From the earth to your cup, discover the roots of your favourite brew.
At the heart of every cup is something truly special: the Coffee arabica tree, which thrives at higher altitudes and produces beans known for their refined flavour and aromatic complexity. Starbucks® coffee uses only 100% Arabica beans to bring you the consistently high-quality, delicious coffee you know and love.
Coffee trees love a challenge — and altitude brings out their very best.
You might not know it, but your Starbucks® coffee’s smooth flavour actually comes from high up in the mountains. Arabica coffee trees thrive in elevated regions — between 3,000 and 6,000 feet above sea level. Up there, the hot days and cool nights slow the ripening of the cherries.
Slow growth is a wonderful part of coffee cultivation. It allows the beans to develop more slowly, soaking up complex flavours over time. The result? A rich, refined taste in every cup.
Two beans. Two altitudes. One choice.
You’ve probably heard of Arabica — but have you come across Robusta? The main difference comes down to where they're grown. Arabica prefers higher, cooler altitudes, while Robusta does better in lower, warmer areas.
At Starbucks®, we prefer Arabica because the slower ripening at altitude gives the beans time to develop a refined, delicate flavour compared to
Robusta’s bolder, earthier taste.
These beans contain approximately 1% caffeine by weight, and 70.98 million bags are exported worldwide.*
*Source: International Coffee Organization
Time period: Feb 2015 – Feb 2016
Arabica has an elegant flavor that is tart and complex.
From the moment you take that first sip at home, every step in the journey is rooted in care, craft, and connection. At Starbucks® we believe that exceptional coffee starts with high altitudes and the highest standards. It’s our way of bringing the world’s most flavourful, complex beans to the heart of your daily ritual—one delicious cup at a time.
