Starbucks is crushing it with their new release drinks this summer. First the Strawberry Funnel Cake Frappuccino and now the Kiwi Starfruit Refresher. However, the two were not created equal (lucky for the Kiwi Starfruit Refresher).
While the Strawberry Funnel Cake Frappuccino was a bust in my book, this new refresher is much more promising.
What’s in the Starbucks Kiwi Starfruit Refresher?
The oddest thing about the ingredient list for this refresher is that actual starfruit isn’t in it at all; and freeze-dried kiwi is actually the last ingredient listed, meaning it’s the least present. After looking further into what star fruit really is (more on that here) and cross checking the Starbucks website, there’s no star fruit in this drink. The ‘starfruit’ in the name refers to pieces of kiwi cut into star shapes and used as garnish.
Not a big deal really, but it’s surely a branding move to make this drink sound more exotic than it is. Exotic drinks = sales, it’s a smart marketing play.
Also, you may have noticed that ice is listed as the first ingredient, which is strange to me. I’d recommend ordering yours with easy ice right off the bat since it sounds like that’s otherwise what a majority of your $4+ is going towards.
Starbucks Kiwi Starfruit Refresher Nutrition
Hopefully you’re not ordering this drink in place of your daily health shake, because like most drinks from Starbucks, it’s more of a treat than a lifestyle choice.
I have to give it props for one thing in particular: there’s a lot LESS sugar in this refresher than most of its predecessors. At 18 grams in a grande it has the second least amount of sugar next to the Very Berry Hibiscus Refresher.
My Review of the Kiwi Starfruit Refresher
As a big fan of Starbucks refreshers I had higher expectations of this drink than the last big release, and I’d say it lived up to my hype. It’s lighter, fruity and really an overall good drink for a late spring/early summer release.
I heard a few opinions before trying it so I wasn’t sure if I’d be as into as I was, but I truly did enjoy this one! To be honest, I don’t even normally like kiwi and even still really enjoyed this drink. Looking at the ingredients list closer now, I’m wondering if that’s because there’s white grape juice in the refresher base. (I love me some grape juice!)
It doesn’t taste like anything else on their menu which I really appreciate, too. The taste is unique, bold but not overpowering and is truly refreshing to drink.
Would you order this Starbucks Refresher again?
Absolutely! Especially with less sugar than most other options. I’m not tempted to order it with milk either (i.e. Pink Drink, Dragon Drink, etc.) which means less calories, too. Overall I’m really pleased with this drink and would suggest trying it for yourself.
If you’re a fan of the Pink Drink you may also be interested in trying the Starfruit Drink, which is the milk additive version of this refresher. Every refresher has a catchily named milk-added drink version of the drink, and the Star Drink is this refresher’s counterpart. Can’t say I’d be tempted to order it with milk myself, but if you do, please let me know how it is in the comments below!
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