New Starbucks sales data reveals South Africa’s best-selling Starbucks coffees, with results showing a clear preference for simple, timeless classics. It seems that when it comes to everyday luxuries, less is more, with refined, simple pleasures leading the charge in South Africa’s coffee culture.

With the Cappuccino coming out on top, followed by Latte and Caramel Macchiato, the rankings are based on total product quantity sold in the past year, consequently offering a clear snapshot of how coffee lovers in South Africa prefer their daily brew.

Espresso-based drinks also remain fan-favourites for their bold flavour and elegant simplicity, continuing to win over coffee lovers nationwide.

What South Africa is Ordering: The Top Five

The official rankings highlight a focus on premium quality and expert preparation:

  • Cappuccino – The nation’s top choice, offering a balanced mix of espresso, steamed milk, and foam, resulting in a rich and frothy texture.
  • Latte – Closely following this classic, this smooth blend combines espresso and steamed milk.
  • Caramel Macchiato – Next up, we find freshly steamed milk with vanilla-flavoured syrup; the baristas then mark it with espresso and finish it with caramel sauce.
  • Americano – For those preferring simplicity, customers choose this classic: baristas top a shot of espresso with hot water, creating a long, smooth coffee with a lighter body.
  • Mocha – Finally, rounding out the top five, this drink combines espresso with mocha syrup and steamed milk.

The results, therefore, underscore what Starbucks customers in South Africa value most: quality, craftsmanship, and a delicious cup that fits seamlessly into their daily routines and rituals.

South Africa’s Best-Selling Starbucks Coffees. A tray holding four of South Africa's best-selling Starbucks coffees, including a latte and an Americano, on a wooden desk next to a person working on a laptop.
South Africa’s Best-Selling Starbucks Coffees. Three of South Africa's best-selling Starbucks coffees with various latte art designs, surrounded by ingredients like macadamia nuts, oats, and mung beans.

Craftsmanship and Coffee Sourcing

Starbucks proudly sources 100% arabica coffee from more than 450,000 farmers in 30 markets along “The Coffee Belt” in Latin America, Asia Pacific, and Africa. Starbucks baristas subsequently handcraft the coffee to ensure every cup reflects the company’s commitment to excellent coffee.

South Africa’s best-selling Starbucks coffees: Celebrating Global Coffee Month

This month’s Coffee Day, a global celebration, was established by the International Coffee Organisation to honour the people and communities behind every cup, from bean to brew.

Building on this foundation of reverence, Starbucks has extended the spirit of celebration throughout October with its Global Month of Coffee, thereby spotlighting the beverage, the craft, and the baristas who make each cup special.

South Africa’s Best-Selling Starbucks Coffees. A close-up overhead shot of intricate fern-style latte art on one of South Africa’s best-selling Starbucks coffees, served in a paper cup on a clean white background.

Ishan Natalie, Operations Services, Category and Coffee Excellence Lead at Starbucks South Africa, offered insights into the data:

‘At Starbucks, every is a coffee day! We don’t believe that celebrations should be limited to one day, or even one month. We know our customers feel the same way, and every cup of their favourite brew is a moment to enjoy and value the special craft that goes into making it.

While Starbucks is renowned for its beverage innovation – such as Pumpkin Spice Latte – this data shows that customers in South Africa still see Starbucks as leading in core coffee classics, done well. The results reveal a South African coffee culture focussed on premium quality and craftmanship, with Starbucks customers regularly returning to stores for timeless espresso-based drinks, made with premium ingredients and handcrafted by expert baristas.’

~ Ishan Natalie, Operations Services, Category and Coffee Excellence Lead at Starbucks South Africa

A hand holds a small glass with a perfectly poured cortado.
Detailed rosetta latte art, shown in iconic paper cups against a solid dark green background.

In-Store Activities Across South Africa

Throughout October, Starbucks stores across South Africa are celebrating Global Month of Coffee with opportunities for customers to learn more about the craft behind their favourite brews, and perhaps in the process even discover a new one.

Discover South Africa’s best-selling Starbucks coffees

Since 1971, Starbucks Coffee Company has been committed to ethically sourcing and roasting high-quality arabica coffee. Today, with more than 40,000 stores worldwide, the company is the premier roaster and retailer of specialty coffee in the world.

Through an unwavering commitment to excellence and guiding principles, the company brings the unique Starbucks Experience to life for every customer through every cup.

To explore the world of ethical sourcing, premium arabica coffee, or to find a store near you, visit the official website: www.starbucks.com.

For more articles, go here.