Because the end of the semester is here, I tried my best to taste various beverages ranging from coffees to carbonated drinks on and off of Penn State’s campus. Being here for two years already and constantly having the opportunity to try new things, here is a list of my favorites so far during my college career.
- Eden Valley
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My first time ordering included the iced strawberry matcha. I only ever get my matcha with oatmilk, and I saw that there was a strawberry puree/liquid content at the bottom. This was spectacular.
The strawberry at the bottom offered the perfect balance between the authentic matcha taste, while offering a sweet kick. There is no need for any other sweeteners, as Eden Valley has truly found the best ratio.
- Teadori
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As someone whose favorite fruit is mango, the mango madness (mango slush) is a great addition to a treat. I often put the sweetness level to 50-75% and add mango jelly to it. As the weather got warmer, it was one of the most refreshing beverages to have when lying on the hub lawn and doing homework, or just bringing it around to play pickleball with friends. Additionally, for a relatively large drink to be around $6, you get what you pay for.Â
- Elixr Coffee Roasters
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A definite classic at Elixr is their iced matcha with strawberry oatmilk. Not only is the drink visually appealing, but the actual matcha is very smooth.
The best part of going to Elixr is seeing them make the matcha in front of you with all of their equipment. This is definitely worth trying if you’re ever downtown or in State College.
- White Building (Shake Smart)
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The chocolate-covered strawberry shake is a must when trying drinks at Penn State. Not only can you use your meal plan with the entirety of the store, but this is the perfect drink when you want a sweet treat but still want to meet your protein and calorie goals. Located right above the gym, each drink offers around 28-30 grams of protein. And as someone who can’t take super sweet foods and beverages, I found that this specific protein drink satisfied cravings without being too overpowering.
- McAlisters Deli
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I absolutely love sweet tea, and having McAlisters in the HUB was super convenient if I wanted to grab a drink other than water. Their McAlister’s Famous Tea is only $2.79, with the option to use a meal plan and Lion Cash. I often pair this drink with the McAlister’s club if I don’t really have time to go to the dining hall or make my own food, and it’s definitely very filling. I would highly recommend trying this anytime between classes or even for dinner when it’s not as busy.
As a sophomore, I am still exploring lots of different places downtown and even on campus. A lot of drinks and foods I often never choose first, I try. And this has gotten me to find what beverages I absolutely adore when I want to switch it up for once and choose something else besides water.