Starbucks Baya Pineapple Passionfruit

Introduction

Starbucks dropped this new line of energy drinks without much fanfare; but that didn't stop me from getting hype about it. The one I'm reviewing here today is Pineapple Passionfruit, but I also picked up Raspberry Lime and Mango Guava. So look forward to those reviews coming soon.

Appearance

Cool can. I think you'd be hard pressed to find a similar design walking down the energy drink aisle, so in today's day and age with retailers competing to catch the consumer's eye, I see this as an absolute win.

Taste

First impression from the first sip - Mtn Dew Kickstart. 100%.

But then I took a few more sips, and the aftertaste really started to permeate. It's not inherently bad, but there is a slight, noticeable bitterness that I assume comes from the combination of pineapple, coffee fruit extract, and coffee bean extract.

Pineapple Passionfruit comes through both flavors, although pineapple perhaps a bit stronger. The passionfruit is somewhat subtle.

I do like the bitterness, but I realize that many who try this drink might expect the sweetness of Bang, Reign, or Adrenaline Shoc. Don't come into it with that expectation and you'll do just fine.

Kick

It feels really carbonated, but I honestly feel like the aftertaste might be manipulating my taste buds. I'll re-evaluate with the next Baya.

Caffeine content is 160mg. Sugar is 22g.

Conclusion

If you like your drinks to have a bit of bite - maybe you're the guy/gal who likes Red Bull, black coffee, and kombucha - and want a fruity take on that, you're gonna love Starbucks Baya.

Introduction

Baya energy tastes as if it should be refreshing. Pineapple passionfruit is an incredible flavor guaranteed to satisfy on a hot summer’s day, but Baya does not live up to the hype. It has a bitter aftertaste, and tastes fake despite having 22g of sugar and no artificial sweeteners. It has more of a pungent passionfruit taste that really overpowers the pineapple, and leaves you looking for something to get the aftertaste out of your mouth.

Upside

160mg of caffeine in a 12oz can (13.33mg/floz) is an excellent amount of caffeine. It is the same total caffeine content as what most Red Bulls and Monsters have in their 16oz cans. The kick is nothing crazy, but it is enough to get you through a midday slump.

Downside

The aftertaste is the worst part. I personally had to go get another drink to cleanse my palate upon completion. The overall quality is also just disappointing because the flavor selection is so good. Pineapple passionfruit is refreshing and generally delicious, but Baya did a poor job with their edition.

Upshot

This is not a beverage that I would recommend to anyone. There are simply better options for mouthfeel, kick, and overall quality. There are more refreshing beverages out there with better execution on this refreshing flavor. Trying something new is always exciting, but I would not recommend Baya Pineapple Passionfruit as your next adventure.