What Does Double Blended Mean At Starbucks? [Answered]

Have you ever ordered a Smoothie or Frappuccino at Starbucks and wished it was a touch smoother? That’s where the “double blended” option comes in. So, what exactly does double blended mean?

It’s pretty straightforward. Your drink gets blended twice compared to the standard blending process. This creates a result that’s significantly smoother and icier. So why would you choose double blended?

There are several reasons. If you prefer a Frappuccino that’s less chunky and easier to drink through a straw, double blended is the perfect solution. It creates a more consistent and viscous texture, making it a dream to sip on.

Another perk? Double blending is a lifesaver for those who love the chocolate Java Chips but struggle to get them through a straw. The extra blending breaks them down further, ensuring a smoother drinking experience.

Are you thinking of adding a thicker milk option, like heavy cream, to your Frappuccino? Due to the heavy cream’s consistency, a single blend might leave you with a drink resembling ice cream. 

Double blending helps prevent this, ensuring a smoother result. It’s worth noting that all Starbucks blenders, ovens, and espresso machines follow specific settings determined by Starbucks’ R&D.

This ensures consistency across all locations, so you can expect the same quality Frappuccino experience in all of their locations. For example, the drink you like in Boston will be the same when you order it when you go to Seattle. 

Regular Blend Vs. Double Blended At Starbucks

Normally, the barista presses a button on the blender programmed for a specific time, ensuring the perfect Frappuccino consistency. 

But for those who prefer a silkier drink, simply ask for it “double blended.” This means the barista hits the button a second time, creating a smoother experience without affecting the taste.

Regular Blend

Think of this as the standard setting for your Frappuccino. It gets blended once, resulting in a somewhat chunky texture with some ice bits.

Double Blended

Craving a smoother and creamier Frappuccino? Choose double blended. This means your drink goes through the blending process twice, creating a much silkier consistency with finely crushed ice.

Some flavors, like those with chunky mix-ins, benefit even more from double blending. It breaks down those bits for easier sipping. 

While you might see numbers on the Starbucks blenders, typically only “1” and “2” are used – both set for specific blend times.

Tips: Try Triple Blended

Want it even smoother? Don’t be shy – ask for it “triple blended.” The barista will press a button programmed for a specific blending time, and double or triple blending just means hitting that button again for additional blending rounds.

Why Do People Go Double?

The primary reason for double blending is to create a smoother and sometimes creamier texture. This also helps prevent the separation that can happen in a regular drink overtime. 

Can’t get enough of those delicious Java Chips but find them clogging your straw? Double blending is your solution. It breaks down the chocolatey chunks into smaller pieces, making them easier to enjoy with every sip.

Top 8 The Best Double Blend Drinks On The Starbucks

Here are the top contenders for the best double blended drinks on the Starbucks menu. If you’re unsure if a specific drink can be blended, don’t hesitate to ask your barista! They’re happy to help you create a customized beverage you’ll enjoy.

1. Strawberry Crème Frappuccino

This fruity and refreshing drink is even more delightful when double blended. The ice gets crushed finer, resulting in a smoother and more drinkable consistency. Plus, the strawberry flavor becomes more evenly distributed throughout the beverage.

2. Double Chocolaty Chip Crème Frappuccino

As the name suggests, this drink is all about chocolate! Double blending creates a decadent, milkshake-like consistency, and the chocolate chips are reduced in size for easier sipping. This is a perfect choice for serious chocolate lovers.

3. Caramel Ribbon Crunch Frappuccino

If you love the taste of caramel and the crunch of toffee bits, this drink is a win. Double blending creates a creamier texture, and the caramel flavor infuses more evenly throughout the beverage. Plus, the toffee bits become smaller and less likely to get stuck in your straw.

4. Mocha Cookie Crumble Frappuccino

This drink is loaded with chocolaty goodness, and double blending elevates it to a whole new level. The cookie crumbles become smaller and easier to manage, and the entire drink takes on a smoother, more luxurious texture.

5. Java Chip Frappuccino

This all-time favorite gets even better with double blending. The chocolate chunks are broken down into smaller pieces, making them easier to slurp up through a straw, and the coffee flavor gets a touch creamier.

6. More Drinks To Double Blend

While double blended options are primarily offered for Frappuccino, there are a couple of workarounds you can try for a smoother, creamier experience with other Starbucks drinks:

7. Iced Blended Coffee

While not technically on the menu, you can ask for any iced coffee to be blended with ice. This creates a smoother and more Frappuccino-like consistency. Be aware that the coffee flavor might be slightly diluted due to the added ice.

