Starbucks medium cold brew is called a Grande. It holds 16 fluid ounces and contains approximately 205 mg of caffeine in the plain version. A Grande Cold Brew has 5 calories and 0 grams of sugar.
If you’re searching for Starbucks cold brew coffee medium size, this guide explains exactly what to order. You’ll find the Grande ounces, nutrition facts, caffeine, ingredients, flavor choices, and practical ways to customize your drink.
Starbucks Cold Brew Coffee Medium Size: Quick Answer
The medium size at Starbucks is a Grande, which holds 16 fluid ounces. Plain Starbucks Cold Brew contains brewed coffee and ice, without added syrup or cream.
For most coffee drinkers, Grande is a useful middle size. It’s larger than Tall but smaller than Venti, so you can choose your serving without jumping to the largest cup.
Quick facts:
| Detail | Grande Cold Brew |
|---|---|
| Starbucks size | Grande |
| Fluid ounces | 16 fl oz |
| Calories | 5 |
| Sugar | 0 g |
| Fat | 0 g |
| Caffeine | Approximately 205 mg |
| Ingredients | Brewed coffee, ice |
Nutrition values are based on Starbucks’ standard recipe. Customizations can change the final amounts.
How Many Ounces Are in a Starbucks Grande Cold Brew?
A Grande Starbucks Cold Brew contains 16 fluid ounces. This is the medium-size option for the standard Cold Brew drink in the United States.
The 16-ounce cup includes coffee and ice. The actual amount of liquid coffee depends on how much ice is used, so the cup size doesn’t mean every sip contains the same amount of coffee.
Starbucks Cold Brew Sizes
| Size | Fluid ounces |
|---|---|
| Tall | 12 fl oz |
| Grande | 16 fl oz |
| Venti | 24 fl oz |
| Trenta | 30 fl oz |
Starbucks lists these sizes for its standard Cold Brew.
Grande is the medium size, so it’s the right term to use when ordering a medium cold brew at Starbucks.
Starbucks Cold Brew Coffee Medium Size Nutrition
A plain Grande Cold Brew has 5 calories, 0 grams of sugar, and 0 grams of fat. Starbucks lists approximately 205 mg of caffeine for the standard 16-ounce serving.
These figures apply to plain cold brew. Adding sweet cream, flavored syrup, or cold foam changes the drink’s nutrition.
Grande Cold Brew Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Serving size | 16 fl oz |
| Calories | 5 |
| Total fat | 0 g |
| Saturated fat | 0 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Sodium | 15 mg |
| Total carbohydrates | 0 g |
| Sugar | 0 g |
| Protein | 0 g |
| Caffeine | Approximately 205 mg |
Source: Starbucks standard Grande Cold Brew nutrition.
Does Grande Cold Brew Have Sugar?
Plain Grande Cold Brew has 0 grams of sugar. The standard recipe contains brewed coffee and ice, without added syrup or cream.
Flavored drinks are different. Vanilla syrup, chocolate cream, caramel, and other additions can increase the sugar content.
How Much Caffeine Is in a Grande Cold Brew?
A Grande Starbucks Cold Brew contains approximately 205 mg of caffeine. Starbucks identifies this as an approximate value because the amount can vary.
Cold brew can taste smooth without tasting harsh. That does not mean it contains little caffeine, so consider the amount when choosing your drink.
Grande Cold Brew vs. Nitro Cold Brew Caffeine
| Drink | Caffeine |
|---|---|
| Grande Cold Brew | Approximately 205 mg |
| Grande Nitro Cold Brew | Approximately 280 mg |
| Grande Vanilla Sweet Cream Nitro Cold Brew | Approximately 265 mg |
The values above come from Starbucks’ standard product nutrition pages.
If you prefer a stronger caffeine option, Nitro Cold Brew has more caffeine in the Grande size. For a lower-caffeine choice, consider a smaller serving or a different drink.
Starbucks Cold Brew Coffee Ingredients
Plain Starbucks Cold Brew contains brewed coffee and ice. Starbucks describes the coffee as slow-steeped in cool water for 20 hours.
The ingredients change when you choose a flavored version. For example, Chocolate Cream Cold Brew includes vanilla syrup, cream, milk, and mocha powder.
Plain Cold Brew Ingredients
• Brewed coffee
• Ice
Flavored Cold Brew Ingredients
• Vanilla syrup
• Sweet cream
• Chocolate cream
• Mocha powder
• Caramel syrup
• Nondairy sweet cream
Not every flavored cold brew contains all these ingredients. Check the specific drink’s ingredient list before ordering.
What Does Starbucks Cold Brew Taste Like?
Starbucks Cold Brew has a smooth coffee flavor with a mellow taste. Its flavor comes from coffee beans steeped slowly in cool water rather than brewed hot.
The plain version is coffee-forward. Sweet cream and flavored cold foam add sweetness, creaminess, and extra flavor.
