create a relaxing breakfast experience when combined with the comforting texture of the muffin.
The Blueberry Muffin’s versatility makes it an ideal companion for both hot and iced teas. On warm days, pairing it with a chilled berry-infused tea can create a refreshing and cohesive flavor profile.
Understanding Flavor Profiles
Tea and breakfast pairings at Starbucks can create delightful flavor combinations. The key lies in balancing tastes and enhancing complementary notes between food and beverage.
Balancing Sweet and Savory
Sweet breakfast items often pair well with robust black teas. A buttery croissant complements the strong flavor of English Breakfast tea. The tea’s malty notes cut through the pastry’s richness, creating a harmonious blend.
For a sweeter option, cinnamon rolls match nicely with Chai Tea Latte. The spices in the chai echo the cinnamon, enhancing the overall taste experience.
Savory choices like egg sandwiches pair well with green teas. The earthy notes of Emperor’s Clouds and Mist green tea balance the richness of eggs and cheese.
Enhancing with Spice
Spiced breakfast items can elevate tea flavors. Pumpkin bread pairs exceptionally with Earl Grey tea. The bergamot in Earl Grey complements the warm spices in the bread.
For a bolder combination, try a spicy chorizo breakfast sandwich with Royal English Breakfast Tea Latte. The tea’s robust flavor stands up to the spicy sausage, while the milk softens the heat.
Chai Tea Latte also works well with spiced options. Its blend of black tea and aromatic spices enhances dishes like spiced apple muffins or gingerbread loaf.
Pairing Techniques for Tea
Mastering tea pairing enhances the flavors of both your beverage and food. Careful selection of complementary notes creates a harmonious experience.
Matching Tea Flavors
When pairing tea with Starbucks breakfast items, consider the dominant flavors in both. Robust black teas like English Breakfast complement hearty options such as bacon and egg sandwiches. The strong, malty notes stand up well to savory proteins.
For lighter fare like fruit and yogurt parfaits, opt for delicate green or white teas. Their subtle, grassy flavors won’t overpower the fresh fruit tastes.
Herbal teas offer versatile pairing options. Chamomile’s soothing floral notes pair beautifully with buttery croissants or scones.
Complementary Taste Notes
Identify key taste elements in your breakfast item and choose a tea that enhances or balances them. For sweet pastries, select teas with contrasting flavors to prevent flavor fatigue.
A spicy chai tea can elevate a plain bagel with its aromatic spices. The warmth of cinnamon and cardamom adds depth to the neutral bread flavor.
For chocolate-based items, consider fruity teas like berry-infused blends. The bright, tart notes cut through richness and cleanse the palate.
Smoky teas like Lapsang Souchong pair exceptionally well with savory breakfast sandwiches, mimicking the taste of grilled meats.
