Starbucks Iced Energy drinks

Kashrut Starbucks
1

Are the new Starbucks Iced Energy drinks kosher?

Tropical Citrus Iced Energy: TROPICAL CITRUS ENERGY DRINK [CARBONATED WATER, CITRIC ACID, NATURAL FLAVOR, CAFFEINE, SODIUM BENZOATE, POTASSIUM SORBATE, SUCRALOSE, ACESULFAME POTASSIUM, NIACINAMIDE (VITAMIN B3), CALCIUM PANTOTHENATE (VITAMIN B5), PYRIDOXINE HYDROCHLORIDE (VITAMIN B6), TAURINE, CYANOCOBALAMIN (VITAMIN B12)], ICE, AN INFUSION OF [WATER, A BLEND OF GREEN TEAS, SPEARMINT, LEMON VERBENA, LEMONGRASS, NATURAL FLAVOR]

Melon Burst Iced Energy: MELON CUCUMBER ENERGY DRINK [CARBONATED WATER, CITRIC ACID, NATURAL FLAVOR, CAFFEINE, SODIUM BENZOATE, POTASSIUM SORBATE, SUCRALOSE, ACESULFAME POTASSIUM, NIACINAMIDE (VITAMIN B3), CALCIUM PANTOTHENATE (VITAMIN B5), PYRIDOXINE HYDROCHLORIDE (VITAMIN B6), TAURINE, CYANOCOBALAMIN (VITAMIN B12)], ICE, AN INFUSION OF [WATER, HIBISCUS FLOWERS, CITRIC ACID, NATURAL FLAVORS, CINNAMON, APPLE*, LICORICE ROOT, LEMONGRASS, FRUIT JUICE EXTRACT].

Frozen Tropical Citrus Iced Energy with strawberry puree: TROPICAL CITRUS ENERGY DRINK [CARBONATED WATER, CITRIC ACID, NATURAL FLAVOR, CAFFEINE, SODIUM BENZOATE, POTASSIUM SORBATE, SUCRALOSE, ACESULFAME POTASSIUM, NIACINAMIDE (VITAMIN B3), CALCIUM PANTOTHENATE (VITAMIN B5), PYRIDOXINE HYDROCHLORIDE (VITAMIN B6), TAURINE, CYANOCOBALAMIN (VITAMIN B12)], ICE, CRÈME FRAPPUCCINO SYRUP [SUGAR, WATER, NATURAL FLAVOR, SALT, XANTHAN GUM, POTASSIUM SORBATE, CITRIC ACID], STRAWBERRY PUREE SAUCE [STRAWBERRY PUREE, WHITE GRAPE JUICE CONCENTRATE, WATER, FRUIT AND VEGETABLE JUICE FOR COLOR, NATURAL FLAVORS, XANTHAN GUM, CITRIC ACID]

Thank you!

2

1 and 2 are kosher.
3 is not kosher due to the grape juice.

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3

Why is the grape juice an issue here where it can’t be more than 1/6th of the drink, at least by weight from my understanding of US labeling laws? Is that because while it could be at most 50% of the strawberry puree sauce, it’s only mixed to less than 1/6th specifically for the customer when combined with the other ingredients?

In that case, if such a drink were premixed, left behind by another customer, or accidentally made when not requested, would it be OK? I’m not asking to try to arrange such a scenario, I’m just trying to get a better understanding of what the halacha is for such products.

Shabbat shalom!

4

Halachic measurements go by volume not weight.

If there is 6 parts liquid against the 1 part of grape juice it would be batel. However in the sauce it’s not 1 to 6 and to then have them mix it for you is not permitted.

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