Flavor Guide
| Drink | Flavor profile |
|---|---|
| Plain Cold Brew | Smooth, coffee-forward |
| Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew | Sweet vanilla and cream |
| Chocolate Cream Cold Brew | Chocolate and creamy |
| Salted Caramel Cream Cold Brew | Sweet caramel with a salty finish |
| Nondairy Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew | Vanilla with nondairy cream |
These drinks have different ingredients and nutrition values.
Starbucks Cold Brew vs. Iced Coffee
Cold brew and iced coffee use different brewing methods. Cold brew is steeped in cool water, while iced coffee is brewed hot and served over ice.
Cold brew often has a smoother, less sharp coffee flavor. Iced coffee can taste brighter and more traditional.
Which Should You Choose?
• Choose Cold Brew for a smooth, mellow coffee taste.
• Choose Iced Coffee for a more traditional iced coffee flavor.
• Choose Nitro Cold Brew for a creamy texture and higher caffeine.
• Choose Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew for a sweeter drink.
• Choose Plain Cold Brew if you prefer coffee without added sugar.
Best Starbucks Grande Cold Brew Flavors
Starbucks offers several cold brew options, including plain cold brew, sweet cream, chocolate cream, and seasonal choices. Availability can vary by location and time.
The best flavor depends on your preference. Plain cold brew suits coffee drinkers who want the coffee taste, while cream-based drinks suit those who prefer sweetness.
Popular Grande Cold Brew Choices
Plain Cold Brew
• Best for: Coffee-forward flavor
• Sweetness: None added
• Caffeine: Approximately 205 mg
• Calories: 5
Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew
• Best for: Vanilla and cream flavor
• Sweetness: Sweet
• Caffeine: Approximately 185 mg
• Calories: 110
Chocolate Cream Cold Brew
• Best for: Chocolate flavor
• Sweetness: Sweet
• Caffeine: Approximately 190 mg
• Calories: 240
Salted Caramel Cream Cold Brew
• Best for: Caramel flavor
• Sweetness: Sweet
• Caffeine: Approximately 185 mg
• Calories: 240
The nutrition values above are based on Starbucks’ standard Grande recipes.
Starbucks Cold Brew With Sweet Cream
Sweet cream cold brew combines cold brew coffee with a creamy topping. Vanilla sweet cream adds sweetness and a smooth texture.
A Grande Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew contains approximately 110 calories and 185 mg of caffeine.
What to Know Before Ordering
• Sweet cream contains dairy.
• Vanilla syrup adds sweetness.
• Cold foam adds a creamy topping.
• Nutrition varies by recipe.
• Ask for less syrup if you prefer mild sweetness.
• Choose plain cold brew if you want no added sugar.
Starbucks Cold Brew Without Sugar
Plain Starbucks Cold Brew contains 0 grams of sugar. It has brewed coffee and ice without added syrup or cream.
If you want a sweeter flavor without ordering a cream-based drink, ask for a small amount of syrup. Remember that syrup adds sugar.
Simple No-Sugar Order
“Can I get a Grande Cold Brew with no syrup and light ice?”
This order keeps the drink simple. If you add milk or cold foam, check the nutrition information for the customized drink.
Starbucks Cold Brew With Nondairy Milk
Starbucks offers cold brew drinks with nondairy sweet cream. These can suit people who prefer a plant-based milk alternative.
Nondairy does not automatically mean allergen-free. Starbucks notes that unpackaged products are prepared using shared equipment, so customers with allergies should review the ingredient information carefully.
Nondairy Cold Brew Options
Nondairy Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew
• Vanilla flavor
• Nondairy sweet cream
• Approximately 100 calories
• Approximately 185 mg caffeine
Nondairy Chocolate Cream Cold Brew
• Chocolate flavor
• Nondairy sweet cream
• Approximately 190 calories
• Approximately 190 mg caffeine
Nondairy Salted Caramel Cream Cold Brew
• Caramel flavor
• Nondairy sweet cream
• Approximately 150 calories
• Approximately 185 mg caffeine
These figures are from Starbucks’ standard Grande nutrition information.
How to Order a Medium Starbucks Cold Brew
At Starbucks, ask for a Grande Cold Brew when you want the medium size. You can then choose plain cold brew, a flavored option, or a custom drink.
The simplest order is a Grande Cold Brew with ice. If you want a different taste, add syrup, milk, or cold foam.
Easy Grande Cold Brew Orders
For a plain coffee flavor
“Grande Cold Brew, please.”
For less ice
“Grande Cold Brew with light ice.”
For a sweeter drink
“Grande Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew.”
For a nondairy option
“Grande Nondairy Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew.”
For more caffeine
“Grande Nitro Cold Brew.”
Check the current Starbucks menu for availability and nutrition details.
