Starbucks vs. Tully’s: Which Sweet Potato Drink Wins This Fall’s Flavor Showdown?

As autumn arrives in Japan, Starbucks and Tully’s Coffee have launched limited-edition sweet potato drinks. Starbucks’ Yaki-imo Frappuccino and Tully’s Oimo Tea Shake offer distinct flavors, delighting customers with a seasonal twist. Which coffeehouse does sweet potato better? Here's the full taste comparison.

Starbucks and Tully’s Unveil Competing Sweet Potato Drinks for Japan’s Autumn Season Delight

Two of Japan’s top coffeehouse chains face off in a seasonal showdown of autumn flavors, per SoraNews24.

With the arrival of autumn, Japan welcomes sweet potato season, and this year, two American-born coffeehouse giants—Starbucks and Tully’s Coffee—are offering their take on the beloved root vegetable in drink form. Starbucks presents the “Yaki-imo Kobashi Caramel Frappuccino” (Aromatic Baked Sweet Potato Frappuccino), while Tully’s introduces the “Oimo Tea Shake,” each competing for the attention of sweet potato enthusiasts.

Starbucks’ seasonal offering officially launches on September 4, but Starbucks Rewards members like K. Masami got an early taste. Priced at 700 yen (US$4.81), this Frappuccino features sweet potato chunks, imo kenpi (sugar-coated sweet potato chips), caramel sauce, and vanilla, creating a rich blend designed to evoke the taste of a canelé. Masami opted for an extra 55-yen oat milk and found the thick, satisfying texture paired beautifully with the sweet and bitter flavors, describing it as “the flavor of happiness.”

Tully’s Oimo Tea Shake Combines Sweet Potato and Earl Grey for a Perfect Autumn Blend

On the other hand, Tully’s “Oimo Tea Shake,” available since August 28, combines sweet potato sauce and Earl Grey milk tea. Slightly pricier than Starbucks at 690 yen (Short) and 750 yen (tall), this shake’s whipped cream topping is laced with sweet potato sauce and black sesame seeds. Masami was impressed by the fragrant aroma of Earl Grey tea, which harmonizes with the sweet potato for a delicious blend.

Despite her initial expectations, Masami found both drinks equally delightful—Starbucks offered a more indulgent sweet potato experience, while Tully’s balanced tea and sweet potato flavors to perfection. She recommends trying both, starting with the lighter Tully’s option. However, both drinks are limited editions, with the Starbucks Frappuccino available until 10 October and Tully’s Tea Shake while supplies last.