8. Creamy Drinks with Extra Blended Ice

If you’re customizing a creamy iced drink like a Caffè Latte or Iced Caramel Macchiato, you can request “extra blended ice.” This won’t be as smooth as a double blended Frappuccino, but it will create a slightly thicker and frostier texture compared to the standard iced version.

How To Order A Double-Blended Starbucks Drink

Ordering a double-blended drink at Starbucks is easy! Here’s a quick guide:

1. Like any other drink, tell the barista your desired size.
2. Next, specify the coffee you’d like, whether it’s a classic Frappuccino or a creative seasonal offering.
3. Feel free to personalize your drink with your favorite syrups, milk alternatives, or toppings.
4. Now for the key step: politely ask the barista for your drink to be “double blended.”

While the wait might be slightly longer for a double blended drink, the payoff is worth it. This is especially beneficial for drinks with mix-ins that can settle or become chunky in a regular blend.

People Also Asked

What Does Double Blended Mean At Starbucks?

At Starbucks, double blended means that a blended drink, like a Frappuccino, is blended twice instead of the usual once. This extra blending step makes the texture of the drink much smoother, lighter, and finer. It helps break down ice chunks more thoroughly, which is especially helpful for customers who prefer a silky, slush-like consistency without larger ice pieces in their drink.

Why Do People Ask For A Double Blended Drink At Starbucks?

People request a double blended drink at Starbucks to improve the texture and consistency of their beverage. Standard Frappuccinos or blended drinks might have small ice chunks or feel too thick for some preferences. Double blending creates a creamier, smoother texture that’s easier to sip through a straw and gives a more refined finish to the drink.

Can You Double Blend Any Drink At Starbucks?

Yes, you can ask to double blend most Starbucks blended drinks, especially Frappuccinos. When ordering, just tell the barista you’d like your drink double blended. However, not all iced or shaken drinks are suitable for double blending, as it’s a technique specifically designed for blended beverages made with ice and a base.

Does Double Blending Make A Drink Thinner?

Double blending can slightly thin out a drink because it breaks down ice into finer pieces and incorporates more air. This results in a lighter, fluffier, and smoother drink consistency. While it may seem thinner, it still maintains its rich, creamy texture — just without the larger ice chunks.

Is Double Blending A Starbucks Secret Menu Item?

No, double blending isn’t a secret menu item because it’s more of a customization option that anyone can request. It’s an official technique that baristas recognize and can apply to any blended drink upon request. Many Starbucks regulars use this customization for a smoother, more enjoyable Frappuccino experience.

How Do You Order A Double Blended Drink At Starbucks?

To order a double blended drink at Starbucks, simply tell your barista the name of your drink and add “double blended” to your order. For example, say “I’d like a Caramel Frappuccino, double blended.” You can also make this request through the Starbucks mobile app by adding it to the custom instructions section if the option is available.

Does Double Blending Change The Flavor Of The Drink?

Double blending doesn’t change the flavor of a drink, but it does alter its texture. The ingredients stay the same, so the taste remains consistent with the original recipe. However, because the ice is blended more finely, the drink might feel lighter and smoother on the palate, which can slightly affect how you perceive its flavor intensity.

Is Double Blending Better For Drinks With Add-Ins?

Yes, double blending works especially well for drinks with add-ins like chocolate chips, cookie crumbles, or fruit pieces. These ingredients can sometimes settle or remain chunky in a regular blend. Double blending ensures they’re more evenly distributed throughout the drink and creates a uniform, smoother texture.

Can You Double Blend A Drink On The Starbucks App?

At some locations, you might be able to request a double blended drink through the Starbucks app by adding a note in the customizations or special instructions section. However, because the app’s customization options can vary by location, it’s sometimes easier to order double blended drinks in person or via drive-thru.

Does Double Blending Take More Time To Prepare?

Yes, double blending adds a little extra time to your drink’s preparation since the barista needs to blend the drink twice. It’s typically a minor delay of around 30 seconds to a minute. During busy times, it might cause a slight wait, but most customers find the smoother result worth the extra time.

Is Double Blending An Extra Charge At Starbucks?

In most cases, Starbucks does not charge extra for double blending a drink. It’s considered a free customization, much like adjusting the ice amount or requesting no whipped cream. However, policies can vary slightly by location, so it’s a good idea to confirm with your local store if you’re concerned about additional charges.

Conclusion

At Starbucks, double blended means your drink is blended twice to create an extra smooth, creamy, and consistent texture. This customization is popular for Frappuccinos, especially those with added toppings or thicker ingredients, ensuring everything mixes evenly without chunks.

While it slightly changes the drink’s thickness, it enhances the overall sipping experience. If you prefer a silkier, less icy texture in your blended beverages, asking for it double blended is a great option. Keep in mind, it may take a little longer to prepare, but the smoother result is often worth the wait.