STARBUCKS Refreshers Blueberry Acai

Posted on February 8, 2015 | Last updated February 15, 2025

This is a review of STARBUCKS Refreshers Blueberry Acai from the Starbucks Refreshers series.

STARBUCKS Refreshers Blueberry Acai

Manufacturer	STARBUCKS
Country of Origin	USA
Price	2.49 USD
Flavor	Red Berry
Total rating	★★☆☆☆

Author information Author: Energy Drink-kun

In 2001, while living in the United States, I encountered energy drinks through the dance scene and was deeply impressed. After returning to Japan, I found that energy drinks were considered novelty beverages, so I established a comprehensive website in 2013 to share the true appeal of energy drinks. As an energy drink enthusiast, I began drinking them seriously again, collecting over 7,000 varieties of energy drinks from various countries. I am also active as a critic and expert, receiving media interviews.

Flavor of STARBUCKS Refreshers Blueberry Acai

I honestly didn’t have high expectations for the Starbucks Refreshers, but upon opening it, I was greeted with a lovely blueberry aroma. Perhaps due to the 25% juice content, the scent feels quite rich.

STARBUCKS Refreshers Blueberry Acai
When poured, it has a clear, reddish-purple color—very beautiful. The rich aroma lingers even after pouring.
The flavor blends blueberry with a refreshing touch of açaí, but the aftertaste carries a unique bitterness reminiscent of green tea catechins. I checked the ingredients but couldn’t find anything specific—maybe it’s how the sweeteners taste?

As I kept drinking, the bitterness faded and began to feel more like grape tannins, likely coming from the 25% juice content. The juices listed are white grape, apple, blueberry, and açaí.

The aroma and flavor are somewhat bold but vanish quickly, leaving a crisp finish. It’s easy to drink without being heavy. In a way, it reminds me of Red Bull Blue Edition, which also has a fruit-forward but refreshing profile.

Despite the 25% juice, it doesn’t have a heavy sweetness, which I suspect is balanced with erythritol to keep it light and natural. If they wanted to, they could have made it much thicker and richer in flavor.

I found this STARBUCKS Refreshers to be excellent, but it also reminded me how well-made the juice-free Blue Edition is.

Energy Ingredients of STARBUCKS Refreshers Blueberry Acai

STARBUCKS Refreshers Blueberry Acai
It contains 50mg of caffeine extracted from green coffee beans and 50mg of ginseng. There’s not much else notable beyond that.
With 25% juice, it stands out even among U.S. energy drinks, which often contain lower juice percentages.

STARBUCKS Refreshers Blueberry Acai
The use of green coffee beans seems to highlight a natural, health-conscious image.

With relatively low caffeine content, this drink seems suitable for almost anyone.
However, as you can see, it hardly gives off the typical “energy drink” image—it feels more like a refreshing, fruit-forward juice beverage.

Overall, considering its flavor, aroma, and drinkability, I found it quite delicious (*´ｪ`*).