Starbucks Pike Place Roast: Prices, Calories & Customization
When you think about the perfect cup of coffee that feels like home, Starbucks Pike Place Roast often comes to mind. It’s smooth, rich, and deeply satisfying—a true classic. But beyond its delicious taste, many coffee lovers want to know: What’s the real story behind Pike Place Roast? What are the prices, how many calories are packed in a cup, and what customizations can you make to fit your personal style?
Today, we’re diving deep into everything you need to know about Starbucks Pike Place Roast. So grab your favorite mug, and let’s get brewing!
What Is Starbucks Pike Place Roast?
Here’s the deal—Pike Place Roast isn’t just any coffee. Introduced back in 2008, it’s a smooth, well-balanced medium roast named after Starbucks’ first store at Seattle’s famous Pike Place Market.
It’s brewed fresh every day, and for many, it’s the “default” drip coffee at Starbucks locations across the U.S. and beyond. In fact, Starbucks aimed to create a coffee that would appeal to everyday drinkers—a consistent, approachable flavor that’s neither too bold nor too mild.
Quick Fact:
The blend of Latin American beans gives Pike Place its familiar, mellow body with a subtle richness that pairs easily with milk, sugar, or nothing at all.
Starbucks Pike Place Roast Prices (2025 Update)
You’re probably wondering—how much does a cup cost these days? Prices can vary a little based on location, but here’s a general 2025 price breakdown:
| Size | Price (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Tall (12 oz) | $2.65 – $2.95 |
| Grande (16 oz) | $3.25 – $3.55 |
| Venti (20 oz) | $3.45 – $3.95 |
| Trenta (30 oz) | Not typically available for brewed coffee |
Important: Some Starbucks Reserve or high-cost-of-living locations (like airports or city centers) might charge $0.25–$0.50 more.
Pro Tip:
Joining the Starbucks Rewards program can sometimes get you free brewed refills, including Pike Place, during the same store visit!
Calories in Starbucks Pike Place Roast
If you’re counting calories—or just curious—you’ll be happy to know that a basic Pike Place Roast is one of the healthiest choices you can make at Starbucks.
Here’s the calorie count for black coffee (no add-ins):
| Size | Calories |
|---|---|
| Tall (12 oz) | 5 |
| Grande (16 oz) | 5 |
| Venti (20 oz) | 5 |
Yes, you read that right—just 5 calories per cup! That’s because black coffee naturally contains almost no fat, no sugar, and no carbohydrates.
But… start adding things like whole milk, syrups, or whipped cream, and the calorie count rises quickly.
Common Customizations & Calorie Changes:
So depending on your add-ins, your Pike Place could stay super light—or become a cozy, creamy treat.
Customizing Your Pike Place Roast
One of the best things about Starbucks? Total customization. Pike Place Roast may be their “everyday brew,” but you can dress it up or tone it down however you like.
Here’s how you can personalize your cup:
1. Milk and Milk Alternatives
Want it creamier? You’ve got options:
2. Sweeteners and Syrups
Pike Place Roast has natural chocolatey notes that pair beautifully with:
3. Temperature Adjustments
4. Add Espresso Shots
If you need an extra caffeine boost, adding an espresso shot (or two) is a game changer. This essentially creates a Red Eye (one espresso shot) or Black Eye (two espresso shots) coffee drink.
5. Other Customizations
Here’s the truth—Starbucks baristas can customize Pike Place almost endlessly. Just ask nicely, and they’ll make your dream cup.
Pike Place Roast vs Other Starbucks Coffees
You might be thinking, how does Pike Place compare to other options on the menu? Let’s look at a quick side-by-side:
| Feature | Pike Place Roast | Blonde Roast | Dark Roast |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flavor Profile | Smooth, chocolatey, nutty | Bright, citrusy, light | Bold, smoky, intense |
| Roast Level | Medium | Light | Dark |
| Calories (Black) | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Popular Pairing | Any time of day | Morning boost | Afternoon jolt |
Takeaway:
If you want a crowd-pleasing, everyday coffee, Pike Place Roast is probably your best bet. It’s right in the middle—not too light, not too bold.
Nutritional Breakdown Beyond Calories
Calories are just part of the story. Here’s what else you’ll find in a plain Pike Place Roast:
| Nutrient | Amount (Per 16 oz Grande) |
|---|---|
| Total Fat | 0 g |
| Sodium | 10 mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 0 g |
| Protein | 1 g |
| Caffeine | ~310 mg |
Caffeine Alert:
Pike Place Roast packs about 310 mg of caffeine in a grande, making it a potent pick-me-up compared to many other brewed coffees.
Is Pike Place Roast Healthy?
In short—absolutely, when consumed black or lightly customized.
Thanks to its low calorie, low fat, and high antioxidant profile, Pike Place Roast offers a lot of perks for coffee drinkers:
Health Benefits of Black Coffee:
Just remember: Adding too much sugar or heavy creamers can tip the balance from health hero to hidden-calorie bomb.
Final Thoughts: Why Pike Place Roast Is Still a Fan Favorite
There’s a reason Starbucks’ Pike Place Roast remains one of their top sellers year after year. It’s consistent, approachable, customizable, and affordable. Whether you’re grabbing a quick tall before work, sipping a grande during a meeting, or treating yourself to a venti on the weekend, Pike Place offers that “just right” flavor that feels like home.
Here’s what to remember:
Your Next Step?
Next time you’re at Starbucks, try customizing your Pike Place Roast with a splash of almond milk and a pump of caramel syrup—or keep it simple and savor the smooth, chocolatey notes just as they are.
Ready to craft your perfect cup? Head to your nearest Starbucks and experiment until you find your ultimate Pike Place combo!
