Review: Starbucks Via Latte Caffe Mocha

Starbucks Via Mocha is an instant coffee mix that purports to deliver the same experience as buying a handcrafted Mocha from a Starbucks store.

They sell them at  $6.95 per 4-pack, but I got this one during the Starbucks Via Latte Taste Challenge, where they just gave me a packet rather than doing any sort of sampling... (I went at 2pm too...)

The packet for these are huge compared to regular Via packets; I guess they need quite a bit of "dairy powder" (I think that means powdered milk...) for the latte effect.

For the most part, Via Mocha delivers on the promise. You get the same taste without any inconsistency from human error. The only thing you really miss is the steamed milk foam.

The taste is the same hot cocoa flavor with a splash of coffee. It's not really creamy, but delivers some nutty chocolate notes. For instant coffee/hot cocoa, it's pretty good, but you miss out on some of the creaminess you might get with fresh milk and/or whipped cream (then again, it's about $1.75 per pack compared to around $3.75 for a Tall in stores).

Overall, Starbucks Via Mocha might be for you if you have a sizable Starbucks Mocha habit and are looking for something slightly cheaper and convenient. It basically tastes like hot cocoa with a bit of coffee thrown in.

Nutritional Info - Starbucks Via Latte Caffe Mocha

Serving Size - 1 packet (37g)
Calories - 150 (from Fat - 40)
Fat - 4.5g (Saturated Fat - 3g)
Sodium - 105mg
Carbs - 24g (Sugar - 20g)
Protein - 6g