What Is the Starbucks Labor Drink? (and Does It Really Work?)
Pregnancy is a long ride, and by the end of it, most moms are willing to try just about anything to get the show on the road. It’s no surprise that the Starbucks labor drink—a viral iced concoction rumored to induce labor—has turned heads. But is this drink able to deliver on getting moms to the delivery room, or is it too good to be true? We talked to experts to find out.
The Starbucks labor drink is a viral TikTok tea that has been touted as a natural way to induce labor. The original Starbucks labor drink consisted of the brand’s signature Iced Passion Tango Tea Lemonade (which includes ice, water, hibiscus flowers, citric acid, natural flavors, cinnamon, apple, licorice root, lemongrass, fruit juice extract, lemon juice, lemon oil and ice) plus four extra pumps of raspberry syrup. The raspberry syrup is no longer available at Starbucks for unrelated reasons, but some moms-to-be are still customizing their own version of this tea to see if it’ll do the trick. Present-day versions of the Starbucks labor drink include Iced Passion Tango Tea or Iced Passion Tango Tea Lemonade with additions like a pineapple refresher base.
The idea of the Starbucks labor drink is enticing, but does it actually induce labor? The raspberry syrup in the original Starbucks labor drink got moms wondering as much, since raspberry leaf has been used for centuries to assist with pregnancy and labor. However, the science behind this tradition is shaky, as shown in a 2021 review of medical literature on the topic. In general, although some practitioners feel raspberry leaf tea might affect the muscle tone of the uterus, there aren’t sufficient studies that have shown a definitive effect, says Amy Roskin, MD, an ob-gyn and Chief Medical Officer of Seven Starling, a maternal health platform. This means the discontinued raspberry syrup, which contained no actual raspberry leaf, likely did nothing but raise blood sugar.
As far as the other notable ingredients in the concoction—hibiscus flowers, cinnamon, licorice root, and lemongrass—the research is sparse. There are few human studies or clinical trials examining the effects of these ingredients on uterine activity and labor. However, the data we have (mostly from studies on mice and rats) doesn’t seem promising. “The ingredients in the tea may stimulate uterine activity, but chances of inducing labor are not likely,” says Catherine Gervacio, RND, a registered nutritionist-dietitian and diet consultant for WOWMD, a nutritional supplement company. On top of that, several of these ingredients (explored below) are best avoided in pregnancy.
Some of the ingredients in the Starbucks labor drink could potentially be harmful during pregnancy, at least in large amounts. First, Gervacio cautions against licorice root. “It’s best avoided in significant amounts during pregnancy,” she says. A 2019 study demonstrated the ingredient is linked to potential side effects including high blood pressure and preeclampsia. Although the amount of licorice root in a single Starbucks tea would likely not cause a problem, the potential negatives are worth weighing.
Hibiscus is another ingredient to avoid. “Hibiscus tea has a history of use in traditional and alternative medicine for some hormonal conditions like PMS and may contain phytoestrogens. Hibiscus also may impact blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar. Due to these potential effects, you should check with your doctor first,” says Roskin. She also cautions against lemongrass as “two of its components, citral and myrcene, were associated with birth defects in rats.” Both Gervacio and Roskin suggest avoiding the drink to be on the safe side. As always, when in doubt, contact your doctor first.
If your provider has cleared you to try the Starbucks labor drink, start by placing an order for an “Iced Passion Tango Tea” or “Iced Passion Tango Tea Lemonade.” Then, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can join other moms in adding additions like a “Pineapple Passionfruit Refresher” or extra syrups to taste.
If your doctor gives you the go-ahead, you can make a dupe of the Starbucks labor drink at home. Start by mixing equal parts Tazo Iced Passion Herbal Tea Concentrate and water in a glass. If desired, add pineapple juice, lemonade or sugar to taste. Finally, add ice and sip away!
Alas, the rumor of the magical Starbucks labor drink is likely too good to be true. Although no natural methods have been proven to induce labor reliably, it wouldn’t hurt to try other safe options, like curb walking, having sex and eating dates. In the meantime, hang in there—you’re almost at the finish line!
Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.
Plus, more from The Bump:
Catherine Gervacio, RND, a registered nutritionist-dietitian and diet consultant for WOWMD, a nutritional supplement company.
Amy Roskin, MD, is an ob-gyn, attorney and the chief medical officer of Seven Starling, a maternal health platform.
BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies, Biophysical effects, safety and efficacy of raspberry leaf use in pregnancy: a systematic integrative review, Feb. 2021
BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies, Use of alternative medicine, ginger and licorice among Danish pregnant women – a prospective cohort study, Jan. 2019
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