I will be among the first to admit that I am a coffee snob. I have been one for years. Ever since I first tasted beans roasted on premises that were ground individually for each order, I have gone down the dark path that leads to more and more perfect cups of coffee.
But it was not always this way. I used to be able to enjoy a cup of coffee anywhere. I could go to the diner down the street and be fully content with their warmer-plate seventy five cent bottomless mug. Not to say I don't still drink it now, but I certainly notice the disparity in tastes when I do.
So it was with some skepticism when I decided to try VIA from the Starbucks Store. Being a former barista for the "green team", I know the standards to which Starbucks holds their coffee, so I was curious to see how their to-go option would translate. I have to admit, I was impressed. For being a packet of micro-ground coffee that can be tossed into a bag, briefcase, or pocket, it actually makes a solid cup of coffee. Considering you're paying less than a dollar a cup (only eight ounces, but still), with 8.0% Cash Back from Ebates it's a good deal too.
Find your perfect cup of joe in our Coffee category.
But it was not always this way. I used to be able to enjoy a cup of coffee anywhere. I could go to the diner down the street and be fully content with their warmer-plate seventy five cent bottomless mug. Not to say I don't still drink it now, but I certainly notice the disparity in tastes when I do.
So it was with some skepticism when I decided to try VIA from the Starbucks Store. Being a former barista for the "green team", I know the standards to which Starbucks holds their coffee, so I was curious to see how their to-go option would translate. I have to admit, I was impressed. For being a packet of micro-ground coffee that can be tossed into a bag, briefcase, or pocket, it actually makes a solid cup of coffee. Considering you're paying less than a dollar a cup (only eight ounces, but still), with 8.0% Cash Back from Ebates it's a good deal too.Find your perfect cup of joe in our Coffee category.
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It is a good development in my quest to never, ever have to go without caffeine.
Good to know. It's rare, but I was in a situation over the weekend where I didn't have access to coffee until mid day. Needless to say I nearly had a breakdown.
I didn't even know these existed. These are great stocking stuffers for a coffee lover!
That's what we're here for! Thanks for the comment.
They say it tastes like their regular brew but I can totally tell the difference. Like the idea but I'm still a little lukewarm.
Agreed - however, I do think that they've done an admirable job of producing a pretty good cup of coffee out of a small pocket-sized packet. It still isn't quite "there" as far as something you'd be unable to pick out in a blind taste test, but when you compare it to some of the other "coffee to go" options.
Hopefully they can continue to improve on it.
I took the taste test at starbucks today and thought both of the coffees tasted exactly the same. The smell was a bit off (real starbucks smelled better) but I was impressed by these packets.
I love VIA and I, too, am a self-proclaimed coffee snob and addict.
I discovered last night (when I was up late writing papers) that it's great iced! Just throw in the coffee in an empty glass, add ice and water, stir stir stir, add sweetner or creamer. Delicious.
Interesting - I wouldn't have thought about that! Do you need to add an extra packet to make it strong enough to be iced? Or is it okay as-is?