How to Customize a Grande Cold Brew
Cold brew is easy to customize with syrup, cold foam, milk, and ice. Start with plain cold brew, then change one ingredient at a time.
Customization Ideas
• Add vanilla syrup for a sweeter taste.
• Add caramel syrup for a richer flavor.
• Add chocolate cream cold foam for a dessert-style drink.
• Ask for light ice if you prefer more liquid coffee.
• Ask for extra ice for a colder drink.
• Choose nondairy sweet cream if preferred.
• Order plain cold brew to avoid added syrup.
• Choose Nitro Cold Brew for a different texture.
How to Make Starbucks-Style Cold Brew at Home
You can make a similar cold brew at home with coffee grounds, cold water, and ice. The basic method is simple, but the coffee needs time to steep.
Ingredients
• 1 cup coarse-ground coffee
• 4 cups cold water
• Ice for serving
• Milk or syrup, optional
Method
- Combine coffee grounds and cold water in a clean container.
- Stir gently to wet the grounds.
- Cover and refrigerate for 12–20 hours.
- Strain the coffee through a fine filter.
- Serve over ice.
- Add milk or syrup if desired.
Serving Tips
• Use coarse-ground coffee for easier filtering.
• Adjust the strength by changing the coffee-to-water ratio.
• Add ice just before serving.
• Keep homemade cold brew refrigerated.
• Use a clean, sealed container for storage.
Starbucks Cold Brew for Different Occasions
Grande cold brew works well for a morning coffee, an afternoon break, or a weekend brunch. The best choice depends on how much caffeine and sweetness you prefer.
Good Choices by Occasion
• Morning coffee: Plain Cold Brew
• Afternoon coffee: Smaller serving if preferred
• Brunch: Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew
• Coffee break: Chocolate Cream Cold Brew
• Summer drink: Cold Brew over ice
• Dessert-style coffee: Salted Caramel Cream Cold Brew
• Dairy-free option: Nondairy Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew
Cold Brew Storage and Serving Tips
Homemade cold brew should be stored in a clean, sealed container in the refrigerator. Add ice when serving to avoid unnecessary dilution.
Keep dairy and nondairy cream refrigerated. For the best flavor, prepare smaller batches rather than storing coffee for long periods.
Storage Checklist
• Refrigerate homemade cold brew.
• Use a clean, sealed container.
• Add fresh ice before serving.
• Keep milk and cream refrigerated.
• Avoid leaving dairy cold foam at room temperature.
• Make smaller batches for freshness.
• Do not store coffee with ice for long periods.
• Check homemade coffee for changes in smell or appearance.
Starbucks Cold Brew vs. Nitro Cold Brew
Both drinks start with Starbucks Cold Brew, but Nitro Cold Brew is infused with nitrogen. This creates a smoother texture and a foamy finish.
Grande Nitro Cold Brew contains approximately 280 mg of caffeine, compared with 205 mg in plain Grande Cold Brew.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Grande Cold Brew | Grande Nitro Cold Brew |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 16 fl oz | 16 fl oz |
| Caffeine | Approx. 205 mg | Approx. 280 mg |
| Calories | 5 | 5 |
| Sugar | 0 g | 0 g |
| Texture | Smooth cold coffee | Smooth, creamy texture |
| Ingredients | Brewed coffee, ice | Brewed coffee |
Source: Starbucks standard nutrition information.
FAQs
What size is a medium Starbucks cold brew?
A medium Starbucks cold brew is called a Grande. It holds 16 fluid ounces.
How many calories are in a Grande Starbucks Cold Brew?
Plain Grande Cold Brew contains 5 calories. Flavored cold brew drinks have different nutrition values.
How much caffeine is in a medium Starbucks cold brew?
A Grande Cold Brew contains approximately 205 mg of caffeine. Starbucks lists caffeine as an approximate value.
Is Starbucks Cold Brew sweetened?
Plain Starbucks Cold Brew contains brewed coffee and ice, with 0 grams of sugar. Flavored versions may contain syrup or sweet cream.
Does Starbucks Cold Brew contain milk?
Plain Cold Brew contains brewed coffee and ice. Sweet cream and cold foam versions may contain dairy or nondairy ingredients.
What is the difference between cold brew and iced coffee?
Cold brew is steeped in cool water, while iced coffee is brewed hot and served over ice. The brewing method affects the flavor.
Can I order a Grande cold brew with less ice?
Yes. Ask for light ice when ordering. The final amount of liquid coffee can vary because ice changes the serving.
Conclusion
Starbucks cold brew coffee medium size is a Grande, which holds 16 fluid ounces. Plain Grande Cold Brew has 5 calories, 0 grams of sugar, and approximately 205 mg of caffeine.
If you want a simple coffee flavor, order plain cold brew. For something sweeter, try vanilla sweet cream or chocolate cream. Start with a Grande, then customize the drink to match your taste.
