We taste tested every item on Starbucks new Sunset Menu — PHOTOS
Starbucks has released its new Sunset Menu, an Italian ice-inspired selection of treats and mini desserts to give your summer a sweet start.
Available after 3 p.m., the Sunset Menu includes three flavors of Granitas treats — caramel espresso, Teavana Youthberry White Tea and strawberry lemon limeade — described as “a twist on the Italian icy treat, made with a scoop of shaved ice that is lightly sweetened and topped with bold espresso, white tea or limeade,” Starbucks said in a news release.
In addition, the menu also includes two flavors of Trifles — chocolate brownie and strawberry shortcake — comprised of “layers of whipped cream and a mocha or strawberry drizzle.”
Before you rush to your closest location, we had four staff members taste-test every item on the new menu.
Here’s what they thought:
Caramel Espresso Granita — $4.65 (grande)
Photo: Courtesy Starbucks
According to the official description, the caramel espresso Granita features “a scoop of slightly sweetened, finely shaved ice topped with bold espresso shots, a splash of cream and finished with caramel drizzle.”
Overall, no one who tasted this treat was pleased. Each taster agreed that the item tasted like regular coffee with no hint of caramel whatsoever.
None of the staffers would purchase this flavor in the future.
Teavana Youthberry White Tea Granita — $3.95 (grande)
Photo: Courtesy Starbucks
Starbucks touts this granita as being comprised of “refreshing lemonade flavored, finely shaved ice topped with Teavana Youthberry White tea that combines white tea, pineapple, acai and hibiscus.”
Although this one had a strong scent of acai and overall smelled very pleasant, only one taste tester said they could see themselves purchasing this.
Strawberry Lemon Limeade Granita — $3.95 (grande)
Photo: Courtesy Starbucks
Described as “a scoop of lemonade flavored, finely shaved ice blended with strawberry slices and topped with house-made limeade,” this Granita received the most mixed reviews among the testers.
In addition to sensing a “weird smell,” two people just really didn’t like the taste and would not purchase it in the future.
One person was stuck in the middle and was neither impressed nor disappointed by it. They would not purchase this item.
However, one tester loved the strawberry lemon limeade flavor and said they would buy again.
Chocolate Brownie Trifle — $3.45 (one size)
Photo: Courtesy Starbucks
The Chocolate Brownie Trifle is characterized as “a warmed double chocolate brownie topped with whipped cream and mocha drizzle.”
All four taste testers unanimously agreed that this trifle was very good. The chocolate brownies were soft, served warm, and very chocolatey.
However, for the price, the portion size is pretty small. The cup has about five little bite-size brownies and just leaves you wanting more.
No one would purchase again.
Strawberry Shortcake Trifle — $3.45 (one size)
Photo: Courtesy Starbucks
Starbucks describes this trifle as “two petite vanilla bean scones layered with a strawberry drizzle and topped with whipped cream.”
Three testers were undecided about the strawberry shortcake trifle and were neither impressed or disappointed. Perhaps if it had actual strawberries rather than just strawberry drizzle it would have made a slight improvement.
However, one person loved the Strawberry Shortcake Trifle and said they could definitely see themselves purchasing it.
