Strawberry puree is a key ingredient used in many Starbucks drinks to add a sweet, refreshing strawberry flavor. The puree is made from real strawberries that have been blended into a smooth, pourable consistency. At Starbucks, strawberry puree is commonly found in blended drinks like the Strawberry Frappuccino and Strawberries & Crème Frappuccino, but it can also be added to lattes, lemonades, and iced coffees.
What is strawberry puree made of?
The main ingredients in Starbucks strawberry puree are strawberries and sugar. To make the puree, ripe strawberries are washed, hulled, and blended into a puree. Sugar is then added to balance and enhance the natural sweetness of the strawberries. The ingredients list contains:
- Strawberries
- Sugar
- Fruit pectin
- Natural flavors
- Citric acid
That’s it – a short list of recognizable ingredients. Unlike many commercial strawberry products, Starbucks’ puree contains no high fructose corn syrup, preservatives, or artificial colors or flavors. The pure and natural fruit blend results in a sweet strawberry taste and smooth, spoonable texture.
Nutritional Information
One serving (about 2 tablespoons or 1 fluid ounce) of Starbucks strawberry puree contains:
| Calories | 45 |
|---|---|
| Total Fat | 0 g |
| Sodium | 0 mg |
| Total Carbs | 11 g |
| Sugars | 10 g |
| Protein | 0 g |
As you can see, a serving of strawberry puree is low in fat, sodium, and protein. The calories – 45 per serving – come mainly from the natural sugars found in ripe strawberries.
Benefits of Strawberry Puree
There are several benefits to using strawberry puree rather than artificial strawberry syrup or flavoring:
- Natural flavor – Made from real fruit, the puree provides a true, fresh strawberry taste.
- Better nutrition – Puree packs more nutritional value from the blended fruit.
- Smooth texture – The puree introduces a thick, spoonable texture versus thin, watery syrup.
- Versatile uses – Baristas can swirl the puree into drinks creatively.
- Kid-friendly – The sweet flavor appeals to children and provides fruit nutrition.
The puree forms a creamy, fruity base when blended with ice and milks in Starbucks Frappuccinos. It provides natural sweetness and real strawberry flavor that artificial strawberry syrups lack.
How Starbucks Uses Strawberry Puree
Strawberry puree is the key ingredient that gives many Starbucks drinks their signifying pink hue and sweet, strawberry taste. Here are some of the most popular ways Starbucks utilizes strawberry puree:
Blended Strawberry Frappuccinos
Strawberry puree stars in blended creations like the Strawberry Frappuccino and Strawberries & Crème Frappuccino. These drinks mix the puree with milk, ice, and other fruit flavors for a creamy chilled treat. The puree swirls throughout the blend to provide strawberry flavor in every sip.
Strawberry Lemonades
During warm weather months, Starbucks offers strawberry lemonade refreshers made with puree. The tart lemonade balances the sweetness of strawberries. The puree dissolves into the icy drink for texture and flavor.
Strawberry Acai Refresher
This vibrant purple cooler pairs strawberry with the antioxidant power of acai berry juice. The acai gives a tropical fruit twist while the puree supplies the namesake strawberry flavor.
Creamy Strawberry Latte
Espresso meets strawberry in this latte topped with steamed milk and a swirl of puree. The puree adds a fruit-forward customization to the classic coffee drink.
Strawberry Iced Coffee
Iced coffee receives a wake-up call from perky strawberry puree. Sweet puree balances the coffee’s slight bitterness into an energizing treat.
Puree as an Add-In
Customers can request strawberry puree added to almost any Starbucks drink for a fruit infusion. It brings subtle sweetness to iced teas, refreshers, and cold brew coffees.
Storage and Uses for Leftover Puree
Like fresh strawberries, Starbucks strawberry puree has a short shelf life. For the best flavor, enjoy Frappuccinos and other blended drinks made with the puree immediately. If you have leftover puree, here are some creative ways to use it before it spoils:
Pancake or Waffle Topping
Transform breakfast with a drizzle of strawberry puree over pancakes, waffles, or French toast. The fruit sauce adds a sweet topping kids love.
Fruit Dip
Dip fresh fruit like apple slices, banana chunks, or melon balls into strawberry puree for a naturally-sweetened fruit snack.
Yogurt Parfait Layer
Layer puree and vanilla yogurt with granola in a glass for a quick DIY parfait treat.
Ice Cream or Milkshake Mix-In
Take ice cream, frozen yogurt, or a milkshake creation to the next level with a swirl of strawberry. The puree blends in for fruit flavor in every spoonful.
Smoothies
For a nutrient boost, blend leftover puree into your morning smoothie with banana, yogurt, juice and ice.
Freezer Storage
To extend its shelf life, store unused strawberry puree in a freezer-safe container. It will keep for 2-3 months frozen. Thaw in the refrigerator before using in beverages.
Conclusion
Strawberry puree gives many Starbucks drinks their signature fruity flavor and pink hue. Made from real blended strawberries, the puree provides natural sweetness and fruit nutrition. Strawberry puree shines in Frappuccinos, lemonades, refreshers, and as a versatile mix-in. With a focus on pure ingredients, Starbucks strawberry puree delivers fresh strawberry taste in every sip.